skagway port excursions

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Excursions & Tours

White Pass Summit Rail and Bus Excursion

Yukon Rail and Bus Adventure

Skagway City and White Pass Summit

White Pass Summit Rail and Yukon Suspension Bridge

Bennett Scenic Journey

Self-Guided Jeep to the Yukon

Helicopter Glacier Discovery

Scenic Waterfall Adventure

Yukon Klondike Adventure by Bus, Puppy Camp, and Lunch

White Pass Summit and Yukon Suspension Bridge

Helicopter Dog Sledding Adventure

Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing Tour from Skagway

Ocean Raft Adventure

Scenic Hike and Float

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting from Skagway

Yukon Sightseeing Tour

Deluxe Yukon Sightseeing Tour

Scenic Skagway Float

Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake

Hike, Float and Summit

Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour from Skagway

Extended Summit Drive

Inside Passage Sea Kayaking

Jet Boat Adventure from Skagway

White Pass Mountaineering Adventure

Wildlife Safari and Bear Viewing - Haines

Alpine Lake Canoe Adventure from Skagway

Chilkoot Lake Canoeing

Yukon Dog Musher Adventure Tour

Historic Gold Rush Scenic Drive

Skagway Zipline and Adventure Park

Summit Views and Yukon Sled Dogs

Summit Views, Yukon Sled Dogs, and Musher Experience

Suspension Bridge, Yukon Sled Dogs, and Summit Views

Yukon Day Trip with Emerald Lake Exploration

Private Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting

Private Chilkat Valley Photography Tour from Skagway

Private Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing

Private Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour from Skagway

Private Hike, Float and Summit

Skagway, alaska, skagway excursions.

Though Skagway is a small city, home to less than 1,000 people, there is something for every visitor. Nestled in the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, it features a wide variety of entertainment venues, streets lined with wooden boardwalks, and restored buildings that look just as they did 100 years ago! Noted for its friendly inhabitants and exceptional hospitality, our collection of Skagway shore excursions and tours offers visitors all the amenities they desire for a relaxing, adventurous, and unforgettable vacation.

Sightseeing Tours Galore

Skagway may be small, but it is packed with some of the best sightseeing opportunities in the entire nation. Skagway is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and there's no better way to take it all in than on a sightseeing tour. From the majestic beauty of the Tracy Arm Fjord to the towering glaciers of the Juneau Icefield, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to see. Take a guided tour by land, air, or sea and experience the true beauty of Skagway.

For the adventurous types, we offer Skagway Excursions for hikers, boaters, bikers, kayakers, and those who love the thrill of Jeeps and helicopters. Try zip-lining your way through some of Alaska's largest pines or try Yukon dog sledding and experience a real musher's camp! You can even try one of our combo excursions, like our popular Helicopter Dog Sledding Adventure , where you can go flightseeing on a helicopter and then sledding with Alaskan huskies.

For the more laid-back tourists, we have Alaskan cruise excursions for photographers, gold miners, and anyone who simply wants to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Skagway wilderness and wildlife. Explore Alaska's wild interiors by taking train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad or a private walking tour through the scenic Chilkat Valley in Haines. No matter what you choose, you'll have plenty of photo opportunities.

Experience the Gold Rush Era

Skagway played a pivotal role in the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, and the town is steeped in the history of this exciting era. Take a trip back in time and experience the gold rush for yourself on one of our many historic tours. Go gold panning on our Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake Excursion , hike through the Chilkoot Trail with a tour guide, or take a ride on the historic White Pass train. Our Skagway City and White Pass Summit excursion doubles as a city tour and as a train tour, all in one. These excursions offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and are a must-do for any history enthusiast.

Walk Around Downtown Skagway

Downtown Skagway is a quaint and charming area filled with historic buildings, unique shops, and delicious eateries. Try picking up some souvenirs from local shops or strolling down Broadway Street before or after your excursion. Explore the town's rich history, culture, and local flavor. Visit the Skagway Museum and Archives to learn more about the town's fascinating past, or stop by the Red Onion Saloon, a brothel-turned-saloon that serves up refreshing drinks and tantalizing bites.

Skagway is a destination that is sure to captivate and amaze. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure, Skagway excursions are the perfect way to experience the best of this incredible Alaskan town. Reserve your tour or excursion today and start exploring with Shore Excursions Group. Book now before it's too late!

Please note that the tours noted above are only a few of the wonderful excursions offered in Skagway and may not work with your cruise line itinerary. Find excursions for your cruise ship itinerary.

20 Best Things to do in Skagway Alaska Cruise Port – Complete Guide

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Skagway, Alaska is a popular cruise port with a fascinating history. Cruisers who stop in Skagway will find a town that has retained its gold rush era charm and activities and excursions that will appeal to a variety of ages and interests. 

In fact, Skagway may just be a highlight of your Alaska cruise !

In 1898, Skagway became a base camp and supply station for thousands of Yukon gold rush miners. People seeking their fortunes would start in Skagway and then choose either the steep (but shorter) route over the White Pass Trail or the Chilkoot Pass Trail located in nearby Dyea. 

Growing up in Alaska, I was able to experience many historical gold rush towns. It is enthralling to step into the past and learn about the grit and determination of early Alaskan settlers.

In this post, I share the best things to do in Skagway on a cruise, including shore excursions as well as inexpensive or free activities. I’ve also included the information you’ll need to know about visiting the Skagway cruise port for the day and answered common questions.

Skagway Cruise Port 

Most cruise ships arriving in Skagway will dock at at one of three locations right on the edge of town: Ore Dock, Railroad Dock or Broadway Dock. 

The city of Skagway is within easy walking distance of the cruise port. There are many shore excursions to choose from, including the popular and historic White Pass Trail, that are accessible to cruise passengers.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Skagway Cruise Port

Although close to Canada, Skagway is located in Alaska (USA). The official currency is the USD (United States Dollar). 

Businesses in Skagway will accept cash, credit and debit cards.

In Alaska, you might hear some unusual vernacular including “Lower 48” (the 48 contiguous United States), “break-up” (spring time when ice and snow finally melt) and “cheechako” (a newcomer), but the primary language is English. 

90% of Alaska (including Skagway) is within the Alaska Standard Time Zone. Alaska Standard Time Zone is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind the Eastern Time Zone. 

In Skagway, the weather will range from the 40s to the low 60s during Alaska cruise season.  Skagway has the driest climate of any of the Southeast passage port towns, which means you’ll probably enjoy sunny weather during your visit. 

Tip: When considering what to wear on your Alaska cruise , it’s a good idea to dress in layers. Mornings will start off cool, but the weather can warm up significantly later in the day.

Getting Around Skagway

It is very easy for cruisers to get around Skagway on foot. It’s only a short walk from the dock to downtown Skagway. Overall, this city is very walkable. 

Public Transit

The Skagway Municipal And Regional Transit (SMART) offers a SMART shuttle bus. Their  “Dock to Downtown” Loop runs every 15 minutes during cruise season.  

An all-day SMART bus pass costs $5 per person or you can pay $3 per person for a one-way pass. 

Electric Bikes (EBikes) 

Renting an E-Bike will give you independence and speed as you explore Skagway. 

You can also book a self-guided tour through Klondike Bikes, and even arrange to have a picnic lunch ready for pickup when you arrive. All rentals include helmets and bike locks. 

Car Rentals

There aren’t many car rental options in this small town. DIY Jeep Tours is one innovative option that combines a rental car with a built-in tour guide. Each rental includes a CD that will give you mile-by-mile guide explaining historic and scenic spots. 

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The 10 Best Skagway Shore Excursions

The variety of shore excursion options is one reason why Skagway is such a popular stop for cruise ships. From gold mining history to rainforest bicycle tours, it might be hard to narrow down your list of things to do.

Here are some of the best Skagway excursions.

1. Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway 

This breathtaking train ride will take you on the White Pass Summit route  that gold miners took in 1898. You’ll see glaciers, waterfalls, mountains and even signs of the original Klondike trail worn into rocks. 

The train ride lasts from 2.5-2.75 hours and goes 40 miles round trip. You do not need your passport to ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, but be sure to bring your camera. 

If this is your first Alaska cruise , the White Rail Pass is a shore excursion to consider.

2. Feel the Rush of a Dog Sled Ride

Skagway offers a very unique opportunity to learn about the history of dog sledding and experience an exhilarating dog sled ride. 

There are several different companies that offer sledding experiences including a dogsled ride on a wheeled “summer sled.” Watching trained huskies pull a dog sled is an awe inspiring experience. Not only are sled dogs powerful, they also love what they do (and it shows). 

The dog sledding and musher’s camp shore excursion is a popular Alaska cruise line excursion.

3. Pan for Gold at Liarsville Goldrush Camp

You’ll be transported back to Skagway’s gold rush days with this entertaining excursion that takes two hours and includes transport to and from the cruise ship aboard a bus. 

An all-you-can-eat salmon feast awaits you once you arrive at the “Liarsville” camp. Afterwards, you’ll head to a gold rush era trail camp, for a melodrama performance with costumed 19th century characters. 

You’re guaranteed to strike gold as you learn all about gold panning. Use the rest of your time to walk through the camp’s laundry, bordello and gift shop. 

4. Head to the Yukon Boarder on a Mini Bus Tour 

On this guided tour, you’ll travel 100 miles roundtrip to the Yukon border. Along the way, there are numerous photo stops and opportunities to see wildlife including bear, moose, caribou and bald eagles. 

This narrated scenic tour will give you a better glimpse into the interior of Alaska and provide you with interesting gold rush history and nature information. 

This tour meets at the cruise ship pier. Because you’ll crosses over into Canada, passports are required for adults and children over age 16. Children under 16 need to have either a passport or an original raised seal birth certificate. 

5. Take in the Majesty of Glaciers with an Aerial Tour

It’s hard to describe the spectacular feeling of seeing a glacier in person. With an other-worldly blue color and colossal size, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to see (and walk on) a river of ice. 

If you choose an aerial glacier excursion , you can book it through the cruise line, take a SMART bus or walk 5-30 minutes to the helicopter port (depending on your dock location). After 15 minutes of preflight instruction and safety training, you’ll put glacier boots over your shoes and climb aboard a helicopter for a 40 minute round trip flight. 

Guides choose the best route and landing spot depending on weather, but explorers will potentially land on either the Chilkat, Ferebee or Meade Glaciers. After landing, your experienced glacier guide will spend 40 minutes with you on the glacier, teaching you about glaciers and answering any questions you might have before you return back to the helicopter port.

6. Float the Taiya River

For cruisers wanting to experience Alaskan outdoors and wildlife, a Taiya River Float Trip is an excellent choice. Your 2.5 hour trip includes a 10-mile drive along the Dyea Valley and 35-45 minutes floating down the scenic Taiya River. 

Because this river is fed by glacier water, it has a gorgeous green-turquise color. Bits of rock called “glacial flour” reflect sunlight, resulting in a beautiful and unusual color. 

There is a good chance you will see Alaskan wildlife including bald eagles, otters, moose, and potentially bears.  

7. Rainforest Cycling Trip

Did you know that Southeast Alaska is home to the nation’s largest rainforest? You can experience the beauty of a temperate rainforest in this active excursion. 

Your adventure begins with a 25 minute van ride through Skagway, up the coastal mountains to the summit of White Pass. You’ll then begin a 15-mile downhill, 1.5 hour bicycle ride on the paved Klondike Highway past waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and historic sites. 

8. Explore the Shores of North America’s deepest Fjord in an Ocean Raft 

Skagway is home to Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord. This is a high adventure excursion on a speed boat that will have you flying past gorgeous waterfalls, rocky beaches and wildlife. 

Each 17-25 person open air boat includes a captain and a naturalist that share interesting facts. The boats stop often for wildlife viewing and photo taking opportunities. 

This excursion is for ages 10 years and up, and you’ll be outfitted in a one-piece “exposure suit” (basically a giant warm and waterproof jumpsuit), a balaclava hat, goggles and gloves. 

9. Explore the Chilkoot Trail 

The 33-mile Chilkoot Trail is called “The World’s Longest Outdoor Museum” because of the artifacts left behind by hundreds of gold rush miners in the late 1890s. 

Cruisers can get information about the historic Chilkoot trail and a hiking permit at the Trail Center in Skagway, located on Broadway between 5th and 6th Avenues.

If you decide to Explore Chilkoot Trail, all hikers must watch a 30 minute mandatory trail orientation video scheduled at 8am, 10am, noon, 2pm, and 4pm daily  at the Trail Center during the permit season.

The trailhead starts in Dyea, a 10 mile drive from Skagway. SMART Bus has a shuttle that runs to Dyea for $15 a person. 

10. Rainforest Ziplining

You’ll get a bird’s eye view of North America’s largest temperate rainforest as you soar down a zipline in this active excursion. 

The Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition includes 10 ziplines and four suspension bridges. You’ll begin with a 35 bus ride from the cruise ship dock to Dyea. After safety training, you’ll have two hours to fly through the rainforest at speeds over 45 miles per hour over spectacular sights including glacier fed waterfalls. 

Cruisers of all ages will love this active adventure in Skagway. 

10 of the Best Free Things do do in Skagway Cruise Port

1. Stroll Down a Gold Rush Main Street 

Skagway’s mainstreet is home to darling shops, restaurants and museums. You could easily spend a few hours enjoying the boardwalk and perusing shops that sell jewelry, furs, and unique-to-Alaska gifts and souvenirs.

The downtown boardwalk is about a 10 minute walk from the docks.

2. Enjoy a “Ranger’s Choice” Daily Talk

Every day from Early May to Late September, you can hear rangers from the National Park Service talk about their favorite Alaskan subjects at the Visitor Center. 

The NPS Visitor Center is less than a half a mile from most cruise ship docks, at 2nd and Broadway in the old White Pass & Yukon Route Depot building.

Talks range from 10-30 minutes and include a variety of subjects. 

3. Watch a Movie About the Gold Rush in Skagway

A free 25-minute film “Gold Fever: Race to the Klondike” is shown at the NPS Visitor Center. 

Check in to find out what time(s) the film is shown that day. You’ll leave with a great understanding of Skagway’s part in the Yukon Gold Rush. 

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4. Shop and Learn at Corrington’s Alaskan Ivory & Museum

If you love history and shopping, you’ll want to stop in at Corrington’s. The museum is tucked in the back of this high-end gift store and specializes in native artwork. It tells the history of Alaska in scrimshaw: artwork that is carved into ivory, whalebone and other materials. 

The museum itself takes 30-45 minutes to walk through. Afterwards, you can shop for your own scrimshaw, or another unique souvenir, to take home.

5. Marvel at the Snow and Ice Cutting Train on Broadway

Make your way down Broadway Street in downtown Skagway to get a picture of the snow and ice cutting train formerly used by the White Pass & Yukon Railroad. 

This massive train/snowplow was built in 1898 and cleared the tracks here until 1964. It was restored in 1995 and is now on display for visitors to enjoy. 

6. Take a picture of “The Most Photographed Building In Alaska”

The exterior of the Skagway Visitor’s Center, located in the historic Arctic Brotherhood Hallm is a tourist destination all on its own.The outside of this building is intricately decorated with over 8,800 pieces of driftwood. 

If you step across the street, you can see the letters “AB” (Arctic Brotherhood) and “1899” above the door. This unique building is a must-see!

7. Go Birding at Yakutania Point 

The trail head begins 15 minutes from the NPS Trail Center downtown. You’ll cross the Skagway River on a footbridge, then hike through trees until you come to a glorious overlook of the Lynn Canal fjord and docked cruise ships. 

Yakutania point is a great bird watching spot year round. You can read about the birds you might see and get a  Skagway bird species checklist here . 

This hike is 1-2 miles and will take you 1-2 hours roundtrip. 

8. Step Into History at the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls

This historical cemetery is 4 mile round trip walk from downtown Skagway. You can also take the local SMART bus shuttle, which will drop you off about a half mile from the cemetery. 

There’s a fascinating list of people interred in the Gold Rush cemetery. You can see their ages and the common (and uncommon) ways that people died during in Skagway during the Gold Rush. 

Lower Reid Falls is a 10-15 minute hike behind the cemetery. This path is suitable for anyone with mobility issues. 

9. Experience the Tranquility of Lower Dewey Lake

If you want more a more challenging hike away from the cruise crowds, head to Lower Dewey Lake. 

It’s a little less than a mile to get to the trailhead frown downtown, and then 3.6 miles around the lake. 

The trail starts out with an uphill climb, but quickly evens out and becomes a leisurely loop. Chances are good that you’ll spot some wildlife as you experience peace and quiet.

Plan to spend 2-3.5 hours on this hike, depending on your speed. 

10. View Gold Rush Artifacts at the Skagway Museum & Archives

If you want to learn about the Yukon Gold Rush, the Skagway Museum and Archives is a fun (and inexpensive!) option. 

Located in a historical building on 7th Avenue & Spring Street, this museum now houses artifacts from Gold Rush Days, historical documents, photographs and even a taxidermied Alaskan brown bear!

A $2 donation is suggested. Your money will be well spent as you walk away with a better understanding of the importance of Skagway in Alaska’s history. 

Eat & Drink in Skagway

It can be an Alaska cruise mistake to not eat or drink in the ports of call. Consider having lunch or a local beer at one of the family owned restaurants.

Skagway Brewing Company is a popular favorite for locals, cruise travelers and cruise ship crew. Try a pint of Spruce Tip Ale for a unique taste of this Alaska beer.

The Red Onion Saloon is another popular restaurant in Skagway. Originally established in 1898 as a bordello for lonely gold miners during the Klondike gold rush era, the Red Onion Saloon is a historic landmark in Skagway. Now, you can grab a bite to eat while visiting the on-site brothel museum.

What is the best time of year to visit Skagway? 

Skagway has the mildest weather of any port town in Southeast Alaska, so it is a pleasure to visit any time during cruise season. The best time of year to visit is in July or August when the majority of shops and excursions are in full operation and the weather tends to be the driest. 

How far is downtown Skagway from the cruise port? 

Downtown Skagway is a quick walk from the cruise port. There are four different ports available for cruise ships to dock in Skagway. Depending on which port your ship is docked in, the walk from the cruise port to downtown Skagway is between half to three quarters of a mile long. 

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Final Thoughts On Things to do in Skagway Cruise Port

The charming port town of Skagway, Alaska lets cruise passengers step back in time to gold rush days through exciting excursions. Whether you walk through a historical museum, try your hand at panning gold or explore nature, this port will be a memorable stop on your Alaska cruise. 

In this post, I shared a complete guide of the 20 best things to do in Skagway Alaska when you’re on a cruise. 

Have you been to Skagway on a cruise? Please let me know what you enjoyed most in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio:

Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website,  www.TheGiftyGirl.com . 

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Skagway Shore Tours & Excursions

The best shore excursions in skagway.

Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition

Skagway Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour

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Skagway Sled Dog and Musher's Camp

Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float

Skagway Helicopter and Dogsled Excursion

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11 Must-Do Skagway Shore Excursions for Alaska Cruises

What are the best Skagway shore excursions? Is Skagway walkable from the cruise port?

After living in Alaska for nearly a year, we learned a lot about the best Alaska cruise ports with Skagway consistently being ranked in the top three! If you aren’t sure where Skagway is, it’s a small town located in Southeast Alaska and is known for its rich history during the Klondike Gold Rush.

Skagway is a very walkable town, with most of the main attractions and shops located within a few blocks of the cruise port. However, if you want to explore more of Skagway and its surrounding areas including its glaciers and mountainous regions known for epic wildlife viewing, that’s where the shore excursions come into play.

Don’t have time to read the entire post? No worries!

This Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon is undoubtedly the #1 tour on this list!

⭐ 560+ 5-Star Reviews ⭐ Viator’s Badge of Excellence ⭐ White Pass, Klondike Highway

If you’re planning on visiting Skagway on a cruise ship, you may be wondering about the best shore excursions and if it’s actually worth investing the time and money into these tours. We totally get it!

In this guide, we’ll go over some of the top-rated Skagway excursions and include ample information on the best time to visit Skagway, our #1 pick when it comes to Skagway tours, and even what to pack for your tour!

11 BEST Skagway Shore Excursions

1. skagway shore excursion: full-day tour of the yukon.

Unquestionably one of the best tours on this list, the Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon offers an unforgettable full-day expedition along the scenic Klondike Highway, providing stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, and possibly even wildlife. Not to mention additional stops at the Yukon “Larger than Life” sign as well as Wild Adventure Yukon and an epic viewpoint overlooking Bove Island!

You’ll also visit the iconic Carcross Desert and witness the mesmerizing beauty of Emerald Lake, all with the guidance and knowledge of a seasoned local tour guide. Not only does this tour offer numerous photo opportunities of the untamed wilderness, but it also includes a hearty lunch to fuel your adventure.

Perfect for people of all ages, this tour invites you to cross the border between Alaska and Canada’s famed Yukon along one of the most scenic highways in the world!

2. Summit Lake Canoe Adventure from Skagway

Thanks to Skagway’s stunning location on the border of British Columbia, guests are treated to epic alpine lakes right at their door! The Summit Lake Canoe Adventure from Skagway offers a tranquil escape into nature, featuring a peaceful paddle across the stunning Summit Lake. With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, this tour provides ample opportunity to escape the crowded cruise port and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

With the guidance of expert tour operators, this 4.5-hour excursion includes a scenic drive along the Klondike Highway and includes views of the White Pass, Denver Glacier, Bridal Veil Falls, and even the Tongass National Forest!

Providing ample opportunities to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, this amazing canoe adventure is perfect for those looking to get a good paddle in. But, don’t worry, the canoes come with an outboard motor to assist in your experience.

3. Skagway Shore Excursion: Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge

For those with limited time or seeking a shorter adventure, the Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge provides a fantastic taste of the region’s remarkable landscapes. This 4-hour tour will take you through some of the Yukon’s top sites including the historic Captain William Moore Bridge, Pitchfork Falls, and the exceedingly popular Yukon Suspension Bridge.

Prepare to be enthralled as you make your way to the Yukon Suspension Bridge, where you can walk across and gaze upon the roaring Tutshi River below. It’s quite high above the river (57 feet), so if you don’t like heights, bear this in mind.

Additionally, this exciting half-day trip offers the chance to explore the Yukon border and get photos at the “Welcome to the Yukon” sign! With dedicated and knowledgeable guides sharing insights into the area’s history and ecology, the journey is as educational as it is visually stunning.

4. Skagway Shore Excursion: Scenic River Float Tour

For those who seek a gentler adventure wrapped in the beauty of Alaska’s landscapes, the Scenic River Float Tour offers a serene way to take in the sights and sounds of Southeast Alaska’s Dyea Valley. This family-friendly 2-to-2.5-hour tour glides you down the Taiya River on a relaxing river float.

Once aboard the raft, guests are treated to the tranquility of the slow-moving waters, which provide an excellent platform for wildlife viewing! Your knowledgeable guides are also well-versed in the history of the Gold Rush era and the natural history of the surrounding flora and fauna.

This scenic float is perfect for those who want to experience Alaska’s grandeur without the exertion of a hike or climb. It’s a gentle, soul-soothing journey down one of the area’s most picturesque waterways, allowing for ample relaxation and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

5. Yukon Suspension Bridge and Summit Tour

A fantastic option if you’re seeking a quick tour that gets you to the White Pass Summit, the Yukon Suspension Bridge and Summit Tour invites guests to journey along the historic White Pass Trail, famously trodden by the prospectors during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. As you ascend the White Pass Summit in comfort, take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding peaks and the deep valleys below.

Afterward, upon reaching the Yukon Suspension Bridge, be prepared for an exhilarating experience as you traverse the sturdy, yet swaying, bridge 57 feet above the tumultuous waters of the Tutshi River. This bridge is not only a marvel of engineering but also serves as a vantage point offering unprecedented views of the wild, untamed landscape.

At just 3 hours long, this tour makes it possible for those on a short Alaska cruise stop to see some of the best views in the Yukon! Plus, cruise port pick-up and drop-off are included, so you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics.

6. Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition

The Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition presents an exhilarating canopy experience for those in search of adventure in Skagway, Alaska. During this 4-hour tour, thrill-seekers will find themselves soaring through a dense Alaskan rainforest, gliding across numerous zip lines with each line offering a unique vantage point of the stunning natural landscape, including pristine forest terrain and cascading waterfalls.

Guided by experts with a strong emphasis on safety, participants will also navigate suspension bridges, adding another level of excitement to the course. Plus, you even get to ride in a local Unimog when navigating wet terrain!

Suitable for adventurers of all skill levels ages 6 and up, this tour is a fantastic option for those visiting Skagway.

7. Skagway Highlights Electric Bike Tour with Gold Panning

Experience the best of Skagway’s scenic beauty and historical allure on the Skagway Highlights Electric Bike Tour with Gold Panning ! This 3-hour tour is a unique blend of active adventure and a journey into the captivating history of the Gold Rush era. As you pedal along Skagway’s panoramic coastal roadways on an easy-to-ride electric bike, the beautiful views of this charming Alaskan town provide a picturesque backdrop.

The tour begins with an orientation to the electric bikes, ensuring that riders of all experience levels can navigate with ease. You’ll trace the path along the historic railway, stopping at various strategic viewpoints for photo opportunities. Sharing tales from the late 1800s, your guide will transport you back to the days when fortune-seekers thronged the area and even stop by the Gold Rush Cemetery.

As you ride back into the heart of Skagway, the adventure concludes with a fun and informative session of gold panning, where you can try your luck at filling your pockets with gold!

