things to do in skagway, alaska from cruise shipbest stainless steel tubing cutter

But imagine what it would be like to experience a birds-eye view of Skagways lush rainforests and waterfalls. Inviting passengers to envision life as an 1800s gold miner while exploring remote Alaskan landscapes, the White Pass & Yukon train ride definitely lives up to its nickname as the Railway Built of Gold.. Although gardening is a precious art form within itself, the Jewell Gardens also showcases one-of-a-kind glassworks uniquely handcrafted and blown by local artisans. Youll find restaurants such as Olivias Alaskan Bistro or the Skagway Fish Company, renowned for their grilled salmon and king crab leg dishes. Skagway continues as a shipping and supply center but depends on tourism. Its our 1st ever and I absolutely appreciate stumbling upon your Pinterest post as i was searching what to wear on an alaskan cruise in September. Now i will definitely bring my hunter boots! Take a look at some of these amazing views along our ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway. Compare policies and rates at InsureMyTrip. Sign up now for travel tips, vacation deals, and giveaways! This experience will fill you with some of the most joyous memories you will never forget. My love for travel will never end, even as a working mom rushing from school event to work and back again. In contrast, Martin Itjen was known for finding the worlds largest golden nugget and promoting tourism in Skagway. Skagway was one of those towns that really took me by surprise. Inspiring boomers one adventure at a time. Others looking to share a good laugh with friends or family can stay indoors to watch live comedic performances or poetic readings by one of Yukons most well-known authors, Robert Service. Skagway is also one of the few Inside Passage communities accessible by road using the Klondike Highway, which crosses the U.S./Canadian border into the Yukon Territory. If you are looking for some good-tasting Alaskan cuisine or want to relax with a nice cold one, Skagways Brewing Company is the perfect restaurant, brewery, and pub for you. I was VERY hesitant to book this excursion because the last thing I wanted to do was sit on a train for 3 hours. She explained how the devilish man took advantage of the naive stampeders. I watched natures beauty as we sailed into Skagways majestic deep-water harbor surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Again, youll want to bring a windbreaker when you step off the cruise ship. Upon entering, up to six players will be debriefed and locked within the puzzle room. If you have any questions about going on an Alaskan Cruise, Id love to hear from you! Built-in 1898 and originally established as a bordello, the Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum provides guests with insights into the lives of lonely miners during the Alaskan Gold Rush era. When getting off the ship in Skagway, there were not as many tour groups trying to get your business as there were in Juneau. Others from my ship roamed amongst the hand-woven baskets, fossils, walrus tusks, silver jewelry, and native arts. A S.M.A.R.T. My favorite was the Skagway Brewing Company. As we drove around, I noticed beautiful gardens at many homes. This route is part of the Golden Circle road trip that travels between Skagway and Haines (or vice versa). The combination of colorful history, a walkable downtown and outdoor opportunities cant be beat. Sled dog racing is an iconic sport throughout Alaska and an equally popular tourist attraction. Your email address will not be published. Whether youre a first-time cruiser or cruise expert, wed love for you to join our cruise community at High Seas Cruising. Salmon is a well-known delicacy amongst Alaskans, and many travelers are amazed by its beautifully speckled scales or its buttery, yet sometimes citrusy, taste. Lower Dewey Lake Trail is the perfect place to enjoy some quality time with family, friends, and pets. Here we go 8th gr. This old town was a business district for everyone seeking gold, but it soon dried up once the White Pass Railroad was opened.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'seemamatravel_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',193,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; Today, Dyea is located about 11 miles away from downtown Skagway and is a great scenic drive. In 1935, as a great publicity stunt, Martin took his streetcar to Hollywood to promote Skagway tourism. The population dropped down to just 872 in 1910. The town of Dyea arose from a small trading post to a major port in 1897 afterword of the Klondike gold discovery. You can hire a guide for hiking, wildlife viewing (you might see a bald eagle), or a photography tour. Ranging anywhere from seafood to sandwiches and pasta, the restaurants lunch and dinner menus include a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and kid-friendly choices that suit each guests unique taste buds. The one to three-hour excursion retraces the steps of miners journey to find fortune as you will discover various gorges, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, bridges, tunnels, mountains, and wildlife. You can explore the museum, filled with artifacts, machinery, and memorabilia that will help you retrace the steps of miners and Skagways history. Get your family started on a new adventure! Despite its small size, Skagway Alaska offers a wide range of activities