Located at the head of the Taiya Inlet – the north end of the Lynn Canal which leads into mainland southeast Alaska – Skagway is a popular Alaskan port of call.
Skagway is less than 20 miles from the US-Canada border which makes it the gateway to the Klondike – a region of the Yukon territory in northwest Canada.
In this Port Guide:
- Skagway Port Overview
- Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Skagway?
- Getting Around Skagway with Kids
- Kid-Friendly Activities & Attractions in Skagway
- What to Eat in Skagway
- Where to Find WiFi in Skagway
Skagway Port Overview
The first thing visitors often notice about Skagway is its old west feeling due to it’s wooden sidewalks, 19th century architecture and clapboard false front buildings. Little Skagway is only 4 blocks wide and 16 blocks long which makes it easy for visitors to explore within a few hours.
Broadway Street is where you’ll find the town’s main historic, retail and dining areas.
This small frontier town feel and proximity to the US-Canadian border, Skagway is a fun and interesting port of call for many cruisers. Where else would you be able to explore Alaska and the Yukon in the same day?
You’ll find that many excursions offered by cruise lines and private companies include a visit to Canada in their sightseeing tours.
Skagway enjoys moderate temperatures year round due to its location in the temperate rainforest. Being situation in Alaska’s Inside Passage means cool summers and mild winters.
Daily highs hover around the mid-60s F (17 to 20 C) in the summer and families cruising to Skagway in May and June will most likely experience sunny days. After June, there’s a good chance of light showers and wind when you visit.
Skagway receives less year-round precipitation than most of southeast Alaska and light mists and rains showers are more likely than heavy downpours. Dressing in layers and packing proper rain gear is recommended when visiting Skagway.
Primary Language Spoken: English
Currency: US Dollar
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Skagway?
Skagway is connected to the Alaska Highway system and this is where most cruise ships port. There are three cruise docks in Skagway:
- Broadway Dock – situated at the end of Broadway Street
- Railroad Dock – southern end of town along side the Lynn Canal and accommodates two cruise ships
- Ore Dock – located at the end of Main Street which is one along side the Lynn Canal (south of the center of town) and a 5 minute walk to Broadway Street.
You can see the 2019 cruise ship schedule for Skagway here.
All docks are walking distance to the center of town (Railroad Dock is the furthest) however for those that don’t want to walk it there is a shuttle that will take you there – more details below.
Getting Around Skagway, Alaska with Kids
The Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit (aka SMART) offers a bus shuttle service that transfers passengers from the cruise ship docks to the center of town. Fare is $2 one way per person or $5 for all day. You can check out the SMART bus route here.
The bus operates from May 1 through October 1 and runs from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day.
You’ll find the majority of Skagway’s shops, restaurants and historic buildings on around the Broadway Street area (it runs from 2nd Avenue through 8th Avenue). There is no taxi service in Skagway and many cruise passengers explore the immediate area on foot.
While you can certainly rent a car for the day, the best way to explore Skagway and neighboring towns is by booking a shore excursion from the cruise line or a tour from an independent travel company where transportation is taken care of for you.
If you’re looking for a short and family-friendly narrated tour of Skagway, consider taking a Skagway Street Car Tour. This is a good option for those who don’t want an all-day excursion.
What to Do with Kids in Skagway
Many cruise visitors have said that Skagway is their favorite Alaskan port of call. The scenery, diversity of activities and the Skagwayans hospitality make it a very fun and enjoyable port of call.
Below are popular attractions and activities to do with kids in and around Skagway:
White Pass And Yukon Route Railroad
For an unforgettable experience take a ride on the historic Yukon railroad and travel the route to the White Pass Summit. This railroad was built in 1898 during the gold rush and climbs nearly 3000 feet in just 20 miles. You’ll be surrounded by a panorama of glaciers, mountains, gorges, waterfalls, lakes and tunnels.
For wildlife lovers keep an eye out for bald eagles, bears and moose which all inhabit this area. There are even outside balconies on the train where you can stand in the open and take amazing photos, if you dare! The sheer magnitude of this amazing landscape is definitely an experience not to be missed.
You’ll find many cruise lines and independent tour operators offering excursions that include a ride on the railroad. You’ll need half a day or more for this excursion.
Recommended for: all ages
If you don’t have the time to take a 3 hour trip on the Yukon Railroad, then the Skagway Street Car Tour is a great alternative. Travel around in an old 1927 yellow street car and be entertained by your driver, who is most likely a local, with stories of the area and the gold rush days.
