Skagway Visitor Centers
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center
Housed in the historic 1901 yellow White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad Depot building that has been restored by the National Park Service, the Visitor Center is open daily from early May to late September. Hours are weekdays from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and weekends from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Broadway & 2nd Ave.
Tel: (907) 983-2921
Skagway Visitor Center
The Skagway Visitor Center provides maps to local attractions and other assistance to travelers visiting Skagway. The Visitor Center is located in the Arctic Brotherhood ( A.B.) Hall, with one of the most iconic facades to be found anywhere. The building, an example of rustic architecture, was built in 1899 for the Fraternal Order of the Arctic Brotherhood. The facade (added a year after the original building was built) is fashioned from more than 8,800 pieces of driftwood collected from local tidal flats. Eleven men organized the Arctic Brotherhood on February 26, 1899, while en route from Seattle to Skagway. It was formed to provide mutual assistance, friendship and social interaction in the northern communities.
On Broadway, between 2nd & 3rd Aves.
Tel: (907) 983-2854; Toll Free: (888) 762-1898
Private Tours & Tour Guides
Klondike Tours offers private tours that are priced by the vehicle. Vehicle sizes range from a 6 passenger Windstar van to a 24-passenger mini-bus. Private tours may include but are not limited to White Pass, Dyea, Yukon and B.C., but they don't include lunch, the cost of stops at Carcross or entrance fees for any of the attractions along the way. Since you're in charge, your tour may start as early as 8:00 am and end as late as 6:00 pm (depending on your ship's schedule).
3rd & Broadway
Tel: (907) 983-2075; Toll Free: (866) 983-2075
Beyond Skagway Tours offers private tours that will take you on a custom-designed trip around the Skagway/Yukon area in a luxury 2010 Yukon SUV. Your tour guide is Alaska native Becky McGill. Each private tour is limited to 7 people. The tours are priced at $100/hour for your entire party, with a minimum of 3 hours. Add-ons to the basic tour can be made to extend your day's tour to up to 10 hours, including a 2 hour lunch and Muktuk Adventures' Sled-dog Ranch, or 1 or 2 hours in Whitehorse.
Tel: (907) 612-0825; Skype: beyondskagway
Tour Agents & Operators
Klondike Tours
Locally owned and operated Klondike Tours provides a comprehensive array of day tour options for your visit to Skagway. Owner Greg Clem is passionate about his town and Alaska, and wants to share this passion with his clients. Klondike offers 18 day tours, ranging from a White Pass Summit tour to a Taiya River float tour to Dog Sledding tours, plus fishing, gold panning, flightseeing, Eagle Preserve wildlife viewing tours, and many more. Two things separate Klondike's tours from those of the cruise lines; all tour guides are local residents, with local knowledge and resources. In addition, Klondike offers the best prices on their tours, which represent a substantial discount to the tours offered by the cruise lines. It really does pay to go with Klondike Tours.
3rd & Broadway
Tel: (907) 983-2075; Toll Free: (866) 983-2075
Discover Skagway Tours
Owned and operated by Lewis and Gwen McElroy, Discover Skagway Tours is committed to giving you a tour you will remember. They began Discover Skagway Tours in 1999, and they and their staff have a combined 50+ years of Skagway tour experience. Discover Skagway offers five set tours that combine trips up to the White Pass Summit with other attractions, including Jewell Gardens, the Scenic Overlook, the Days of '98 Show, a Historic Skagway tour and the Gold Rush Cemetery. The tours run from $39 to $60, and include pick up at the Cruise docks. They also offer a Wild Alaska tour that combines a White Pass Summit Tour with either a scenic wildlife cruise and whale watching, fishing or flightseeing.
435 5th Ave.
