Best Skagway Shore Tours of 2025

The 5 Best Skagway Shore Excursions You Need to Expereince

Nestled along the breathtaking southeastern Alaska Coastline and tucked into the very top of the Inside Passage, Skagway is a charming port city that offers a gateway to some of the most natural wonders of the world. With its rich history, dramatic landscapes, and diverse wildlife, Skagway has become a must-visit destination for cruise ship passengers and travelers alike! A stroll down Broadway right from the cruise ships alone transports you back to simpler times, ones without cell phones and with more interactions with your fellow man, most often trying to barter with who was going to help you transport your goods up White Pass in that search of gold. Please note, cell phones in Skagway are still spotty, so prepare your hearts and minds to immerse in the culture!

Skagway came from the need to connect land to sea, or sea to land, and ensure that people migrating to this part of the world would have a chance to strike it rich! Men, women, and families all made the trip to set up to become our nation’s newest wealthhounds. The wildlife was a perk to their goal, but also provided means for survival. There was budding access to recreation, sport, and survival, all which culminated at the end of the day in one of the many bars or brothels of your choosing (Red Onion Saloon is the must see).

To make the most out of your visit, here are some of my top recommendations. Five Skagway shore excursions that will allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty and adventure this small port town has to offer.

White Pass Summit Excursion

Begin your Skagway adventure with one of the most iconic Skagway shore excursions, the White Pass Summit Excursion. This tour takes you on a scenic and historic train ride through the breathtaking White Pass and offers panoramic views of the landscape that puts many places throughout North America to shame. You will learn so much information about the Gold Rush that makes you think the 49’ers should be located up here! Every person on this excursion will have a face-to-face moment with rugged Alaska, and be sure to bring a camera to never forget this moment!

If you are looking for a tour more grand, also check out the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey, a combination of the train tour with an added bus tour that brings you all the way up to Yukon Territory and has picturesque stops along the way!

Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Adventure seekers, this one if for you! This tour has a lot to it, and you may be needing the buffet on the ship after this one. You will be taking a high-speed catamaran from Skagway over to Glacier Point, providing opportunities to see some of Alaska’s most prized marine life. From there, gear up and canoe and hike up to the face of Davidson Glacier, setting up the most epic Instagream post you can think to include about your time here. It is some work, so moderately-active people would do best on this tour. After your adventure time, enjoy a light lunch and take the ride on the catamaran back to Skagway. This Skagway shore excursion gives you a taste of that adventure you are looking for, so book it while it’s hot!

Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float

Calling all my hikers! Are you looking for a rewarding, moderate hike followed by a relaxing float down one of the clearest rivers you have ever seen? If so, this Skagway shore excursion is for you! On this tour, you’ll be following in the footsteps of those Gold Rush stampeders on this guided hike through the lush rainforests known to southeast Alaska. It is a moderate hike, so be sure to get ready and prepare. After your hike, hop in a raft and float down the Taiya River, surrounded by jagged peaks, green trees, some critters big and small, and a sense of joy to be in such a place. No rapids on this raft tour, just the flowing river in a stable raft. This tour sounds like my kind of day!

Skagway Helicopter and Dogsled

For those who have the nerves and means, this shore excursion sits atop many others offered here at Alaska Shore Tours. As the only way to stand on top of a glacier in Skagway, this tour combines that opportunity with an unforgettable, authentic dogsledding ride in one of the most beautiful areas in Alaska. You will be soaring above the glaciers that effortlessly provide stunning views and a little thrill before landing on top of Davidson Glacier. The dogs are barking and ready to greet you on their sleds and mush! This tour sits on the bucket list of many, so be sure to check with our agents to ensure you get this limited opportunity in the Last Frontier.

Yukon Discovery & Sled Dog

Looking for a tour for all ages, brings you into Yukon, provides you with a lunch, AND gives you a chance to meet some sled dog puppies? The Yukon Discovery & Sled Dog tour will be your Skagway shore excursion to check out! Delve deeper into the heart of the Yukon with the Yukon Discovery and Sled Dog Adventure. Journey along the Klondike Highway, reliving the Gold Rush era's history. Experience the thrill of a carted sled dog ride through the stunning Yukon wilderness and enjoy a hearty Alaskan barbecue, all while discovering the beauty of Skagway's surroundings. Additional stops for this tour include Emerald Lake, Tormented Valley, the “Welcome to Alaska” sign, and a high alpine wilderness desert. All stops are good for your next family picture!

Why Skagway Shore Excursions?

Skagway, with its stunning natural beauty and rich history, offers an array of unforgettable experiences through its shore excursions. Whether you choose to embark on a historic railway journey, explore a pristine fjord, hike along the Dyea Trail, dog sled on a glacier, or immerse yourself in Skagway's history, you'll create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. These Skagway shore excursions are not just tours; they are gateways to the heart and soul of Alaska's wilderness and heritage. Make the most of your visit to Skagway and embark on these incredible adventures to truly embrace the beauty of this Alaskan gem.