Skagway, Alaska and the Yukon

Set at the end of a long, lush fjord, the historic gold rush town of Skagway Alaska is not a town you will soon forget.

My first experience in Skagway came on a rainy September day. Pulling into the port, it was hard to see much through the fog.

As we walked the main street, it gave a feel for the sheer isolation of this place that at one time at the turn of the 19th Century drew thousands of would-be prospectors in search of Klondike gold.

Thankfully, the sun began to break through the clouds not long after we arrived, revealing the still-snow capped peaks surrounding the town. If you’re a history buff like me, Skagway is a truly fascinating place.

The tiny outpost became a thriving gateway for gold prospectors heading for the Klondike River in the Yukon Territory to the north, through the Chilkoot and White Passes. In fact, during the gold rush, this town was one of the wildest in the West, with its population swelling to over 10,000.

On my first trip, the sun soon broke through the gloom, revealing the magnificent rainforest and mountain peaks surrounding Skagway.

This is a town surrounded by natural beauty and recreational opportunities, from cruises to nearby Fjords to train rides into the heart of the Yukon.

If you have kids, you can get in some real Alaskan gold panning at Skagway Gold Digger Mine and Dine Restaurant and Attraction. You can also grab some great food at their restaurant, making this a great option for families with younger kids.

The northernmost terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway system, Skagway today serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of Canada’s Yukon Territory.

The northernmost terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway system, Skagway today serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of Canada’s Yukon Territory.

On my first trip, I took a tour to the Yukon town of White Horse. Whether you get there by van, bus, or the scenic White Pass and Yukon Railroad, the spectacular landscape on the way to White Horse is a sight to behold.

Waterfalls, lush meadows, forested plains, towering peaks, and stunning turquoise lakes make this region one of the most beautiful in Canada.

If you are arriving on a southbound cruise (leaving out of Anchorage), it is likely to be the first port you stop at.

There are a surprising number of fun stores and good restaurants in the small town, though your best shopping opportunities are still to come, in Juneau and Ketchikan.

When I have been in Skagway, I have been surprised by the vibrant crowds in the restaurants on Broadway, the main drag in town, which leads down to the waterfront.

The summer crowds are composed not only of cruise ship passengers but adventure seekers, campers, and locals.

For those less inclined to seek adventure inland, there is plenty to do right in and around the town to make for an interesting day.

In addition to the shops and restaurants, there are several interesting historical sites from the Gold Rush, such as the Skagway Museum & Archives and the Gold Rush Cemetery.

Also, there is the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which has its offices right in town.

The town’s weather is pleasant throughout the cruise season. For more on weather in the area, click here.

Finally, for those who, like me, love the outdoors, there are plenty of fantastic hiking and climbing activities in the area, not to mention the many aquatic activities, such as sea kayaking and canoeing.

I would love to go back to this area and spend more time, for the town and its surroundings have so much to offer.

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