8. Ocean Raft Alaska

Prepare for a heart-pumping adventure with the Ocean Raft Alaska Wildlife Adventure ! This 2.25-hour journey is an invigorating dive into Alaska’s wild side as you zip across the crisp waters of the Lynn Canal, North America’s deepest fjord.

Clad in a weatherproof exposure suit and mask, you’ll brave the elements aboard a high-speed ocean raft, allowing for a truly intimate encounter with Alaska’s breathtaking coastal environment.

Your expert captain and guide will lead you to the best spots where you could witness the majesty of local wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles. This tour not only promises adrenaline but also provides an unmatched opportunity to witness the raw beauty of Alaskan wildlife in its natural habitat.

Ideal for photographers and adventure enthusiasts, this is easily among the most exciting tours on this list!

9. Skagway Scooter Gold Rush Adventure

For those who crave adventure with a taste of history, the Skagway Scooter Gold Rush Adventure is an exhilarating way to see Skagway and learn about its Gold Rush past. Across 3 hours, you’ll hop on a comfortable scooter and zip along Skagway’s streets on a fast-paced 19-mile excursion!

The tour begins with a safety briefing and instructions on handling your scooter, ensuring a fun and secure experience. The route highlights Skagway’s most picturesque spots and historic sites, with frequent stops for photos and storytelling by your knowledgeable guide.

This adventure is suitable for all riders, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced scooter enthusiast. Limited to just 8 riders, this small-group tour guarantees personalized attention from your guide and a more intimate experience of Skagway.

10. Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari ! This 6-hour excursion takes you from the historic Skagway harbor to the pristine natural beauty of Glacier Point. You’ll journey through fjords via a high-speed catamaran, marveling at the sheer rock faces and lush greenery that border the waters while searching for local wildlife including whales, seals, sea lions, eagles, and more!

Upon reaching the glacier, you will transition to a special wheeled vehicle to traverse the beach, then set off on a short hike through the rainforest, leading to a point where you can stand face-to-face with the iconic Davidson Glacier.

The safari includes a guided canoe trip around the glacier’s meltwater lake, giving you the chance to glide along its iceberg-studded surface. The breathtaking scenery, with the glacier’s blue ice serving as a silent, powerful backdrop, offers an unparalleled experience.

Designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this is easily among the best shore excursions in Skagway, Alaska!

11. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting

Congregating by the thousands, the Chilkat Preserve is one of the best places in the world to spot bald eagles fishing for salmon! And what better way to get up close than on a Chilkoot River Rafting Tour ?

This 6.5-hour guided adventure will have you gliding along the peaceful waters of the Chilkat River, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.

Seasonal highlights include a chance to watch for bear and moose sightings along the shore, majestic bald eagles soaring above, and a brilliant display of wild salmon running in the summer months. With stable kayaks and comprehensive paddling instruction provided, this tour is suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike.

FAQ: Skagway Shore Excursions

In this last section, we’ve provided some helpful information regarding the best shore excursions in Skagway including the ideal time to visit, where you can see glaciers, how to get around the port, and more!

What is the Best Excursion in Skagway?

In our opinion, the best Skagway shore excursion is this Full-Day Tour of the Yukon ! It offers the most of any tour on this list including crossing the iconic Klondike Highway, visiting several stunning lakes including Emerald Lake, and even making a unique stop in the Carcross desert.

Undoubtedly one of the top tours on this list, the Full-Day Tour of the Yukon is perfect for all ages and provides an unmatched experience in terms of scenic views, wildlife sightings, and local expert knowledge from your guide!

Is Skagway Walkable from the Cruise Port?

Fortunately for travelers, Skagway is a small and very walkable town that can be easily reached from the cruise port !

Many of the restaurants and shops are located within a few blocks of the cruise port, making it easy to explore on foot. However, for those looking to venture further out or visit surrounding areas, booking a shore excursion is recommended.

Do Most Skagway Alaska Shore Excursions Depart from the Cruise Port?

Conveniently for guests arriving in Alaska via cruise, most shore excursions in Skagway depart from the cruise port or one of the streets very close by .

We’ve also noticed that even if the excursion doesn’t depart directly from the cruise port, they’ll have someone with the local company meet people coming off the ship right on the dock with a large sign so you know exactly where to go!

This makes it easy to plan and schedule your day without worrying about transportation to and from the port.

Is It Worth Taking a Skagway Shore Excursion?

It is undoubtedly worth taking a shore excursion in Skagway ! While the town itself is charming and walkable, the majority of worthwhile attractions lie a considerable distance outside of the main area and can only be accessed through an excursion or rental car.

We’ve talked about how Alaska isn’t necessarily a budget-friendly destination, however, if you’ll be visiting on a cruise, then it’s well worth budgeting for a shore excursion to get the most out of your time in Skagway.

Otherwise, you’ll just be spending the day some Alaska souvenir shopping which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you’re hoping for a rest day, but it’s also not very exciting either. Depending on your goals for Skagway, you may or may not want to consider a shore excursion for the day!

How Much Do Shore Excursions in Skagway Cost?

On average, you might expect to spend anywhere from $50 for simple walking tours to upwards of $300 for more extensive adventures, such as helicopter rides to glaciers or full-day train tours. However, the price of shore excursions in Skagway can vary widely depending on the type of activity and duration.

It’s essential to consider your budget and what experiences are most important to you when selecting an excursion. Many visitors find that investing in a unique experience, like trekking on a glacier or a scenic train ride through the White Pass, is a highlight of their Alaskan cruise, making the cost well worth it.

What Should I Pack for Skagway Shore Tours?

Packing for Skagway shore tours means being prepared for Alaska’s temperamental weather. Here is a list of some items we’d recommend having with you on your excursion:

• Layers of clothing : The weather in Skagway can change quickly, so it’s always best to dress in layers. Bring a waterproof jacket, warm sweater or fleece, and long pants.
• Comfortable walking shoes : Many shore excursions involve hiking or walking, so make sure you have sturdy and comfortable shoes with good traction.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses : Even on cloudy days, the sun in Alaska can be quite strong and may cause sunburns. Protect your skin and eyes by packing sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Camera : You’ll want to capture all the beautiful scenery and wildlife you encounter on your excursion. Don’t forget to pack a camera or fully charged phone with you!
• Bug spray : Especially if you’re planning on hiking or spending time in nature, bug spray is a must to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Cash or credit card : Be sure to have some form of payment with you for any extras on your excursion, such as souvenirs or snacks. Some tours may also require cash tips for the guides.

Overall, it’s always best to pack for a variety of weather conditions when visiting Alaska, so you can be prepared for whatever comes your way during your shore excursion in Skagway. Some tour operators will also have their own list of recommended items to bring, so be sure to check with them as well!

Can You See Glaciers in Skagway?

Yes, you can see glaciers in Skagway and they are one of the city’s most popular attractions ! The most famous of these is the Davidson Glacier, which is often visited on boat and canoe excursions.

These trips allow you to witness the breathtaking beauty of the glacier up close and provide an opportunity for epic photos. Additionally, helicopter tours can offer an aerial view of the glaciers, providing a unique perspective on their vastness and the intricate crevasses and ice formations.

What is the Best Time to Visit Skagway Alaska?

The best time to visit Skagway, Alaska is during the summer months, from May to September . This period provides the warmest weather and the longest days, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the outdoor excursions and breathtaking scenery.

The summer season also coincides with the peak of the cruise ship arrivals, ensuring that all tours, shops, and attractions are open and fully operational. However, those looking for a quieter visit might consider the shoulder months, May and September, when there are fewer tourists and the natural beauty of the region can be enjoyed in relative solitude.

What Cruise Lines Visit Skagway?

Several major cruise lines visit Skagway, including:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Princess Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line

These are just a few of the many options that offer itineraries to Skagway. Be sure to research and compare different cruise lines to find one that best fits your interests, budget, and preferred travel dates.

Skip to the bottom of the post? No worries!

Other Helpful Alaska Resources

11 BEST Denali National Park Tours for Adventurers 8 BEST Kenai River Fishing Tours for 2024 3 BEST Katmai National Park Bear Viewing Tours 2024 Seward vs Homer: The Complete Comparison from a Local Ketchikan vs Juneau: The Ultimate Comparison by a Local Ferry from Ketchikan to Juneau: Routes, Schedule, & Tips! 12 Exhilarating Mendenhall Glacier Tours in 2024 10 Incredible Juneau Whale Watching Tours in 2024 7 BEST Ketchikan Fishing Charters in 2024 7 Top-Rated Matanuska Glacier Tours from Anchorage 30+ Things To Do in Juneau Alaska (from a Local!)

Whether you’re interested in visiting the iconic White Pass Summit, taking a canoe ride around a glacier, or wildlife sightings, there’s an excursion for everyone in Skagway! A Skagway shore excursion is an excellent way to make the most out of your visit to this charming Alaskan town, even if you’ll just be visiting for a day via cruise.

Emily and Sean Concannon are passionate travelers, photographers, and adventurers. After traversing North America on four separate occasions to get back to The Last Frontier, they ultimately decided to make the 49th state their permanent residence in 2022 following their wedding in Seward.

After 27 days of driving over 8,000 miles, they reached the Arctic Circle and spent the next year visiting every part of the state.

Now, Emily & Sean operate Sea to Summit Alaska (in addition to two other niche sites) and help travelers from around the world travel to this remote destination with ease.

They're on a mission to highlight the beauty of Alaska while simultaneously teaching people how to protect it. They provide comprehensive itineraries and custom itinerary planning, travel guides, and expert advice for visitors of all ages.

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• Yukon Discovery Tour

Yukoner Beyond White Pass

• White Pass Summit & City
• White Pass & Rafting Combo Day

Frontier Excursions & Adventures 3rd and Broadway at The Golden North Hotel Skagway, Alaska 99840

1 877.983.2512 – toll free, 1 907.983.2512 – local, email: [email protected].

• Yukoner – Beyond the White Pass

FRONTIER EXCURSIONS est. 1987

Skagway & yukon tours.

Summit and Historic Highlights 2.75 Hours, $70.35

Full Day Yukon Tour to Emerald Lake 6.5 hours, $152.25

Explore Nature-To Summit and Dyea 5.5-7 hours

Skagway's Premier Tour Company

Our Service

Tripadvisor certificate of excellence since 2013.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why Choose Frontier

In operation since 1987, we have been providing quality tours at a reasonable price for 35 years in Skagway. Our professional tour guides are fully trained and happy to go the extra step to make your tour experience memorable. We have hundreds of 5 star reviews. We are the owners and operators of our tours and guarantee their quality. You are not booking through a middle-man with us. You can also come by our office in Skagway to meet us in person and have a contact location in case of problems.  We are also only a phone call or email away. We are very responsive to any questions or concerns you may have.

What to Expect

Our knowledgeable guides will always provide you with an exceptional tour experience. They are friendly, courteous, offer personal service and welcome your questions. Our equipment is clean and professionally maintained, as your safety is always our first concern.

All tours are fully narrated and feature plenty of photo stops where you can disembark the bus and breathe the fresh mountain air. Our tours travel up the Klondike Highway, one of the most scenic highways in North America, through multiple climate zones with dramatic vistas around every turn. Our knowledge of the area allows us to adjust our routes/stops to make the most of the day. We actively search for wildlife and will stop for sightings as long as it is safe to do so.

Do you pick up at the ships?

Yes, we pick up pierside where the pier meets land outside of security gates. This is also where ship tours meet. This is our default pick up location. (See more pier specific details in next section). For all our tours, you do have the option to meet at our office downtown at the Golden North Hotel, 3rd & Broadway. There are SMART bus city shuttles providing transportation to town from the ships for a nominal fee or it is approximately a 10-15 minute flat walk from the ship piers. Your confirmation from us will provide you with full details on meeting instructions and our contact information.

Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure. Please be on time and in the pre-arranged pick up location for the tour. Due to scheduling, if you are late, we may not be able to wait and we cannot give refunds in this case. Please call 1-877-983-2512 or 907-713-7527 if you are having problems locating the tour.

At the conclusion of the tour, you will have the option of returning to your ship or you may be dropped off in town. We guarantee we will return you to your cruise ship before departure time. However, if you choose to be dropped off in town, we are not responsible for your return to the cruise ship before departure.

How can I find you at the dock?

For Broadway and Ore docks, we will meet you at the area where the pier meets shore outside security. This is the tour waiting area (where all ship tours meet as well). At Broadway dock, walk across a short pier with a large parking area in front of your cruise ship. At the Ore dock walk across a short pier at the side of the cruise ship and there is a red shelter next to a large parking area. You will look for someone with a FRONTIER EXCURSIONS sign.

What if our ship changes docks?

We will be notified if your ship changes docks. Stay at your ship pier tour waiting area, and we will locate you!

What if our ship arrives late or doesn't arrive at all?

