Check out my Alaska cruise packing list. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We love to get out and explore and make memories traveling. Wander over to the Junior Ranger Activity Centre, located at Skagways National Park Service Building, and partake in all the modern saloons entertaining ventures. Dont forget to follow me on PINTEREST to get more Alaskan Cruise Guides! The waterfall spans over 200 feet and provides picturesque views and stunning beauty. Downtown Boardwalk Avenue features historic shops and restaurants, wooden sidewalks, locals in period costumes, and restored buildings and museums. She is the mother of four and Grandmother Mimi to eight. Thi, Are mobile IV therapy services come with dog sitti, First day of 7th grade! Older audiences will be intrigued by the designs and functions of roulette wheels and slot machines that captured the attention of many hopeful and sometimes fortunate gold miners. So theres got to be something to it right? Further, if you are looking for a calm, quiet and peaceful excursion, float rides down the Taiya River are probably an experience calling your name. Whether youre a first-time cruiser or cruise expert, wed love for you to join our cruise community at High Seas Cruising. Many cruise passengers choose to visit Alaska due to the sense of tranquillity from connecting with nature. The population dropped down to just 872 in 1910. And lucky for YOU, I am passing on my great experiences to you. If its your first time traveling to Skagway, we highly recommend the scenic excursion as long as youre not afraid of heights. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Skagways Sled Dog Tours encourages you to push beyond your comfort zone and experience what it takes to become an expert musher. I was VERY hesitant to book this excursion because the last thing I wanted to do was sit on a train for 3 hours. Whether youre researching an Alaskan cruise itinerary or thinking about booking a shore excursion, here are our favorite things to do in Skagway, Alaska. White Pass & Yukon Railroad The White Pass & Yukon Railroad, Originally built in 1898, offers the most popular tour (book independently). A United States naval captain negotiated with the Tlingit to share the trail with gold stampeders. There are plenty of shops and places to eat. I heard it is possibly the most photographed building in Alaska. The memories created here will be filled with joy and last a lifetime. Need some help packing for an Alaska cruise? But if alcoholic beverages are not your style, dont worry. . Soapy had been a friend, and Itjen helped keep his legend alive. However, his career was short-lived, ending in a shoot-out with Frank Reid, the city engineer, in 1898. My favorite was the Skagway Brewing Company. Skagway is not very big and you can see so much of it riding around town. Despite its small size, Skagway Alaska offers a wide range of activities and shore excursions. Completed with shows available throughout the day, this theater offers you a captivating and entertaining way to learn about Skagways greatest outlaws, such as Soapy Smith, the history of the city, and the Gold Rush Era. Skagway became infamous for its lawlessness. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.You can find my Amazon influencer store here. The evening melodrama begins with mock gambling and ends with Soapy Smith and his slippery gang. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery from the White Pass Trail and waterfall, guests will have the opportunity to search for gold and keep their findings as a souvenir or venture out and explore the old trail. Although there are different ways to arrive at your Musher Camp, whether by boat, helicopter, or van, you are guaranteed to be welcomed by the most well-trained, excited, and loving huskies. I disembarked, choosing to make the long walk into town, although trams were available. Youll find restaurants such as Olivias Alaskan Bistro or the Skagway Fish Company, renowned for their grilled salmon and king crab leg dishes. An avid cruiser of over 15 years. Encompassing a 3-mile round trip with an elevation of approximately 800 feet, the Lower Dewey Lake Trail features gorgeous rolling hills, rich forest scenery, and lush river-sider flora that serves as a postcard-worthy sight. The train ride is by far the most popular tourist attraction. In fact, the remote city thrives on tourism. And I will tell you.. this was our FAVORITE part of the entire cruise (Not to mention, the most affordable!). After a decade of dreaming, five years of saving, Im posting this because my lovely daughter took, Its GOTCHA day for our new home. Salmon is a well-known delicacy amongst Alaskans, and many travelers are amazed by its beautifully speckled scales or its buttery, yet sometimes citrusy, taste. The buses stop at popular tourist spots in the town, so riders can hop on and off for just $5 a day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Others from my ship roamed amongst the hand-woven baskets, fossils, walrus tusks, silver jewelry, and native arts. She has a passion for exploring new ports and excursions. Feel free to leave a question in the comments below or shoot me an email at [emailprotected]. Kids get to explore historical artifacts, wildlife animal furs, victorian-style play outfits, educational games, and a reading and coloring center. Once you arrive in Haines, your tour will board a bus to take you to Chilkoot Lake State Park. The town of Dyea arose from a small trading post to a major port in 1897 afterword of the Klondike gold discovery. Have you ever wanted to test your hand at gold panning or learn what it takes to strike fortune within some of Alaskas most well-known goldmines? I also want to mention, the owners (a husband and wife team) of Skagway Scooters are SUPER nice. In 1898, construction began on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and finished in July 1900. Its location provided a gateway to the Yukon and Klondike goldfields. Skagways Historic Train Carriage Escape Room is the place to be for those innovative or creative passengers who crave this type of thrill on their