Tel: (907) 983-2134; Cell: (907) 292-0161; Toll Free: 983-TOUR (8687)
Southeast Tours
Skagway's Southeast Tours is a locally owned and operated company that provides shore excursions independently of the Cruise Lines. Owner David Lee is s strong believer in the Skagway area, and is a very firm supporter of the preservation of its innate natural beauty. He is also an avid outdoorsman, and loves activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and observing wildlife. When you go on a tour with Southeast Tours, you can be sure that Dave has done all he can to help you enjoy this area as much as he does. Southeast Tours offers six set tours, including Skagway and Yukon sightseeing tours, a Yukon mountain biking and hiking tour, a Yukon horseback adventure tour, a deluxe Yukon sightseeing tour and a Chilkoot hiking and float tour. The tours run from $50 to $175 for adults, and less for kids 11 and under. To contact Dave, go to his website and fill out a form.
Chilkoot Charters and Tours
Experience Skagway with the expertise and local flavor that only year-round residents and professional guides can offer. Chilkoot's tours are designed to provide you with a memorable, worry-free sightseeing adventure, all at a remarkable value. They offer four combination White Pass & Yukon Route railway and bus tours, along with three bus adventure tours that will take you to the White Pass Summit and into the Yukon for a number of fun activities. Chilkoot's tours include courtesy transportation to and from the Cruise Ship docks, and guarantees delivery back to your cruise ship prior to your departure time.
340 7th Avenue
Tel: (907) 983-3400; Toll Free: (877) 983-3400
Museums
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Museum
Located adjacent to the Visitor Center is the Park museum, which features displays of historic photographs and artifacts. Here you can discover the stories of ordinary citizens who dropped their daily businesses and boarded steamships to follow their dreams north to the Klondike. Other exhibits showcase portions of the Rapuzzi Collection, one of Skagway's largest assemblages of gold rush artifacts dating from 1898 and collected through the late 1960's. Open daily from 7:30 am to 6:00. Admission is free.
291 2nd Avenue
Tel: (907) 983-9200
Mascot Saloon Exhibit
The National Park Service operates the historic Mascot Saloon Exhibit. Interpretive Rangers allow you to step back in time as you visit the restored Mascot saloon, an authentic 1910 saloon museum complete with displays and exhibits. Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free.
290 Broadway
Tel: (907) 586-3572
Moore House
Also operated by the National Park Service, the Moore House is the restored home of Skagway's first homesteading family. The Moore Homestead is a quiet place to visit when touring the Skagway Historic District. Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free.
5th & Spring Streets
Tel: (907) 586-3572
Skagway Museum (aka The Trail of '98 Museum)
Located on the second floor of the historic McCabe College building, the Skagway Museum houses artifacts, memorabilia, photographs and historical records of life in Skagway in the past century. The museum also features a collection of Alaska Native heritage baskets, beadwork and carvings, as well as a collection of Gold Rush artifacts and tools used by the late 19th century gold seekers. Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $2 for adults, and $1 for kids.
7th and Spring Streets
Tel: (907) 983-2420
Corrington Museum of Alaskan History
Located in their wonderful Alaskan Native Arts store, Dennis Corrington and his daughter Sherry provide an interesting and eclectic depiction of the history of Alaska through a display of 32 scrimshawed walrus tusks and other items, including the world's largest baleen basket. Open daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
525 Broadway
Tel: (907) 983-2599
Activities
Bicycling
Sockeye Cycle Company
Locally owned and operated, Sockeye Cycle's Alaska Bicycle Tours will take you beyond the main tourist routes for an unforgettable northern vacation. View breathtaking mountain peaks wrapped in glacial ice as you bike the local roads and trails with eagles soaring overhead and whales spouting in the distance. They offer six daily bicycle tours in and around Skagway, and the trips run from from $48 to $265 for adults (slightly less for kids). The trips range from 2 hours to 9 hours in length, and vary in the level of difficulty.
