Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska: The Ultimate Guide
If you're visiting Skagway, Alaska, for the first time, you might be surprised by just how much there is to see and do in this small Gold Rush town.
Located at the northern end of Alaska's Inside Passage, Skagway is famous for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Today, visitors can walk historic streets, ride the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, hike through spectacular scenery, explore the remains of the old Gold Rush town of Dyea, chase waterfalls, search for wildlife—and even explore the area by electric bike.
The challenge isn't finding something to do in Skagway.
It's deciding what you can realistically fit into your day.
Whether you're arriving on a cruise ship for a few hours or spending several days in town, here's our local guide to some of the best things to do in Skagway.
1. Explore Historic Downtown Skagway
Start your visit by walking through downtown Skagway.
Much of the historic district retains the character of the Gold Rush era, with colorful buildings, wooden boardwalks and historic storefronts along Broadway Street.
Take your time wandering through the streets and looking up. Some of the best details (THOSE MOUNTAIN PEAKS) are easy to miss when you're focused on getting from one attraction to the next.
You'll find historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, galleries and plenty of opportunities to learn about the people who came north during the Klondike Gold Rush.
If you're visiting on a cruise ship, downtown is also conveniently located near the cruise docks, making it easy to explore even if you only have a few hours.
Local tip: Don't spend your entire Skagway visit on Broadway Street. There's a whole lot more to see once you venture beyond downtown.
The view of Downtown Skagway from the Golden North Hotel.
2. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
For many visitors, the White Pass Railroad is a Skagway must-do.
The historic railway was built during the Klondike Gold Rush and climbs dramatically from Skagway toward White Pass. Along the journey, you'll see rugged mountains, waterfalls, steep cliffs and spectacular views.
The railroad is a great option if you want to experience the history and scenery of the area without doing a lot of physical activity.
And even if you aren't taking the train, you'll see plenty of evidence of its importance around town. The historic depot and vintage locomotives are great places for photos.
Local tip: Spend the morning riding the train…then spend the afternoon exploring the rest of town by e-bike!
3. Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery
One of the most interesting—and often overlooked—historic sites in Skagway is the Gold Rush Cemetery.
Located just outside the main downtown area, the cemetery contains the graves of people who lived and died during Skagway's chaotic Gold Rush era.
This isn't just a cemetery. It's a glimpse into the realities of the Klondike Gold Rush. The stories behind the names help explain what life was really like in Skagway in 1898.
The area also puts you close to another beautiful Skagway attraction: Lower Reid Falls - A Hidden GEM!
4. See Lower Reid Falls
Just beyond the Gold Rush Cemetery is Lower Reid Falls, one of the easiest waterfalls to visit near Skagway.
The short walk through the forest leads to a beautiful cascade surrounded by towering trees and mountain scenery.
It's a completely different experience from downtown Skagway. Within a relatively short distance, you can go from historic Gold Rush streets to a quiet forest and waterfall.
This is one reason we encourage visitors to get beyond downtown if their schedule allows.
5. Explore Skagway by E-Bike
If you want to see more of Skagway than you can cover on foot—but still want the freedom to explore at your own pace—an electric bike is a fantastic option.
An e-bike gives you the ability to cover more ground while still enjoying the fresh air, scenery and freedom of being outdoors.
And yes, Skagway has hills. That's where the electric assist comes in handy. You can pedal when you want to and use the bike's pedal assist when you need a little extra help.
At Klondike Electric Bicycles, we offer e-bike rentals for visitors who want to explore independently, as well as guided tours for guests who want local history, stories and a planned route.
Our rental options range from short rides to all-day adventures, so you can choose an experience that fits your cruise schedule and interests.
Want to explore on your own? Book an e-bike rental.
6. Visit the Skagway Overlook
Want a different perspective of town?
Head up toward one of Skagway's scenic overlooks. From above, you'll get a spectacular view of the town stretching along the water with the mountains rising dramatically behind it. It's the kind of view that makes you understand why Skagway feels so different from other cruise ports.
And it's an especially good spot for photos.
Local tip: An e-bike makes getting to elevated viewpoints considerably easier than tackling every hill on a traditional bicycle.
7. Discover Historic Dyea
If you have more time in Skagway, consider heading toward Dyea.
Dyea was once a bustling Gold Rush town and an important starting point for prospectors heading toward the Chilkoot Trail.
Today, very little remains of the original town; that's part of what makes it so fascinating. Instead of crowded streets and storefronts, you'll find forest, rivers, historic cemeteries and remnants of the town that once existed here.
The ride from Skagway to Dyea is an adventure in itself, with spectacular scenery along the way. For cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, it's one of the most memorable ways to experience the area's history and landscape.
Planning to ride to Dyea? Give yourself plenty of time and be prepared for changing weather. We recommend a minimum of 3 hours! It's a much bigger adventure than simply riding around downtown.
