Skagway is such a cool town. It almost feels like it's half a historical landmark with statues, gold rush equipment, trains, and building exteriors that looked like Gold Rush era designs... and the other half a tourist trap with its shops and restaurants largely dependent upon tourist season for its existence. We weren't able to walk through more than a few blocks but I also don't think there was much more than what we saw via the bus that took us to our train excursion. Skagway was a stark contrast compared to Juneau and Ketchikan (the latter two were more like a normal city with the usual expected amenities). read more

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Skagway is a small town in the Northern part of the Inside Passage of Alaska. This town is stuck in time. If you want to feel like you are in the 1800's Gold Rush, come here. I don't say that in a bad way. It is educational and very interesting. There are several breweries, one of which get very busy quick. They have tasty local beers and they couldn't be fresher. I remember my daughter needed something at a deug store and we were able to find one quickly. The town has several restaurants and some nice gift shops. I bought some nice reading glasses and a couole souveniers. Skagway is very warm and welcoming. The people could not be friendlier or more helpful. I enjoyed my time here a lot. read more

Skagway Alaska - My daughter, Michelle F - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Skagway, Alaska

Skagway is a town that has a little of everything small town. No fast food or big box stores near the downtown area or port area. Lots of little mom and pop shops to buy some Alaskan souvenirs and some local Alaskan food. Skagway does have steady foot traffic while the cruise ships are in port. Once the season ends, it seems like this would be a bit of a ghost town but with all the cruise ship stops during the summer, they need time off. Skagway has some very nice weather in the summer when the sun comes out and warms the air. No matter when you visit, eat like a local and enjoy the food. I certainly did. read more

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This old town of Skagway, Alaska has a lot to see, but most people end up shopping or hanging around inside those retail stores. Some like it, but others may find it old and boring. Restaurants aren't all popular or unique, but you can still find a good spot to relax and enjoy. I would prefer walking further out and enjoying excursions here. If you like photography, you can capture lots of nature views and gorgeous architectures of old buildings. Historic Gold Rush town. Think about the history and survivors stories in the old days living here. It still feels like an old western ghost railroad town in many ways, so if there were no tourism around here, this place is probably dead. There's residential areas and museums. I like looking at the trees surrounding the area in the background. Good walkable city back to cruise ship docks. Public restrooms can easily be found. There's just too many tourists on the streets and most people don't know where they want to go or do for the entire day. Skagway is underrated in many ways. It still holds its charm and gold mine/gold rush history. Not bad for having good starting routes north towards White Pass Summit, passing Alaska into British Columbia, and even up further north into Yukon Territory. read more

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Skagway, Alaska is the northernmost point in Alaska's Inside Passage, at the far end of Lynn Canal. This is a gold rush town frozen in time. In 1898, thousands of people came here in search of gold. It was inhabited for over 10,000 years by the Chilkoot Tlingit people. The population has dwindled from 20,000 feverish gold seekers to about 1,000 year-round citizens. It reminded us of a ghost town in the Wild West - very sad to see. read more

One of our tour guides from cruise port rival town Sitka remarked in the most impartial way that Skagway is a visitor's town. In other words, the whole town pretty much subsists on tourist money. It's a quaint little town with beautiful views of the mountains but it basically feels like one big gift shop. The people that work here are friendly enough, but in a way that seems like they are only friendly because it's their job to do so and not in a genuine manner. If you do need some souvenirs or are looking to spend some money, there are a lot of shops that are willing to cater to your Alaskan needs. Unfortunately when we were here a lot of the seafood that Alaska is known for was not available at any of the restaurants which put a damper on any desire to try out the local (albeit touristy) fare. read more

I love Alaska and this one is not an exception on the place is just gorgeous with wildlife and Laura and Fowler that you won fine and this ex explainer in our California. The people in Connor were friendly and helpful to point out different places to visit.. if you have a chance to travel Alaska, this is a must stop read more

Skagway Alaska - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Skagway, Alaska

Spoke with one of the drivers who takes the wallets (tourists) from the boats to the commercial section of town. Evidently there are around 500 or so actual residents who run the place while it's warm enough and stick around when it cools down. Aside from that, everyone else (myself included) is a visitor, turning this in to a retail haven if you're in to that sort of thing. Tons of jewelry shops and touristy garb available. On top of that, you aren't allowed to the boarding area without some sort of identification. Nor can you walk...must take a shuttle to get to some vessels. Place is made for retail and it shows. And only a certain type of retail at that: mainly tourism. I'd love to come back when it isn't tourist season to see how this place functions. read more

