Skagway Alaska Cruise Port Guide 2026

Quick Reference

Port Type	Dock
Walk to Town	2-15 minutes (0.1-0.7 miles) depending on the dock
Typical Hours in Port	7:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Varies by ship and itinerary)
Population	Approximately 1,200
Best Month to Visit	July (warmest temperatures and lowest rainfall, but peak crowds)
Wi-Fi	Free Wi-Fi at the Skagway Public Library and some coffee shops.
Currency	US Dollar
Uber/Lyft Available?	No — not available in Alaska cruise ports.
Passport Required?	No, for US citizens on closed-loop cruises (starting and ending in the same US port). Always carry government-issued photo ID. Non-US citizens should check their visa requirements.
Cell Service	Verizon and AT&T have good coverage. T-Mobile can be spotty in some areas.

Why Visit Skagway

Skagway, affectionately known as the "Gateway to the Klondike," offers a captivating blend of gold rush history and stunning natural beauty. Stepping off your cruise ship is like stepping back in time, with meticulously preserved buildings that transport you to the late 1890s. The town's compact size makes it incredibly walkable, allowing you to easily explore its historic district and access nearby hiking trails.

Expect a charming, albeit tourist-heavy, experience centered around the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. You’ll find a mix of historical attractions, outdoor adventures, and souvenir shops. While the town caters to cruise passengers, it retains a unique character that sets it apart from larger Alaskan ports. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, but also for friendly locals and a palpable sense of history.

Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that Skagway was once the largest city in Alaska during the height of the gold rush. Also, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a marvel of engineering, was completed in just 26 months, a testament to the determination of the era.

Where Ships Dock & Getting to Town

Cruise ships in Skagway typically dock at one of four main berths:

• Broadway Dock (also known as Railroad Dock): This is the closest dock to downtown, only a 2-minute (0.1 mile) walk to Broadway Street.
• Ore Dock: Located slightly further south, the Ore Dock is approximately a 5-minute (0.2 mile) walk to the heart of town.
• Broadway Extension Dock: This dock is about a 7-minute (0.3 mile) walk to downtown.
• The A Dock (also known as the Smuggler's Cove Dock): This is the furthest dock from town, located approximately 15 minutes (0.7 miles) from Broadway Street.

A free shuttle service, operated by the City of Skagway, runs between the A Dock and downtown Skagway. The shuttle typically operates during cruise ship hours, with service every 15-30 minutes. Check locally for the most up-to-date shuttle schedule and route.

Taxis are available at the docks, but they are not always readily available, especially when multiple ships are in port. A taxi ride from the A Dock to downtown will cost approximately $10-15.

There is no Uber or Lyft service in Skagway.

Rental cars are available from Avis and Hertz in Skagway, but it is strongly recommended to reserve in advance, especially during peak season.

While docking assignments can change, Holland America and Princess Cruises ships often use the Broadway Dock or Ore Dock, while smaller expedition ships may use the A Dock. Check your cruise itinerary for specific docking information.

Top Free & Budget Things to Do

• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center: (Free) Learn about the gold rush history and pick up maps and information. Located on Broadway Street, a 2-minute walk from the Broadway Dock. Allow 1-2 hours.
• Skagway Museum & Archives: ($5/person) Explore exhibits on Skagway's history, including artifacts from the gold rush era. Located on Broadway Street, a 5-minute walk from the Broadway Dock. Allow 1-2 hours.
• Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Falls: (Free) Take a scenic walk (about 1.5 miles each way from downtown) to the Gold Rush Cemetery, where Soapy Smith and other notable figures are buried. Continue a short distance to Reid Falls. Allow 2-3 hours.
• Lower Dewey Lake Trail: (Free) Hike a moderate trail around Lower Dewey Lake, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trailhead is located near downtown. Allow 2-3 hours.
• Walk Broadway Street: (Free) Stroll down Broadway Street, admiring the historic buildings and soaking in the atmosphere. Pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure at the visitor center. Allow 1-2 hours.
• Explore the Historic District: (Free) Wander off Broadway and explore the side streets, discovering hidden gems and photo opportunities. Allow 1-2 hours.
• Lookout Point Trail: (Free) This short but steep trail behind the Skagway Small Boat harbor climbs up to a spectacular view of the town, harbor, and surrounding mountains. Allow 1-2 hours.
• Photograph the Train: (Free) The White Pass & Yukon Route train is an iconic symbol of Skagway. Watch for its arrival and departure and capture some memorable photos. Located at the train depot, a 2-minute walk from Broadway Dock. Allow 30 minutes.