In the case of late arriving of ships (very uncommon), we will try to accommodate you on a later tour. If this is not feasible, you will not be charged. If your ship doesn’t arrive due to unexpected problems, we will be notified. In this circumstance, there will be no charge.

Is there a chance of missing my cruise ship departure?

In all our years of operation, we have NEVER missed a ship! Even though your ship may suggest an all aboard time of 1-2 hours prior to departure, the gangway remains in place for at least 30 minutes prior to departure.  30 minutes prior to departure is the official all-aboard time for your ship and ship sponsored tours will be returning to the pier close to that time.  We always have at least 1 hour of buffer time before a ship all-aboard time in order to get you back with a comfortable margin of time.  We carry a GPS communication device on all vehicles that allows messaging to our base in Skagway in case of emergencies or delays. We will not book you on any tour that is not back with time to spare to make your ship departure. We do drop off at the ship per and we guarantee that you will make your ship, or we will pay for your transportation to the next port. (This only applies to cruise ships docked in Skagway. If your ship docks in Haines and you choose to make your own transportation plans to Skagway for a tour with us, we cannot guarantee your passage back to Haines.  If there is a ferry breakdown or some other complication in you getting back to Haines for your ship all-aboard there, we are not responsible and will not pay for your transport to the next port). If you choose not to be dropped off at the ship pier after the tour but in town instead and then subsequently miss your ship, we do not take any responsiblity for that as it is up to you at the point of drop off to get back to your ship before the all-aboard time.

What are Passport Requirements and restrictions to crossing the borders?

All our tours travel the scenic South Klondike Highway, which crosses the Canadian border just 15 miles north of Skagway. The USA border station is only 7 miles from Skagway and Identification is checked there on the way coming back into Skagway from the White Pass. Passports are REQUIRED for the USA and Canada border crossing. You will need an Original Valid Passport, Passport Card, Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST) for crossing the border to Canada. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) are only allowed for the USA border crossing and can be used only on the White Pass Summit & City tour. https://www.frontierexcursions.com/tour/white-pass-summit-city-tour/

For some nationalities, additional documentation (like a Visa) may be required for entry to Canada and/or USA. Single-entry Visas are acceptable for entry to Canada at this border on a tour. Canada Visas (if needed for your nationality) are required on all tours except the White Pass Summit & City Tour which is the only tour that does not cross through Canada immigration. Passports (and USA Visa if required) are still needed on the White Pass Summit & City tour. Children with USA or Canada citizenship (15 and younger) accompanying parents should have a Passport OR an original or certified (raised seal) of birth certificate (no copies allowed). If one or both parents are not traveling with the child, a letter of authorization from the absent parent(s) is also necessary to cross into Canada. Canadian Border Service Agency recommends that parents who share custody of their children carry copies of their legal custody documents. You must carry a consent letter to provide authorization for you to take them on a trip and enter Canada if you share custody and the other parent is not traveling with you, OR if you are NOT the parent/legal guardian of the children you are traveling with. The consent letter must include the custodial parents’ or legal guardians’ full name, address and telephone number, child’s details, and person’s details of who they are traveling with. Having the letter notarized will support its authenticity, especially if you are taking a longer trip and crossing the border several times. Border services officers may ask additional questions to the children you are traveling with if you are not the parent/guardian or are traveling without both parents/guardians.  Here is a link to a sample letter that can be filled out before travel.

Those who lack the necessary identification will not be allowed to board the tour, and, as a consequence, may miss it. No refund will be given under these circumstances. While we will do everything possible to accommodate passengers lacking identification, there is no guarantee that suitable arrangements can be made. If you have any questions regarding proper identification for the border crossing, please contact us.

Passengers with a criminal conviction (misdemeanor or felony) including severe traffic violations, such as DUI or Hit & Run, will be denied entrance into Canada so should not join any tour besides the White Pass Summit & City tour or our rafting tours in Dyea.

How do I pay for the tour?

For most of our tours (White Pass Summit & City Tour, Yukoner, and Yukon Discovery) we have an automated booking system in place for you to enter your Payment information online at the time of booking (through RezdyPay). There is $5 deposit per order charged at the time of booking. The balance on the order will be charged on the day of the tour. (If you pay the $5 deposit with PayPal we will send you a payment link to pay the remainder in full.) Your order will be Pending once entered and we will send it back Confirmed once we review your information and verify availability. For our more White Pass & Rafting combo tour we have you fill out a Reservation Request form. After we receive your Request form, we will email you to confirm we have the space and get any additional information we need from you then send you a confirmation by email and Payment link to pay in full in advance (or we can call you to get a credit card for $5 deposit and charge the balance on the day of the tour). Finally, if you do not show up for the tour, your credit card on file in RezdyPay will be charged the full amount. If we don’t have a credit card on file but have sent you a payment link for the balance of the tour and you do not pay by 24 hours before the tour we will cancel your booking; See our Cancellation Policy below.

What is your cancellation policy?

In booking a tour you are agreeing to pay for all the seats you reserve, unless you give Frontier Excursions & Adventures 24 hours notice of cancellation or changes to your reservation. Failure to give notice of cancellation or changes to your reservation will result in your credit card being charged for all the seats you reserved for the tour. (The only exception is if your cruise ship does not make its scheduled stop at Skagway, if the ship is delayed arriving to port and we cannot reschedule your tour, if you are quarantined in your cabin for illness, or if Frontier Excursions & Adventures must cancel the tour for any reason.) Frontier Excursions retains the right to cancel a tour for any reason, in which case you will receive a full refund. If you do cancel before the 24 hour period we will refund your $5 deposit or your full amount if you have paid in advance.

How should I dress?

Weather may be windier/wetter/cooler/warmer on the tour than at the time of departure as we travel through different climate zones. The best way to dress is in layers, so that you can shed a layer when warm, or add a layer if cool. Top your shirt with a sweatshirt/sweater/fleece, plus a wind/waterproof jacket, and you should be comfortable for the day. Heavy parkas are usually not recommended for summertime. If you come from a warm climate you may also consider bringing a hat or gloves for warmth. Temperatures can vary from upper 30s at the White Pass in cooler weather to 90 in the Yukon on a warm summer day. So, consider the general weather of the day before deciding how many layers to bring. For example, if it is a warm and sunny day in Skagway you will most likely not need raincoats or warm sweaters/hats/gloves. But if it seems cooler/cloudy/rainy then bring more layers. Comfortable shoes are also recommended. Bring a camera and binoculars are recommended although our vehicles have one for use.

Are restrooms available on tour?

Our mini-buses are not equipped with restrooms. Our tours follow the South Klondike Highway through much wilderness but with very limited facilities. There are primitive outhouses available for use on all tours and the 6.5 hour Yukon Discovery tour has modern restrooms available at Caribou Crossing and/or Carcross at mid-point of the tour. Our Yukoner (4 hour) tour stops at the Yukon Suspension bridge and there is a modern restroom available. Be aware there may be the possibility of up to 1.5-2 hours or so without a restroom break. If you have issues with needing more frequent restroom stops, you may be better off booking a roundtrip train tour or bus tour on a large motorcoach equipped with restroom. These are available through your ship offered tours.

What type of vehicles do you use?

For our bus tours, we use comfortable custom mini-coaches, with a 13-to-28 passenger capacity (depending on group size). All feature large touring windows, bucket seats and PA systems. We have an on staff mechanic, and our vehicles are meticulously maintained for safety.

Our vehicles are NOT wheelchair or scooter accessible. If you are semi-ambulatory and use a walker or can transfer from a wheelchair and go up and down a few steps with assistance, we can most likely help you off and on our buses. Please inform us of any limited mobility situation when you book. We would also need to save space on the bus for a walker or folding wheelchair.

How do I decide which tour is best for me?

When considering your tour choice, keep in mind your preferences as to group size, time available, and budget.

To see the most and best variety in your day, consider the Yukon Territory (Yukoner and Yukon Discovery). The scenery is different than what you’ll see along the Inside Passage which is temperate coastal rainforest. As you travel over the White Pass and farther inland toward the Yukon, the climate becomes drier and ecosystems change. You’ll get above the treeline into sub-arctic alpine tundra at the White Pass, then travel into Boreal forest wilderness as you approach the Yukon. Also, regardless of the weather in Skagway, it’s usually better in Canada over the White Pass. Our best chances of seeing wildlife, such as bears, also improves as you go toward the Yukon (though is possible on any of our tours).

If you want a shorter tour that covers the main highlights on a budget and leaves more free time for you to shop or do a second tour during your day in port, then the White Pass Summit & City Tour give you the history of the gold rush and some incredible scenery in the shortest time frame at 2.75 hours. The Yukoner, at 4 hours is also a good option for a shorter tour.

For more active tours and outdoor adventure consider our sister company,  Skagway Float Tours.   We have a Combo day where you can combine one of our shorter bus tours with either the Scenic River Float or the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float.

Will we see wildlife?

For wildlife sightings such as bears, moose, mountain goats and others, the Yukon is the best possibility. Approximately 30-50% of Yukon excursions see some type of wildlife. Wildlife sightings are most active in May and June. For water-related wildlife, such as eagles and seals, the Skagway Float Tours (Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float or Scenic River Float) are best. Remember, wildlife sightings, while occurring frequently, are at the whim of Mother Nature!

What's the difference between your tours and the train?

The train is a great trip through the mountains and an engineering landmark, and train buffs should plan on including it in their visit to Skagway. However, if you want a great tour no matter the means of transportation, you’ll find that our bus tours do parallel the train route in part and offer advantages including multiple photo stops and a chance to interact with your guide. At the stops all passengers can get out to take in the fresh mountain air and to take as many photos as desired where as the train is in constant motion. Also you can get personalized attention from your guide as you have the opportunity to ask questions and capture family photos with the guide as your photographer. In addition, you’ll find our bus tours offer great value for the money.

How soon should I book?

We highly recommend you book early (several months in advance) to guarantee your desired tour. You may book via our website or call us. Our longer tours to the Yukon and Yukon border book up fastest. Our White Pass Summit and City tour often has closer in availability.

Can I book a tour after arriving in Skagway?

Yes, besides our regularly scheduled tours, we often open up an additional tour bus for day of sales (usually for our Yukoner or White Pass Summit & City tour). Our sales office is located in the Golden North Hotel building at 3rd and Broadway in the heart of downtown. There is a shuttle stop across the street from our location, so if you take a shuttle from the ship, you can request a drop off at our office. Your best rate will always come by booking directly through us. We may also be reached by email at [email protected], phone at 907.983.2512, or out-of-town toll free at 877.983.2512. Please be aware that some tours may be sold out on the day of your arrival.

"Most amazing part of Alaska/Northwest was our 6hr trip into the Yukon with Frontier Excursions! Scenery, bears, porcupines, marmot, snow, lakes, sled dogs and pups, goats, horses, great meal and a great tour guide oh my! We loved her: funny and smart! I would say this was definitely the best part of our cruise."

"our tour guide, mike, helped make the tour one of the highlights of the entire cruise. his knowledge and sense of humor is second to none. i know i emailed multiple times prior to our arrival and each time you provided a quick response. i truly appreciated that. frontier excursions far exceeded my expectations and i will definitely recommend and use you for my future bookings.", "my mother and i took the yukon discovery excursion and had a fantastic time the van was very comfortable and our tour guide, brooke, was fun and knowledgeable. we made plenty of stops to view the beautiful scenery and take photographs.", "just wanted to take a minute and tell you how much we thoroughly enjoyed our tour with frontier excursions. beverly was an absolutely fantastic guide. she was very friendly, knowledgeable, walked the cemetery with the group and up to the falls. stopped at beautiful sites for us to take pictures, took some pictures for us with our cameras. she was a great driver . certainly recommend frontier excursions to anyone i know.", premier skagway tours, frontier excursions & adventures.

brings you incredible natural beauty, unique Gold Rush history, and world-class scenery around every turn.

Our goal is to provide a high-quality tour, friendly and helpful service, and a fun day for your family on a Skagway tour. We make lots of stops for viewing, photography, and breathing the fresh mountain air!

We hope you’ll join us for a great tour day in Skagway.

We pick up at the Cruise ship docks and our office – 3rd and Broadway, at the Golden North Hotel, Skagway, Alaska.

Frontier Excursions & Adventures

Visit skagway & the yukon, spectacular scenery:.

Gold Rush Trail White Pass Yukon Territory Pitchfork Falls Bridal Veil Falls Moore Creek Bridge Welcome to Alaska Sign Summit Lake Tormented Valley Yukon Suspension Bridge Welcome to Yukon Sign Lake Bennett Carcross Desert Emerald Lake Caribou Crossing Chilkoot Trail Dyea Valley Taiya River

Activities:

Sightseeing Scenic Driving Photography Rafting Hiking

Watch for Wildlife:

Bears Moose Caribou Eagles Dall Sheep Mountain Goats Marmots

VISIT SKAGWAY ALASKA

1 877.983.2512  – Toll Free 1 907.983.2512  – Local

[email protected]

Skagway Alaska Tours

• Flight Seeing

Skagway Excursions

Your port-of-call in Skagway will be the highlight of your Alaska vacation. When you arrive, what Skagway excursion are you going to take? Do you want to ride the famous White Pass train? Would you like to walk on an ancient glacier after an incredible Skagway helicopter excursion? Would you like to feel the wind through your hair as you drive a team of Alaskan huskies down the trail?