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This is one of our stop cruising with Princess to Alaska. We stopped here and walked to downtown. The walk to downtown from our port was about 10 mins. It was a pretty easy walk. There are many stores in Skagway downtown. Many of them showcase the items/artworks made by the First Nation people. There are also lots of jewelry stores many selling the same things such as Tanzanite. There are also a few museums available. The town is tailored to tourists. Overall the town is small but it has pretty much everything you are looking for. We didn't see any grocery stores in the touristy area of downtown. We had a great time exploring the town and really much enjoyed it. read more

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Small little town. End of season when we visited so it was pretty empty and most places closed. But nice to see. There wasn't too much to do here read more

Just do it! Buy the cruise/ land package anyway you can get here and just come! This town is so adorable!!! Lots of photo ops and the surrounding mountains are fabulous. What are you waiting for!!!?? read more

Skagway!..."is a compact city in southeast, Alaska set along the popular cruise route the Inside Passage". Yes, I believe I quoted this from Wikipedia. Lol, but using my own words...Skagway is located on the Alaskan Peninsula...away from Anchorage and Fairbanks and much of the rest of the state. But, besides Skagway, there is so much to see and do in this bottom portion of the state. In fact, my friend just messaged me his cruise route itinerary and of course it included Skagway. This whole section of Alaska is really only navigable by waters and that's why here (and among others seaside towns) you'll confront massive cruise ships and loads of cruise ship passengers. Although, I actually drove to Skagway through Canada...most other ports cannot be reached by vehicle. Here is a sampling of what my friend relayed to me about his cruise destinations, etc... - Sept. 6th - Ketchikan - Sept. 7th - Juneau - Sept. 8th - Skagway All these ports are good for day tours and exploring around. My prior review was about how much I was in awe of this one hike here in Skagway...yes, the magical 9.5 mile roundtrip, 3700 foot climb - Upper Dewey Lake Trail leading to Devil's Punchbowl. The sceneries from high above looking down below were some of the best views I have witnessed in a very long time. That trek/journey was without a doubt the highlight of my time here. And the hike was recommended to me by a local while I was using the gym at the Skagway Recreation Center. Most visitors and cruise ship folks walk around the charming old fashioned streets of downtown. Skagway is a throwback in time kind of town that transports you to simpler days. There are plenty of shops to purchase jewelries, souvenirs and gifts (I recommend the Alaska Shirt Co. in the front of town) and quaint little restaurants for bites/snacks to eat. Walking about downtown doesn't take long. The streets extend for maybe 1/3 of a mile while situated along the edge of the dock waters. Also, back in the day, Skagway was the epicenter for the Klondike Gold Rush Boom of the 1800's, now preserved as a national historical park. So, yes, you can stop in at the Klondike Park Visitor Center to learn more about the histories, fortunes and struggles that took place during the gold rush times. There are park rangers to speak to along with watching a 22-minute film called "Gold Fever: Race to the Klondike", that I found quite informative. And best part...bring your National Parks Passport to get it stamped. Always fun! - There are walking tours offered through downtown. - You can take a Skagway Alaska Street Car Tour as well. - BUT...the most popular tour within Skagway is...the WHITE PASS AND YUKON RAILROAD, which you can ride while venturing the boundaries of the Alaskan Inlet. It's a vintage era, antique locomotive that initiates trips right in the downtown harbor. Some extra details for exploring Skagway... - 4 miles from downtown is an interesting observation point spot. I saw tour buses stopped at this overlook to give people a chance for photo taking. There was no name for this vista point, but if you Google "overlook", this locale should come up. Overall, I found this spot to be just okay in terms of sceneries. Nothing special. - The Welcome to Alaska Sign is located 14 miles north of Skagway. If you have transportation...it's not often you get the opportunity to get that picture moment in. If you are interested in making the 14 mile drive, I believe tour buses do it. You don't actually leave the USA, but you will have to re-enter the USA Customs Border, so you may need your passport for this. - Also, on the way to the State Sign of Alaska is a roadside waterfall that I believe is worth stopping for. it's situated on the left hand side of the road and can't be missed. Again, I didn't see a name for it, but it's unmissable. - Walking around the downtown pier area is scenic with the lush green snowcapped mountains set in the backdrop (when the sun is out). I just enjoyed casually strolling about the docks and grabbing photos from time to time. - There's an airport strip if you'd like to do a sightseeing tour. Plus, I saw helicopters flying as well if that's your thing. Some restaurants I ate at... - Skagway Brewing Company - okay - $20 hamburger - okay. - Northern Lights Pizzeria - wait times were very slow. Pizza was way too cheesy. - Peppers Food Truck - fresh, authentic tacos. - Glacial Coffeehouse - good breakfast bagels, but pricey. - Although I never ate there...RED ONION SALOON right in the front of town is a colorful and happening historic bar/restaurant that was busy with tourists stopping in and out of. In the end, Skagway, Alaska is ideal for a one day tour/exploration of. Unless you've traveled by car like I did and can stay awhile, you can accomplish enough of this pleasant seaside town within 8 hours. Lastly, Skagway is the prime/optimal cruise ship port destination for navigating within Alaska's Inside Passage. read more