vacation. The Brewing Company offers something extraordinary for every type of diner to enjoy. The temperature during the cruise season averages in the mid-50s (F) during the shoulder season (May and September) and mid-60s (F) during June, July, and August. Heres your chance to learn some shady history. After the demonstration, you have a chance to craft your own glass ornament, which will later be shipped to your home address so youll never forget your stay in the Garden City. Several companies provide air-taxi service between Skagway and other Inside Passage communities, with daily scheduled flights between Juneau and Skagway. Tlingit guides accompanied the first party in May 1880 and transported the miners gear for a fee. When you arrive at Skagway, your ship will dock at one of the four cruise ship docks: Upon your arrival, youll immediately notice the town of Skagway is tiny. Choosing an activity can be overwhelming, with so much to see and do. In 1976, after numerous studies, President Gerald Ford signed a bill authorizing the creation of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. She told how Frank staged a gunfight with Soapy. You can explore the museum, filled with artifacts, machinery, and memorabilia that will help you retrace the steps of miners and Skagways history. Nonetheless, as many of the worlds glaciers are melting at an incredibly high rate, helicopter tours are indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will rarely ever disappoint a venturous passenger. What to do in Juneau on a Cruise Port Day, Spend a Day Renting a Boat on Saguaro Lake, Arizona . Most stores offered enticing but higher-priced collectibles, not tacky souvenirs. Again, youll want to bring a windbreaker when you step off the cruise ship. THIS is Skagways best-kept secret. Biking might take you a little long, but its perfect for a scooter ride! Whether you want to learn more about the Klondike Gold Rush or are curious about Skagways history, the Skagway Museum and Archives are perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Get the best cruise tips and travel advice to make your next cruise a success. Whether you want to stroll through the town at your own pace or join a guided, short-walking tour, Main Street gives passengers a sense of what it means to live in a tight-knit community full of history. Serious hikers and backpackers often visit the nearby ghost town of Dyea. Although this may not have been one of the first places you thought of visiting while in Skagway, the Gold Rush Cemetery is a fascinating site that can make you travel back in time to 1897. Skagways remote location offers a grand opportunity for astral or milky way photography and the chance to see the Northern Lights between mid-September and late April, peaking in March. Specifically, Soapy Smith was an infamous con artist who stole goods from many of his business clients and purposely manipulated political campaigns. Younger visitors will enjoy interacting with real wildlife skeletons, whale baleen, dog sleds, and gold-mining equipment. After learning about Skagways steamy past from guided tours or self-guided ventures, you can grab a bite to eat at the saloons restaurant, known for its well-crafted beers and savory pizza. Meet Pol, My 40s have been tough you guys! There is a small balcony you can go outside on and get some amazing pictures! Bring your cameras or binoculars as eagles, bears, and salmon frequently lurk amongst the awe-striking mountain terrains you will most certainly explore. You get a true sense of life in an Alaska gold rush era. That was a big mistake!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'seemamatravel_com-box-4','ezslot_18',190,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-box-4-0')}; Skagway ended up being my FAVORITE stop on our 7 day Alaskan Cruise and Ill be happy to tell you why. The Glacier Helicopter Tour will give you breathtaking aerial views of some of the earths finest creations as you fly above or alongside forests, valleys, mountains, enormous icefields, and glaciers. You need to call them directly from their website to book. are straight from the 1800s. In todays travel climate, trip insurance is a must. They hoped the National Park Service would be interested. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 25 theater is home to the Days of the 98 Show featuring upbeat songs and choreography and endless comedy that will surely leave audience members at the edge of their seats. The equipment weighed close to a ton, which most men carried themselves, moving it in back and forth stages. This route is part of the Golden Circle road trip that travels between Skagway and Haines (or vice versa). She explained how the devilish man took advantage of the naive stampeders. More than likely, it is. Despite having 40 waterfalls identified by name in Alaska, Pitchfork Falls is one of Skagways most incredible beauties. Located just 7 miles away from downtown Skagway, local experts offer guided walking tours that bring you close to the falls and share some scientific and historical facts about its existence. Itjen held many jobs, including miner, railroad employee, hotel operator, the towns undertaker, Ford motor car dealer, and a tour guide. Is Skagway cruise port on your Alaskan cruise itinerary? My Itchy Travel Feet featured writer, Debi Lander, currently lives in Sarasota, FL and works as a freelance travel and food writer/photographer. Sled dog racing is an iconic sport throughout Alaska and an equally popular tourist attraction. This brewery is renowned for its divine homebrewed ales and remarkable wine collection using the highest-quality local ingredients available. As one of the restaurants most popular choices amongst diners, this dish allows guests to choose from various fresh loaves of bread, salamis, vegetables, cheeses, and sauces. Although gardening is a precious art form within itself, the Jewell Gardens also showcases one-of-a-kind glassworks uniquely handcrafted and blown by local artisans. In Skagways downtown core, youll find various saloons, museums, theatres, and the very photogenic Arctic Brotherhood Hall. The