At M&M Tours, we offer all of the best Skagway excursions. You can book ahead of time or wait until the day of your departure (more on this below). Text or call and we will do our best to make sure you get the Skagway tour you’re looking for. Why else should you choose M&M Tours?

• We offer the best prices on all the most popular Skagway excursions.
• We have been in business for more than TWO DECADES.
• Save hundreds of dollars by booking your tours independently from the cruise ship.
• We are the ONLY tour brokerage contracted by the Municipality of Skagway.
• We GUARANTEE that you will not miss your cruise ship departure.
• Buy local from people that call Skagway home and know your money is staying in our small Alaskan community.
• Call (907) 983-3900 , or text (907) 612-0889 , to reserve a tour, or simply click "book" on our site.

Getting around Skagway Alaska

Before traveling to Skagway, you should take some time to get your bearings. If you’re taking a Skagway excursion while in port, you will first want to know where your cruise ship is berthing. There are three cruise ship docks in Skagway, so depending on where your cruise ship berths, you will have a different route to Downtown Skagway. If you’re unsure where your cruise ship is docking, you can download a Skagway cruise schedule at Cruise Line Agencies website.

• Skagway Broadway Dock - This dock is centrally located. When you disembark your cruise ship, it’s a short walk to the downtown area, as you are already on Broadway Street. The M&M Tours sales booth is conveniently located across the street from the public restrooms, just before entering the downtown business district. The Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park is located one block away, and it’s a great place to start your day after booking your Skagway excursion.
• Skagway Ore Dock - This dock is currently undergoing a significant upgrade that will render it capable of berthing the largest cruise ships on the planet. The M&M Tour sales booth is located immediately to the right after you exit the dock. If you pre-booked a Skagway excursion with us, it usually picks up in the same area. Walking to Downtown Skagway only takes about ten to 15 minutes, or you can catch the local SMART bus and enjoy the short ride to town.
• Skagway Railroad Dock - As the name suggests, this dock is privately owned by the railroad company and can currently berth two cruise vessels. The M&M Tours sales booth is located about 200 feet beyond port security. Many Skagway tours pick up in this area. From the security checkpoint, it’s about one-third of a mile to Skagway. The walk takes about 15 minutes, or you can take the shuttle to town.

Once you’ve scheduled your Skagway excursion, we recommend heading to the Skagway Visitor Center, located at the Arctic Brotherhood Hall. The building is located between 2nd and 3rd Avenue on Broadway in the heart of downtown Skagway. The facade is covered in driftwood and is the most photographed building in Alaska.

"Where can I find information about Skagway before I visit?" Simply click the link and check out the Skagway Tourism Department’s website.

If you’re planning a Skagway excursion, you should plan for any variety of weather. This is especially true if your tour is outdoors. You can find valuable weather information about Skagway on the internet but it makes sense to plan for anything. Wear clothing layers that can be removed or bring along layers that may be added.

Always bring prescription medication with you. If you run out or need medical attention, you can get care at the Dahl Memorial Clinic . It’s more than a mile away from the cruise docks so you probably want to get a taxi or take the city bus.

Lastly, bring along the things you need to get the most out of your Skagway tour or excursion. Make a checklist that includes your smartphone, charger, binoculars, snacks, raincoat, or anything else you desire. If you have questions about what to bring, feel free to give us a call or send a text.

Why book your Skagway excursion with M&M Tours?

If you're planning your cruise to Alaska, then now is the time to sort through our selection of Skagway tours and find the perfect excursion for you and your family. M&M Tours is the only tour brokerage contracted by the Municipality of Skagway, making us the most trusted source for local Skagway tours.

By booking independently from the cruise ship, you stand to save a substantial amount of money. So, why is it that so many people choose to book their tours in Skagway through the cruise lines?

As year-round Skagway residents with over a decade in the local tour sales business, we've met a number of people that see our prices while in port and realize that they paid hundreds of dollars more than necessary. Invariably, these cruise passengers voice the reasons that they booked their Skagway tours on the ship, and what follows is a brief overview.

"I should have booked my Skagway tours with you guys!" - Something we hear every day "They told me that if I book my tours in Skagway independently that I could miss my ship's departure." This is the most common reason we hear why people book their Skagway excursion on the ship, and it's undoubtedly a legitimate concern. At M&M Tours, you will never miss your ship, because every purchase comes with a GUARANTEE that we will pay to fly you to your next port if your tour results in missing your ship.

So, in our 22 years as the leading tour broker in Skagway, how many times have we paid to fly someone to their next port? NOT ONCE!

The threat of missing your cruise ship is fabricated so that you spend your money on the ship. When you think about it, how long would any Skagway tour vendors stay in business if their customers were regularly missing their ship departure? The answer is obvious.

"Should I book my Skagway excursion ahead of time?"

This is a tricky question to answer because it makes sense to book some tours ahead of time but others may be better suited to book after you arrive in port. Let’s look at this question in detail.

If the Skagway excursion you most want to do is in high demand, then it makes sense to book ahead of time. Skagway helicopter excursions are a good example. These tours often sell out well ahead of time because Skagway usually has four ships in port. If you want to take a Skagway helicopter excursion to the glacier or to the dog sledding camp, we urge you to book the tour right now.

The White Pass train excursion is also a high-demand tour but there is almost always plenty of seats available throughout the day. For this reason, we suggest waiting until you arrive in Skagway to decide whether to take the tour.

Why? Because weather can significantly impact your enjoyment of the tour. Sometimes fog or low-level clouds make visibility on the Skagway train excursion poor. If you wait to book your excursion, you can talk to the tour sales agent about the visibility and make other arrangements if necessary.

Whether you book your Skagway tour ahead of time or on the day of the tour, you are going to save a substantial amount of money. At M&M Tours, we are dedicated to offering our guests the best prices combined with top-quality customer care.

"What happens if my tour is canceled?"

Excursions in Skagway may be canceled for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is bad weather. Inclement weather affects every tour operator, regardless of whether you book on the ship or with a local Skagway vendor.

Skagway Tours

When you book your Skagway excursion ahead of time, we hold your reservation with a credit card, but we don’t charge you for the tour until the day you arrive in port. This means we don’t have to go through a cumbersome refund process. If your tour is canceled after you pay, we give you a full refund. This sometimes happens on Skagway helicopter excursions when weather causes them to be canceled at the last minute, or due to unforeseen circumstances.

"What happens after I book my Skagway excursion?"

When you book your tours with one of our agents in Skagway, they will confirm your departure time and send you all pertinent information by email. You are free to reach out at any time with questions or changes to your itinerary.

Best of all, if your tour is canceled or your situation changes, you can choose one of our other tours from our long list of Skagway options.

"I want to wait until the day of my arrival to book a tour in Skagway."

Not everyone likes to plan every detail of their vacation ahead of time. You may be the type of person that waits to book tours until the day of your arrival because you want to see how you feel, make sure the weather cooperates, monitor the mood of your children, or just because you like a little spontaneity in life.

If you want to wait until you dock in Skagway to book your tours - no problem. Browse through our list of Skagway excursions today, and as you look through the website write down the tours you like most. When you are in Alaska, simply call or text us via this website from your smartphone and book your tour.

If you call early in the morning on the same day as your arrival, it is likely we will still have what you're looking for. If not, we will help you find something else. Just because you wait until the last minute, doesn't mean you are forced to book Skagway excursions on your ship. Even if you have a large group, we can usually accommodate your needs if you get a hold of us between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m.

Have any Questions? Contact us in Skagway and Find Our More About Our Tours

Are you excited about your upcoming trip to Skagway and other ports in Alaska? We are eager to show you why we love this place we call home, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with all of our exciting Skagway tours. You can find us proudly featured on the Skagway Municipal Tourism website .

If you would like to find tours in other ports, we also offer a handful of quality tours in Ketchikan and Juneau, a few of which are listed on this site. If you would like to learn more about excursions in Ketchikan and tours in Juneau , simply follow the links. By booking tours in every port with M&M Tours, you can save additional money via our "package tour options."

Best of all, when you buy with Skagway locals, your money stays in our small Alaskan community, which is important for a town of barely 1000 residents that hosts up to 15,000 visitors daily.

We can't wait to see you in Skagway, so if you need any help with our tours simply call (907) 983-3900 or text (907) 612-0889, and we will take good care of you and your group.

A Brief History of Skagway Alaska

Skagway's history is inexorably linked to the original Tlingit population, who referred to the area as Shgagei, which is an idiom that means "lady in the rock", likely named after the prominent mountain ridge to the west that resembles a woman’s face.

The Lynn Canal is the second-longest fjord in North America, and the deepest in the world at over 2,000 feet in depth. It was first explored by Joseph Whidbey in 1794. George Vancouver named the famed inlet after his birthplace, King's Lynn.

Shgagei is also the nickname of Kanagu, who is a mythical woman who transformed herself into stone along Skagway's shore. According to legend, it is Kanagu who causes the strong winds that blow toward Haines, Alaska to the south, where Tlingit people lived for millennia. Parson's Peak, which is colloquially called "Face Mountain" in Skagway, is likely the Kanagu stone formation of legend. Face Mountain is a prominent Skagway landmark and a highlight of many tours that originate in Skagway.

While the area around Skagway was used by native populations from prehistoric times, Skagway's present location was uninhabited. A former steamboat captain by the name of William Moore made the first recorded survey expedition over what would be named the White Pass. This is the pass that makes Skagway the Gateway to the Klondike and is where the White Pass & Yukon Route Skagway train excursion is centered.

William Moore and his son Ben created a homestead at the terminus of the Skagway River because he recognized it as the most direct route to the goldfields of the Yukon. They named their home Mooresville and built a log cabin, wharf, and sawmill that would prove instrumental to Skagway's development in the coming years.

Moore's instincts were validated when gold was discovered in the Klondike. The ensuing Klondike Gold Rush ushered in a new age for Skagway, and it was incorporated as Alaska's first incorporated city in 1898.

The reason Mooresville didn't become the official name was that Moore's fortunes took a sour turn in 1897. His property was overrun and stolen by prospectors who then sold it. In just a few months, Skagway's population swelled to more than 30,000. Jack London called Skagway "little better than hell on Earth," because the town was lawless and mean. Rival gangs battled amidst a backdrop of gambling and prostitution, while intrepid gold seekers prepared for the 500-mile arduous journey to the Klondike.

Many Skagway excursions focus on this storied history and retell the tale of the famous shootout between Soapy Smith and Frank Reid on the Juneau Wharf, which is called the Railroad Dock in Skagway today.

Modern Skagway - A Great Place to Live

Today, Skagway is a First Class Alaskan Borough with a population of just over 1,000 hardy and friendly souls. The economy is mainly tourism, although Skagway's port provides shipping to and from the Yukon.

The Skagway borough is quite large, with an area of 464 square miles. You would have to take multiple Skagway excursions to see it all. Skagway is also within the Alaskan time zone, which is one hour ahead of the West Coast of the United States. Over a million tourists visit Skagway every season, many of which enjoy tours during their stay. Some of the more popular Skagway excursions we offer include:

• Skagway train excursions
• Yukon tours
• Dog mushing tours
• Local tours
• Skagway helicopter excursions

Skagway is especially loved by the people who call it home. The local K-12 school boasts the highest test scores in the state of Alaska, and families benefit from the small-town atmosphere and many town functions. If you're visiting Skagway on a cruise ship, you will find the locals to be friendly and helpful.

At M&M Tours, we are proud to be locally owned and operated by year-round Skagway residents. All of our employees are year-round residents, and many grew up and went to school in Skagway. When you purchase your tour with us not only are you saving money, but you're also supporting our local economy.

If you buy a tour from us, every penny is staying in Alaska.

Things to Do in Skagway

If you're not the touring type, there is still plenty to do in Skagway. You could also incorporate anything on this list into your day before or after you enjoy a local tour.

Lower Dewey Lake is a short hike from downtown Skagway to a pristine glacial lake stocked with brook trout. This is a popular local getaway. The hike to Dewey Lake in Skagway only takes 20 minutes, and you can follow this trail to other popular hiking destinations like Upper Dewey Lake, Sturgill's Landing, and Upper Reid Falls.

Yakutania Point is another popular local hangout, and part of a larger hike to Smuggler's Cove. From the Skagway Airport, which is near the point of origin for helicopter and flightseeing tours, a bridge over the Skagway River leads to this picturesque spot where whales are often spotted. You can’t see this spot on a Skagway excursion because it’s a public space.

