(Last Updated On: August 7, 2023)

When we visited Skagway, Alaska on our Royal Caribbean cruise, we didn’t have anything planned. There are plenty of things to do in Skagway, but we since we had booked quite a lot of excursions on our Alaska cruise already, whale watching in Icy Strait and the Endicott Glacier, we decided to just spend our time in Skagway walking around. Skagway actually ended up being our favorite stop on our Alaska cruise. A quaint little town, Skagway is surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery.

Located in the Alaska panhandle, Skagway is only 90 miles northwest of Juneau. Skagway only has about 1000 residents, but in the summer months it is a popular place due to the cruises that stop in Skagway. If Skagway is on your cruise stop, here are the best things to do in Skagway, Alaska.

Weather in Skagway

The weather in southeast Alaska can be all over the place in the summer, it can be wet or warm and dry. Although the high is generally around the mid-60’s. We recommend to pack some layers with you when you’re visiting.

Skagway Excursions

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad

The White pass and Yukon is a very popular Skagway excursion, as it offers incredible views of the Alaskan landscape. Take the train up to the summit of the White Pass which is 2,865-feet in elevation! The train is fully narrated and great for kids! Enjoy the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and more as you relax and enjoy the ride to Canada and back.

Dog Sledding

Dogsledding is super popular in Alaska. There are different dog sledding excursions like some that let you play with puppies, or experience the dog sledding with a helicopter tour. When you’re in Alaska, you can’t miss dog sleeding.

Wilderness Safari Tour

If you’re looking for adventure while in Skagway, the Wilderness Safari Tour is for you. You’ll head out on a high-speed boat to Davidson Galcier, along the way you’ll see wildlife like whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and more. Than you;ll take a hike to get up close on the glacier.

Float the Taiya River

Enjoy a scenic float along the Taiya river where you may see wildlife like bears, whales, and eagles. This tour includes a 10 mile drive along the coast, before getting on an inflatable raft with your guide.

Grizzly Falls Zip-lining

The course features multiple ziplines and suspension bridges to give you views of the surrounding Tongass National Forest and allow you to soar over glacial waterfalls.

Helicopter Tour

Visit some of the most remote places in Alaska and see incredible views on a helicopter tour. The Skagway helicopter tour will fly over waterfalls, ice-fields, and valleys.

Rent a car

If you don’t want to do a Skagway shore excursion, you can rent a car and explore on your own. A popular destination in your rental car is driving the Klondike highway into the Yukon.

Golf at Valley of the Eagles

If you’re a golfer, you can golf at Valley of the Eagles, a link styles golf course. The Valley of the Eagles Golf Links is one of the most scenic golf courses in the world with snow capped peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, and a riverfront setting for an incredible experience.

Watch how we spent our one day in Skagway here:

Free Things to do in Skagway

Red Onion Saloon

Red Onion Saloon is a historic saloon and brothel museum dating back to the late 1800s. Visiting the saloon is one of the most unique things you can do in Skagway. Now you can visit the museum, get food, or even take a tour of the saloon.

Walk the streets of Downtown Skagway

Skagway is a small town and is easy to get around. If you’re just looking to hang out in Skagway for the day, just walk the streets and you’ll find plenty of things to do. There are restaurants, shops, museums all around, plus great mountain views.

Set out on a day hike

If you like to hike there is great hiking right in Skagway. Some of the popular day hikes in Skagway include Yakutania (1-2 miles roundtrip), Gold Rush cemetery and lower reid falls (4 miles roundtrip), and Lower Dewey Lake (1 mile to lake and 4 miles around the lake).

Gold Rush Cemetery

Located just outside town, the Gold Rush cemetery is a popular sightseeing stop. The cemetery is open year round and admission is free.

Visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Visitor Center

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park was authorized in 1976 as a way to celebrate the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98. The Park has 15 restored buildings in Skagway, plus the Chilkoot Trail and a small portion of the White Pass trail. Here you can relive the days of the Klondike gold rush.

Places to eat in Skagway

Skagway Fish Company

Located close to the cruise port, this is the place to go for fresh fish. We made a stop here before getting back on the cruise ship.

Skagway Brewery Company

Skagway Brew Co has a giant 3 story building with craft beers, great food, and a gift shop. Get there early, otherwise youll be waiting for awhile.

Red Onion Saloon

Red Onion used to be a brothel. Now you can find food and entertainment at the Red Onion Saloon.

Glacial Smoothies and Espresso

Known for their grab-and-go breakfast and coffee, they also have smoothies, sandwiches, and pastries.

The Klondike Doughboy

If you’re looking for dessert, this is the spot. They have Alaskan fry bread, which is dough that is fried and smothered in cinnamon sugar, similar to an elephant ear.

How far is Skagway from the Skagway cruise port?

The Skagway cruise port is not very far from the city of Skagway. It’s about a 5 minute walk. There is also a shuttle bus that will take you to and from the cruise port for $5.

Skagway is a great cruise stop on your Alaska cruise. There are plenty of things to do in Skagway, while also being a great stop to just walk around and explore.

If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, check out these other posts:

• Cruise Port Guide: Things to do in Icy Strait Point Alaska
• Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Explorer – Best Alaska Tours