In the spring of 1898, the discovery of gold in the Klondike River brought thousands of miners looking to strike it rich through the Port of Skagway en route to Canada’s Yukon Territory. Today, about 995 people live in Skagway, but the town's storied history continues to draw upwards of a million visitors annually, many of whom arrive on cruise ships.

When your ship docks, head out to meet your guide in downtown Skagway, where you’ll hop aboard a comfy coach bus for your 4-hour tour in and around the historic gateway town. As you thread through the downtown area, part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, learn about the well-preserved wooden buildings from the turn of the century such as the Mascot Saloon and the Moore House and Cabin. Your guide brings these landmarks to life with anecdotes of the prospectors who came through the small port town. ( (

Then leave Skagway and continue to White Pass Summit, cruising along Klondike Highway that links Skagway to Yukon’s Dawson City. Your journey parallels the White Pass Railroad, narrow-gauge tracks constructed during the gold rush. ( (

Reach an elevation of 3,292 feet (1,003 meters) and take in stunning views of Tormented Valley, a subarctic alpine tundra, Summit Lake, waterfalls, glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Snap a photo of the Welcome to Alaska sign at the US and Canadian border.

After about 2.5 hours, head back to Skagway and disembark at a historic Victorian inn for lunch. Built during the heyday of the gold rush, the hotel originally operated as a brothel before turning into a family residence and then a boarding house. As you enjoy your meal (see a sample menu in Itinerary below), learn about the customs and practices of the Tlingit, the indigenous people of the region around Skagway, and enjoy live music and art. ( (

After lunch, take a leisurely walk in the nearby gardens before you’re transported back to your cruise ship.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to the Skagway port for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.