I will be visiting Skagway on my next Alaska cruise.
Located on the extreme north of Inside Passage in Alaska, Skagway is a much-frequented stop for cruise liners. This quaint town is home to only about a thousand residents and is situated in a narrow valley formed by the Skagway River at the head of Lynn Canal.
The port of Skagway has three docks that can accommodate up to five cruise ships at a time. These docks include the Ore dock, Broadway dock, and Railroad dock. Depending on where the ships dock, it can be a one or two-ship-length walk to the center of town.With its popularity among both travelers and ship crew, Skagway ranks highly as a premier destination for cruise ships in Southeast Alaska.
Skagway's downtown historic district is just ¾ mile from the docking space and is home to many shops, restaurants, and attractions. Visitors can take a stroll down Broadway Street, which is lined with colorful buildings and storefronts that date back to the gold rush era. Skagway is a popular destination for cruisers visiting Alaska. The town has a rich history as a gold rush town, and visitors can explore its historical sites and museums to learn more about this fascinating era. In addition, Skagway offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
History of Skagway
Skagway is a small town located in southeast Alaska, known for its rich history and scenic beauty. The town was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, who used the area as a trading post and fishing village. However, it was not until the late 1800s that Skagway began to attract significant attention.
In 1896, gold was discovered in the nearby Klondike region of Canada, triggering a massive gold rush. Skagway quickly became the gateway to the Klondike, as prospectors flocked to the town in search of fortune. The town's population exploded, going from just a few hundred to over 10,000 in a matter of months.
During this time, Skagway was a lawless frontier town, with many unsavory characters taking advantage of the chaos. One of the most infamous of these was Jefferson "Soapy" Smith, a con artist and gang leader who controlled much of the town's criminal activity. However, in 1898, a group of citizens led by Frank Reid staged a shootout with Smith and his gang, resulting in Smith's death and the establishment of law and order in the town.
Today, Skagway's historic district is a popular tourist destination, with many of the town's original buildings still standing. Visitors can learn about the town's fascinating history at the Skagway Museum, or explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which preserves the area's gold rush history.
Skagway is also home to several historic cemeteries, including the Gold Rush Cemetery, which contains the graves of many of the prospectors who came to Skagway in search of gold but were unable to survive the harsh winter.
Arriving at Skagway Cruise Port
Skagway Cruise Port is a popular destination for cruise ships sailing to Alaska. The port is located in the town of Skagway, which is situated at the northern end of the Inside Passage. The port is a popular port of call for several cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Discovery Princess, Sapphire Princess, Ovation of the Seas, Norwegian Encore, and Crown Princess.
Cruise ships typically arrive at the Skagway Cruise Port early in the morning, with most ships docking at the Ore Dock, Broadway Dock, or Railroad Dock. The port has a capacity of up to five cruise ships, and the center of Skagway is located in front of the port. Depending on where a ship docks, it might be a short walk to the town center.
Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted by the Skagway Visitors Center, which is located near the port. The center offers information on local attractions, tours, and activities. Visitors can also find maps and brochures on the town's history and culture.
Passengers can choose to explore Skagway on their own or take a guided tour. The town is known for its gold rush history, and there are several historic sites and museums to visit, including the Skagway Museum and the Trail of '98 Museum. Visitors can also take a ride on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
For those interested in outdoor activities, Skagway offers several options, including hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Klondike Highway, which offers views of the rugged Alaskan wilderness.
In conclusion, Skagway Cruise Port is a popular port of call for several cruise lines sailing to Alaska. Upon arrival, passengers can explore the town's gold rush history, take a scenic train ride, or enjoy outdoor activities. The Skagway Visitors Center is a great resource for information on local attractions and tours.
Transportation in Skagway
There are several transportation options available for visitors to get around and explore the town.
