Ahoy there, Ramblers! Skagway Alaska is a charming port town nestled in the heart of Alaska’s Inside Passage. It’s a popular stop on many Alaskan cruises. During our recent visit to Skagway, we took an onshore excursion that took us on a journey through the town’s fascinating history and stunning natural beauty. Here’s a breakdown of our Skagway excursion.
Downtown Skagway Alaska
Our excursion began with a short hike into town from the Spirit of the Seas through the town’s historic district. This area is lined with colorful Victorian-era buildings that once housed miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. Our guide went over the history of the gold rush, shared stories of the town’s wild past, and pointed out notable landmarks, such as the Red Onion Saloon. The Saloon was a popular spot for miners to unwind after a long day in the mines. We loved the breathtaking panorama of the mountains (snow-capped!!!!) on the short walk back to the ship.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Next, we headed to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This is a historic narrow-gauge railway that was built during the Gold Rush to transport miners and supplies from the coast to the Klondike gold fields. The train ride took us through some of the most stunning scenery we’ve ever seen. Snow-capped mountains and glaciers to crystal-clear lakes and rushing rivers were just awe-inspiring. We even crossed the Canadian border during our journey, which added an extra element of excitement.
Chilkoot Trail
After our train ride, we headed to the Chilkoot Trail, a historic hiking trail that was once used by Gold Rush prospectors to reach the gold fields. We hiked a portion of the trail and learned about the challenges and dangers that the miners faced during their journey. We were amazed by the sheer determination and grit it must have taken to traverse such rugged terrain.
Klondike Gold Fields
Our final stop of the day was at the Klondike Gold Fields, a museum and gold mining attraction that offers a glimpse into the life of a Gold Rush miner. We panned for gold in a replica mining camp and learned about the various methods miners used to extract gold from the ground. We even got to keep some of the gold flakes that we found as a souvenir!
Skagway Alaska Excursions Are Worth the Time
Overall, our Skagway excursion was a fantastic way to experience the town’s unique history and natural beauty. We highly recommend taking an excursion like this if you’re planning a visit to Skagway. It’s a great way to get off the beaten path and experience all that this charming port town has to offer.