The Gold Rush Cemetery is located along the tracks of the famous White Pass & Yukon Route, so if you're on the Skagway train tour, you will get a brief glimpse of this historical landmark. Not only is this cemetery the last resting place of Soapy Smith and Frank Reid, but it is also the point of access for Lower Reid Falls, which is a stunning 100- foot-high waterfall.

The Klondike Gold Rush National Park spans parts of downtown Skagway, Dyea, the Yukon, and even Seattle, Washington. In Skagway, you can visit park headquarters on 2nd and Broadway, and then head across the street to check out Soapy Smith's Parlour, which was restored in 2015. Another highlight is The Arctic Brotherhood Hall, which is the driftwood-covered building on Broadway and the most photographed structure in all of Alaska.

Pullen Park is located near the waterfront and is a great place to relax after enjoying a Skagway tour. You can cook out some food in the covered picnic area while watching locals catch pink salmon in the pond. If you ask nicely, you may even be able to talk them into sharing some of that tasty salmon with you and your tour group.

If You're On a Cruise, We Can't-Wait to Help You Find the Perfect Skagway Tour

AT M&M Tours, we specialize in catering to the needs of our many cruise ship visitors. With convenient locations at every cruise dock, we make it easy to shop locally. We want you to have a good time, so we will help you find a tour in Skagway that suits your interests. Our goal is not to sell you the most expensive tour available, but to find you a tour that you will thoroughly enjoy.

Ask yourself this question: "Why did I choose to come to Alaska for my vacation?

Are you interested in experiencing the life of the Klondike gold seeker? Were you hoping to see an eagle swoop down to the water and scoop up a fish? Did you want to enjoy the tender licks from a husky puppy that may one day grow into an Iditarod champion?

Whatever your fancy, we will diligently work to find the perfect Skagway tour for you and your family.

Drop us a line today and let us help you make your Alaskan dreams come true. We offer group discounts and can combine your Skagway tour with other popular shore excursions in Juneau and Ketchikan for additional savings.

We are eager to share the love of our Alaskan home with you. Book your tour of Skagway with real locals by contacting us today.

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201 2nd Ave Skagway, AK 99840 Phone: 907.983.3900 • Fax: 907.983.3915 Mailing Address: M & M Tour Sales P.O. Box 1027 Skagway, AK 99840 Email: [email protected]

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Top 7 Skagway Excursions

• Suspension Bridge & Summit ($128.99)
• Yukon half day ($114.99)
• Salmon & Liarsville ($64.99)
• Yukon Sightseeing ($156.99)
• Kayaking in Haines ($224.99)
• White Pass Summit Highlights ($74.99)
• Wildlife Viewing ($257.99)

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• Round-trip transportation from right near your Skagway cruise ship pier!
• Certified shore excursion guides!
• Complimentary purified water (please bring your own reusable water bottle, you will have the opportunity to fill it up during the excursion)
• Visit the Yukon Suspension Bridge!
• See Reid Falls!
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Skagway and Alaska!

• Round-trip transportation from your Skagway cruise ship pier!
• English-speaking and trained Skagway Yukon Introduction Shore Excursion guides!
• Yukon Suspension Bridge crossing over scenic Tutshi River Canyon!
• Visit British Columbia and its contrasting terrain!
• Continue on into the rugged and majestic Yukon Territory on this Skagway Sightseeing Cruise Excursion!

• Round-trip transportation from your Skagway cruise ship terminal, including the meet and greet!
• Alaskan buffet including grilled salmon!
• Liarsville historic exhibits!

• Round-trip transportation from your Skagway cruise ship pier terminal!
• English-speaking and trained Skagway Yukon Discover Shore Excursion guides!
• Scenic half-day sightseeing excursion of White Pass with views of the White Pass and Yukon Railroad!
• Drive through British Columbia and its contrasting terrain!
• Continue further into the rugged and majestic Yukon Territory!
• Enjoy an Alaskan BBQ at Caribou Crossing!
• Escape the Skagway cruise ship sightseeing shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Skagway and Alaska!

• English-speaking and trained Skagway and White Pass Summit Shore Excursion guides!
• Scenic touring of White Pass with views of the White Pass and Yukon Railroad!

• English-speaking and trained Skagway Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing Shore Excursion guides!
• Scenic high-speed catamaran boat transfer along the Lynne Canal!
• Complimentary sack lunch and purified water is included, please bring your own reusable water bottle, you will have the opportunity to fill it up during the excursion!
• Visit Chilkoot Lake State Park!

• Round trip transportation from your Skagway cruise ship pier terminal!
• English speaking and trained guides!
• Scenic visit of White Pass with views of the White Pass and Yukon Suspension Bridge!
• Amazing photo opportunities!
• Optional stops at Dyea's ghost town or Slide Cemetery!
• Small groups only with a max capacity of 11 guests!

• English-speaking and trained Skagway naturalist!
• Option to stop at Dyea's ghost town or Slide Cemetery!
• Small groups of 14 guests maximum!

• Round trip transportation from right near your Skagway cruise ship pier!
• English speaking and trained naturalist guides!
• Scenic fast ferry catamaran boat transfer along the Lynne Canal to Haines!
• Option to visit the Dyea Ghost Town and Slide Cemetery!
• Small group only!

• Round-trip transportation from your Skagway cruise ship pier area!
• English-speaking and trained Skagway Chilkoot Trail Hike and River Float Shore Excursion guides!
• Scenic drive along the Taiya Inlet and potential wildlife sightings!
• Active hike along the Chilkoot Trail!
• A peaceful, educational float down the Taiya River!
• A light snack after the float!

• Round-trip transportation from your Skagway cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking and trained Skagway River Float Shore Excursion guides!
• Scenic drive along the Taiya River Inlet and potential wildlife sightings!
• A peaceful, educational river float shore excursion down the Taiya River!

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Why Tour With Us?

No local company in the sublime business of sightseeing tours of Skagway, British Columbia and the Yukon–worth their salt–springs from just one individual. Consequently, it takes a terrific team united behind something big. Together, at Skagway Tours, we work hard, we laugh a lot, we brainstorm nonstop, and we give the best high-fives in town. This, supported by the guests’ testimonials, their videos and plethora of pictures below, is why we’re proud of what we offer, being in the top third for Outdoor Activities in Skagway on Trip Advisor and foremost, what we do. Give our guests a tour they’ll never forget!

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Wild adventure yukon & emerald lake tour, yukon sled dogs & summit combo tour, white pass summit & yukon suspension bridge, pet the puppies & summit combo tour, exclusive triple combo bridge, puppies, and summit, arriving by port.

Look no further for your shore excursion in Skagway, Alaska. Let Skagway tours take you on a one-of-a-kind journey through Gold Rush territory and return you back in Skagway with plenty of time to wander the streets, shop for souvenirs, and have a meal before your ship departs.

Cruise ships have an all-aboard call 30 minutes prior to the ship’s departure from Skagway.   We not only can assure you that you will make your ship’s departure, we also guarantee passage to your next port of call if we are responsible for making you miss your ship.

“In all of our years of business, we have never missed a ship!”

Traveling with a group.

As an established company in the business of showing off our state, we offer special discounts for groups and escorted tours that want to experience the Klondike without feeling rushed.  Skagway Tours offers groups a fleet of newer, well maintained 40 passenger touring buses with professional & fun guide-drivers.   Group rates start at 6 passengers, so whether you are a travel agent, a family taking that dream Alaska vacation, or a group who’ve become acquainted as fast friends aboard a cruise ship, drop us a note or you can book special group rates for each tour above.

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Skagway Adventure Park & Zipline Tour

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• Reviews (8)

Excursion Overview

Zip through the alaskan rainforest on an epic zipline series.

Begin your adventure with a narrated, scenic drive through historic downtown Skagway. Traverse the Klondike Highway on your way to high-flying fun. A short nature hike brings you to the Adventure Park where expert guides are awaiting your arrival. Get outfitted with state-of-the-art safety equipment and set off on the thrilling ropes course. Burma loops, suspended bridges, and raised balance beams create an exciting course for all abilities. New to zip lining? Try out ziplining on the "baby zip" to get comfortable and accustomed to it. After the ropes course, get your heart pumping with five ziplines through the Alaskan canopy. With your group cheering you on, zoom from platform to platform high above the ground through the beautiful treetops. The zipline course uses a guide-controlled, hands-free braking system. Guests get to sit back and enjoy the scenery as they effortlessly soar through the air. Delight in your experience with trail mix and a hot beverage before heading back to downtown Skagway.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
• All safety equipment and zipline gear (helmet, chest and waist harness, and zipline pulley)
• Thrilling ropes course and 5 high-flying zip lines
• Trail mix snack and hot beverage

Requirements:

• Minimum weight: 50 lbs
• Maximum weight: 300 lbs (or 52" waist for harness)
• Minimum age: 6 years old
• Participants should be comfortable with heights and able to walk on uneven surfaces. This tour is not recommended for people who are pregnant, have had recent neck/back injuries or surgery, or are in a wheelchair.
• This is a physical activity and it is the guest's responsibility to determine that they are physically and mentally able to participate in the activity.
• Closed-toe shoes (sneakers, hiking, or rain boots)

Duration: 3.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

• 20 minutes - Transportation from cruise ship terminal to zipline site
• 15 minutes - Hike uphill through the rainforest and gear up
• 60 minutes - Navigate the high ropes elements and try out the "baby zip"
• 60 minutes - Zipline through the Alaskan canopy on 5 ziplines
• 20 minutes - De-gear and enjoy trail mix and a hot beverage
• 5 minutes - Hike back through the rainforest to the parking area
• 15 minutes - Return transportation to the cruise ship terminal

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the end of the pier where your cruise ship is docked. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No experience is necessary for this tour, and beginners, as well as experts, are welcome!

Participants should be comfortable with heights and able to walk on uneven surfaces. This tour is not recommended for people who are pregnant, have had recent neck/back injuries or surgery, are in a wheelchair, or are over 300 lbs in weight. This is a physical activity and it is the guest's responsibility to determine that they are physically and mentally able to participate in the activity.

Layered clothing, long pants, and weather-appropriate dress is recommended. Closed-toe shoes (sneakers, hiking, or rain boots) are required; sandals and other open-toe footwear is not permitted.

Children must be 6 years of age or older and weigh more than 50 lbs.

All backpacks, bags, and purses are required to be placed in lockers (provided) and are not allowed on the zipline tour. Personal cameras and video devices are allowed while ziplining.

Food and beverages are not allowed on tour.

After ziplining, a light trail mix snack and hot beverage is provided.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On sep 2024.

Kingsley and Andrew were awesome. I'm typically reluctant when it comes to heights but after the first zip, I couldn't wait to get on the next one. This was a super fun and informative experience and both Andrew and Kingsley were really rad to hang out with for a few hours. Wish I could've stayed all day out there.

On Aug 2024

We had a fun time 6 of us ended up going all together and the kids really enjoyed both the zip lines and the obstacle course. Kids would definitely go again I'm afraid of Heights so I don't even know why I signed up to do it in the first place I will not be going back but that's not because they don't do a wonderful job it's because I'm genuinely affrad of Heights. That being said from a safety perspective they were spot on everything had a backup in every system was designed to keep you a hundred percent safe. Each other zip lines are actually double zip lines with both a second zip line and a separate trolley. In short there's no single point of failure in the entire system unlike other zip lining locations. This is what allowed me to intellectually know that I was safe.

We had a lot of fun on the adventure park and ziplines. Our guides were very fun and very aware of safety.

On Jul 2024

The guides were great! Sophie (only name of the three I can remember since it was her birthday) was fantastic start to finish as were the other 2 gentlemen. Made it fun and exciting while keeping it safe. Was a great experience for my son and I and I would highly recommend using them. The course was fun safe and exciting not to mention majestic. What a way to experience Alaska!

The tour was the best one we ve ever had. My family and I had a blast, and the guides were really friendly.

• Reviews Showing: 8

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Duration: 3.5 hours

Date Required

Time Required

# of Passengers Required

Adult (12+): $ 198.00

Must weigh more than 50 lbs

Child (6-11): $ 148.50

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Best Alaska Zipline Tours

Glaciers in Alaska: Juneau Icefield, Mendenhall Glacier, & More

Best Alaska Land Tours

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Juneau Alpine Zipline Adventure

$245.00 / Person

Skagway Glacier Helicopter Tour

$399.00 / Person

Grizzly Falls Ziplining Adventure

$219.00 / Person

Ketchikan Rainforest Zipline, Skybridge & Rappel Adventure

$225.00 / Person

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Port: Skagway

Skagway tours.

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Activity type, activity level, eagle preserve float tour.

