4 Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska

If you’re looking for your next unforgettable adventure, then look no further than Skagway, Alaska. Here are the top things to do in Skagway.

From stunning glaciers to historic sites, Skagway is an exciting destination!

Spend your day panning for gold, snuggling dog sled puppies, or on a scenic railroad ride through the wild Alaskan wilderness.

Skagway has something for everyone! Explore the top things to do on your visit to Skagway, Alaska.

Things to Do in Skagway

Get ready to create some amazing memories in picturesque Skagway with these top things to see and do.

Learn About Dog Sledding

Dog Mushing is a quintessential Alaskan sport. Skagway is a great place to learn all about the history of sled dogs, the world-famous Iditarod race, the modern-day sport of Dog Mushing, and to meet the adorable sled dogs and puppies.

There are even some experiences that let you go for a ride aboard a wheeled sled!

The experience we did was a dog sled demonstration with Gold Rush Dog Tours at Alaska 360’s Dredge Town. We got to see all the equipment needed for the Iditarod race, see the canine athletes show off their racing skills, and cuddle with the next generation of racing puppies.

Take a Scenic Railroad Ride

Probably one of the most popular things to do in Skagway is to ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

This scenic railway ride takes you on the historic route through the mountains that stampeders took during the Klondike Gold Rush. Construction began on the railway in 1898 and completed in 1900.

A ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway now takes you to the summit of White Pass and back to Skagway. On the scenic trip, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panorama view of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, and historic sites.

Catch Gold Rush Fever

Skagway was the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush and became a boom town in 1897 as people flocked here to try to score their wealth in gold.

About 600 miles from here was the Klondike River in Canada’s Yukon Territory that was just sparkling with gold. To get to it from Skagway, prospectors had to traverse White Pass, also known as “Dead Horse Trail”. This narrow and steep had such terrible conditions, and many prospectors pushed their pack animals to death in their quest for wealth and left the animals in the middle of the trail.

Even though there wasn’t any gold in Skagway, you can still get the Gold Rush experience, without having to climb White Pass. There are plenty of gold panning tours around town where you can earn your own gold souvenir, and you can visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

We visited Alaska 360’s Dredge Town, an immersive recreation of a Gold Rush camp complete with an authentic gold dredge, costumed actors, and gold panning. We’ve done quite a few gold panning experiences near home in Dahlonega, Georgia (the site of the U.S.’s first gold rush), so we’re expert gold panners and made out with about $30 worth of gold flecks! We’re rich!

Explore Downtown Skagway

Skagway is a charming town that still has its Gold Rush-era buildings.

Explore the unique shops, local boutiques, art galleries, and local restaurant the town has to offer.

Top sights in town include: the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, made of 8,883 pieces of driftwood; the Red Onion Saloon, a former brothel that is now a museum and restaurant; and the Skagway Brewing Company, a craft brewery housed in an old brothel building.

Top Skagway Tours

With so much to do, Skagway can be overwhelming for any first-time traveler. To take some of the stress out of planning your visit, opt for a guided tour! Check out this list of the top Skagway tours to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful Alaskan town.

• Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon
• Skagway Shore Excursion: White Pass Summit and Skagway City Tour
• Ocean Raft Alaska

Mapping Out Your Day in Skagway

Ready to explore Skagway’s top attractions? Use the map below to help plan out your time exploring Skagway, Alaska.

With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique culture, Skagway is sure to captivate and enchant you.

I hope this list of must-see attractions helps you plan the perfect vacation to Skagway, Alaska!

Where to Stay in Skagway

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Skagway, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

• Top Hotel: Historic Skagway Inn
• Great Value: Westmark Inn Skagway
• Unique Stay: At the White House

More Things to Do in Alaska

Make the most of your vacation to Alaska! Check out these other Alaska travel guides to plan your perfect trip:

• Where to View Bears on Your Alaska Cruise
• Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska: 1 Day Itinerary
• Things to Do in Icy Strait Point & Hoonah, Alaska
• 3 Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska: 1 Day Itinerary
• How to Get to Anchorage Airport from Seward, Alaska
• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: Ultimate Guide

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Ready to visit Skagway, Alaska? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Skagway using Expedia.
• Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.

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Cheers!

Paige

What are your favorite things to do in Skagway, Alaska? Let me know in the comments below!