and shore excursions. Cruisers may hike a portion of the Chilkoot Trail on a half-day guided shore excursion that includes a float trip. Their progression proved slow and led them over the steep pass in the bitter cold. Whether you want to help your kids burn off some extra energy or gain an educational experience while visiting Skagway, the Junior Ranger Activity Centre is an excellent spot to visit. Our animated and costumed tour guide recalled the towns history and the story of Soapy and Frank Reid in great detail. As Tappan Adney, a journalist writing about 1897 in The Klondike Stampede, said,Whichever trail you took, you wish you had taken the other.. Youre encouraged to walk at your own pace, stop to watch birds, take pictures, fish from the shoreline, or set up a picnic on the sandy beaches. But if alcoholic beverages are not your style, dont worry. Over the next two hours, up to six courageous individuals are treated to a once-in-a-lifetime view of natures greatest marvels and pure beauty. Gorgeous flora and mountain-side terrain surround the crystal clear lake. By air, by land or sea, Debi's always ready to explore at ByLanderSea. Although the famous railway was closed in 1982 after the closure of Anvil Gold Mines, it was reopened in 1988 for tourists. Despite the ugly sounding name, the small town packs a colorful punch for tourists. You might spot abundant wildlife, including seals, bears, and bald eagles, if youre lucky. The small-town charm, gold rush history, and breathtaking train rides provide plenty of excitement for visitors. A historic small town like Skagway would not be complete without a classic, beautiful and lively theater. Once you arrive in Haines, your tour will board a bus to take you to Chilkoot Lake State Park. Then, I headed to Broadway, the main street, where many businesses were just returning to pre-Covid activities. Is Skagway cruise port on your Alaskan cruise itinerary? Choosing an activity can be overwhelming, with so much to see and do. It was built in 1897 and much of the building and dcor (and waitresses!) Those connections werent granted until June 1962, when the city and the surrounding area became a National Historic Landmark. If that is not enough to satisfy your curious mind, venture outside and walk on the famous Chilkoot Trail, where thousands of miners took some of their first steps to search for great fortunes. Looking for an interactive, educational, and fun excursion that kids of all ages will absolutely love? The excursion features the most reliable equipment, bridges, and rope courses. The former Arctic Brotherhood Hall now functions as the Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau. There are only four main roads, and the city measures four blocks wide by sixteen blocks long. Whether you love history, nature, or a sense of adventure and thrill, the White Pass & Yukon railroad tour will leave every passenger with memories of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. There are plenty of shops and places to eat. Youll also find the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad at the end of Broadway, adjacent to the Broadway cruise ship dock. While on your way, scan the shoreline and skies for wildlife. Those who persisted and reached Lake Bennet on the other side then sailed 500 miles down to the Klondike River to Dawson City. You get a true sense of life in an Alaska gold rush era. Taking roughly two hours to complete, hikers will have a chance to view the Twin Dewey Mountain Peaks and the Northern Coastal Forest no matter what season or month you visit. Take to the water on a sea kayak or perhaps a scenic float down the Taiya River. and a cold beer at Skagway Brewing was a perfect choice. The evening melodrama begins with mock gambling and ends with Soapy Smith and his slippery gang. Specifically, Soapy Smith was an infamous con artist who stole goods from many of his business clients and purposely manipulated political campaigns. . No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Throughout the tour, Alaska Mountain Guides will support you each step of the way, sharing historical facts as your hike to your treetop destination, capturing stunning picturesque photos for your family, or providing a helping hand throughout the experience. Additionally, youll observe precious and rare photos of historical Skagway, mysterious folk art pieces, paintings, strange taxidermy and manikins, and vintage memorabilia from the Klondike Gold Rush. I meandered along and found an old rail car and a railroad snowplow. When it was time for my afternoon tour, I boarded a converted yellow streetcar on wheels. Tlingit guides accompanied the first party in May 1880 and transported the miners gear for a fee. The town of Skagway is super cute and looks right out of an old western movie. Further, if you are looking for a calm, quiet and peaceful excursion, float rides down the Taiya River are probably an experience calling your name. Have you ever wanted to test your hand at gold panning or learn what it takes to strike fortune within some of Alaskas most well-known goldmines? This trip set the foundation for the Tlingit packing business, which thrived until the gold rush. And the best part is you can do it all at your own pace with the scooters. I have to mention this Skagway excursion even though I just told you to leave the cruise planned excursions behind. For seafood lovers and anglers alike, the opportunity to see the famous Salmon Run