381 5th Avenue
Tel: (907) 983-2851
Botanical Garden
Jewell Gardens
Marvel at the abundance of flowers and vegetables that can be grown during Alaska's short growing season. Jewell Gardens, created in 1996 by noted Skagway gardener Charlotte Jewell, began when she acquired several acres of the old Henry Clark farm with the aim of creating Skagway's first show garden. Today the Garden features not only a beautiful garden whose plants change with the summer season, but also Alaska's only glassblowing studio in Southeast Alaska. The Gardens also feature an excellent restaurant on-site. Walk up admission is $12.00 for adult, $6.00 for kids 12 years and under, and includes a self-guided walking tour map of the garden.
Jewell Gardens is located just across the Skagway River Bridge, on the west side of the river; it's just about a mile from downtown Skagway.
Tel: (907) 983-2111
Canopy & Rock Climbing Tours
Alaska Excursions offers a fun Mammoth Waterfalls & Ultra Zipline Adventure, a 3¾-hour trip into Alaska's wilderness. After meeting up with your guide at the Cruise Ship dock, you'll drive along 9 stunning miles of coastline to Dyea, where you'll transfer to a Mercedes Benz Unimog for a trip into the hills. Next you'll start flying through the air through a course of 11 ziplines, the longest measuring 750 feet. Their lines will bring you directly above glacially fed waterfalls, so close you will actually feel the mist as you zoom by. The course also has 4 state-of-the-art suspension bridges. The price includes round trip transportation from the Cruise Ship dock. The trip runs $169 for adults, and $149 for kids 12 years and under.
Tel: (907) 983-4444
Alaska Mountain Guides offers a 4½-hour Rock Climbing adventure on the smooth granite walls of the White Pass. This adventure begins with a short interpretative drive in a private van through downtown Skagway and up the Klondike Highway. From the highway you'll hike for a few moments to the base of majestic rock cliffs recently smoothed by retreating glaciers. Here you will don rock climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses. After a climbing introduction you'll rope up and start climbing the clean granite. This adventure is perfect for those looking for their first climbing experience, or for experienced climbers looking for a challenge. No climbing is required and everyone will enjoy the cliff side snack and stunning views. The trip runs $160 per person.
Tel: (800) 766-3396
Dog Sledding
Alaska Excursions offers an exciting Alaska Sled Dog & Mushers Camp tour, a 3¼-hour introduction to Alaska's official state sport--dog sledding. After pick-up at the Cruise Ship dock, you'll drive along 9 stunning miles of coastline to Dyea, where you'll transfer to a Mercedes Benz Unimog for a trip into the hills. After greeting your musher, you'll board a custom-designed wheeled summertime sled led by a team of very excited Alaskan Huskies. Then they'll take you on an exhilarating ride down a mile-long, zigzagging trail deep in the Tongass National Rainforest (you won't be riding on snow). At the conclusion of your ride, you'll re-board the Unimog and head back to the Mushers Camp. Here you can meet and interact with the sled dog puppies in training, ask questions of the mushers and enjoy complimentary beverages before returning to Skagway. The price includes round trip transportation from the Cruise Ship dock. The trip runs $129 for adults, and $89 for kids 12 years and under.
Tel: (907) 983-4444
Entertainment Venues
Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp
Klondike Tours offers two excursions to the Liarsville Gold Rush Camp: the Liarsville Salmon Bake and the Liarsville Camp Show. At the Salmon Bake, watch as chefs prepare your lunch or dinner over an open wood fire using recipes handed down by the women who cooked in the camps and goldfields of 1898. The Liarsville Cookhouse has a menu to satisfy even the hungriest cheechako: freshly grilled Alaskan salmon, potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, sourdough rolls, coffee and lemonade--and for dessert enjoy hot apple strudel. You'll enjoy this delicious meal under a covered eating area in the most scenic dining room in all of Alaska. At the Camp Show, you'll visit the historic city of tents and the Liarsville Hippodrome, where a cast of sourdoughs and dance hall girls will dazzle you with hilarious melodrama and recite "Bard of the North" Robert Service poetry. You'll have ample time to wander through the saloon, bordello and laundry tents, and discover the antiques and vintage clothing left behind by the miners and "ladies of the evening." Whether you are shopping in the rustic Liarsville General Store, taking pictures or shaking hands with one of the camp's lovable giant sled dogs, your visit to the Gold Rush Trail Camp will be an experience you will never forget. The Salmon Bake runs $29 per adult, and $17 for kids 12 and under; and the Camp Show runs $25 per adult, and $12.50 for kids.