Best Shore Excursions

Budget Excursions (Under $100/person)

• Skagway Streetcar Tour: ($30-40/person, 1 hour) A narrated tour of Skagway's historic district in a vintage streetcar. Insider Tip: Sit on the right side for the best views.
• Gold Panning at Liarsville: ($50-70/person, 2 hours) Learn how to pan for gold and try your luck at finding some treasure. Includes a show and snacks. Insider Tip: Go early to avoid the biggest crowds.

Mid-Range Excursions ($100-$300/person)

• White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (Train Ride Only): ($150-250/person, 3-4 hours) A scenic train ride up the White Pass, offering breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Insider Tip: Book the "Bennett Scenic Journey" for a longer ride with lunch included.
• Glacier Point Wilderness Safari: ($200-300/person, 4-5 hours) A boat trip to Glacier Point, where you can hike, kayak, and see glaciers up close. Insider Tip: Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly.
• Dog Sledding on a Glacier (Helicopter Ride Included): ($250-300/person, 2-3 hours) A thrilling helicopter ride to a glacier, followed by a dog sledding experience. Insider Tip: Book well in advance, as this is a popular excursion.

Splurge Excursions ($300+/person)

• Extended Helicopter Glacier Tour: ($350-450/person, 1.5-2 hours) An extended helicopter tour over multiple glaciers, offering unparalleled views of the Alaskan wilderness. Insider Tip: Ask for a window seat when booking.
• Fly Fishing Adventure: ($400-500/person, 4-6 hours) A guided fly fishing trip to a remote river or lake, offering the chance to catch salmon or trout. Insider Tip: No experience is necessary, but a good level of fitness is required.
• Private Chilkoot Trail Hike: ($500+/person, 6-8 hours) A private guided hike on a section of the historic Chilkoot Trail, offering a challenging but rewarding experience. Insider Tip: This is a strenuous hike, so be prepared for steep inclines and uneven terrain.

Booking excursions independently can often save you $50-$150 per person compared to booking through the cruise line. However, booking through the cruise line offers the assurance that you will not be left behind if the excursion is delayed. Consider reputable local tour operators for independent bookings.

Book your excursions 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak season in July, as popular tours sell out quickly.

Weather in Skagway can be unpredictable. Most excursions operate rain or shine, but some, such as helicopter tours, may be canceled due to poor visibility. Check the tour operator's cancellation policy before booking. If your excursion is canceled due to weather, you will typically receive a full refund.

Where to Eat & Drink

• Skagway Brewing Company: (Sitka Spruce IPA) ($$) Located on Broadway, this brewery offers a variety of handcrafted beers and pub fare. Worth visiting for its lively atmosphere and locally brewed beers.
• Olivia's Bistro: (Halibut Fish & Chips) ($$) Located in the Westmark Inn, Olivia's serves up fresh seafood and American classics. A great option for a sit-down meal with a cozy atmosphere.
• Red Onion Saloon: (Reindeer Sausage) ($$) Located on Broadway, this historic saloon offers a taste of the gold rush era, with live music and hearty meals. Worth visiting for its unique atmosphere and historical significance.
• Starfire Thai Bistro: (Pad Thai) ($$) Located on 4th Ave, this small restaurant offers delicious Thai dishes. Worth visiting for a break from Alaskan cuisine.
• The Smokehouse BBQ & Grill: (Pulled Pork Sandwich) ($$) Located on Broadway, this casual restaurant offers delicious barbecue dishes. Worth visiting for a quick and tasty lunch.
• Klondike Doughboy: (Doughboy) ($) Located on Broadway, this food stand offers delicious and affordable fried dough. A great option for a quick and cheap snack.
• Glacier Smoothie and Coffee: (Alaskan Wildberry Smoothie) ($) Located on Broadway, this small coffee shop offers a variety of coffee drinks and smoothies. A perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink while watching the crowds.

Local food specialties in Skagway include fresh Alaskan seafood, such as halibut and salmon, and reindeer sausage.

Be prepared for wait times at popular restaurants during peak cruise ship hours, especially between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

Shopping Guide

The main shopping area in Skagway is along Broadway Street, between 1st Avenue and 6th Avenue.

Popular items to buy in Skagway include:

• Alaska-made crafts and artwork: Look for items made by local artists, such as jewelry, carvings, and paintings.
• Salmon and other Alaskan seafood: Purchase smoked salmon or other seafood to take home.
• Gold nugget jewelry: Skagway is a great place to find unique gold nugget jewelry.
• T-shirts and souvenirs: Find a wide variety of t-shirts and souvenirs to commemorate your trip.
• Local jams and honey: Try some locally made jams and honey, often made with Alaskan berries.