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One of our cruise ship stops and one that is so easy to walk. The snow capped mountains are like something out of a postcard. The bald eagles soaring through the air are a majestic sight. The visitors center is a cool building covered in old wood pieces. The Red Onion Saloon is an old timey spot for a bite to eat and drink. Take in a tour or river raft excursion. It's a small town that is made for tourism so be sure to pick up a souvenir at one of the shops before getting back on the boat. read more

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An amazingly beautiful quaint town! The people are just super nice and friendly, the area is easy to navigate on foot and the town is very peaceful. Great Mountain View's no matter where you are in downtown town! Such a wonderful place filled with wonderful people! read more

Skagway was the 2nd of 3 stops on the cruise to Alaska... Had a "bear" greet us for pictures at the port.. Wow, lots of mountains. Took the Yukon Tour which kept us out most of the day...nice ride through and back...though it took us back to Canada and then back...make sure you have your passports with you. Did some walking around town for souvenirs and site seeing once we got back. nice stop for the day in town before getting back on the cruise ship. read more

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What a beautiful city . It was quite small city and quiet. I'm wondering how they can live in the small city . I found only shops as tourists there . read more

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We stopped in here after our cruise ship landed in town to get some info on the local flavor and see what was recommended beyond the tours we had signed up for. The place was closed and locked. Interesting for August! The building itself is pretty cool and interesting. read more

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This is an entirely nostalgic review, as I haven't been here since 1995. The wanderlust is taking over again, and yet again I answer its call by reviewing a loving memory. To celebrate my forthcoming high school graduation, my aunt took me on an expedition of sorts, one that I am eternally grateful for. In case you didn't know already from past reviews, I am a huge Jack London otaku (fanatic). The Square is my second home, and I am now a regular at Heinold's. I have a fairly sizeable collection of London's works (including a rare edition of a play he wrote), and can spout off many London-derived facts at will. To complete this loop, my aunt took me to follow his footsteps through the Alaskan and Yukon territories. Together, we jounryed by plane (not cruise ship) from Juneau to Haines, Skaguay and Dyea, then hopped on a train and bus to Whitehorse, then another plane out to Dawson City. Skaguay was my most favourite stop. I use the old spelling when referring to the historical townfront. It seems only fitting to use the "U" instead of the "W", as was later adopted by conforming officials. In my heart of hearts, it's yet another way to keep history talking in our modern age. The backdrop to this beautiful town are the glacial peaks one usually only sees in travel magazines, with the surrounding waters of the Chilkoot Inlet to buffer the town and you. Golden and bald eagles soar the skies while you canoe through the waters, and huskies take you on a spin down the main drag of town. Vaudeville shows to tickle your fancy, fresh seafood fare awaiting your taste buds, and shops aplenty to delight you into loosening your pursestrings whilst you're there. Museums decorate the town, but so do vestiges of past times as you walk amongst the wooden structures, both old and new. I remember a single tall chimney stack sitting on a vacant plot of land in the middle of town, and an old tractor trail along the edge towards the water. There's also Lower and Upper Dewey Lake to the west should you fancy a nice day hike and some of the most aquamarine lake waters I've ever seen in my life. One day I'll be back to relish in this town that won my heart at first glance. And with the mileage under my belt, perhaps I'll hit the beginnings of the Chilkoot Trail to deepen my nonsensical historical fancies. Will you join me? read more

Upon disembarking from our cruise ship, our first stop was the visitor's center. What better way to gain information than from the locals right? Wrong. Unfortunately the woman behind the counter had a snooty attitude toward tourists. She was some sort of language specialist or something. I wish I'd remembered her name. She said she was not allowed to endorse one attraction or location over another. Her overall negative attitude made her very difficult to speak with. I watched her look at children with disdain and heard her say "Ugh, you can always tell when Disney is in town." I was appalled. For a town that relies 100% on tourism her attitude was unacceptable. Overall, our time in Skagway was fun and we had plenty to keep ourselves busy just by following a simple map. read more