The Skagway Visitors Bureau publishes this list of Ten Reasons To Visit Skagway and I agree with all Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. The Denver Glacier trail has a caboose at the flag stop where the train picks you up and drops you off. The drive time depends on your stops and amount of time you spend at each one. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. You type Alaska shore excursions into google, trying to figure, Taku Glacier Adventure by Air, Water & Ice, Alpine Wilderness Trail Adventure by Segway, Skagway Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour, Private Wildlife Photo Safari, Beachcombing, and More, Private Wilds of Sitka Sound Expedition by Boat, Anchorage Helicopter Glacier Dogsled & Lower Glacier Landing, Anchorage Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour, Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Train Tour, 8 Things Your Cruise Ship Wont Tell You About Shore Excursions, 7 High-Demand Alaska Cruise Tours Youll Want to Book Early, My Alaska Travel Tips: How to Get the Perfect Alaska Cruise Photos, Mendenhall Ice Caves & Beyond: Juneau Glacier Tours Explained, Your Guide to Inside Passage Weather in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan Alaska Map and Walking Guide, Distance: 0.9 mile (1.4 km) to Lake; 3.6 miles (5.8 km) Around Lake, Elevation Gain: 500 ft. Twice (out and back). On this list of the top things to do in Skagway, each of these experiences can easily fit into a day shore excursion. Mendenhalls active face They also serve delicious food and drinks in their restaurant. It was built in the late 1800s so that miners could access the mountains during the Klondike Gold Rush. You can pick up a hiking map at the visitors center or check for one online. Youll see stunning landscapes that change from the temperate rainforest at the ocean to alpine lakes to a tiny desert. WebExplore Skagway without the hassle of planning on a tour with convenient transport from the Skagway cruise port. You can camp here in the park service campground for $10 a night. If youre looking to buy tickets in advance, the train is operated by the National Park Service, and you can find tickets here. by. Arctic Brotherhood Hall is another historical building worth checking out while youre in town. All of downtown Skagway is a National Historic District and part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Here's how to make the most of one day in Skagway, and do Skagway on your own. After the tracks, turn left and follow the tracks a short distance to the trailhead on the right. And try the free Borrow a Spot program, which lets you take a SPOT satellite messenger with you in case of emergency. Make sure not to get distracted, lose track of time and miss your ship! Next, you can even feel the Alaskan winter chill in the 40 Below Experience. One of our places to dive into Alaskas history? Free and Cheap Things to Do in Ketchikan From there, you have a brilliant, unobstructed view of Skagway Harbor and the Lynn Canal. Poke around on your own, or select from a White Pass and Yukon Route Scenic Railroad, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Take a helicopter for glacier dog mushing, Ultimate Guide to riding the Alaska ferry, 12 Fascinating things to do in Dawson City, The best hike in every Alaska cruise port, https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Whether you choose to venture there by riverboat or raft, you will be transported through the channels of the Chilkat River in the heart of the eagles habitat. The site of an historic dock where materials for building Seward were offloaded, this family-friendly beach is a great spot for dipping your toes on a hot day and watching cruise ships sail by. If youre leaving Skagway by sea, make sure you prioritize spending time on the aft deck as you take off. We all need some time exploring on our own. Then, you will be led through the Tongass National Forest by experienced guides who will provide some history of the area and point out various flora and fauna along the way. Tours and tastings are available, and the beer is amazing! Grab a copy at any local business. WebJuneau Mendenhall Glacier Mendenhall Glacier. You can join a guided wildlife tour, or take a hike and try your chance at seeing them on your own. If you are taking the White Pass Railway, try to get a seat on the left side of the train for the best uphill views. We crossed the border into British Columbia and then on to the Yukon. Murray was a tour bus driver in the area for 17 years. If youre traveling on your own, the best time of day is the evening when the ships have left and the town is left to locals, seasonal employees and you. Related: Ultimate Guide to riding the Alaska ferry, What to pack for Alaska. Skagways history and spectacular natural setting create unparalleled sightseeing and recreation opportunities. This preserve, established in 1982 to protect the bald eagle population, boasts the largest population of bald eagles in the world and is another one of the top things to do in Skagway, Alaska on a cruise. Know the precautions for encountering wildlife on your own in advance. This is the only way to see Lower Reid Falls, as there is no trail from Upper Reid to Lower Reid. You likely wont be able to do most of the things to do in Skagway listed here if you are visiting in the winter, so consider yourself fairly warned. From here you will have some of the best views of the city and be able to visit Harbor View Park. Juneau is one of just two U.S. state capitols not accessible by roadonly boats and planes can get here. Hoping