What to see and do in Skagway, Alaska

Visited May 2019

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Skagway is a small town in Alaska, located at the northern end of the Inside Passage, near the border with Canada.

The town has a rich history, as it was a major gateway for the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. The gold-rush-era buildings in Skagway are preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad runs vintage locomotives following the Chilkoot trail as it climbs over White Pass into Canada.

We visited Skagway on 5/14/2019. From Skagway, we took the bus tour following the railroad along Chilkoot trail as it climbs over White Pass to Carcross in the Yukon. Afterwards, we visited Skagway Brewing Company which is famous for its Spruce Tip beer. We also visited the Klondike Brewing Company and the historical buildings in the downtown area.

During the gold rush, thousands of people passed through Skagway on their way to the gold fields in Canada's Yukon Territory. The town grew rapidly and became a bustling center of commerce, with saloons, gambling halls, and a red-light district.

Today, Skagway is a popular tourist destination, known for its historic buildings and beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can take a ride on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, which was built during the gold rush to transport miners and supplies, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Other popular activities in Skagway include hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The town also has a number of museums and cultural attractions that showcase its gold rush history and Native Alaskan heritage.

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