Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Haines to Skagway Ferry, how far ahead to book? - Alaska Forum I dont rememer the actual time except it was later in afternoon. Its loud and crowded but also lots of fun! Youll soon come to some rocks to go up and down, and a picnic table and outhouse. Skagway is full of quirky and lively Gold Rush history, lush gardens and spectacular scenery so theres no shortage of fun and unique ways to spend the day. It quickly became a port town and the principle route into the remote gold fields of the Yukon around Dawson City (Dawson City has become perhaps the most iconic gold rush boom town in North America). If you want a longer hike, there are a number of options heading up from Lower Dewey. Is there parking near the Gold Rush Cemetery? We just walked from town which was great in and of itself! Hi what time do you return from the van tour to White pass? Today Skagway is one of the main places to explore the heritage of the Klondike Gold Rush. The trail is mostly straightforward. There are over 20 historic preserved buildings, including The Moore House, The Mascot Saloon, and the Jeff Smith's Parlor. I came to know of the Pullen Creek Stream Walk in Skagway while waiting to get on the White Pass Summit Train ride at the train station near the ship docking area. From here you can walk to far back corner of the cemetery to get to reid falls. Conquer an Alaskan mountain just outside Skagway, regardless of your previous experience! From Haines, return to Skagway via the Historic Alaska Marine Highway. Enjoy. Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Cheers Donna. I love seeing new places, but more than anything, I love to meet those who live there. I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. Smiths Parlor Museum: Tickets & Tours, Skagway Centenial Statue: Tickets & Tours, Skagway Alaska Downtown: Tickets & Tours, Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour including Squaw Valley, Nijo Castle Sakura Festival Limited Night Ticket (FLOWERS BY NAKED 2020) March 20-April 12, Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours on the Banana River, Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise, Individual Tour in your Chosen Route with a Private Driver and Free WiFi, Swiss Cheese, Chocolates and Mountains Small-Group Tour from Zurich, Capri Island Cruise. Use extreme caution as you are reaching the end of town, you will cross the main road that becomes the two lane highway out of town as well as the train yard. Skagway was part of the setting for the famous Jack London book The Call of the Wild, which has been adapted into film multiple times. Several tour operators give you the chance to get out on the water while providing kayaks and everything else you need, including transportation to good kayaking water. Start at the visitor center close to the cruise ship docks in the train depot at 2nd and Broadway. By far the most strenuous of the short hikes, Lower Dewey offers great views of Skagway from above. They were everywhere along the small creek and pond, swimming against the stream, spawning on the gravel bed, and loads of dead ones were washed aside. There are very few places in the world, especially that are accessible, that you can see and touch glaciers! The tour company has a website so you could asked if they pick up from the port. It looks like they have an on-demand bus service $15 each way per person.. https://www.skagway.com/plan-your-trip/travel-transportation/getting-around/. $$ - $$$ American Barbecue Vegetarian Friendly, $ American Cafe Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Seafood Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Seafood, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Fishing and Hunting License - Alaska Department of Fish and Game You can get a quick coffee and pastry at the White Pass Depot or Bites on Broadway. As far as what we saw. This is a nice walk along the stream, shaded. Skagway Alaska Map and Walking Guide. You can even watch them making the caramel corn. To get to the trailhead, follow the railroad tracks from 1st and turn up the steep gravel road on your right. You can see the grave sights of Frank Reid and Soapy Smith and other very old grave sights. Still had two hours left to shop. Lower Dewey is a hike I did several times a week when I lived there. Take the time to visit the Gold Rush Cemetery, which is a 1.5-mile walk from downtown Skagway. