About this experience
Discover Skagway’s rich Gold Rush history and stunning natural beauty on this comprehensive 2.5 to 3 hour scenic tour, led by a locally owned, owner-operated company and a year-round resident guide. Travel through town and beyond with someone who lives and works here, sharing the stories, history, and local insight that bring this place to life.
This tour is perfect for first-time visitors and cruise passengers with limited time, ensuring you experience the best of Skagway while still having time to explore on your own.
Tour Highlights
Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with light walking
Locally owned, owner-operated tour led by a year-round resident
Small group size for a more personal, well-managed experience
Scenic stops include the Gold Rush Cemetery, Reid Falls, Pitchfork Falls, Klondike Highway, and scenic overlooks
Photo stop at the iconic “Welcome to Alaska” sign
Convenient meeting location near the cruise docks at Centennial Statue Park
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Flexible drop-off (downtown or cruise dock)
- Live narration with local history, stories, and insight
- Local, owner-operated guide
- Photo stop at the iconic “Welcome to Alaska” sign
- Scenic stops including Gold Rush Cemetery, Reid Falls, Pitchfork Falls, and overlooks above town
- Wheelchair lift available by advance request
Not included
- Food and Drink
- Gratuities (optional, but appreciated)
Itinerary and highlights
Drive through historic downtown Skagway along Broadway, lined with Gold Rush-era buildings, shops, and stories from the Klondike era.
Get a comprehensive overview of Skagway as you travel through downtown, residential areas, and key local landmarks. See the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway yard, Skagway River, City Hall, and everyday life beyond the tourist center.
Visit the historic Gold Rush Cemetery, where many figures from Skagway’s Klondike era are buried, including the infamous outlaw Soapy Smith. Hear the stories that bring this fascinating chapter of history to life.
Enjoy a short walk to Lower Reid Falls, a scenic waterfall tucked just beyond the cemetery and surrounded by forest and mountain views.
Enjoy views up the White Pass from a bridge over the Skagway River, where the Klondike Highway winds through dramatic mountain scenery.
Rising dramatically nearly 2,000 feet down the mountainside, Pitchfork Falls is one of the most striking waterfalls along the Klondike Highway. It cascades toward the Skagway River and passes beneath the historic bridge.
The iconic “Welcome to Alaska” sign is a classic photo stop. Surrounded by mountain scenery, it’s a memorable moment to step out, take a photo, and officially mark your entry into Alaska.
Follow Dyea Road and learn about the historic route once used by stampeders heading toward the Chilkoot Trail and the town of Dyea.
Enjoy panoramic views of Skagway, the harbor, and surrounding mountains from a scenic overlook above town, one of the best photo spots in the area.
As we return to Skagway, you’ll have the option to be dropped off either in the heart of downtown or back at your ship. Many guests choose to spend some extra time exploring the historic streets, browsing local shops, or grabbing a bite before heading back onboard.
Meeting and pickup information
- Meet near the statue in Centennial Park (Shoreline Park) at 1st and Broadway, a short walk from the cruise docks. Look for your guide holding a "Gold Rush History and Waterfalls" sign. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Tours depart on time; late arrivals are considered no-shows
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Local Skagway Day Trips
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
