Skagway lies on Alaska’s Inside Passage, right where the panhandle meets mainland Alaska. Historically, it is a place where people disembark to head into the gold fields of the Klondike. Skagway has well kept historical buildings, and the front street has all the of pioneer charm you could want in a Gold Rush boom town. In the summer months, the town explodes with life and color as the businesses get in gear and seasonal community members return. The cruise ships steadily approach all summer long with visitors. The population actually doubles in the summer in this unique Alaskan town.
The historical downtown is perfectly framed by the stunning
snow capped mountains. Skagway has the quintessential Gold Rush vibe, paired with the luxuries of modern day conveniences.
Skagway lies on the Lynn Canal, the longest and deepest fjord in North America. This makes it perfectly suited to host a wide number of cruise ships that stop by on their way up the Inside Passage.
Although the year-round population is about 800, the summer-only businesses bring swarms of employees to the town. These additional community members bring more demand for housing and supplies, increasing the revenues for everyone.
During the boom of the Gold Rush, Skagway had a population of around 10,000 people. In June 1898, Skagway was the largest city in Alaska. Now the population holds steady at under 1000 people.
Nearly 1 million people visit Skagway annually, most of those on cruise ships. Skagway is accessible by road from Haines and Whitehorse, one of a very few southeast Alaskan towns that can be driven to.
The infamous Jefferson Randolph Smith (AKA Soapy Smith) was the most famous citizen of Skagway and you can learn all about his nefarious deeds in the historic downtown.
Skagway was the first incorporated city in Alaska, June 28, 1900, beating Juneau by a single day. This shining star of Alaska is unique and breathtaking place to visit even for long time Alaskans.
The Arctic Brotherhood Hall is decorated with 8,883 driftwood sticks nailed to it and is considered the most widely photographed building in Alaska. Visitors love all there is to see and do in the historic downtown area.
Skagway’s White Pass & Yukon Tour is designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and provides wonderful day trips into the Yukon Terrirtory to see the famed Chilkoot Trail.
As summer heats up and people flock to Skagway for the season, consider a visit. There is a reason so many people enjoy summers in this gorgeous corner of Alaska.