This award winning excursion tours through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve by raft. Enjoy a scenic float

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• Water Based

November 5, 2013

Chilkoot Trail Hike, Float & Summit Drive Tour

This excursion retraces the footsteps of the Klondike Gold Rush stampeeders over the historic Chilkoot Trail and float back down

• Cultural Historical

Tags: Tour Page

November 8, 2016

Haines Wildlife Safari

Visit Haines and the wildlife rich corridor of the Chilkoot River on this bear viewing tour. Experience the natural world

November 11, 2016

Yukon Extended Summit Drive Tour

This tour explores the natural wonders of the Yukon as your tour guide takes you to the crossroads of the

November 7, 2016

Historic Gold Rush Scenic Driving Tour

See the historic town site of Dyea, visit the trailhead of the famous Chilkoot Trail, and the beauty of the

February 1, 2018

Last Frontier ATV Adventure Tour

Travel by fast ferry to Haines, and explore the Alaska wilderness while driving 2 or 4 person side/side sport UTVs

October 14, 2016

Inside Passage Kayaking Tour

Journey from Skagway and paddle with knowledgeable tour guides just outside of Haines, Alaska along the longest and deepest Fjord

October 15, 2016

Chilkoot Canoe Wildlife Safari Tour

Travel to Haines to paddle and motor on the gorgeous Chilkoot Lake and be amazed at Alaska’s striking beauty. Relax,

November 6, 2016

Paddle with knowledgeable tour guides just outside of Haines, Alaska along the longest and deepest Fjord in North America. Experience

October 25, 2016

Haines Rock Climbing Adventure Tour

Join Professional Alaska Mountain Guides for an exciting climbing adventure tour on the rocky crags of the Chilkat Valley in

October 31, 2018

White Pass Mountaineering Adventure

A challenging full day adventure to climb to the top of a peak along Skagway’s White Pass. Explore the strenuous

January 28, 2017

Chilkat River Jet-Boat Adventure

Journey to Haines and explore the tributaries of the Chilkat River by Jet Boat. Expert captains are adept at spotting

Tags: Boat , Skagway , Water Based

April 12, 2022

Eagle Preserve Float & Klukwan Native Culture Tour

Experience the remarkable history of the Tlingit people from their Knowledge Camp in the village of Klukwan. Next travel from

January 10, 2015

Haines Native Culture Experience

Discover the captivating history of the Tlingit People, visit the “Eternal Village” of Klukwan and experience its rich cultural treasures.

March 30, 2016

Chilkat River Jet Boat Adventure

Port: Haines Duration: 4 Hours Activity Level: Easy. Guests must be able to walk over loose gravel and dry river

Tags: Haines , Motorized , Scenic , Water Based

May 7, 2022

Haines Summit Tundra Trek

A challenging full day adventure on an invigorating hike in the alpine tundra of British Columbia. Explore the strenuous off-trail

November 13, 2018

Skagway, our home, sits at the top of the Lynn Fjord and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the lush

Uncategorized

July 16, 2016

Wilderness Kayak Adventure Tour

Immerse yourself in the incredible beauty of wild Alaska on a kayaking tour to Chilkoot Lake. This exciting paddling excursion

November 7, 2013

Explore the Alaska wilderness while driving 2 or 4 person side/side sport UTVs on this fun-filled excursion! This tour provides

Summit Lake Canoe Adventure

Feel the seclusion and beauty on this North Country wilderness canoe tour on Summit Lake in British Columbia. This excursion

January 30, 2015

Adventure Park & Zipline Tour

Excitement awaits you in this treetop excursion. Experience the thrill as you zip from tree to tree in our adventure

Tags: Combo

September 17, 2016

Chilkoot Canoe Wildlife Safari

Paddle and motor on the gorgeous Chilkoot Lake and be amazed at Alaska’s striking beauty. Relax, take photos, and search

Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling Tour

Scale the granite walls of the White Pass! With over a dozen routes, there are climbs for all ability levels.

October 17, 2013

Mount Riley Hike

Ascend over 1500 feet of elevation on this adventurous Haines hike. Travel 5-8 miles through pristine forest with fantastic views

Wildlife Safari

Visit Haines and the wildlife rich corridor of the Chilkoot River. This tour experiences the natural world of Alaska with

November 10, 2016

Eagle Preserve Float

Float through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Enjoy a scenic float trip through the Chilkat Valley with

Chilkat Inlet Coastal Hike

Enjoy glacier, mountain and ocean views of Southeast Alaska on this remote coastal hike. Knowledgeable guides enjoy sharing their love

November 4, 2016

Wilderness Kayak Adventure

Immerse yourself in the incredible beauty of wild Alaska on a kayaking adventure to Chilkoot Lake. This exciting paddle provides

Klukwan Native Culture Experience

Learn about the fascinating Tlingit people in their mother village. This unique and educational activity takes you through the Chilkat

March 29, 2016

Haines Scenic Byway and Summit

Go beyond the town of Haines and above tree-line on Haines’ National Scenic Byway. Awe-inspiring views and wide-expanses of alpine

Skagway Adventure Hike

The perfect blend of active adventure with mesmerizing viewpoints. Hike with a naturalist guide up the hills of the White

November 1, 2013

Scenic River Float Tour

Combine sightseeing and rafting on this intimate, small group excursion into the Alaskan wilderness and through its Gold Rush history.

February 19, 2015

Kelgaya Point Hike

Come see the amazing mountain and ocean views of Southeast Alaska on this fabulous coastal hike. Watch for such wildlife

Haines Highlights

Explore the history, culture, and beauty of small town Alaska. Drive through Alaska’s first US military base, visit Alaska’s oldest

Haines On Your Own

Haines, Alaska is a one-of-a-kind destination rich with history, amazing scenery, and wonderful culture. Only a small percentage of guests

December 21, 2016

10 Awesome Things to Do in Skagway Cruise Port (+ Port Info)

Planning your Alaska cruise and wondering about the best things to do in Skagway cruise port?

Nestled in the northernmost point of the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, Skagway, the capital of Yukon (Canada), is one of the most popular Alaskan ports offering stunning landscapes and a wide variety of activities.

The Alaskan cruise itinerary normally includes stops at both Juneau (167 km/104 miles south of Skagway) and Skagway and then from Skagway, there is a ferry available over to Haines, another incredible city in Alaska. In this Skagway cruise travel guide, read about:

• Skagway cruise port (Skagway cruise terminal, getting around the port)
• 10 awesome things to do in Skagway port & popular Skagway shore excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides to Juneau , Halifax , Galveston , Boston , Vancouver

Skagway Cruise Port

The port of Skagway consists of three cruise terminals or docks: Broadway Dock (situated at the end of Broadway), Ore Dock (located at the end of Main Street), and Railroad Dock (at the southern edge of the town).

At the end of Broadway, there is also a ferry dock that can accommodate smaller ships. All the docks are located within a short walking distance from downtown Skagway.

The main Broadway dock can accommodate up to 3 large cruise ships simultaneously. In that case, if your ship docked the last, please consider a minimum of 10 minutes of walking to reach the end of the pier where the entrance to the port is located.

The pier is long and flat with nothing except for small cars offering free transportation (mainly for people with mobility issues) to the end of the pier based on a schedule with limited availability. Each car can accommodate between 2-4 passengers at a time.

Getting Around Skagway Port

• Skagway is a small town with only 1100 inhabitants. The pier and downtown area are flat, making it accessible for people with walking difficulties/wheelchair users.
• There is no taxi service in Skagway, as everything is within walking distance.
• If you are into sightseeing, you can take the Street Car Tour which runs from a pier a few times daily for an extra fee.
• Public S.M.A.R.T. shuttle buses are available at the end of the pier and they run on a specific schedule. They are white and blue, and you will find their bus stops all over town at the blue and white poles. These shuttle buses run in a loop every 20-30 minutes and include stops around the town, including Gold Rush Cemetery and Jewell Gardens. Wheelchair-accessible buses are available (with a ramp).
• Keep in mind that the weather in Skagway may change so bring suitable clothing and be prepared for showers during the day.
• A red booth is available at the end of the pier – this is the main tour booth for all cruise ships in port on that day. All guests from the cruise ship with a tour prepaid or booked onboard normally have their meeting time by the booth or at the end of the pier/entrance in the port (however, always double-check the tour’s meeting location/time indicated on your tour ticket).
• Next to the red booth, one small shop sells souvenirs and a great Alaskan coffee not to be missed. There are no toilets available on the pier (they are only available downtown for an extra fee), and no free wi-fi available unless you purchase an item in specific locations downtown where you will receive code access.
• The tourist information office that provides local maps is located on downtown’s main street, within a short walking distance from the end of the pier.
• A few minutes’ walk from the end of the pier, you will spot White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad train station , offering the most incredible sightseeing train ride in the world. In case you book this tour on board, follow the instructions on your ticket as the train normally picks you up in front of the ship (so you don’t need to walk to the train station). 
• Major cruise lines sailing to Skagway Alaska include  Seabourn Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and   Oceania Cruises.
• Explore Skagway tours and activities

10 Awesome Things to Do in Skagway Cruise Port

1. downtown skagway.

The downtown has one main street where you can find numerous souvenir shops, authentic handicrafts, jewelry stores (Tanzanite International, Effy Jewelry, Diamonds International..), liquor stores, shops selling winter outfits with brands like North Face, Colombia, and a few others.

Also, Skagway Port is one of the best ports for dining ashore, so if you love seafood this is the perfect place for you! Downtown, you’ll find a variety of bars, restaurants, and takeout places offering delicious grilled salmon, King Crab legs, and other local dishes.

Coming to highlights of Skagway downtown, the most photographed building is located on the main street: Arctic Brotherhood Hall (A.B.Hall),  a historic, unusual-looking building that housed a club formed in 1899 by a group of gold prospectors who arrived in Skagway to set off for the Klondike gold fields seeking fortune. The building is now home to the Skagway Convention and Visitors Bureau.

There are also a few other museums, such as the Trail of ’98 Museum (Skagway Museum), a small museum housed in an 1898 building featuring a great collection of artifacts showcasing the history of Skagway and the everyday life of its first settlers.

Housed in a historic Golden North Hotel, Corrington’s Alaskan Ivory Museum is another museum worth your attention, as it contains one of Alaska’s best collections of ivory art. The entrance is free of charge.

Another popular downtown attraction is a very famous excursion called Ghost & Goodtime Girls , a historic walking tour of the downtown guided by professional actresses dressed up in Klondike-style clothing.

The tour normally starts at the end of the pier and finishes at Red Onion Brothel Museum , with a champagne toast and visits to the rooms of the ancient brothel. The tour guides are very informative and you get to learn about the history of the Gold Rush and how the Goodtime girls survived during the late 1890s. Get more information on the Red Onion Saloon website

2. Gold Panning at Alaska 360

Alaska 360 , known as Dredge Town, is one of the most popular attractions near Skagway downtown located approximately 15 minutes drive from the end of the port Skagway.

This incredible place surrounded by mountains allows you to immerse yourself in the Klondike Gold Rush era, and learn the history of mining from the days of the Gold Rush up to the present day. You get to learn about modern sled dog racing, see Iditarod sled dogs and learn what it’s like to be a musher!

Visitors can experience the chill of being on the Iditarod trail in 40-below temperatures in the Museum below 40 , see the Northern Lights simulation, and learn the art of gold panning after which you get a chance to pan for gold and keep everything you find (what a souvenir!).

You will tour the authentic gold dredge weighing 350 tons used for placer gold mining in the Yukon, and to top off your day, enjoy lunch and beer at the onsite restaurant and brewery. The staff are dressed up in traditional costumes which makes the whole experience unique and unforgettable!

Check out gold panning tours in Skagway downtown

3. Jewell Gardens

Jewell Gardens is located 10 minutes’ drive from the Skagway cruise port, on Klondike Highway, a little bit outside the downtown area.

The gardens boast an impressive selection of vegetables, blooming wildflowers, and inspiring glass garden installations. You can tour the garden on your own or a guided tour. To top off your day you can enjoy lunch and tea in the restaurant where the food is prepared fresh using organic ingredients from the garden!

Check out Jewell Gardens tours and activities

4. Klondike Gold Rush National Park

Skagway is known as the gateway to the Klondike, a region of the Yukon in northwest Canada lying east of the Alaskan border, a symbol of 1890’s gold rush days when over 100.000 fortune seekers came to pan for gold in Klondike Gold Fields.

Tucked between the mountains and the sea, Skagway became an entry port and home to over 20.000 prospectors who made Skagway their home in the following years.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park covers a large area that protects the memory of these days, preserving the trails (a 33-mile long Chilkoot Trail, known as the “meanest” one, is among the most popular ones), towns (Skagway, Dawson City), and buildings of the gold rush era.

There are two ways to reach the White Pass Summit (aka Klondike Summit): by train and by motorcoach.

If you choose to go by motorcoach/car, you get to ride along Klondike Highway that runs parallel to the “White Pass and Yukon Route Rail Road” up to the 3,290-foot-high White Pass Summit in St. Elias Range.