town is tucked away in a valley between massive, snow-capped mountains. In addition, the White Pass & Yukon Railroad runs vintage locomotives that climb 3,000 ft. up 20 miles of steep grades before stopping at White Pass summit to admire the breathtaking mountain views. Do you want to take to the sky and explore the most remote and exclusive parts of Skagway? Passengers leave the depot aboard the historic narrow-gauge railway. But, if you visit in the summer months, keep your eye on the shorelines as some lucky passengers have seen bears trying to snatch some running salmon, which is an extraordinary sight. It was also 80 degrees out (in Alaska!) If you cruise Alaskas wondrous Inside Passage (and you should, even if youre not an avid cruiser), most likely, you will visit Skagway. Do you want to explore the local shops on your own, take a train ride on the historic White pass railroad, hike one of the many trails, explore the gold rush history, or experience dog sledding? However, youll still want to bring a lightweight rain jacket, as it still rains pretty frequently. Established in 1897, Bites on Broadway is the perfect way to kick-start your day in beautiful Skagway, Alaska. It was the smallest of all the ports and I didnt put too much time and energy into learning about this great town before we left. Dyea was the gateway to the gold fields and was the first stop before gold miners headed up the famous Chilkoot Trail. But this one is so worth it, its in a class of its own. Oh yes, definitely bring them! My love for travel will never end, even as a working mom rushing from school event to work and back again. on our las, Dog Sledding and Glacier Helicopter Flightseeing, What Its REALLY Like on an Alaskan Cruise, Top Things to Do in Juneau on a Cruise Port Day. Gold fever brought an estimated 100,000 prospectors to the isolated region with big dreams, but most of them failed. While on your way, scan the shoreline and skies for wildlife. I enjoyed your blog abt your Alaskan Cruise. The tour group visited their graves and other gold panners. She writes about the best things to do in Skagway cruise port. I arrived in the fall of 2021 on Royal Caribbeans mega-ship, the Oasis of the Seas. The one to three-hour excursion retraces the steps of miners journey to find fortune as you will discover various gorges, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, bridges, tunnels, mountains, and wildlife. Before long, I turned the corner and neared the first of the National Park buildings. Through hands-on learning, children will learn about Skagways history, the Gold Rush, or wildlife facts, leaving lasting impressions on their knowledge and skill development. A S.M.A.R.T. Despite the ugly sounding name, the small town packs a colorful punch for tourists. Instead, his journey is forever remembered in one of Skagways most popular museums. After the war, Skagway residents again turned to tourism to help boost the towns economy. The weather in Skagway is typically warmer and dryer than any of the other Inside Passage ports of call. Just hope so can find dome this time of year! Along the way, be sure to bring your camera and keep your eyes open for the chance to spot some of Alaskas most well-known marine animals, including whales, sea lions, and dolphins. But if youre feeling a bit more adventurous, building your breakfast or lunch sandwich is the way to go. ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'seemamatravel_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',176,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-banner-1-0')}; The White Pass Railway is literally on the edge of the mountain and climbs pretty high, pretty quickly. Located just outside Skagways downtown core, Jewell Gardens is beautifully decorated with some of Alaskas wildflowers, including the official state flower, Myosotis Alpetris. Another character in Skagways past is Martin Itjen, a stampeder in 1898 who became the unofficial director of tourism. In contrast, Martin Itjen was known for finding the worlds largest golden nugget and promoting tourism in Skagway. Their menu was great too. I also appreciate the tip about rain boots. Although it is one of the drier Alaska cities, monthly rainfall averages 2 to 4.5 inches from May to September. The small-town charm, gold rush history, and breathtaking train rides provide plenty of excitement for visitors. Cruise ships offer many pre-arranged excursions, but you can also hire a tour guide and outfitter on your own (book ahead with Viator). If you fancy an alcoholic beverage, check out Sakgways Brewing Co. to sample some locally-crafted beer. Visiting Davidsons glacier is most definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whether you love history, nature, or a sense of adventure and thrill, the White Pass & Yukon railroad tour will leave every passenger with memories of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. During the ride, tour guides share facts about gold rush history and stories about the miners. Alaska is known for its majestic wildlife and wilderness experience. Read More. The excursion features the most reliable equipment, bridges, and rope courses. For animal-loving cruisers, excursions to Chilkoot Lake State Park should be number one on your list of things to do in Skagway, Alaska. Beginning with a high-speed catamaran boat ride through the fjords of Skagway to Hains, Alaska, you will witness an abundance of majestic waterfalls and glacier views along the shore. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'seemamatravel_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',600,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; So take note, because Skagway is a place where you may want to ditch the normal excursions offered by the cruise lines, and get out and explore on your own. More than 70 saloons thrived, giving the city the nickname roughest place in the world. The main rabble-rouser was Jefferson Randolph Soapy Smith. Before stepping back to the heyday of the gold rush days, lets review the background and history of Skagway, Alaska.

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