Shuttle Buses and Smart Bus
Skagway has a reliable shuttle bus service that runs from the ferry dock to downtown Skagway. The Smart Bus, which operates from 7 am to 9 pm daily, runs every 15 minutes when cruise ships are in port. The bus fare is $5 per person for an all-day pass or $3 per person each way. The Smart Shuttle also provides on-demand shuttle service from 8 am to 1 am year-round. Visitors can call (907) 612-0902 to request a pick-up, but 24 hours notice is required for service outside regular service hours.
White Pass and Yukon Route Railway
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway is a scenic railway that runs from Skagway to Whitehorse in Canada. The railway was built during the Klondike Gold Rush and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take a ride on the railway and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Street Car Tour
Another popular transportation option in Skagway is the Street Car Tour. The tour takes visitors around Skagway in a vintage streetcar and provides a guided tour of the town. The tour is a great way to learn about the history of Skagway and see some of the town's most popular attractions.
Cars and Google Maps
Visitors can also rent cars in Skagway to explore the town and surrounding areas at their own pace. Google Maps is a great tool to use for navigation and finding directions to popular attractions.
Alaska Marine Highway and Ferry Pier
The Alaska Marine Highway provides ferry service to Skagway from other parts of Alaska. The ferry pier is located in downtown Skagway and is within walking distance of many of the town's attractions.
Overall, Skagway has a variety of transportation options available to visitors. Whether visitors prefer to take a shuttle bus, ride the railway, or rent a car, there are plenty of ways to explore the town and surrounding areas.
Exploring Skagway
Skagway is a popular destination for visitors on an Alaskan cruise, and there are plenty of opportunities for tours and shore excursions. One of the most popular attractions is the historic Chilkoot Trail, which was used by gold rush prospectors in the late 1800s. Visitors can take guided tours along the trail and learn about its history and significance.
Passengers can also take a train excursion on the White Pass Summit, which offers stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and rockslides. Another popular excursion is dog sledding, where tourists can experience the thrill of being pulled by sled dogs through the snow.
Skagway's Main Street is lined with souvenir shops and dining options, including the famous Red Onion Saloon. Visitors can also take sightseeing tours of the town, which is filled with historic buildings and landmarks.
For those who want to explore beyond Skagway, there are plenty of options for day trips to nearby destinations like Haines, Ketchikan, and Victoria. Wildlife enthusiasts can go on whale watching tours or eagle watching tours, while adventure seekers can take helicopter tours or go hiking on the Dewey Lake Trail.
Overall, Skagway offers a variety of experiences for tourists on an Alaskan cruise. Whether it's shopping, sightseeing, or outdoor excursions, there's something for everyone. Wi-Fi is also available throughout the town, making it easy for visitors to stay connected while they explore.
Emergency and Safety Measures
Skagway cruise port has taken several emergency and safety measures to ensure the safety of its visitors and residents. The port has been experiencing rockslides, which pose a significant risk to the White Pass Railroad Dock. Skagway Mayor Andrew Cremata declared an emergency in July 2023 due to the dire nature of the situation.
The municipality is working to get state and federal assistance to fix the issue. The emergency mitigation work is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars that Skagway does not have. However, the port is hoping to have completed the work by the time the cruise season begins.
In addition to the emergency mitigation work, the Skagway Port Master Plan was created to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 for both cruise ship passengers and the community. The plan aims to ensure that the port can safely accommodate the expected one million cruise ship passengers annually.
The Alaska Board of Marine Pilots flagged part of Skagway's port as a potential collision risk zone in June 2023. That's because the port, like the rest of Skagway, gets very crowded in summertime. On busy days, there are five cruise ships moored in the port. To address this issue, marine pilots have recommended that the port create a designated anchorage area for the cruise ships.
In conclusion, Skagway cruise port has taken several emergency and safety measures to ensure the safety of its visitors and residents. The emergency mitigation work is expected to be completed before the cruise season begins, and the Skagway Port Master Plan aims to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. The port will continue to work with marine pilots to address any potential safety risks.
I look forward to my next Alaska cruise which will include a stop in Skagway.
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
