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No town in Alaska is quite like Skagway with its blend of history and outstanding natural beauty.

Lying at the head of the Lynn Canal at the northern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage, much of the town is situated within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

Original wooden cabins and buildings

The town was founded in 1897 when more than 40,000 prospectors arrived on their way across the hazardous Chilkoot Trail to seek their fortunes in the goldfields of the Yukon’s Klondike. The building of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad enabled many more to make this arduous journey and established Skagway as the principal port to the interior. Many of the original wooden cabins and buildings remain today, making the town a popular destination for cruise ships and evoking characters of the past such as William Moore and 'Soapy' Smith.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

White Pass RailroadWithout a doubt this is the most spectacular trip you can take from Skagway. Built in 1898 during the Klondike gold rush, this narrow gauge railway is an engineering marvel.

Your journey takes you through a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestle bridges and switch-backs in the comfort of vintage cars. En route you will pass Glacier Gorge, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls and climb up White Pass before arriving at Lake Bennett or Whitehorse.

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Suggested itinerary featuring Skagway

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Skagway, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Skagway

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Skagway

    Accommodation choices for Skagway

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Skagway. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Skagway

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Skagway, and which use the best local guides.

    • White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
      Riding the White Pass Railroad

      White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

      White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

      Without a doubt this is one of the most spectacular trips you can take from Skagway. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railway is an engineering marvel.

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