to spend a day discovering Skagway on your own? Your Own Extending from the small boat harbor to the SeaLife Center, this waterfront park features picnic areas, beach access, and a paved trail lined with landmarks like the Founder's Monument, Mile 0 of the Historic Iditarod Trail, and the Old Railroad Depot. Like in Juneau and Ketchikan, there are many interesting shops. Some of the seemingly precarious bridges that were built, alone, are amazing to see in use today. The piece de resistance was flying over the Laughton Glacier, to get an up close and personal view of it. This cute little eatery serves homemade soups and their specialty Sled Dog, a piece of cheesy sourdough bread wrapped around a hot dog and baked to perfection. Hiking is one of the many Skagway excursions you can take when you are looking for things to do in Skagway. Follow this trail further, and at low tide you can do the longer hike to Caines Head, or request a drop-off from a local water taxi. We take a walk through Skagway, Alaska. It was a lot of fun. Most visitors to Skagway arrive by cruise ship. Skagway If you arent up for a walking tour, you can board an authentic Skagway streetcar for an approximately 90 minute tour to all points of interest. Explore Our Style Coverage The latest in fashion, trends, love and more. Youll also find carving demonstrations and ethnographic displays; kids will love the Junior Ranger program. You can get a quick coffee and pastry at the White Pass Depot or Bites on Broadway. Find Alaska Shore Excursions Guide Here are some of our favorite spots that you can visit without joining a group outing. The Red Onion is a Skagway institution and a fun way to experience some full color Gold Rush History. It retracing the steps of the Klondike Gold Rush and is full of history and amazing scenery. Its also the towns architectural landmark, with a cathedral-like design and a wall of windows looking out to the towering Coastal Range peaks. Skagway is a destination for most large cruise ships throughout the season and sometimes has as many as five ships in port, each one carrying far more people than live in town. Riding on the train, youll see just the type of terrain they had to work with. How do you spend a day in Skagway? TIA. Haines is world famous for its bald eagles fishing along the Chilkat River and there are plenty of ways to see them. All Rights Reserved. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Lower Reid Falls and the Gold Rush Cemetery are easy. You arent likely to see any bears in Skagway. If youre planning on staying in this stunning area longer, then there are definitely a few more options that will fit the bill for you, but all of these activities will fit nicely into a day. Biking: Skagway has several bike rental shops and has scenic bike trails and roads like the Dyea Road and the Klondike Highway. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. They offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Delve deep into Sewards history through photographs, artifacts, and documents at the Seward Community Library and Museum. If youre like most visitors, youll arrive on a cruise ship with limited time in port and lots of options for things to do. What are your favorite activities when visiting this popular port of call? Skagway is known as the Garden City of Alaska and has been known since gold rush days as a town with gorgeous gardens. Independent travelers can book this directly through the White Pass Railroad. You can even stay overnight in the Denver Glacier Caboose or the Laughton Glacier cabin (book through the National Forest service in advance). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It will inspire you to plan a future trip for sure. You can also book these tasty meals if youre traveling on your own on less busy days. Some 300400 majestic eagles have made Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve their year-round homes here, a few miles from town; its unforgettable bird watching. Take extra caution if you choose to go this way! Hear the untold stories of the ladies of the Klondike Gold Rush and learn about the towns rich history. Whitewater Rafting: The rushing rivers from the surrounding glaciers make for some of the best white water to raft along. The architecture and icons of this landmark highlight Sitkas long history as a European settlement, decades before the American Revolution. We care about privacy. Do you agree with our list of the Top Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska on a cruise? Step back in time with one of the madams of the Red Onion Saloon as she guides you on a walking tour of Skagways historic streets and back alleys. We have done the White Pass railroad with Chilkoot twice when in Skagway. own It will pick you up right from your cruise ship dock and return you there. WebMonths J F M A M J J A S O N D History, beauty and adventure meet in Alaska's first incorporated city. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The railway was a feat of engineering at the time of construction. It is completely overwhelming. With a handy map of notable historic sights, you can set off on this approximately 1 mile exploration including landmarks like the Red Onion, The Artic Brotherhood Hall, and the Moore Cabin. The bus driver pulled over so we could get pictures. Youll see plenty of flowers and gardens just walking around town, but garden lovers and gardeners should carve out time to visit Jewell Gardens. Either way, youll end up at Sturgils Landing. Theres a great view of the Lynn Canal, but Skagway Harbor is hidden by the landscape. Or take on the more challenging 7mile round-trip Harding Icefield Trail. Put on your hiking shoes and join an expert guide with these Skagway hiking tours: Continue your Skagway travel planning with our helpful guides: Alaska Shore Tours donates 5% of profits to local charities. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. With so much offered in one place, this Alaskan family adventure definitely makes our list of the top things to do in Skagway, Alaska on a cruise. In all likelihood, youre visiting Skagway in the summer months. There are two historic buildings worth checking out in downtown Skagway. Make sure you note that this hike is not a loop, so once you make your way up to see the glacier (the path might be flooded depending on water levels, so you may only get as close as Mother Nature will let you), take the same path down so you can catch the train back to town. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! You can also take the train to one of the whistle stops and go for a hike. Skagway, Alaska - A Walk Through Town - What to Skagway Spirits Distillery is another place to stop by for a sip. Driving from Skagway to the Yukon was a fun way to explore the area, see more than just town and be on our own to experience Alaska, and the Yukon. Visit Saxman Totem Park. As much as possible Ill recommend places where you can get away from the crowd. Attention all seniors, people with limited mobility, and folks who just want a low-effort adventure for exploring Alaska, Wondering where the best place to eat in Skagway Alaska is? Summary. Sarah Ellis. About 20 miles outside of town, this working museum, JIlkat Kwaan Cultural Center, honors the legacy of Northwest Coast art as practiced by the famed Chilkat tribe of Tlingit Indians. Looking for any ideas of interesting things to do around Skagway, maybe a little bear viewing or hiking. Uphill from the water is an outhouse and a couple of picnic tables. Please note, as always, that you should never plan to interact with, touch or feed any wildlife. Dont worry, you will be able to warm up afterwards with some Alaskan BBQ or a tour of the Soda Factory where you can even bottle your own brew. Looking to explore Skagway with the guidance and knowledge of a local? We saw several bears feeding on dandelions along the roadway, mountain goats, eagles, and a moose. The cemetery is down a short path through the woods off of the parking area. Adventurous souls looking for more strenuous activities can continue straight onto the old trail, but it may be overgrown or not clearly marked. The views are amazing, the history and engineering are fascinating and you get to experience the interior and high mountains that you wouldnt otherwise see in Southeast Alaskas many fjords and inlets. If you are already taking an Alaskan Cruise, and are trying to determine the best Skagway excursions to take, I have good news! They have drinks, bar food and a brothel museum! Chinook and pink salmon both run in Pullen Creek. Its a fairly large lake surrounded by forest. Its the perfect spot for a picnic. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Nestled at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, North The spring and fall months (March to May and September to November, respectively) are similar to each other, with temperatures ranging from -7 to 10 degrees celcius. If you like epic landscapes and wide open places then youll love getting up into the Yukon! Explore this areas fascinating WWII and Cold War history with the help of the towns map, which outlines an engaging walking tour of the sites. Skagway is home to around 1000 people year-round. Visit the site where Alaska officially became a state! This is a great little hike, and an excellent way to get your dose of nature for the day. We stopped along the way, had plenty of opportunities to photograph and simply stop just to soak in the views. Take a Ride on the Railroad. Tonsina Creek is a local favorite hike near the waterfront, where you might see spawning salmon from June through September. I'm Jennie. Just remember to take If youre reading this and considering taking a cruise to Alaska, then Id recommend you read all about our experience discovering Alaska on our Discovery Princess Cruise. Scenic Drives: The Klondike Highway and the White Pass Summit are popular scenic drives. Helen Tupper. Tours from the ships often include afternoon tea or lunch. Skagway has many wonderful hiking trails and several are easily accessible from the gangway of your ship or either campground or anywhere in town. This experience allows you to soar along 11 ziplines directly above glacially fed waterfalls reaching lengths of 750 feet and speeds of 45 miles per hour. Interested in more challenging hikes to do on your own? Also, for the best photographs, walk out between the cars. On our trip next year, we may need to do a Its just a short walk to this engaging destination that combines salmon hatchery, aquarium, research lab, and education outreach. Escape the crowds and connect with fellow travelers on asmall group or privatetour, Take the train or amotorcoach, drive, or opt for asightseeingtour, Most Alaskan cruises include avisit to atidewater glacierhere are thebest, See our list of comparisons to find out which trip is right foryou. To return to the trailhead, you need to keep left as you near the northern end of the lake and rejoin the main trail. Once youve turned left, youll be able to follow a well-marked and wide path all the way down to Yakutania Point.
Looking For A Boat Partner, Cbe Early Learning Center, Victoria Secret Slogan, Croaker Spot Petersburg, Va Menu, Articles E