Skagway Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Christopher Michel from San Francisco, USA (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Artur Moreno-Beltrán, Michael Gallagher, Gerry ONeill, Jeanne Alm, Jörg S · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- Alaska
- Coordinates:
- 59.4686° N, 135.3058° W
About Skagway
Skagway is a borough and city in Alaska's panhandle, serving as a cruise port call with seven main attractions clustered nearby. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a heritage railway just 1.9 km from the port, is one of the most visited sites. Other highlights include the Skagway Museum, Alaska 360's Dredge Town, and Mollie Walsh Park, all within easy reach for passengers during port visits.
The town's attractions span museums, parks, and heritage sites. The Skagway Museum and Skagway Centennial Statue both offer insights into local history, whilst the Port of Skagway and Railroad Dock provide additional points of interest. Mollie Walsh Park has the highest visitor rating among local attractions.
Visiting Skagway
Skagway works well as part of a wider Alaska cruise itinerary, with nearby ports including Juneau, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point. The small population of 1,240 swells significantly during the summer tourist season, reflecting the port's importance to Alaska's cruise industry.
The Municipality and Borough of Skagway is a borough and city in the U.S. state of Alaska, on the Alaska Panhandle. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,240, up from 968 in 2010. The population doubles in the summer tourist season in order to deal with the large number of summer tourists each year. Incorporated as a borough on June 25, 2007, it was previously a city in the Skagway-Yakutat-Angoon Census Area. The most populated community is the census-designated place of Skagway.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Skagway on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Robert Prejza · via Google Maps Heritage railway
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
4.7 (6,973) 1.9 km from port
Restored Gold Rush era railroad with vintage carriages rolling past waterfalls, gorges & glaciers.
Near: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (47 m) · Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center (48 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:15 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:15 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:15 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:15 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:15 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:15 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:15 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “Spectacular. I would highly recommend this trip. I came at the last minute and even though there were 4 ships…” — Dawn Fitzgerald
- 5 · “Absolutely wonderful experience. Fortunate to catch it on a mostly sunny day, but would be fun in any weather. The…” — Ken Malcomson
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Photo: Frank Linskens · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Port of Skagway
4.7 (2,159) 2.4 km from port
Historic Gold Rush-era tourist destination featuring White Pass train excursions and local shopping.
Near: Skagway Tours (391 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
- 5 · “This was my favorite port. We did the train ride into Canada and then bussed into the Yukon. Then toured…” — Tommu Naas
- 5 · “Very quaint historical town. A nice hike is to the Gold Rush Cemetary. It is about 2.5 miles from Skagway.…” — Keith A
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Photo: John V · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Alaska 360's Dredge Town
4.6 (863) 0.6 km from port
Costumed staff re-enact the Klondike Gold Rush–era with panning, Iditarod sled dogs & cold chamber.
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
- 5 · “Our family had an amazing time at the 360's Dredge Town! Kara Boo our tour guide was awesome and from…” — Darren Kirstiuk
- 5 · “If you are visiting Skagway and looking for an immersive, multi-generational experience that brings the Klondike Gold Rush to life…” — Jamie Van Eaton
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Museum
Skagway Museum
4.7 (262) 1.5 km from port
Museum in an 1898 building also housing city hall, with exhibits showcasing the region's history.
Near: Mollie Walsh Park (83 m) · Quilt Alaska (109 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- 5 · “We did the Days of 98 show prior to making our way to the museum. The two together gave us…” — Dawn Taylor
- 5 · “Very informative museum owned by indeginious tribes and their violence history fighting against their new settlers of Alaska who stole…” — Ezeikel Newton
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Tourist attraction
Railroad Dock
4.5 (163) 2.5 km from port
Scenic cruise ship pier offering shuttle access to town and connection to mountain train excursions.
Near: Skagway Cruise Terminal (31 m) · Skagway Fish Company (234 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “You can walk downtown easily. Water filling station at nearby park with bathrooms too. The train station is right next…” — Rachel Sakai
- 5 · “Exciting ride up, beautiful scenery. Comfy seats. Spectacular picture opportunities along the way!” — Dana Popovich
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Park and Garden
Mollie Walsh Park
4.9 (72) 1.5 km from port
Park with a playground and benches, plus nearby public restrooms.
Near: Quilt Alaska (46 m) · Olivia's Bistro & Bar (82 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- 5 · “Great playground with clean restrooms. There’s a little free library on the corner of the playground by a house. Found…” — Sanjida Bucher
- 5 · “Perfect place for youngsters off the cruise ship, about a 10ish min walk. Enough for entertainment for the 2 year…” — R DS
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Museum
Skagway Centennial Statue
4.7 (69) 1.9 km from port
Park and museum featuring information on the settlement's gold-rush past plus hiking routes.
Near: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center (52 m) · White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (60 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Such an informational little park before riding the white pass train ride.” — Juan Hernandez
- 5 · “Great history in this town, related to the gold rush era. This represents the hardships those people endured in search…” — Juan Mora (Taftmanian)
Map of Skagway and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Skagway
Cruises to Alaska mostly sail may to September.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
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- Dec
Cruises calling at Skagway
Deals update daily — see all Alaska cruises.