To identify genuine Alaska-made products, look for the Silver Hand logo, which indicates that the item was made by an Alaska Native artist. You can also look for the "Made in Alaska" sticker, which certifies that the product was made in Alaska.

Be wary of mass-produced tourist souvenirs that are sold as "local." Ask the shop owner about the origin of the products before you buy them.

Alaska has no state sales tax, so you can enjoy tax-free shopping in Skagway.

Weather by Month

Month	Avg High (°F)	Avg Low (°F)	Rainfall (inches)	Rain Days
May	53	36	1.6	13
June	60	43	2.1	15
July	64	48	3.0	17
August	63	47	4.3	19
September	55	40	5.0	19

Skagway's weather is heavily influenced by its coastal location and the surrounding mountains. Summers are generally mild and pleasant, but rain is common. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, so it's important to dress in layers.

Pack waterproof outerwear, including a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Layers are essential, so bring a fleece jacket or sweater, as well as a hat and gloves. Even in summer, the evenings can be cool.

The sunniest month in Skagway is typically June, while the rainiest month is September.

Wildlife You May See

• Bald Eagles: Common. Visible year-round, often soaring overhead or perched in trees near the waterfront. High likelihood.
• Salmon: Seasonal (summer). Spawning salmon can be seen in the Taiya River and other local streams. Medium likelihood.
• Black Bears: Less common in town, but possible on hiking trails outside of Skagway. Lower likelihood. Best chance on Chilkoot Trail.
• Mountain Goats: Can be seen high on the surrounding mountains, often appearing as small white dots. Medium likelihood.
• Harbor Seals: Can be seen in the harbor, often near the docks. High likelihood.
• Humpback Whales: Possible on whale watching excursions from Skagway. Medium likelihood (excursion dependent).

Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Do not approach or feed animals. Bears are unpredictable, so be aware of your surroundings when hiking.

The Glacier Point Wilderness Safari offers the best chance to see a variety of wildlife, including bears, eagles, and seals.

History & Culture

The area around Skagway was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, who used the Taiya Inlet as a trade route. They referred to the area as "Skagua," meaning "windy place."

European and American settlement began in the late 1880s, but Skagway's population exploded in 1897 with the discovery of gold in the Klondike. The town became a major gateway for prospectors heading to the goldfields, and its population swelled to over 20,000.

Skagway was notorious for its lawlessness during the gold rush era, with Soapy Smith and his gang controlling much of the town's criminal activity. Smith was killed in a shootout in 1898, bringing an end to his reign.

Today, Skagway is a popular tourist destination, with its historic buildings and gold rush history carefully preserved. The town's cultural significance is recognized by the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which protects many of its historic sites.

Cultural sites to visit in Skagway include:

• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center: Learn about the history of the gold rush and the park's efforts to preserve it.
• Mollie Walsh House: The preserved home of a woman who ran a popular boarding house during the gold rush.
• Skagway Museum & Archives: Explore exhibits on Skagway's history and culture.

Practical Information

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at the Skagway Public Library (7th Ave and Spring St) and at some coffee shops along Broadway Street, such as Glacier Smoothie and Coffee.
• Cell Service: Verizon and AT&T have good coverage in Skagway. T-Mobile can be spotty in some areas.
• ATMs: ATMs are located at the Wells Fargo Bank on Broadway Street and at the Westmark Inn.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are located at the Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau on Broadway Street and at the Skagway Small Boat Harbor.
• Tipping: Standard tipping rates apply in Skagway. Tip $5-10 per person for half-day tours and 15-20% at restaurants.
• Emergency: For emergencies, call 911. The Coast Guard can be reached at (907) 983-2325.
• Drinking Water: Tap water in Skagway is safe to drink. You can refill your water bottles at the water fountain at the Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Accessibility

The docks in Skagway are generally wheelchair accessible, with ramps leading from the ship to the dock.

There are accessible paths from the docks to downtown Skagway, but some sidewalks may be uneven.

Some excursions in Skagway accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. Check with the tour operator before booking to confirm accessibility. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway offers accessible seating.

Tender boats are not used in Skagway, as ships dock directly at the piers.

Gangway inclines can vary depending on the tide, but are generally manageable.

Sample Itineraries

Half-Day Itinerary (6 Hours in Port)

• Hour 1: Arrive in Skagway and walk to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center to learn about the town's history.
• Hour 2: Explore Broadway Street, admiring the historic buildings and shopping for souvenirs.
• Hour 3-4: Take the Skagway Streetcar Tour for a narrated tour of the historic district.
• Hour 5: Grab a quick lunch at Klondike Doughboy.
• Hour 6: Return to the ship.