is a truly remarkable and joyous experience. Just a short walk from the cruise port, passengers can walk along Pullen Creek (also known as Dewey Creek) and watch Chinook and Pink salmon swimming upstream as they prepare to spawn. If its your first time traveling to Skagway, we highly recommend the scenic excursion as long as youre not afraid of heights. Boomer travelers rely on our weekly email newsletter for fresh travel inspiration, tips, and advice. Although there are three different excursion tours to choose from, the most fulfilling one is a six-hour journey that combines a fascinating hike to the river where you will board your raft and float through some of Alaskas most stunning landscapes. Serious hikers and backpackers often visit the nearby ghost town of Dyea. You can also check out the Red Onion Saloon. An avid cruiser of over 15 years. Gold mining production in the region peaked in 1903 after heavier equipment was brought in. He called on Mae West to come up and visit him sometime. The newsmen and photographers loved it. But, if you accompany guides on an official tour of the museum, you will be some of the first cruise passengers to know how the nickname Soapy came about and why Jefferson Smith continues to be such a well-known person to anyone visiting Alaska. After our lunch at Skagway Brewing, we headed off to Skagway Scooters to rent scooters and ride around town. Another character in Skagways past is Martin Itjen, a stampeder in 1898 who became the unofficial director of tourism. Hello! In 1976, after numerous studies, President Gerald Ford signed a bill authorizing the creation of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. So much so, Ive thought about coming back and staying here for a few days to see everything I missed. Feel free to leave a question in the comments below or shoot me an email at [emailprotected]. Decades later, it is one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships and tourists. The facade features 8,833 pieces of driftwood that were attached in 1899 and extensively renovated, piece-by-piece, in 2005. As you float to different landmarks and sights, your tour guide will also provide you with in-depth stories, facts, or information relevant to your experience and the history of the Gold Rush. Whether you are passionate about exercising or simply there to enjoy the calming ride, Skagways Rainforest Bicycle Tour lets you view some of natures greatest marvels at your own pace and style. In todays travel climate, trip insurance is a must. So its probably a good idea to have things planned out before you get there. The train ride is by far the most popular tourist attraction. Check out our Alaska shore excursion reviews. The tour group visited their graves and other gold panners. One soldier summed it up, the work was too steep for a goat and too cold for a polar bear. Skagways torturous White Pass lacked the steep slopes of the Chilkoot but was 10 miles longer and had its own obstacles. Of course, I also found purveyors selling food and snacks like the Klondike Doughboy, a large circle of fried bread coated in sugar. ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'seemamatravel_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',176,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-banner-1-0')}; The White Pass Railway is literally on the edge of the mountain and climbs pretty high, pretty quickly. We love to get out and explore and make memories traveling. Children are encouraged to complete tasks to receive their own Junior Ranger Badge. My Itchy Travel Feet participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. White Pass sits at the top of the steep climb at 2,888 feet, also the international boundary between the United States and Canada. You need to call them directly from their website to book. Sadly, the railroad was too late for the gold rush peak as many prospectors had already moved on. Biking might take you a little long, but its perfect for a scooter ride! He masterminded a nine-month reign of gambling, prostitution, thievery, and murder. Dyea became a ghost town. We should have booked them for much much longer! Bears, harbor seals, bald eagles, and hawks call this area home. Luxury Cruise Reviews for Small Ship Cruisers, Explore Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Hubbard Glacier Cruise by Luxury Cruise Ship, The Best Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska Before or After a Cruise. And I will tell you.. this was our FAVORITE part of the entire cruise (Not to mention, the most affordable!). I wore those more than my other boots and was really glad I had them! Skagway is not very big and you can see so much of it riding around town. Heres your chance to learn some shady history. Although this may not have been one of the first places you thought of visiting while in Skagway, the Gold Rush Cemetery is a fascinating site that can make you travel back in time to 1897. The town streets feel like an old western movie set, but the mountain scenery shouts Alaska. After taking some time to bond with the playful puppies, professional mushers will guide you through how to maneuver the sled, signal the dogs attention, and the rules of riding. Instead, his journey is forever remembered in one of Skagways most popular museums. Dont do the full day excursion as it will leave you with no other time to see any other part of Skagway. Gold fever brought an estimated 100,000 prospectors to the isolated region