The Days of '98 Show with Soapy Smith The Days of '98 Show has it all: live music, singing and dancing, love and rejection, comedy and drama, and truly brings Skagway's colorful history to life. It's been a Skagway tradition since 1925. Follow the history of Jefferson Randolph "Soapy" Smith in Skagway in this fun morality play, complete with song and dance. Klondike Tours offers tickets to the rousing and fun hour-long show for $18.
Contact Klondike Tours at (907) 983-2075; Toll Free: (866) 983-2075
Fishing
If you plan on going fishing in Skagway, you'll need an Alaskan sport fishing license. You can view the regulations and get your fishing License online at the State of Alaska Fish & Game Web page. Kids 16 and under don't require a license. All of the fishing charter operators can sell you a one-day license ($20 cash) on board. If you're looking to catch a salmon, a one-day king salmon tag is $10.
McCormick Charters
Capt. Craig McCormick has been boating on Alaskan waters since 1973. He offers both half day (4 hours, $145/person) and full-day (8 hours, $275) fishing charters for King Salmon, Coho, Pink, Silver Bright and Dolly Varden. There's a 3 person minimum per trip. All fishing rods, tackle and bait are provided. Your catch can be custom-processed and shipped directly to you back home. You'll be traveling on the 34-foot White Wing, which has a 12-foot beam and is diesel powered. The main cabin is heated and has an enclosed bathroom. The back deck is covered and is very secure with high railings. The boat also features a top fly bridge that allows you to lounge and view the sights.
Small Boat Harbor
Tel: (907) 612-0345
Fat Salmon Charters
Owned and operated by USCG Master Captain Joe Warchuck, winner of last year's fishing derby for Skagway locals and a resident for 14 years, Fat Salmon Charters is a well maintained, fully rigged, twin engine fishing vessel with a comfortably equipped cabin. Captain Joe's experience and knowledge, in combination with a fish finder and down riggers to get your line where the Salmon run, all work together to deliver an exciting and successful fishing experience. Half day (4 hours, $145/person), full day (8 hours, $275) and exclusive charters are available, and their charters are scheduled to coincide with the cruise schedules. All necessary gear is provided.
Small Boat Harbor
Tel: (907) 209-7335
Chilkoot Charters & Tours
Captain Larry and his crew welcome you to the busy port of Skagway. Experience Alaska fishing with the advantage of the most knowledgeable captains, the finest charter vessels, state-of-the-art electronics and top quality fishing gear. All of their first class fishing charter vessels are equipped with spacious heated cabins, full sized restrooms and extra large fishing decks that accommodate up to six anglers. Bait, tackle and fishing gear provided. They offer 2 half-day trips daily, at 7:30 am and at 12:30 pm. Chilkoot's captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed, and hot and cold beverages are also provided on each trip. Fish cleaning is also included, and fish processing is available at additional cost. Chilkoot also offers courtesy ground transportation to and from all cruise ship docks.
340 7th Avenue
Tel: (907) 983-3400; Toll Free: (877) 983-3400
Flightseeing
Mountain Flying Service
Haines-based Mountain Flying Service, owned and operated by Paul and Amy Swanstrom, specializes in Glacier Bay flightseeing originating from both Haines and Skagway. Paul has been flying over Glacier Bay since 1992. When you fly with Paul, you'll experience the difference between a plain old airplane ride and an interpretive flight over Glacier Bay National Park. Paul flies a Bush Hawk XP with "windows so big that you can see Russia on a clear day." It's a great flightseeing plane, ideal for glacier tours or remote landings, and the perfect plane for Haines, Skagway and Glacier Bay.