Along the way, you will take in awe-inspiring sceneries of snow-capped mountains and glaciers, scenic vistas, and incredible sights including Dead Horse Trail, the old Brackett Wagon Road, Pitchfork Falls, and Moore Bridge. You’ll make stops at stunning viewpoints allowing you to take unique pictures, while your tour guide tells you about the history of the region and the Klondike Gold Rush era.

To reach Klondike Summit it will take approximately 90 minutes driving each way. An original passport is required as you’ll be crossing into Canada. This experience is not wheelchair friendly; it is considered moderate to strenuous, and walking shoes and a wind/ water-resistant jacket are recommended.

Explore Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park tours

5. White Pass and Yukon Route Scenic Railway

The epic train ride is a must-do for those coming to Skagway for the first time! This spectacular journey combines history and nature, as you get to discover Alaska’s stunning sceneries while learning about the Klondike gold rush that took place here on the border of Canada and the United States at the end of the 19th century.

In 1898, one year after the gold was found in Yukon, the investors started the construction of the narrow-gauge railroad to build the route from Skagway to Yukon’s goldfields. Built within three years, the iron trail was an engineering marvel as the route led through the region’s dramatic, rugged mountainous terrain.

Today, visitors can travel back in time by taking a train ride up to the 3,290-foot-high White Pass Summit and admire the fascinating glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, suspension bridges, rivers, lakes, and wildlife sightings.

The train ride lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes and depending on the tour you choose, you get to see famous attractions such as the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls, the Gold Rush Cemetery, Tormented Valley, the Skagway Scenic Overlook, and Yukon Suspension Bridge.

The train ride is suitable for guests using a wheelchair, walker, or motorized scooter.  The restrooms are available onboard the train. For this excursion, the original passport is required as the tour crosses into Canada and back into the U.S.

Explore White Pass & Yukon Route Railway tours and activities  

6. Musher’s Camp and Dog Sledding Adventure

Dog Sledding is one of the most unique experiences that you can get in Alaska! You can choose between a land excursion that normally goes to one of the musher’s camps in either Yukon or the historic town of Dyea, or you can choose a dog sledding experience by flight to Denver/Norris Glacier.

If you opt for a land dog sledding experience, you will join a ride through the beautiful Alaskan goldfields, countryside, and forests before heading to Musher’s Camp where a professional Musher teaches you about the history of this famous Alaskan sport and dogsledding techniques.

At the end of the experience, you get to cuddle adorable huskies willing to pose for a photo with you!

Explore Musher’s Camp and Dog Sledding tours and activities

7. Dog Sledding and Denver Glacier Flightseeing

If your budget allows you, get ready for the spectacular helicopter ride across endless snow-blanketed fields, ice-capped mountain peaks, dense Alaskan forests, and breathtaking glaciers!

After a 20-minute flight, you will visit Dog Sled Camp, standing atop Denver Glacier, where you’ll be welcomed by professional Iditarod Dog Racing mushers and the beautiful huskies waiting to take you on a thrilling ride across the snowfields surrounded by mountains and glaciers of stunning beauty.

The base for the flight is located approximately 5 to 7 minutes walk from the end of the pier. The flight can accommodate a maximum of 4 passengers at a time depending on their weight, one person may stay in the middle back seat.

Wear closed-toe shoes, a warm rain jacket and bring binoculars . No bags are allowed on a ride (there are lockers available). Make sure you have your camera on you, as you will want to capture this unique moment.

8. Grizzly Falls Zipline

Located around a 35-minute drive from Skagway cruise port each way, in the town of Dyea, this fantastic adventure park offers thrilling rides, unforgettable fun, and spectacular views!

Upon arriving at a base camp, you’ll board a shuttle truck that will take you on a bumpy ride to the zipline starting point. After you receive a briefing and safety gear, you’ll start your race through gigantic spruce and cedars of the Alaskan rainforest, while admiring the awe-inspiring views of the Tongass National Forest, glacially-fed waterfalls, mountain peaks, and surrounding wilderness.

Walk on raised balance beams, enjoy eleven ziplines across waterfalls, and cross four suspension bridges on this adrenaline-packed outdoor activity.

Tips : Make sure you check the availability and specific requirements before booking, as weight restrictions apply. Lockers are available for an extra fee (cash only). The helmet and all the equipment will be provided, however, make sure you dress comfortably and bring bug repellent .

Explore Grizzly Falls Zipline tours and activities  

9. Kroschel Wildlife Refuge

This fascinating wildlife refuge is located approximately a 1-hour drive from Heines, known for its breathtaking natural sceneries, wildlife, and a wide variety of outdoor activities.

To get to the Kroschel Wildlife Refuge, you need to catch an early morning ferry from Skagway to Haines and ride approximately 45 minutes each way. Once in Haines, tourists will board an organized bus for their tour and ride approximately 1 hour each way to Kroschel Park.

The refuge offers unique and incredible opportunities for up-close and personal experiences with over 15 species of Alaskan wildlife, including moose, grizzly bear, wolf, lynx, fox, reindeer, porcupine, snowy owl, wolverine, and more!

The tours of the refuge are guided and the visit usually lasts up to two hours. You get the chance to touch animals, kiss a moose, or watch a Kodiak bear play in her pool. The location has facilities and a souvenir shop.

If you are visiting the refuge independently, make sure you make the reservation in advance, but if you are coming on a tour, everything (including transfer) is normally organized for you. Read more about the refuge on the Kroschel Wildlife Refuge website .

10. Ocean Raft & Wildlife Sightings

Get ready for a beautiful, scenic boat ride through the 90-mile-long Lynn Canal, the deepest fjord in North America and one of the longest fjords in the world. On this spectacular journey, you’ll be able to see waterfalls, secluded coves, rocky beaches, eagles, harbor seals, maybe even whales, and other Alaskan wildlife! 

Of course, you need to consider your medical background for this activity, and no pregnant women are allowed to participate as it is a speed boat and it could be partially bumpy.

This activity is running in small groups and has very limited availability, so make sure you book a tour in advance.  Keep in mind that the weather changes a lot, so make sure you bring warm clothes or a rain jacket .

Explore Skagway ocean raft and boat tours  

Read more in detail about how to prepare for Alaskan cruise in Alaskan Cruise Guide

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.

2 thoughts on “10 Awesome Things to Do in Skagway Cruise Port (+ Port Info)”

Can you tell me what year (and month too if known) the second photo looking at the railroad dock is from?

Hi Kaitlyn! It’s my friend’s photo as she used to work a few seasons in Skagway. I am not sure about the year, but it was definitely before the pandemic started.

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Skagway's White Pass Railway cruise excursions in Alaska: All you need to know

Even if trains, history and nature aren't your cups of tea on their own, something absurdly special happens when the three combine for an Alaska cruise and train experience.

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway is a staple of any visit to Skagway, Alaska, particularly if you arrive by ship during an Alaska cruise . The town's success is closely linked to the development of the railroad infrastructure, with the train line carrying both passengers and cargo between Alaska and Canada for more than 120 years.

I've ridden the train's Skagway-to-White Pass Summit route, and the experience was fascinating and exhilarating, offering a narrated history lesson and views that are absolutely unrivaled by any other train journey I've experienced.

From how it started to where the route will take you and how much you'll pay for tickets, here's what you can expect from a ride on the White Pass Railway, Skagway's most scenic route to Canada.

White Pass and Yukon Route history

Construction on the White Pass train, Skagway's easiest way in and out during the gold rush days of the early 1900s, began in 1898, with investors from the U.S., Canada and England — and more than 35,000 workers — coming together to complete the $10 million project in just two years.

Until the tracks were laid, the two main routes over the mountain were the shorter but steeper Chilkoot Trail and the longer but flatter White Pass, both of which presented rough terrain and brutal conditions for anyone who made the trek.

Each person who ventured out in search of gold via one of the two paths was required to carry 1 ton of supplies to see them through their trip, making the hike even more treacherous. After the railroad's completion, the expedition was far less arduous, and it took much less time for stampeders to reach the Klondike region.

From 1982 to 1988 — after more than 80 continuous years in operation, including during the winter months — the railroad halted services when the cost of metal dropped and mines, which produced most of the train's cargo, closed.

In 1988, the route reopened as a tourist attraction and now operates from early May through late September to align with the Alaska cruise season. In 1994, the White Pass and Yukon Route was designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, among the likes of the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

White Pass train price

Like the mountain over which the locomotives run, the cost to ride the train along the White Pass Summit route is steep. Tickets purchased online at least 24 hours in advance are $142 per adult and $71 per child for the 2.5- to 3-hour trip, which takes passengers 20 miles from Skagway to an elevation of 3,000 feet before turning around at the Canadian border and heading back.

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway also sells tickets to non-cruise passengers for options like one-way train rides and camping, as well as connections via Carcross and Bennett, which venture out of Alaska and into British Columbia before entering the Yukon Territory.

If you do the Skagway train tour from your cruise ship, you're almost guaranteed to pay more. I bought my White Pass Summit adult ticket through Norwegian Cruise Line as a shore excursion, and it set me back $219 — a significant but not unexpected markup of $77. (On some sailings, the excursion starts at only $199 per adult and $99 per child.)

Longer and more expensive variations of the train trip, when booked as cruise shore excursions , include visits to local sights before or after the train ride, as well as hybrid train and motorcoach rides that venture as far north as Carcross in Canada's Yukon Territory.

Prices vary by cruise line and specific tour inclusions.

How to purchase tickets for the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway

In addition to purchasing tickets yourself online on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway website or through your cruise line's app, website or shore excursion desk, you can buy day-of tickets at the ticket office on Second Avenue in Skagway. There, you'll also find The Train Shoppe, which sells all sorts of memorabilia and apparel.

Whether you purchase your tickets online or in person, through your cruise line or directly from White Pass and Yukon Route, you can choose from several departure times. Select one that fits your schedule. If you book independently (not through your cruise line), double-check that the time you pick coincides with the time your ship will be in port.

Where does Skagway's White Pass train go?

The train ride for visitors to Skagway starts at the train tracks about halfway between the cruise ship docks and the downtown area.

From there, the train will travel, without stopping, to one of several points: White Pass Summit at the U.S. border with Canada, where the train will turn around and travel back down the mountain to Skagway (most excursions); Fraser, British Columbia, where passengers can transfer to motorcoaches that travel the Klondike Highway (also an outpost for Canadian customs); and Carcross in Canada's Yukon Territory, where passengers can explore the historic town, including a gold rush general store.

Along the way, riders can follow along with provided maps to track their route past several points of interest, including the rail line's maintenance shops, a donated caboose now rented as an Airbnb, gravesites, waterfalls, steel bridges, two tunnels and lookout points that make for fantastic photo opportunities.

What it's like to ride the White Pass and Yukon Route train

When you book (or receive your ticket, in the case of a cruise line booking), you will be given a meeting place and instructed to be there at a set time. If you're coming from a cruise ship and plan to spend time in town prior to your ride, take note of your meeting place well ahead of time to be sure you know how to get there. My travel companion and I took a wrong turn on our way to the meeting spot and would have missed our excursion had it not been for a kind rail worker who saw us running with our tickets and gave us a ride.

Apart from the railroad's six brand-new engines, its fleet is impressively vintage, consisting of two steam engines from the first half of the 20th century, 20 diesel-electric locomotives dating from the 1950s and 92 restored and replica passenger coaches, including one that's more than 140 years old. As such, there is no air conditioning in the coaches, so passengers can expect things to feel a bit stuffy if it's a hot day. On my journey, it was chilly, making it a pleasant ride.

Although travelers are prohibited from moving between coaches while the train is in motion, they are permitted to stand on the exterior terraces on either side of each car for fresh air and views that are unimpeded by the coaches' glass windows. Be warned that visibility can be poor and the vibe creepy when the weather is foggy, as it was the first time I rode the train back in 2013. Ten years later, I caught a break and happened to visit on a clear, sunny day when I enjoyed phenomenal views.

Guides and eventually the conductor will come through to say hello, check tickets and sell souvenirs, such as DVDs, hats and photo books. They can also answer any questions you have. Guides narrate during the trip, providing valuable tidbits of information about each point of interest the train passes on the mountain. If you enjoy the experience, it's appropriate to tip a few dollars to your car's guide or to tip a larger amount to the conductor, who will divide it among all the staff.

Each passenger is provided with a free booklet about the train route's history. It includes safety rules, a map with a blurb about each point of interest, information about the fleet, a preview of items available to purchase at The Train Shoppe in town and a couple of puzzles to pass the time. (Some passengers report being bored during their rides. If you're worried, bring a pen for the puzzles.)

Bottom line

While I don't recommend a ride if you're someone who can't sit still for long periods of time or if you're afraid of heights, I do think it's one of the best activities a visitor to Alaska can do .

If you're looking for a memorable way to grasp the history and sheer vastness that is the Alaskan wilderness, a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route train is something you don't want to miss.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act, and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee, and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?