with big dreams, but most of them failed. More than likely, it is. Cruise ships offer many pre-arranged excursions, but you can also hire a tour guide and outfitter on your own (book ahead with Viator). Oh yes, definitely bring them! This article may contain referral links. In 1898, construction began on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and finished in July 1900. The Brewing Company offers something extraordinary for every type of diner to enjoy. Bring your cameras or binoculars as eagles, bears, and salmon frequently lurk amongst the awe-striking mountain terrains you will most certainly explore. Pick from outdoor adventures such as helicopter flightseeing tours, a helicopter tour that includes landing on a glacier, or one that offers a dog-sled ride. Formally operated as a bar, the Jefferson Smiths Parlor became a museum in 1935. While most visitors to Skagway arrive on cruise ships, Skagway is also accessible via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. In Skagways downtown core, youll find various saloons, museums, theatres, and the very photogenic Arctic Brotherhood Hall. Skagways Historic Train Carriage Escape Room is the place to be for those innovative or creative passengers who crave this type of thrill on their vacation. Skagways remote location offers a grand opportunity for astral or milky way photography and the chance to see the Northern Lights between mid-September and late April, peaking in March. Guests of all ages are invited to explore the museums magnificent displays. The buses stop at popular tourist spots in the town, so riders can hop on and off for just $5 a day. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, Alaska Mountain Guides Adventure Park & Zip Line, Try the Historic Train Carriage Escape Room, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp Tours and Tickets, names are on the National Park Services website, Royal Caribbeans Royal Amplified: Ultimate Guide, Celebrity Cruises Ships by Size, Age, and Class, Using Your Phone on a Cruise (What You Need to Know), Royal Caribbean North Star: Ultimate Guide, Royal Caribbean Looks to Add Elon Musks Starlink Onboard, Simone Biles Named Godmother to Celebrity Beyond, Carnival Becomes First Cruise Line to Employ Bio-Digesters Fleetwide. White Pass & Yukon Railroad The White Pass & Yukon Railroad, Originally built in 1898, offers the most popular tour (book independently). But its THE top booked excursion, got a ton of great reviews, and sells out super fast. For animal-loving cruisers, excursions to Chilkoot Lake State Park should be number one on your list of things to do in Skagway, Alaska. on our las, Dog Sledding and Glacier Helicopter Flightseeing, What Its REALLY Like on an Alaskan Cruise, Top Things to Do in Juneau on a Cruise Port Day. The town is tucked away in a valley between massive, snow-capped mountains. I was intrigued by a building faced with thousands of pieces of driftwood. Skagway became infamous for its lawlessness. I have no words that can accurately describe it. We report on active travel adventures so that you know what to expect. Older audiences will be intrigued by the designs and functions of roulette wheels and slot machines that captured the attention of many hopeful and sometimes fortunate gold miners. Required fields are marked *. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'seemamatravel_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',194,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-leader-2-0')}; Try to build in a little time to walk the town. The National Park (website) manages four units within 13,191-acres that encompasses the historical district in Skagway, the nearby ghost town of Dyea, and the famous Chilkoot and White Pass Trails. Visiting Davidsons glacier is most definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Established in 1897, Bites on Broadway is the perfect way to kick-start your day in beautiful Skagway, Alaska. The summer days are very long, and plants grow big. I disembarked, choosing to make the long walk into town, although trams were available. The Adventure Park and Zip Line tour provides guests with 3.5 hours of excitement and thrill as you fly through the sky at 30 miles an hour and take in the views of mountains, wildlife, or nature from treetop obstacles. Itjen held many jobs, including miner, railroad employee, hotel operator, the towns undertaker, Ford motor car dealer, and a tour guide. I wanted to get out and explore! Encompassing a 3-mile round trip with an elevation of approximately 800 feet, the Lower Dewey Lake Trail features gorgeous rolling hills, rich forest scenery, and lush river-sider flora that serves as a postcard-worthy sight. Skagway gets its name from the Tlingit word skagua, which translates to place where the north wind blows.. The Tlingit (tribe) resided in the area and created a trade route with the Athabascans. But, you cannot leave without trying one of Louisvilles all-you-can-eat signature meals, including their smoked Alaskan salmon, homemade cornbread, or a zesty garden salad made from local, organic produce. When you arrive at Skagway, your ship will dock at one of the four cruise ship docks: Upon your arrival, youll immediately notice the town of Skagway is tiny. Check for best Alaska cruise prices here. I suspect it dropped even lower during the pandemic. Allow 3-4 days to complete this challenging adventure and then imagine attempting it in winter. I can fully understand