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Likely To Sell Out. Depending on how many are in your group, it might be less expensive to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We have so many questions. Make the most of your time on land with this shore excursion of Canada's Yukon Territory. Our guide a young lady from Skagway was brilliant. We stopped at multiple different scenic locations and learned about the history behind them, as well some of the states history. The lunch from what I can remember was Bbq chicken , salads, veg, soup and bun. A short walk to see phenomenal salmon run. It was nice to be able to do our own thing. Neat to see, just remember you're in a cemetery and need to show proper respects to those laid there. So beautiful and so remote! . Related: The best hike in every Alaska cruise port. Distance: 0.9 mile (1.4 km) to Lake; 3.6 miles (5.8 km) Around Lake. Skagway Highlights Electric Bike Tour with Gold Panning, City and Mountain Summit Shore Excursion in Skagway, White Pass Summit and Yukon Suspension Bridge Tour, Half-Day Yukon Sightseeing Shore Excursion from Skagway, Skagway Shore Excursion: Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge, Skagway Shore Excursion: Yukon Discovery Tour, Skagway Shore Excursion: White Pass Summit and Skagway City Tour, Skagway Shore Excursion: Scenic River Float Tour, Sled Dog Adventure and Pan for Gold in the Yukon, Skagway Shore Excursion: Yukon Dog Sledding and Sightseeing Tour, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center. Estimated Drive Times - are these accurate. This is Yakutania point and a fine spot to turn around for a shorter outing, with a view south towards Haines. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. How to Get to Skagway - Alaska Tour Jobs Cruise to Skagway, Alaska. Take a train to hike to a glacier. Smugglers Cove is a mostly flat 4 mile round trip hike from town to a lovely picnic spot around the point from the cruise ships and the bustle of downtown. We still had plenty of time to wander around town before heading back to our ship. The ones that had humor and personality and made there subject fun to learn. Early May and late September are far less crowded but come with less ideal weather (especially September when it is often very wet and cold). Skagway Alaska - Everything you need to know before you visit If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers, Wild Adventure Yukon (formerly Caribou Crossing Trading Post), We prepaid this rental with Southeast Tours thru Tripadvisor. Where to chase the midnight sun this summer. Then add numerous cruise ships huddled along the shore, each holding twice as many passengers as the small local population, opening their doors all at once and letting chaotic crowds of international tourists swarm onto the quay. Save. I'm Jennie. Skagway, Alaska. The park also includes the land around Dyea at the start of the Chilkoot Trail and the Cadillac Hotel in Seattle. If you get lost at anytime, just ask an employee of any business how to get back to your ship (just tell them the name of it) and theyll point you the right way. I remember it was really nice and the husky pups are cute. The weather was brilliant the scenery was stunning. I researched the names on the markers and found most had died young & with very different sounding causes of death. Skagway is also home to the world famous Chilkoot Trail, which is a 3-5 day backpacking trip. How do I get to Skagway? Make sure not to get distracted, lose track of time and miss your ship! Skagway, Alaska - Wikipedia Haines to Skagway Ferry, how far ahead to book? So while walking along the wharf probably looking a bit lost a man with a van spoke to us. Its the best pic I have after two weeks in Alaska, many places visited. Substantially smaller and more scarcely populated than Juneau or Ketchikan, Skagway's isolation and lingering frontier-town . After the tracks, turn left and follow the tracks a short distance to the trailhead on the right. Have fun. You need a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Our tour guide Eric was awesome - funny, knowledgeable, and just an awesome person all the way around. Had a petting zoo and lunch was good. If you are looking for something more relaxing and self-guided you can walk up to Lower Reid Falls past the Gold Rush Cemetery or to Lower Dewey Lake and relax by the water. Many buildings from the era have been preserved as the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Find all the transport options for your trip from Haines, AK to Skagway right here. Really enjoyed the views and getting to see the sights. Take a downtown walking tour and get a feel for what it was really like. A very moving place to see the cemetry with all those that worked so hard here. Which attractions will I visit with Skagway Shore Excursion: Yukon Discovery Tour? Youll follow this highway only partway, though youll eventually hook up with the South Klondike Highway which runs along virtually the same route that prospectors followed during the 1898 Gold Rush. Skagway, AK 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Getting to Skagway, Alaska - Yukon Territory Information Youll see stunning landscapes that change from the temperate rainforest at the ocean to alpine lakes to a tiny desert. You will go up a few steps and there will be a sign to Reid Falls. Which rental companies offer one way car rentals? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The view was amazing and made up for the odor coming from the dead fish that were floating in the water. Skagway grew after the discovery of gold in the Yukon. Even in the rain it was a nice walk. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Would definitely recommend, especially for those that may not be able to/want to hike or walk a ton but still want to see how picturesque Alaska is! The Fjord Express fast ferry from Juneau to Skagway is a great way to see Alaska's wildlife. The Skaguay News Depot, is a small bookstore and the Alaska Geographic bookstore is also a good place for books. And I for one enjoyed hearing his adventures. I truly enjoyed being there. Recommended option Fly Anchorage to Juneau, car ferry 10h 9m Fly from Anchorage (ANC) to Juneau (JNU) ANC - JNU Its fascinating to explore on your own or with a ranger. About Things to Do Where To Stay Skagway Advice It's easy to see why tiny Skagway is Alaska's top visitor destination: It has wide-ranging appeal, including a compelling history, architecture, a scenic railway, a national park and walkability found in few other Alaska towns. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The views are amazing, the history and engineering are fascinating and you get to experience the interior and high mountains that you wouldnt otherwise see in Southeast Alaskas many fjords and inlets. While we had seen salmon run in other places (Haines, Whitehorse) fish in Pullen Creek were easier to watch. Also maybe due to the dead fish too. We wanted to check off going to the Yukon Territory in Canada and this trip did that for us. If you have time to spend in Skagway, I highly recommend getting up to the Yukon Territory in Canada. more. This hike to Lower Reid Falls goes through town (follow Alaska or Main to avoid the very crowded Broadway) to the Gold Rush Cemetery and beyond to the falls. If you are willing to get a little more adventurous there are a number of tours that will allow you to see them up close and personal. I've been a tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a field editor for the Milepost. If I had to do all over again I would make sure I took the railway in, We were encouraged to take the bus tour vs the railroad as had stops you could get off and take pictures. Why KEEP ALL QUESTIONS in 1 original thread? Journalist and traveler. (907) 612-8024. Aside from having her as our guide, we enjoyed our trip. I have one day in Skagway from a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 5 Common Myths About Retiring in Alaska Busted, Everything You Need to Know About the Weather in Ketchikan. Please check in at our office at least 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time with your PASSPORT which are required for all of our tours. Also dont miss the absurdly large rhubarb bush I mentioned here. Make sure to take a moment to stop by one Skagways museums, eateries or local businesses and chat with a Skagwegian. They also have a delicious salmon bake and a really fun atmosphere. At the foot of the Chilkoot Trail, Dyea was established several centuries ago as a summer camp by the Tlingit Natives. Incorporated as a borough on June 25, 2007, it was previously a city (urban Skagway located at ) in the Skagway . I lived in Skagway for three summers and Im excited to share with you all the best things to do in Skagway. Dyea was a bustling boomtown for the last three years of the 19th century during the Klondike Gold Rush. When are we back? We walked a little further up the trail to see the small waterfall. Stroll down the streets of this charming town 2. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-117710864', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car to Dyea, ten miles away. Recommended Car ferry Take the car ferry from Juneau, AK to Skagway 7h 52m $38 - $85 Fly to Skagway Fly from Juneau (JNU) to Skagway (SGY) 2h 11m However, Dyeas history as a settlement is much older than its rival gold rush city, Skagway. Skagway, Alaska is the northernmost point in Alaska's Inside Passage, at the far end of Lynn Canal.In its heyday, Skagway was the boomtown gateway to the Trail of '98 and the Klondike gold fields.The population has dwindled from 20,000 feverish gold seekers to about 1000 year-round citizens. Walk up the gravel road till you get to the cemetery. Haines Skagway Fast Ferry | ALASKA.ORG The Golden Circle is a 360 mile loop connecting the Alaska Highway and Haines Highway. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Marine life abounds in these waters, and a fully-narrated wildlife and whale watching cruise will highlight the voyage. Head into town and turn left (if the ships are behind you) on 1st. You need a car to Dyea, ten miles away. Some cruise lines offer a short hike or hike and float tours. Resident seniors (60 years of age or older) who meet the Fish and Game residency definition may obtain a senior permanent identification card (PID). Not a typical cemetry. Its really easy to get around in Skagway. how to get to Chilkoot trail head and back from Skagway Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park was authorized in 1976 to preserve and interpret the history of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98. 