A hub of tourism in the region, Skagway, Alaska, has been everything from a proper city and a borough to an 1800s Gold Rush town. With lush mountain scenery and lots of historical attractions, this destination located on the Alaska Panhandle has plenty to keep you occupied.

Here's a look at 10 of the best things to do in Skagway, Alaska.

1. Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad

All aboard! Skagway lies on the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, and one of the best ways to explore the region is aboard the area's scenic steam train. A holdover from the prospector days, the train line was originally used to haul away gold ore but now serves as a 41-mile tour for travelers looking to explore the area's hills and mountains during the summer months.

A train on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad travels through fields of pink wildflowers, surrounded by lush greenery and towering snow-capped mountains.
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad winds through vibrant wildflowers and breathtaking mountain scenery, offering a journey of unparalleled beauty in Alaska.

2. Rock climb and rappel on Klondike Summit

Mountains dominate the landscape, but the peak that interests most travelers visiting Skagway on an Alaska cruise is Klondike Summit. Also known as White Pass Summit, this peak stands 3,292 feet above sea level. The path leading to it offers stunning views of towering waterfalls, postcard-quality vistas and excellent glimpses of the original Dead Horse Trail and Tormented Valley. Dead Horse Trail is a haunting stretch where prospectors' overloaded pack animals met their fate, and the Tormented Valley is a windswept, otherworldly expanse dotted with twisted trees and glacial scars.

A female rock climber ascends a steep, rocky cliff at Klondike Summit, Alaska, wearing a harness and climbing gear, with mountainous terrain and green valleys stretching into the background.
Conquer the rugged cliffs of Klondike Summit, where every grip and foothold brings you closer to breathtaking Alaskan vistas.

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3. Visit the Haines Bald Eagle Preserve

Nature lovers will want to head out of town to check out the beautiful neighboring city of Haines, which boasts a wealth of natural beauty and a thriving animal population. Though the area is home to a number of majestic species, it is perhaps best known for its bald eagle population. Haines has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world, and travelers can see these rare creatures at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

A bald eagle perches on a weathered tree stump emerging from the water in Haines Bald Eagle Preserve, Alaska, with its beak open as if calling out, against a backdrop of rippling blue water.
Witness the untamed spirit of Alaska as a bald eagle commands the waters of Haines Bald Eagle Preserve, a true symbol of freedom.

4. Visit historic downtown and Red Onion Saloon

Once a raucous bordello during the Gold Rush, the Red Onion Saloon now invites guests to soak up Skagway’s history — with a side of Alaskan brews and banter. The saloon has softened its image and is now a lively bar and restaurant as well as a National Historic Building. Strike up a conversation with the staff or fellow patrons — you might just walk away with insider tips and local lore that make your time in Skagway even more meaningful.

A scenic view of downtown Skagway, Alaska, featuring a row of colorful historic buildings with wooden storefronts.
Step into the past in downtown Skagway, where colorful Gold Rush-era buildings and the iconic Red Onion Saloon bring history to life.

5. Experience genuine dogsledding

Hold on tight as you mush through Skagway’s snow-covered wilderness like a true Alaskan. Dogsledding is a quintessential Alaska adventure that lets you glide across the frozen northern landscape, led by a team of powerful, enthusiastic sled dogs. Historically used for transportation during the Gold Rush, dogsledding has transformed into a beloved sport that reflects Alaska’s deep-rooted heritage. Whether it’s summer on a wheeled cart or winter on a snow sled, dogsledding is iconic to Skagway, giving you a taste of the historic Skagway sanctuary.

A team of Siberian and Alaskan huskies, harnessed and running through a snow-covered trail, pulls a musher on a sled in a winter landscape surrounded by evergreen trees.
Feel the rush of Alaskan adventure as a powerful dog sled team charges through the snowy wilderness, leading the way with unstoppable energy.