The tour starts at the waterfront and takes you through the historic district of Skagway. You’ll go up to a lookout where you can see over the entire district and out to the old cemetery where you’ll be entertained with a re-enactment of the Soapy Smith gunfight. The tour also takes you through the residential district – an area that is famous for its gardens.
Tours run 4 times a day – 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:15 PM and 3:15 PM – and are approximately 90 minutes long. Tickets can be purchased on board your cruise ship at the shore excursion desk.
Recommended for: all ages
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
This national park covers 13,191 acres and includes a historical area in Skagway plus nearby Dyea and the Chilkoot Trail.
Here you can learn all about the Gold Rush of 1897-1898 in the Klondike area. In Skagway you’ll see many historic stores, public buildings and saloons and in Dyea you can experience how a bustling town became just a ghost town after the gold rush ended.
Recommended for: all ages
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center
The Park’s Visitor Center is located not too far from port – at Broadway & 2nd Avenue – in the old White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad depot which was built in 1898. There are a variety of programs offered here (all of which are completely free) including a Junior Ranger program. Kids are asked to complete a booklet of activities and tasks to earn a Junior Ranger badge. There’s also a Deputy Ranger booklet for older kids and adults. Complete that book and you’ll earn a Deputy Ranger pin.
The Visitor Center is open daily from early May to late September from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible, service animals are welcome and restrooms are available.
It’s a lot of fun for young and old alike. This is a great way to learn about the culture and history of Skagway without having to travel too far from port. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also get your permit to hike the Chilkoot trail or sign up for a ranger-led tour of the area from the Visitor Center.
Recommended for: all ages
For families exploring Skagway on their own, head to the Skagway Visitor Center – located in the Arctic Brotherhood (A.B.) Hall building – to pick up a map of local attractions. This building is built from more than 8800 pieces of driftwood and is one of the most iconic facades in the world.
Even if you’re on a guided tour, it’s worth stopping by here before heading back to your ship to see the quirky architecture in person.
Recommended for: all ages
Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp
At Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp, your family will be treated to lunch and experience what a mining camp was like during the gold rush days. Enjoy a delicious Alaskan salmon lunch grilled over a wood fire plus other goodies. You can explore the camp at your leisure and even see a bordello.
You’ll also be treated to lots of laugh as you’re entertained by the ‘locals’ and you get to pan for gold and keep what you find.
Families cruising with Disney can sign up for the Disney Exclusive Liarsville excursion where you’ll be able to interact with your favorite Disney characters.
Recommended for: all ages
For garden lovers, a visit to Jewell Gardens is a must. It’s a beautiful display garden with an amazing variety of flowers and organic vegetables. There’s even a miniature railway modeled after the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad.
Take a tour around the splendid gardens and then visit the glass blowing studio where you can have a go at blowing your own glass. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, there’s also an onsite restaurant open for lunch between 11 AM and 3 PM which uses fresh, organic produce grown right in the garden.
Recommended for: all ages (although some cruise excursions may have a minimum age requirement)
Where to Eat in Skagway with Kids
Looking for something to eat in Skagway? Here are some kid-friendly dining options:
Skagway Fish Co – Seafood lovers should head here to try the fish & chips, crab cakes and crab legs. Enjoy your lunch and the view of the harbor.
Skagway Brewing Company – This brewpub is known for its beer and burgers. Kid menus, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Glacier Smoothies & Espresso – This coffee, smoothie and sandwich shop is a grab-and-go type place frequented by locals and crew members. Great option for a light snack or lunch.
Bites on Broadway – Here’s another option for coffee, light breakfast or lunch. Bites on Broadway is where locals and crew members go for coffee, breakfast pastries, bagels, chowder or sandwiches.
Starbucks – If you need your SB fix, head to the store across from the train station – Skagway Mercantile and Cafe. It’s not an official Starbucks store but a cafe that serves Starbucks drinks.
Where to Get WiFi in Skagway
WiFi access is not as readily available in Skagway as other Alaskan ports of call.
Cruisers looking for free WiFi can head to either the Skagway Public Library (8th and State) or Skagway Bazaar (located at 6th and Broadway). Connection might be hit or miss depending on how many people are on the network.
Read More About Alaskan Cruises with Kids
- Why Cruise to Alaska with Kids
- 7 Things to Know About Disney Alaska Cruises
- Vancouver, British Columbia with Kids – Port Guide
- Juneau, Alaska with Kids – Port Guide
- Ketchikan, Alaska with Kids – Port Guide
- Seattle, Washington with Kids – Port Guide
