What to know about adventure cruising in Skagway
Where is Skagway?
Skagway is at the northern end of the Inside Passage, about 90 miles (145 km) north of Juneau on the Lynn Canal. It sits at sea level surrounded by 6,000–7,000-ft (1,830–2,130 m) peaks.
What is there to do in Skagway on a cruise day?
Most cruise visitors ride the White Pass railway up to the summit, explore the Klondike Gold Rush historic district, walk to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls, and shop along Broadway. A few hours covers the core sights.
Can you drive to Skagway, Alaska?
Yes — Skagway is the only Southeast Alaska cruise port reachable by road. The South Klondike Highway connects it to the Alaska Highway via Whitehorse, Yukon, a roughly 110-mile (177 km) drive over White Pass.
What is Skagway, Alaska known for?
Skagway is known as the gateway to the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. The downtown is a remarkably intact stretch of preserved gold-rush buildings now run as the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and the White Pass & Yukon railway departs from here.
What is there to see in Skagway?
Broadway's historic district, the White Pass & Yukon Route train, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls, the Skagway Museum, and Smuggler's Cove and Yakutania Point on foot.
Where can you eat in Skagway?
Most restaurants line Broadway, with options including the Skagway Brewing Company, Bonanza Bar & Grill, Klondike Doughboy, and a clutch of seafood spots near the small-boat harbor. Reservations help on big cruise days.
What is the population of Skagway, Alaska?
Skagway's year-round population is about 1,200. That figure can quintuple on a busy summer cruise day, when several large ships are in port.
How big is Skagway, Alaska?
The Municipality of Skagway covers about 460 square miles (1,190 sq km), but the developed town sits on a narrow flat at the head of the fjord — barely a mile (1.6 km) long and a few blocks wide.
Is Skagway in Alaska or Canada?
Skagway is in Alaska, USA, but the Canadian border (Yukon Territory) lies just 14 miles (23 km) north up the South Klondike Highway. Many tours cross briefly into Canada — bring a passport.
Can you see the northern lights in Skagway?
Sometimes — Skagway is at about 59°N, which is high enough for occasional aurora displays, but the steep surrounding peaks and summer's midnight sun limit viewing. Best chances run roughly late September to early April on clear nights.
How long is the White Pass train ride from Skagway?
The standard round-trip excursion to the White Pass summit and back takes about 3 hours and covers around 40 miles (64 km), climbing nearly 3,000 ft (915 m) in 20 miles (32 km).
What is the elevation of Skagway, Alaska?
Downtown Skagway sits at about 30 ft (9 m) above sea level. The White Pass summit just north of town rises to 2,888 ft (880 m), one of the most dramatic short climbs from sea level on any train ride in North America.