1-888-766-2103 or (907) 766-2100 www.hainesskagwayfastferry.com Its funny that just across the street is a bustling area of tourists but here it doesnt feel like that. It was also our favorite. Here, the proximity of the sea to the great glaciers means that temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, without an exaggerated temperature range. Is public transportation available to and from ? Lunch was good, and you can never go wrong with husky puppies! There are excellent hiking trails - including the Chilkoot Trail, a three to four-day historic hike. The WP&YR Railway gains nearly 3,000 feet in 20 miles all while providing unsurpassable views of waterfalls, gorges, glaciers, trestles and historic sites via their vintage rail cars. The town was controlled by mob men, and there were ever-present fights, prostitutes, and excessive liquor. If you can believe it, Skagway is one of the simpler places to get to in Alaska - by simple, I mean there are only two ways: by boat or by car. Bryan assured us when he picked us up at the Port that wet and misty Skagway would be replaced by fine and sunny weather once we reached the other side of the mountain and this is what happened. 4 18 reviews #27 of 39 things to do in Skagway Bodies of Water Hiking Trails Visit website Write a review What people are saying " Informative and leisurely trail " Jun 2022 I came to know of the Pullen Creek Stream Walk in Skagway while waiting to get on the White Pass Summit Train ride at the train station near the ship docking area. This was such a great way to see some of Alaskas beauty! Now, Dyea is connected to Skagway by an 8 mile coastal road and is popular for recreating. It is a nice small cemetery. It is very crowded and touristy in the summer (May-September) which is when youll be visiting. He was fantastic! It was nice to see it in real life, as these are stuff one usually sees on T.V. They will leave you behind, not a fun way to end your day in Skagway! The vintage steam train that runs along the narrow-gauge railway towards the Canadian border is in itself a means of transport that arouses emotions, but what truly makes the difference is the panorama in which the 19 miles that separate Skagway from White Pass Summit, the 2864 feet-high pass that marks the state border, are immersed. There is a blue and white shuttle bus called SMART that takes you to 22nd and Alaska at the bridge (you'll still have to walk a mile each way on a gravel road to get there). Although it overlooks the Inside Passage and is a very small town, Skagway is more easily accessible than other towns in the region, such as Juneau or Sitka. I'll share this info so you don't have to spend an ho, This was the best excursion we took in Alaska/Canada. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. So, I did not see any salmon in the creek waters. Dont take it from us heres what people have to say about this operator. Juneau to Skagway - 3 ways to travel via car ferry, and plane - Rome2rio If you dont need your car with you, arriving by plane is a good option. Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Travel in USA 2012-2023 All Rights Reserved. $10 per person to the end of the pavement on the Dyea Road or Liarsville. Skagway has a small airport, and this popular seaport city is also accessible by seaplane from Juneau. Those who are able to go all the way into the Yukon can even see old-time Cancan shows in an old casino in Dawson City. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass and Yukon Route Narrow Gauge Railway is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Half-Day Dog Mushing Adventure in Skagway, City and Mountain Summit Shore Excursion in Skagway, Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing - Skagway Departure, Skagway Shore Excursion: Liarsville Gold Rush Camp, Gold Panning and Salmon Bake Combo. Interesting to see the shortened life spans of many of these people. Im just a customer. Best Short Hikes in Skagway Alaska Shore Tours Traveling with my 7 year old son and deciding between this and the cruises railway/dog/gold tour. Imagine the set of an old western movie, with the saloon in the center of the street, surrounded by wooden houses each of a different color. Go through White Pass to the Carcross Desert, Emerald Lake, and Caribou Crossing, visit a dog mushing camp, and look for wildlife such as bear, moose, and caribou. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! All the articles on this site are distributed with Creative Commons License. Take a helicopter for glacier dog mushing. (907) 983-2277, Drive About Car Rental
A ride on the scenic train is a great experience for everyone, but if you like to walk, youll appreciate the Chilkoot Trail: the complex 33 mile trail that prospectors had to walk from Skagway to the mines. A final way to get to Skagway is the Skagway Airport which is serviced by Air Excursions and Alaska Seaplanes - both bush carriers. Over 400 cruise ships visit annually, and there can be 10 times the town's resident population from the ships on a busy day (a modern continuation of its rush of the past). Kudos to them and all the like minded trail blazers who ventured out to the last frontier to build a life for them and their families. $15 per person to Dyea or the US/Canadian border at the White Pass Summit. Then there was an option to be dropped off in town or at the dock. Dodie Sweeney, Hi Guys This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Skagway is known as the Garden City of Alaska and has been known since gold rush days as a town with gorgeous gardens. We have many adventure tours in town that allow you to experience the beautiful lakes and streams around us. Once at the cemetery, everything was well marked and there were trails. The bus tour from Skagway to the Yukon was very interesting and fun. I am driving into town. Today, there are two ways to relive the sensations experienced during the gold rush: hop aboard the scenic train or put on your hiking shoes and start walking. On a side note, the tour is run out of a popcorn and ice cream store.. Or vice versa?.. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is one of the best day trip tours in Alaska! But as quickly as it boomed, Dyea suddenly dwindled and almost disappeared due to a fatal avalanche and the construction of the railroad in Skagway. Its run very organized and professionally so we just had to show up. It soon had the reputation for lawlessness, and in 1898 it was described as "little better than a hell on earth." To get to Dyea, check with the visitors bureau for companies that will drive you there (make sure to let them know if you want to return as well, if you are visiting Dyea but not through hiking the Chilkoot). You can get drinks and food here too! Private luxury shore excursion Skagway, AK to Emerald Lake, Yukon. Skagway is located in the stunning Alaska Panhandle and is famous for being a popular destination for cruise ships and for its central role in the mad Klondike Gold Rush 125 years ago. This is by far the most challenging endeavor you can partake in, but also the most rewarding. Skagway Zipline Tours | Rock Climbing, Rappelling & | ALASKA.ORG Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan Alaska Map and Walking Guide This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Skagway, Alaska - Fjord Express to Juneau - 1-800-320-0146 After getting up to speed on the history of the Klondike Gold Rush is a great time to wander around and explore the shops and restaurants downtown. Small town surrounded by snow capped mountains. Stepping back in time, this cemetery is not maintained and therefore it is more interesting. If youre taking a tour for kayaking or any other tour taking you away from town, transportation from downtown will be provided. You can even stay overnight in the Denver Glacier Caboose or the Laughton Glacier cabin (book through the National Forest service in advance). It was on Friday 16th of September anyway. nice to get off the streets and have pleasant surroundings to go back to the cruise ship. Half-Day Dog Mushing Adventure in Skagway. Please plan to arrive at our office 30 minutes early. Skagway to Sitka - 3 ways to travel via car ferry, and plane - Rome2rio Go Beyond the Town It is possible to drive to Skagway from Canada's Yukon Territory. As I have already written in more detail in the article on when to go to Alaska, the southeastern coast of the state is the one with the mildest climate and Skagway is no exception. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. How do I get to Skagway, Alaska? Your best bet will be to book a ticket to Juneau or Anchorage and then catch a commuter flight to Skagway, about a 45-minute flight from Alaskas capital. We didn't see any bears but we were told bears had been seen feeding on salmon in the creek. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. We drove up to E, Beautiful scenic tour with several stops to take pictures of scenery and wildlife. Pullen Creek Stream Walk (Skagway) - What to Know BEFORE You Go. We care about privacy. Join the habit for ice cream and other treats at the Kone Kompany. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. See epic mountains and glaciers on your way to the dog sled camp and then go for a dog sled ride! By Air Skagway has one airline operating out of the local airport, Alaska Seaplanes. You can also book a trip thats one way on the train and one way by motorcoach, which often stops at the Gold rush camp of Liarsville (another great thing to do in Skagway, see below). The stop to play with sled dog, So glad we didnt take the train! I wish the sled ride was a little longer. It provides a thrilling 33 miles of spectacular hiking from tidewater at Dyea to Bennett Lake in Canada (17 trail miles in US; 16 miles in Canada). 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Its all part of the adventure. more, Reply to: how to get to Chilkoot trail head and back from Skagway. To begin with, I was worried about coming back late (we booked the 10:30) and missing the ship but the owner assured me that had never happened. It runs parallel to the above mentioned railroad, a few miles west, reaching the Klondike through the Chilkoot Pass, which with its 3500 feet of altitude is more difficult than the White Pass traveled by train. You can start small with an easy hike out to Yakutania Point, only 1.6 miles roundtrip. You can take the opportunity to hop on and off the ferry and visit other coastal cities along the way. Nice walking trail along stream. Weather can vary greatly from one location to another, please dress in layers. The Alaska Marine Highway is Alaska's extensive ferry system that is also part of the US National Highway System. You can check trail conditions on the dedicated website and also get more detailed information in preparation for your walk. This is also the trailhead for the Chilkoot Trail and a good location for a day hike too.