City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Skagway, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska, a small town with a big history, is renowned for its Gold Rush heritage and stunning natural beauty. Situated at the northern tip of the Inside Passage, along with Juneau and Ketchikan, Skagway offers a variety of attractions for history buffs, nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers to visit from cruise ships, hotels and private boat lifts for rent.
Located next to the Lynn Canal fjord, part of the Pacific Ocean, and waterways like the Skagway River and the Taiya River, Skagway is a wonderful destination for boating and fishing for salmon, halibut and more. Let’s check out some more activities and attractions to enjoy in Skagway, the Gateway to the Klondike.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves the historic district of Skagway and offers visitors a glimpse into the town's past. The park includes restored buildings, museums, trails and guided tours that tell the story of the 1898 Gold Rush when thousands of prospectors passed through Skagway on their way to the Klondike.
The historic Chilkoot Trail, once used by Gold Rush stampeders, is now a favorite for avid hikers. The 33-mile trail stretches from Dyea, near Skagway, to Bennett Lake in British Columbia. Hikers can experience diverse landscapes that include temperate rainforests, alpine tundras and stunning mountain vistas. It’s a wonderful way to get out in nature on a cruise ship shore excursion or from private boat lifts for rent.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
The White Pass & Yukon scenic railway, originally built during the Gold Rush, offers breathtaking views as it climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles. The journey includes steep grades, cliff-hanging turns and stunning vistas, making it a popular attraction to visit from private boat slip rentals for both its historical significance and its natural beauty.
Red Onion Saloon
Once a bustling brothel, the Red Onion Saloon now serves as a museum and bar, offering guided tours that highlight its colorful history and unique decor. The saloon, which dates back to 1898, provides a lively atmosphere where visitors can step back in time and experience a piece of Gold Rush-era Skagway. The menu includes selections such as pizza, chili, nachos, pulled pork sandwiches and more.
Days of '98 Show
The Days of ‘98 Show, a lively musical performance, recounts the tale of notorious con man Soapy Smith and his gang who operated in Skagway during the Gold Rush. Open since 1928, the show is complete with song, dance and storytelling. It offers an entertaining way to learn about Skagway's colorful past. You can’t miss the “marketing tactics” of can-can dancers sitting in the windows.
Corrington Museum of Alaskan History
Housed in a historic building, the Corrington Museum of Alaskan History offers exhibits on the town's native Tlingit culture, shipwrecks, the Gold Rush era and the development of the local community. Artifacts, photographs and interactive displays provide a comprehensive look at the area's history and culture. The museum is free, making it one of our favorite attractions to check out from private boat docks for rent.
Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
The Glacier Point Wilderness Safari tour includes a boat ride through the Lynn Canal, a hike through lush rainforests and a canoe trip to the face of the Davidson Glacier. It's an immersive way to experience the Alaskan wilderness and see a glacier up close.
Dog Sledding
For a quintessential Alaskan experience, visitors can take a dog sledding tour on the Denver Glacier. This adventure includes a helicopter ride to the glacier and a thrilling sled ride with a team of huskies. Alaska Shore Excursions or Alaska Sled Dog Adventures are two outfitters to check out while in Skagway.
It’s also fun to just walk around this small town, which looks as if it might have looked back in the Gold Rush days (without the paved roads, of course).
Let us know your favorite things to do and see in Skagway whether you’re in port on a cruise or visiting from private boat slip rentals.