6. Hike the scenic Chilkoot trail

Step back in time along the Chilkoot Trail, where you’ll walk the same path as Gold Rush prospectors of old. Once a treacherous route for gold seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush, the trail is now a stunning trek through lush forests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Here, you’ll get glimpses of the same rugged terrain that thousands of hopeful miners once traversed. Along the way, you’ll cross the Taiya River on rustic wooden bridges and take in panoramic vistas of glacial lakes, like the emerald waters of Crater Lake. For nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, hiking the Chilkoot Trail is a memorable way to explore Skagway’s blend of natural beauty and rich past.

Two hikers with backpacks navigate a rocky trail along the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska, passing by a partially frozen alpine lake surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and dense greenery under an overcast sky.
Trek through history on the legendary Chilkoot Trail, where rugged landscapes and icy alpine lakes tell the tale of Gold Rush adventurers.

7. Zipline above the Alaska wilderness

Looking for a blast of adrenaline during your Skagway visit? Then ziplining above the towering spruce trees and rushing Skagway River is a must. Race along lines — some stretch more than 600 feet — as you soar along the tree canopy, flying past dense forest and glimpsing distant peaks like White Pass Summit. With multiple lines crisscrossing the canopy and suspension bridges that sway high above the ground, a zipline adventure is the perfect way to appreciate Skagway’s natural beauty from an unforgettable bird’s-eye view.

A young woman wearing a helmet and harness glides along a zipline high above a lush, green forest, smiling and waving with one hand as she speeds across the treetops.
Soar through the Alaskan wilderness on an exhilarating zipline adventure, where the forest stretches beneath you and the thrill never stops!

8. Get a taste of Skagway’s culinary flavors

Skagway may be small, but its culinary scene is packed with flavors that reflect the heart of Alaska. Savor the taste of freshly caught seafood, from wild-caught salmon grilled to perfection to Dungeness crab pulled straight from Alaska’s waters. Join a local chef for a garden-to-table experience, sampling fresh ingredients, such as crisp greens, herbs and rhubarb. Whether it’s tasting locally-caught halibut or indulging in a warm sourdough treat (a nod to the Gold Rush days), exploring Skagway’s culinary offerings is a delicious way to dive into Alaska’s culture.

A plate of grilled Alaskan salmon garnished with herbs and mustard seeds, served with roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and arugula on a rustic wooden table.
Savor the fresh flavors of Skagway with perfectly grilled Alaskan salmon and vibrant local ingredients.

9. Witness the beauty of the Yukon

A visit to Skagway wouldn’t be complete without venturing into the Yukon, just a short scenic drive from town. As you wind along the Klondike Highway, you’ll pass through rugged mountains, dense forests and alpine tundra — crossing the iconic William Moore Bridge suspended over a dramatic gorge. Marvel at the striking waters of Emerald Lake, its vibrant turquoise hues framed by snowcapped peaks. The untouched beauty of the Yukon makes it a must-see for anyone looking to experience the wild, untamed spirit of the North.

A scenic landscape in the Yukon featuring a field of bright purple wildflowers in the foreground, a turquoise lake stretching into the distance and snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Yukon, where vibrant wildflowers meet glacial waters and towering peaks.

10. Discover Skagway’s Gold Rush history

Immerse yourself in the storied past of Skagway, where the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush still echoes through its historic streets. Skagway’s history is deeply intertwined with the Klondike Gold Rush, and you can see the era's impact in the town’s preserved buildings, museums and historic sites. Take a guided tour of Gold Rush landmarks like the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Depot. Try your luck panning for gold, or explore tales of legendary town characters like Soapy Smith. Discovering Skagway’s Gold Rush history is like peeling back the layers of time to reveal a captivating story of adventure, fortune and intrigue.

A close-up of a person wearing a plaid shirt holding a black pan filled with sediment and water, swirling it in a wooden sluice to search for gold specks during a gold panning experience in Skagway, Alaska.
Strike it rich in Skagway with an authentic gold panning experience—swirl, sift and uncover the treasures of the Gold Rush era!