Full-Day Itinerary (10+ Hours)

• Hour 1: Arrive in Skagway and walk to the train depot to board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
• Hour 2-6: Enjoy a scenic train ride up the White Pass, taking in the breathtaking views.
• Hour 7: Have lunch at Olivia's Bistro.
• Hour 8-9: Visit the Skagway Museum & Archives to learn more about the town's history.
• Hour 10: Hike the Lookout Point Trail for panoramic views of Skagway.
• Hour 11: Browse shops on Broadway Street.
• Hour 12: Return to the ship.

Budget-Friendly Itinerary

• Hour 1: Arrive in Skagway and walk to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center (Free).
• Hour 2-3: Walk to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls (Free).
• Hour 4: Explore Broadway Street and admire the historic buildings (Free).
• Hour 5: Grab a Doughboy for lunch ($).
• Hour 6: Hike the Lower Dewey Lake Trail (Free).
• Hour 7: Return to the ship.

Insider Tips

• Go ashore early to beat the crowds. The shops and attractions are less crowded in the morning.
• Take a walk along the Skagway River. It's a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Broadway Street. You can access the river from the south end of town.
• Look for the free walking tours offered by the National Park Service. They provide a wealth of information about Skagway's history. Check the visitor center for schedules.
• Take advantage of the free shuttle service from the A Dock to downtown, especially if you have mobility issues.
• The best photo spot is from the Lookout Point Trail, offering panoramic views of the town and harbor.
• Be aware of the local customs. Skagway is a small town, and locals appreciate politeness and respect.
• Save money by packing your own snacks and drinks. Food and beverages can be expensive in Skagway.
• Don't be afraid to venture off Broadway Street. Some of the best shops and restaurants are located on the side streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skagway walkable from the cruise ship?

Yes, Skagway is very walkable from the cruise ship. The distance to downtown ranges from 2 to 15 minutes (0.1 to 0.7 miles) depending on which dock your ship uses. A free shuttle bus serves the furthest dock (A Dock) making it easy to get into town. Broadway Street, the main street, is flat and easily navigated.

Where do cruise ships dock in Skagway?

Cruise ships in Skagway dock at one of four main berths: Broadway Dock, Ore Dock, Broadway Extension Dock, and the A Dock (Smuggler's Cove Dock). The Broadway Dock is the closest to downtown, while the A Dock is the furthest, requiring a shuttle or longer walk. Check your cruise itinerary for your specific dock assignment.

How much time do you need in Skagway?

A minimum of 6 hours is recommended to experience Skagway's highlights, including exploring Broadway Street, visiting the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and possibly taking a short excursion. A full day (8-10 hours) allows for a longer excursion, such as the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, and more in-depth exploration of the town.

What is there to do for free in Skagway?

Skagway offers many free activities, including visiting the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center, walking the Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Falls trail, hiking the Lower Dewey Lake Trail, exploring Broadway Street, and admiring the historic architecture. These activities provide a rich experience without costing a dime.

What is the best excursion in Skagway?

The "best" excursion depends on your interests, but the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is consistently ranked as a top choice. It offers stunning scenery and a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Dog sledding on a glacier is also a memorable experience for thrill-seekers.

What is the weather like in Skagway in summer?

Skagway's summer weather is typically mild and pleasant, with average high temperatures in the 60s (°F). However, rain is common, and temperatures can fluctuate. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, fleece, and comfortable walking shoes. Be prepared for sunshine and showers on the same day.

Is there Uber or Lyft in Skagway?

No, there is no Uber or Lyft service available in Skagway. These ride-sharing services are not currently operating in any of the Alaskan cruise ports. Taxis are available, but they may not be readily available, especially during peak hours. Plan accordingly and consider booking transportation in advance.

Do I need a passport for Skagway?

For US citizens on closed-loop cruises (starting and ending in the same US port), a passport is not required. However, it is always recommended to carry a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. Non-US citizens should check their visa requirements for entering the United States and Alaska.

What should I wear in Skagway?

Layers are key when packing for Skagway. Wear comfortable walking shoes, waterproof outerwear (rain jacket and pants), a fleece or sweater, and a hat and gloves. Even in summer, the weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for all conditions. Consider bringing sunglasses and sunscreen as well.

Is Skagway good for families with kids?

Yes, Skagway is a great destination for families with kids. The town is compact and walkable, and there are many activities that appeal to children, such as the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, gold panning, and exploring the historic district. Many excursions are family-friendly, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Read More About Skagway

• Best Skagway Shore Excursions
• White Pass Railway Guide: Tickets, Views & Tips
• Skagway Day Itinerary: One-Day Cruise Port Guide
• What to Wear in Skagway
• Alaska Cruise Packing List 2026
• Best Alaska Cruise Ports 2026

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Gear Up for Skagway

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