Skagway is a notable borough nestled in the Panhandle of Alaska, found at the northern tip of the Inside Passage. It lies 103 miles north of Juneau when measured in a straight line and is 110 miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon, when traveling by road.
Commonly called the "sunshine capital" of southeast Alaska, Skagway has an average yearly precipitation of merely 27 inches. In the year 2008, it achieved a Guinness World Record for having the highest number of people simultaneously throwing eggs.
Your vessel will dock at one of the city's designated docks—either the Broadway Dock, located at the end of Broadway, the Railroad Dock, found at the southern edge of the town, or the Ore Dock, positioned at the conclusion of Main Street. Smaller vessels may dock at the Ferry Dock. From any of these docks, it’s just a brief walk to the various shopping, dining, and historic districts of the town.
Currently, there is no complimentary Wi-Fi available at the docks. However, if you purchase an item at specific downtown locations, you will receive a code for access to Wi-Fi.
While visiting Skagway, USA, you can navigate the town on foot with ease, exploring all the historical landmarks along the back streets and leisurely walking down the renowned Broadway.
Today, the Skagway area is home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park along with the White Pass and Chilkoot Trails. Skagway boasts a historic district comprising around 100 buildings from the gold rush period. The town welcomes approximately one million tourists each year, with about three-quarters arriving via cruise ships. The White Pass and Yukon Route continues to run its narrow gauge train through Skagway during the summer months, primarily catering to tourists. Additionally, the WPYR transports copper ore from the interior region. If you plan to ride the train, it's advisable to arrange your booking through the cruise ship for convenience, as it is similarly priced but far more convenient. If you choose to pay at the train station, the fare is about $120, and you will need to find your own way there.
Skagway is truly unique, and whether your stay is for a single day or an entire week, boredom is not an option. The town is rich in character, has a captivating history, and serves as a gateway to remarkable adventures.
Energized by the frenzied Gold Rush of 1898, Skagway became the launch point for prospectors heading north to Yukon Territory in search of fortune. At the turn of the twentieth century, the town had an estimated population of 40,000 residents, including a variety of outlaws and colorful characters who left their mark on the area. As the gold supply dwindled, Skagway began to craft a new identity, yet it still maintains much of its frontier charm: many of the original structures remain intact, including the historic brothel, now known as the Red Onion Saloon.
The nearby White Pass Summit rises nearly 3,000 vertical feet above the town, offering breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Range. Just 15 miles from Skagway lies the Canadian border, and numerous tours provide an extensive day trip through this route into the Yukon. Engaging guides share stories and trace the path of the Klondike Gold Rush.
Since Skagway is located in a fjord, the deep waters of Lynn Canal accommodate full-sized cruise ships. With its rich history and nearby natural beauty, the town is a favored stop for several of the world’s leading cruise lines.
In addition to other companies, several major cruise lines have itineraries that include stops at Skagway Cruise Port, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line.
Skagway Cruise Port consists of three separate docks, each featuring multiple terminals. Throughout the port, the terminals offer only basic facilities, but you can find several public restrooms and vending machines. Unfortunately, the port does not currently provide free Wi-Fi; however, given its close proximity to downtown Skagway, you should have no difficulty finding an Internet connection if necessary.
All terminals and piers are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that passengers with mobility challenges can navigate the port without issues. For those who need assistance reaching downtown Skagway, a round-trip shuttle service is available from the designated drop-off and pick-up area at the port. This shuttle operates throughout the year and is available for just five dollars for an all-day pass.
