Skagway cruise port guide

Skagway's few streets are lined with restored wooden buildings, boardwalks and saloons, many of them part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Behind town, mountains rise sharply, with waterfalls, glaciers and the passes that gold seekers struggled over on their way to the Klondike.

Most cruisers ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a narrow-gauge line built during the gold rush that climbs to the summit of White Pass, close to the Canadian border. Others drive into British Columbia and the Yukon to Emerald Lake and Carcross, take a helicopter to a glacier dog-sled camp, or simply explore the historic town on foot.

Skagway suits history lovers, rail fans and scenery seekers. The town is small and fills up when several ships are in, and the weather, though drier than much of Southeast Alaska, can still be cool and windy.

Ships dock at piers at the foot of town, so there's no tendering on most calls. Broadway, the main street, is about a 5 to 15 minute walk from the ships, depending on the berth, and a shuttle bus often runs into town for a small fare. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad departs from tracks right by the docks and from its downtown depot. Most of the historic district can be seen on foot in two to three hours. For tours that cross into Canada, including longer train trips and drives to the Yukon, bring your passport or other approved document.

Skagway's restaurants serve salmon, halibut and king crab, plus hearty comfort food. Try a beer at Skagway Brewing Company, known for its spruce tip ale. Reindeer sausage and sourdough bread nod to gold rush days. Cafés and bakeries line Broadway, close to the docks.