132 2nd Avenue
Haines
Tel: (907) 766-3007
TEMSCO Helicopters
Operating in Alaska since 1958, TEMSCO offers a variety of tours in their fleet of helicopters. These include dog sled helicopter tours, in which you fly to a glacier and then enjoy a real dog sled mushing experience, and glacier helicopter tours, involving flyovers of the area's glaciers and landing on the glacier for exploration. TEMSCO Helicopters operates under a USDA Forest Service Special Use Permit in the Tongass National Forest.
901 S. Terminal Way
Tel: (907) 983-2900; Toll Free: (866) 683-2900
Gold Panning
You're guaranteed to strike it rich and find gold when you go on a gold panning tour with Klondike Tours' Liarsville Goldpanning experience. The Liarsville Gold Panning experience is available only with their White Pass Tours; the time in Liarsville adds 15 to 30 minutes on to the White Pass Tours. The cost is only $10 per person.
Contact Klondike Tours at (907) 983-2075; Toll Free: (866) 983-2075
Back Alley Rock Shop
This funky and improbable store has a gold and gem panning operation in their large rear yard. The price is only $20. Open daily from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Located on the west side of Broadway, down the alley between 4th and 5th
(907) 983-3354
Hiking
For those people looking for a cheap trip in Skagway, and who enjoy the out of doors, there's no better activity than taking a hike on the nearby trails. In fact, you can find a network of trails beginning just south of the corner of 4th and Spring Street. A popular short hike leads to Lower Dewey Lake, which is a beautiful and quiet sanctuary. Trails also lead to Upper Reid Falls, Sturgill's Landing and Upper Dewey Lake. Lower Dewey Lake is just under a half a mile away; other points of interest are within four miles of town.
To reach the trailhead from the corner of 4th and Spring, just go toward the mountain until you reach a foot bridge across Pullen Creek. The trail itself begins just beyond the railroad tracks. The Skagway Trail Map is available at the Skagway Visitor Information Center, the National Park Service Visitor Center and at the trailhead, or you can download the Skagway Trail Map (pdf format) here.
Alaska Mountain Guides
Alaska Mountain Guides offers a 6-hour Haines Wilderness Hiking adventure that will immerse you in the incredible beauty of wild Alaska. You will have the opportunity to see amazing blue glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls and majestic flora and fauna. You'll travel from Skagway on a 45-minute fast ferry to Haines. After a brief tour of the city, you'll head out on the trailhead for a 2½ hour hike through the wilds of Alaska. There are frequent sightings of whales, otters, eagles, bears, moose, and more. On your return leg to Skagway, you'll be served a delicious snack and be treated to additional details on Alaska and the surrounding beauty of the Lynn Canal. This is a great family experience and kids are welcome. The trip runs $125 for adults, and $85 for kids 12 and under, plus $62 per person round trip for the fast ferry fare.
Tel: (800) 766-3396
Horseback Riding
Alaska Excursions offers the Chilkoot Horseback Adventure, a one hour and forty-five minutes ride through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. After pick-up at the Cruise Ship docks, you'll travel 9 miles to Alaska Excursions' ranch in Dyea. Then you're off on your ride. Along the way, your guides will entertain you with tales from the crazed gold rush of 1898, including the boom and bust of the town of Dyea. You'll pass by some of the few remaining signs of what was once a bustling gold rush town of 10,000 hopeful prospectors, including the Slide Cemetery. Then you will ride out of the rainforest and onto the Dyea flats overlooking the northern tip of the Lynn Canal. The entire trip, which also includes post-ride refreshments and Alaskan salmon pate, takes 3½ hours. The price includes round trip transportation from the Cruise Ship dock. The trip runs $159 per person.
