Cruise Port Guide: Skagway, AK
Table Of Content
This is due to damage to the piers last summer because of rockslides. This will depend on the size of the ship, so check with your preferred cruise line. Skagway Cruise Port is a popular stop for many cruise lines. With its picturesque scenery and rich history, Skagway attracts numerous cruise ship visits annually.
Distances from port
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. 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.
Dog Sledding and Denver Glacier Flightseeing
Cruise ships may avoid hot berthing entirely in Skagway this summer KHNS Radio - KHNS Radio
Cruise ships may avoid hot berthing entirely in Skagway this summer KHNS Radio.
Posted: Mon, 08 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Depending on the location of your ship, you might already technically be in the town right when you walk off the dock. If you remember from above, Skagway is also a very small town, so even walking to the furthest parts of the town will take you minutes. Several cruise ships are not stopping in Skagway, Alaska currently.
Gold Panning at Alaska 360
Explore the history of Skagway by visiting the Skagway Museum. Here, you can learn about the local history through its collection of mining artifacts, photographs, and historical items. It is where you will find all the Gold Rush-era buildings that are now occupied by local businesses, restaurants, shops and museums. Stroll the street to pick up your souvenirs and get a feel for historic Skagway. This museum in the centre of town has many treasured artefacts, historical records and photos about the past century in Skagway. Visit their collection of baskets, beadwork and carvings in the Alaska Native heritage collection and learn about the Gold rush in their collection of artefacts and tools used by the gold seekers.
Food and Drink Spots Near the Skagway Cruise Port
Located on the corner of 2nd and Broadway, it’s just an 11-minute walk from the cruise port. For those with limited time or looking to explore further afield, shuttle services and taxis are available from the cruise port. As we will explore in greater detail, many cruise lines also partner with local excursion providers, including transportation to and from the port.
If you fly into Skagway Airport, it is just one mile from the Port of Skagway via Alaska Street and Broadway Street. Skagway, Alaska, is situated along Alaska’s southeastern coast, nestled at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage. The town sits above the top of a glacier-fed fjord, with the Skagway Cruise Port sitting along its southern coast. Planning an Alaska cruise that departs from or stops at Skagway Cruise Port?
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. 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. The dog sledding and musher’s camp shore excursion is a popular Alaska cruise line excursion. In 1898, Skagway became a base camp and supply station for thousands of Yukon gold rush miners.
If you prefer getting some exercise during your trip, Skagway’s historic downtown area is known for its walkability. Skagway has four accessible piers where mighty cruise ships arrive. Each pier is conveniently situated in the part of Skagway, known as one of Southeast Alaska’s finest cruise ship ports. No trip to Skagway is complete without a visit to the iconic Red Onion Saloon. This local landmark has been around since the Gold Rush Era. Today, it serves classic American dishes, has a fully stocked bar, and even has a brothel museum.
In 1887, Canadian Captain William Moore laid claim to 160 acres of the Skaqua River Valley, naming the route over the mountains of the White Pass. Gold was discovered in 1896 some 600 miles inland, and in 1897, hundreds of prospectors arrived by ship, making their way to the gold fields over the treacherous White Pass. 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. Dog Sledding is one of the most unique experiences that you can get in Alaska!
Along the way, you’ll see the lush forest and fjords pass you by before heading back to Skagway. If you’re looking for a leisurely shore excursion, the scenic drive up the Klondike Highway is a must-do. This scenic drive takes you on a journey parallel to the famous White Pass Scenic Railway. You’ll see many sights along the way, including Dead Horse Trail, Pitchfork Falls, and Moore Bridge. This guide would not be complete without recommendations for the best excursions you can do here.
A train ride on the White Pass Scenic Railways is a must-do when visiting Skagway. This magical train journey takes you through the wilderness surrounding Skagway. Not only is this train ride absolutely stunning, but it’s full of history as well.
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. If your cruise ship is docked at the front of the railroad dock, then you will need a water shuttle to get you to the end of the pier. If your cruise ship is docked at the back of the railroad dock, then you will need a land shuttle bus to get you to the end of the pier. If you want to write to someone back home, then Skagway offers the perfect opportunity.
When taking a cruise, you can opt to either book excursions through the cruise line or through third-party companies. Skagway is a living museum of the late 19th century Gold Rush era in Alaska. The town is full of museums and other heritage sites that will take you right back into this time period. The breathtaking scenery, rich history, and friendly atmosphere make it a great stop on any Alaska Inside Passage cruise itinerary. Unlike some of the other towns on an Alaskan cruise itinerary, Skagway is actually reachable by car. That being said, you would have to drive through some of the most remote parts of Canada to reach Skagway by car, which is why a visit on a cruise is the best way to see this unique town.
Fishing enthusiasts will already be aware of Alaska’s reputation for having some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing. As you would expect, there is no shortage of tour operators willing to take eager cruise passengers out for a multi-hour fishing experience. As mentioned, Skagway Cruise Port features three distinct docks, each with several terminals.
Skagway is one of the best places to feast on king crab legs. Hit Skagway Brewing Company for sockeye salmon sandwiches paired with a Blonde Ale made from hand-picked Sitka spruce tree tips. Enjoy Mendenhall Mudd or Klondike Walnut fudge at the Alaska Fudge Company – and then sip a nightcap at Red Onion Saloon, the oldest watering hole in town. If you really want to enjoy the beauty without going far, then look for the Pullen Creek StreamWalk. It doesn’t take long to go through and it will give you a greater appreciation for what so many people went through in hopes of striking it rich.
Please don’t forget to come back to whatsinport.com for new and updated port guides. I am a girl from New Jersey who has a seriously infectious case of wanderlust. I have been actively traveling internationally for the last 10 years and have visited over 75 countries. I love the beach, scuba diving, watching Netflix, and french fries. Check out the information for these shorter day hikes with the National Park Service, or the longer combination hike with AllTrails.
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