why people would want to live there full time in the summer. This 60-minute puzzle game has you and your group work through clues and activities that prompt players to solve different missions. Passengers leave the depot aboard the historic narrow-gauge railway. You can view many of his personal belongings, artifacts, and oddities from the Gold Rush Era. Located just outside Skagways downtown core, Jewell Gardens is beautifully decorated with some of Alaskas wildflowers, including the official state flower, Myosotis Alpetris. I heard it is possibly the most photographed building in Alaska. Its no surprise that tourism is the towns largest industry, with nearly a million tourists visiting each year. Keep your eyes open for spectacular wildlife animals, including brown or black bears and bald eagles. She told how Frank staged a gunfight with Soapy. Initially, home to the native Tlingit, settlers in the 1890s founded the city during the height of the Alaska gold rush. If you plan to hike Chilkoot, stop at the Trail Center for information and permits. We rolled down Broadway, traveling to the cemetery. We only booked the scooters for 2 hours and that was a big mistake. Many cruise passengers choose to visit Alaska due to the sense of tranquillity from connecting with nature. She is the mother of four and Grandmother Mimi to eight. When you visit Skagway, that sense of relaxation will follow as you float through the 17-mile Taiya River in a non-motorized raft. It is recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, awarded to engineering feats like the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty. including giving us a ride back to the ship in their van so we could squeeze in every last second of using the scooters before boarding time! You cannot find them through the cruise line and they are not part of any excursions. For years, the mysteries behind the Klondike Gold Rush have attracted curious travelers worldwide to Skagway, Alaska. Because the Chilkoot Trail was so challenging, most stayed in Skagway and pitched tents. Looking for things to do on your Alaska cruise? Whether youre researching an Alaskan cruise itinerary or thinking about booking a shore excursion, here are our favorite things to do in Skagway, Alaska. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.You can find my Amazon influencer store here. Whether you want to stroll through the town at your own pace or join a guided, short-walking tour, Main Street gives passengers a sense of what it means to live in a tight-knit community full of history. My Itchy Travel Feet featured writer, Debi Lander, currently lives in Sarasota, FL and works as a freelance travel and food writer/photographer. Several other notable individuals lay to rest alongside these two men, whose names are on the National Park Services website. Skagway Alaska is located in the Alaska panhandle. Read More. Skagway Alaska offers some of the best weather along the Inside Passage. are straight from the 1800s. I'm Jenny, a mom to a sassy 10-year old girl, and dog lover. Check out my Alaska cruise packing list. I cant imagine gathering all the needed food and gear today, let alone in an isolated place. Soapy died that night, but Frank lingered for twelve days. From there, you will ride alongside the Taiya River and travel to well-known historical sites hidden within Alaskas dense and mysterious rainforests. They were easy to reach out to, very responsive, and did everything they could to accommodate us. More than 70 saloons thrived, giving the city the nickname roughest place in the world. The main rabble-rouser was Jefferson Randolph Soapy Smith. TIP: Ride in the very back car. Since then, the Klondike has been mined on and off. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'seemamatravel_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',197,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};And dont let the scooters scare you. The trail was clogged with mud during the wet fall months of 1897, making it impassable at some spots. She has traveled within 48 of the 50 United States and in over 70 countries. Among the vast amounts of Gold Rush memorabilia, photographs, and historical records, lies a magnificent collection of Indigenous Alaskan artifacts, including mammoth tusks, the original Tlingit canoe, beadworks, and wood carvings. If youre someone who wants to experience some good-tasting local cuisine or explore the towns unique shops for souvenirs, visiting Main Street should be at the top of your to-do list. I also appreciate the tip about rain boots. Get the best cruise tips and travel advice to make your next cruise a success. He built a tour bus from an old Ford bus and referred to it as a streetcar, giving town tours. Excursions range from 2 hours to full-day, with options for hiking and camping drop-offs and connections to other Yukon destinations. I never rode a scooter a day in my life but after a quick 10-minute lesson, I was flying around Skagway. The Glacier Helicopter Tour will give you breathtaking aerial views of some of the earths finest creations as you fly above or alongside forests, valleys, mountains, enormous icefields, and glaciers. The town is home to a little over 1000 residents, down from a peak of 20,000 during the gold rush. Located just 7 miles away from downtown Skagway, local experts offer guided walking tours that bring you close to the falls and share some scientific and historical facts about its existence.