Tel: (907) 983-4444
Kayaking
Alaska Mountain Guides
Alaska Mountain Guides offers a 6-hour Wilderness Kayak Experience trip to Haines. You'll travel from Skagway on a 45-minute fast ferry to Haines. After a brief tour of the city, you'll board your kayak for a 2½ hour kayaking adventure. There are frequent sightings of whales, otters, eagles, bears and more. Each departure is outfitted with several pairs of binoculars. On your return leg to Skagway, you'll be served a delicious snack and be treated to additional details on Alaska and the surrounding beauty of the Lynn Canal. This is a great family experience and kids are welcome. The trip runs $125 for adults, and $85 for kids 12 and under, plus $62 per person round trip for the fast ferry fare.
Tel: (800) 766-3396
Streetcar Trips
Skagway Street Car Tour
Led by a costumed conductor on a yellow 1927 sightseeing bus, you'll explore the Waterfront, the National Park Historic District and enjoy the panoramic views from the Scenic Overlook. You'll also view the acclaimed "Skagway Story" production at the Club House Theater. There, like three American Presidents — Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and Warren G. Harding — you too will become an honorary member of the Arctic Brotherhood. The 2-hour Tour departs from the pier daily, May through September, at 8:30 am, 10:45 am, 1:15 pm, and
3:30 pm.
270 2nd Avenue
Tel: (907) 983-2908
Railway Trips
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway This is the most popular excursion to be had in Skagway. The narrow gauge "Scenic Railway of the World" offers a number of tours, all of which take you from Skagway to the White Pass summit, and many beyond. You'll begin your trip as you board the train in Skagway and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the Summit of the White Pass-–a 2,865 foot elevation gain. Guests ride in comfortable restored and replica passenger coaches. The tours are fully narrated and have moderate levels of activity. Railroad buffs will enjoy taking the "Fraser Meadows Steam Excursion," which leaves Skagway at noon on Mondays and Fridays from May 27 to September 16, 2011. Most of the trips require you to bring a passport, as you will be traveling into Canada. Tickets start at $112 for an adult, and $56 for kids 12 and under. Many of the trains are ADA accessible. Space is limited in the wheelchair-accessible cars; you need to let them know when reserving your seats if you or anyone in your party will require the lift to get onto the train.
231 Second Avenue (corner of Second & Spring)
Reservations, Toll Free: (800) 343-7373
River Rafting
Skagway Float Tours
Owned and operated by Cris Siegel and Katie Leonetti, Skagway Float Tours offers two fun, active tours: their Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float Adventure, and their Scenic River Float Tour. On both tours, wildlife sightings are common. Their friendly guides lead you on personalized tours that are a great way to get outdoors to see and learn about Alaska's natural beauty. The tours run between $75 and $90 per person. They'll also pick you up at the cruise ship piers and guarantee that you'll make it back to your ship on time.
Tel: (907) 983-3688
Wildlife Viewing Tours
McCormick Charters
Capt. Craig McCormick has been boating on Alaskan waters since 1973. His Wildlife Scenic Cruise will take you out on the breathtaking Taiya Inlet, one of the longest and deepest fjords in North America. Enjoy Alaskan wildlife viewed up close aboard his 34-foot vessel White Wing. The main cabin is heated, has an enclosed bathroom and features windows all around. The aft deck is covered and well secured with high railings for your comfort. The top fly bridge is also available for the best viewing of all the sights. The 2-hour cruises run $80 per person, with a 3 person minimum.
Small Boat Harbor
Tel: (907) 612-0345
Fat Salmon Charters
Experience a spectacular Wildlife Cruise aboard Fat Salmon's fully equipped, twin engine vessel, Badly Bent. Whether you prefer a 360 degree view from the fly bridge or choose the lower deck to be closer to the action, you'll experience the area's towering glaciers, green forests, and incredible sightings of Orca whales surfacing the gleaming green blue water of the Lynn Canal, sea lions and bears enjoying their summer salmon feasts and eagles soaring overhead. Fat Salmon Charters, owned and operated by USCG Master Captain Joe Warchuck, is built around the idea of the true Alaskan experience; he will make sure that you'll get your very special piece to take home. Their 2-hour Wildlife cruise runs $79 per person.
Small Boat Harbor
Tel: (907) 209-7335 |
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