Skagway, at the northern end ofthe Inside Passage, served as the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. The town has preserved its historic center and can be explored aboard the White Pass Train, a spectacular railway journey to the border pass. Connected to the Yukon by road, it provides access to the Chilkoot Trail. Season: May through September.
Skagway is nestled at the head of Lynn Canal, at the northern end ofthe Inside Passage. Founded during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, it served as the main gateway to the gold fields, where thousands of gold prospectors landed. The town has preserved its wooden sidewalks and historic facades, which are protected within a national historic park.
Its emblem is the White Pass and Yukon Route, a historic railroad that climbs toward the border pass with Canada. Connected to the Yukon by the Klondike Highway—a rarity in southeastern Alaska—Skagway also provides access to the Chilkoot Trail. This page details activities, seasons, and how to get there.
Why visit Skagway?
Skagway is the place wherethe history of the Gold Rush remains most alive in Alaska. As the main gateway to the Klondike in 1898, the town has preserved its historic district, which is protected within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Wooden sidewalks, saloons, and period facades transport visitors back to the height of the gold rush.
Its main attraction is the White Pass Railroad, one of the most spectacular train rides on the continent, which climbs the mountainside toward the border pass. Connected to the Yukon by road, Skagway also offers the opportunity to hike the Chilkoot Trail and combine Alaska and Canada. A popular stopover for cruise ships, it blends history, mountains, and adventure.
What to Do in Skagway?
Here are the experiences that make a trip memorable, from the train ride to the gold rush.
1. Take the White Pass Train
The White Pass and Yukon Route climbs from Skagway up the mountainside, through tunnels, over bridges, and past waterfalls, all the way to the border pass with Canada. This historic train retraces the route taken by gold prospectors in 1898, offering sweeping views of the valleys and snow-capped peaks.
2. Explore the historic district
Downtown Skagway, part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, still features its original wooden sidewalks and buildings dating back to 1898. Museums, saloons, and shops bring the atmosphere of the gold rush to life. Park rangers offer guided tours of this well-preserved setting.
3. Hiking the Chilkoot Trail
The Chilkoot Trail, used by gold prospectors to cross the mountains toward the Klondike, stretches for about 53 kilometers between Alaska and Canada. Dotted with relics from 1898, it offers a multi-day adventure for experienced hikers in a wild setting.
4. Travel to the Yukon
The Klondike Highway connects Skagway to the Canadian Yukon via the White Pass, a journey of just a few hours. Many tours combine a train ride with a trip into the Yukon, toward Carcross and Emerald Lake, following in the footsteps of the pioneers amid turquoise lakes and boreal forests.
When to go?
The season runs from May through September, when the White Pass Train, tours, and shops are open. June through August offer the most stable weather. A popular cruise ship stop during the day, the town returns to its quiet self in the evening once the ships have departed.
During the off-season, most services close. A trip combining Alaska with the Yukon is particularly well-suited for summer, when the Klondike Highway is fully passable. Check out our guide on when to visit Alaska.
| Period | Terms and Conditions | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| May | Start of the season | Train, historic center |
| June through August | Stable weather, peak season | Train, Chilkoot, Yukon excursions |
| September | End of the season | Train, things have quieted down |
| October through April | Services Closed | Limited access |
How do you get there?
Skagway can be reached by cruise ships and the Alaska Marine Highway ferry via the Inside Passage, by plane, and by road via the Klondike Highway from the Yukon. It is one of the few towns in southeastern Alaska connected to the road network, making it easy to combine a visit with a trip to Canada.
Once there, the White Pass Train, excursions to the Yukon, and tours of the historic district all depart within walking distance of the harbor. The compact town is easy to explore on foot.
Where to stay in town?
Skagway offers historic hotels and B&Bs in the heart of its well-preserved downtown, within walking distance of the train and the harbor. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the town in the evening, once the cruise ships have departed, in a quieter atmosphere.
The town also serves as a starting point for trips to the Yukon and the Inside Passage region. Our team can create an itinerary combining Skagway, the White Pass Train, and Canada. Check out our suggested itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the city located?
Skagway is located at the northern end of the Inside Passage, in southeastern Alaska, at the head of Lynn Canal. Once the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush, it is accessible by boat, plane, and—a rarity for the region—by road via the Klondike Highway.
What is the White Pass Train?
The White Pass and Yukon Route is a historic railroad that climbs from Skagway up the mountainside, through tunnels, over bridges, and past waterfalls, to the border pass with Canada. It retraces the route taken by gold seekers in 1898, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Why is Skagway associated with the Gold Rush?
Skagway was the main gateway to the Klondike gold fields during the 1898 gold rush. Thousands of gold prospectors arrived there before crossing the mountain passes. The town has preserved its historic buildings, which are protected within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
How do you get to the town?
Skagway is accessible by cruise ships and the Alaska Marine Highway ferry via the Inside Passage, by plane, and by road via the Klondike Highway from the Yukon. It is one of the few towns in southeastern Alaska connected to the road network.
What is the Chilkoot Trail?
The Chilkoot Trail is the historic path taken by gold prospectors to cross the mountains toward the Klondike in 1898. About 53 kilometers long, it is now a multi-day hike that spans Alaska and Canada, dotted with remnants of the gold rush.
When is the best time to visit?
From May to September, during the cruise season, when the White Pass Train, tours, and shops are open. June through August offer the most stable weather. The town, which is very busy with cruise passengers during the day, returns to calm in the evening.
What else is there to do besides the train ride?
Beyond the White Pass Train, Skagway offers a chance to explore its well-preserved historic downtown and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. You can also hike to Lower Dewey Lake, take an excursion to the Yukon, or explore the Chilkoot Trail.
Can you reach the Yukon from the town?
Yes. The Klondike Highway connects Skagway to the Canadian Yukon via White Pass in just a few hours. Many tours combine the White Pass Train with a trip to the Yukon, to Carcross and Emerald Lake, following in the footsteps of the Klondike pioneers.
Last updated: August 18, 2026.
About Terra Alaska
Terra Alaska is a local travel agency specializing in custom trips to Alaska and a member of the Terra Panamerica network. Our team designs itineraries tailored to each traveler, from national parks to winter expeditions under the Northern Lights. Discover our expertise as a local incoming tour operator.
Contact us to plan your trip or explore our suggested itineraries.
Sources
National Park Service (Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Chilkoot Trail); Travel Alaska (Skagway); White Pass and Yukon Route.
