A Day in Port: Skagway
Skagway is located at the northernmost tip of the Alaska Inside Passage. In addition, this quaint town lies at the northern point of the Taiya Inlet. The inlet is the longest and deepest Fjord in North America.
A short history of Skagway:
Not too much is known about this area before the Klondike Gold Rush. Skagua, as Skagway was known by the Tlingit, means windy place. It was inhabited by the Tlingits, Chilkoots and the Chilkats. They found hunting and fishing to be good. They also established trading posts along the route to Canada.
The Klondike Gold Rush began in August 1896. Miners in Northwest Canada struck gold. The location was hard to reach. The most popular passage was to take a ship from Seattle to Skagway and then climb over the mountains to reach the gold sites.
Consequently, almost overnight the town grew. By late 1897 the population was estimated to be 18,000. By the time the Gold Rush ended in 1899, Skagway’s population was down to 3,100. But today it has a year-round population of only 1,200.
The White Pass & Yukon Railroad began construction on May 28, 1898. It was a narrow-gauge railroad. Because of the tight curves of the pass this gauge was needed. The railroad began at sea level in Skagway (then spelled “Skaguay”). In only eight months the rails would reach the White Pass Summit, 20.4 miles from Skagway at an elevation of 2,915 feet. In the end, it was a $10 million project. It is still running today.
In 1900 Skagway was in fact, the first city to be incorporated in Alaska. It was considered the second-largest settlement in Alaska.
The City government was dissolved in 2007, and Skagway became the first-class borough in Alaska that same year.
Map:
Skagway is located north of Juneau and northeast of Glacier Bay. In addition, it was the most northern port on our Inside Passage Cruise to Alaska.
Skagway: Gateway to the Klondike has a number of great printable maps. I looked at many sites and this one is the best.
Things to do:
- Fishing – If fishing is your love then Alaska is your place. There are a number of excursions to choose from, depending on how long you are in port. In addition, some cruise lines even offer to cook your catch. We tasted the best halibut ever that a fellow passenger had caught. Shore fishing is offered as well as ocean and river. Be sure to research them before signing up.
- Glacier Helicopter Tours – This is the ultimate of excursions. It can be booked through your cruise ship or directly with one of the companies providing the tours.
- Jewell Gardens and Glassblowing. My husband and I set up this excursion ourselves. The glassblowing was one of the highlights of our trip and we also enjoyed walking around the Jewell Gardens. Moreover, I love that we each have a glass ornament that we made ourselves. Transportation there was easy, we took a city bus.
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – 291 Broadway, Skagway. Operated by the National Park Service, it serves to educate visitors about all things having to do with the Gold Rush. The visitors’ center is located in the original 1898 White Pass & Yukon Route depot.
- Lower Dewey Lake Hiking Trail – Trailhead is near the center of Skagway. The hike is said to be steep, but beautiful.
- Ride the Yukon and White Pass Railroad, built-in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. There are different routes to choose from, including the roundtrip to White Pass Summit, or you can go farther to Fraser, B.C., Bennett, B.C., Carcross, Y.T., and Whitehorse, Y.T.
- Visit the Skagway Historic District. Six blocks in the downtown area have been designated as a National Historic District. Buildings here are managed and preserved by the National Park Service. Their goal is to preserve the legacy of the Klondike Gold Rush.
Places to eat and drink:
Olivia’s Bistro – inside the Skagway Inn at 7th and Broadway. Great place to get seafood. They also use fresh greens, herbs, and vegetables from their own garden when possible.
Red Onion Saloon – 210 Broadway, Skagway. This is probably the most popular place to go while in Skagway. It is a restaurant, bar and has a brothel museum. It was built in 1897 during the height of the Gold Rush and operated as one of the “finest” brothels in town (according to their web site;-).
Skagway Brewing Company – 250 4th Avenue, Skagway. This is a bar, restaurant and it also has a gift shop. Their motto is “Work hard. Play harder. Eat tasty food. Drink good beer It’s that simple”. It is also one of the top-rated places to go to in town.
Skagway Fish Company – 201 Congress Way, Skagway. They are best known for serving the freshest fish in town.
Woadies South East Seafood. 4th Avenue & State Street, Skagway. A popular food cart that serves fresh seafood. However, there is no indoor seating. Picnic tables available, and I am told BOYB.
Shopping:
Skagway is basically 7 blocks long and 2 blocks wide. Broadway is the main street. You will find an abundance of shopping opportunities here. When in Alaska try to buy Alaskan made items, easily identifiable by the blue bear on the item. Some popular stores include:
- Alaska Artworks – 510 Broadway, Skagway.
- Alaska Fudge Company – 777 Broadway, Skagway.
- Aurora Jewelers – 300 Broadway, Skagway.
- Alaska Shirt Company – 131 Broadway, Skagway. A chain, with another store in Juneau, but they have just about everything!
- Back Alley Rock Shop – between 4th and 5th Ave, Skagway.
- BearHead Photography – 678 Broadway, Skagway.
Weather:
Skagway enjoys the best weather of all the Inside Passage ports. The weather here is milder and warmer than the others you will visit.
U.S. Climate Data has a great web site that will give you information about the weather in Skagway, AK.
September is the rainiest month, with an average rainfall of 4.33 inches. May enjoys the lowest rainfall with .85 inches. Additionally, from May through September, the average high temperature is between 56 degrees and 63 degrees. The average low during these months is between 42 and 51 degrees.
Things to pack in your carry-on:
- When cruising to Alaska always pack a rain jacket.
- Small travel size sunscreen.
- The weather can and will change quickly in Alaska. As a result, be sure to dress in layers and bring along a fleece or other lightweight sweater, sweatshirt or jacket.