8. Hike Yakutania Point
If hiking is on your Skagway wish list, Yakutania Point is another option to consider.
The trail takes you through Alaska's coastal forest and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
It's a good choice for travelers who want to stretch their legs and experience some of Skagway's natural landscape without committing an entire day to a major hike.
Depending on your cruise schedule, you may be able to combine a hike with an e-bike ride or other sightseeing. For a real treat, check out our Outlaws & Adventurers Tour!
9. Learn About the Klondike Gold Rush
You can't really understand Skagway without understanding the Klondike Gold Rush.
In 1898, thousands of people arrived in the area hoping to make their fortunes after gold was discovered in Canada's Yukon.
Skagway grew almost overnight. The town became a chaotic boomtown filled with prospectors, merchants, entrepreneurs, adventurers and people looking for their next opportunity.
Today, that history is everywhere.
It's in the buildings downtown.
It's in the trails leading toward the Yukon.
It's in the cemeteries.
It's in Dyea.
And it's in the stories you'll hear while exploring the area.
That's one of the things that makes visiting Skagway so much more interesting than simply checking attractions off a list.
You're walking through history.
Local Tip: Be sure to stop by the Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park Visitor’s Center - located on 2nd and Broadway.
10. Take a Guided Skagway Tour
Sometimes the best way to experience a place is with someone who knows the stories behind it.
A guided tour can help connect the scenery and historic sites to the people and events that shaped Skagway.
At Klondike Electric Bicycles, our guided experiences combine sightseeing, local history and outdoor adventure.
Depending on the tour you choose, you can explore historic Skagway, visit Gold Rush sites, see waterfalls, enjoy scenic viewpoints and learn about the characters who made Skagway what it is today.
If you like having a plan and want to learn while you explore, a guided e-bike tour may be the perfect fit.
11. Enjoy Skagway's Local Food and Drinks
After spending the day exploring, you'll probably be hungry.
Skagway has restaurants, cafes, bars and other places to grab everything from a quick lunch to a leisurely meal.
For adults who enjoy combining outdoor adventure with a local drink, our Bike & Beer Tour offers a different way to experience Skagway.
Because, let's be honest: sometimes the best souvenir is a great story and a cold beer after a bike ride.
12. Shop for Alaska Souvenirs
If you want something to remember your trip, set aside some time for shopping.
Downtown Skagway is filled with stores offering Alaska-made products, souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, artwork and Gold Rush-themed items.
But don't feel like you need to spend your entire day shopping. Skagway is at its best when you combine a little shopping with time outside exploring the scenery and history.
Local Tip: Venture down to 5th Ave (PAST all of the jewelry stores)…explore the side streets and check out a group of locally owned shops between 5th and 7th Avenues on Broadway!
How Much Time Do You Need in Skagway?
This is probably the most important question for cruise passengers. The answer depends on what you want to do.
If you have 2–3 hours
Stay relatively close to town.
Explore downtown, see some historic sites and consider a short e-bike rental.
If you have 4–5 hours
You can venture farther.
Consider an e-bike ride that combines downtown with scenic areas, the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls.
If you have 6–8 hours
Now you have room for a bigger adventure.
You could combine an e-bike experience with hiking, sightseeing, lunch and additional exploration.
Should You Rent an E-Bike or Take a Guided Tour?
There's no wrong answer. It really depends on how you like to travel.
Rent an e-bike if you:
Like exploring independently
Want flexibility
Prefer setting your own pace
Want to choose your own stops
Enjoy being outdoors
Have a specific route in mind
Take a guided tour if you:
Want a local guide
Enjoy history and storytelling
Don't want to navigate
Want a planned itinerary
Like learning about the places you're visiting
Want someone else to handle the route
And if you're somewhere in between, that's okay too.
An e-bike rental gives you independence while still allowing you to explore significantly more of Skagway than you could on foot.
What Should You Wear in Skagway?
The weather can change quickly. Even during the summer, it's a good idea to dress in layers.
We recommend bringing:
A waterproof or rain-resistant jacket
Layers you can add or remove
Comfortable shoes (you do not need boots)
Pants or shorts appropriate for the day's weather
Gloves if it's cool
Water
A small backpack
Your camera or phone
And don't let a cloudy morning automatically ruin your plans. Some of the most beautiful days in Skagway happen when the mountains are partially covered in clouds.
Ready to Explore Skagway?
Whether you're visiting for a few hours from a cruise ship or staying in town for several days, Skagway offers far more than a quick walk down Broadway Street.
It's a place where history and wild Alaska come together.
At Klondike Electric Bicycles, we believe one of the best ways to experience it is from the seat of an e-bike.
Explore independently with a rental, or join us for a guided adventure and let us show you some of the places and stories that make Skagway special.
Ready to ride?
Explore our e-bike rentals or see our Skagway tours.
We'll see you in Skagway!