Today, we’re heading to the very top of Alaska’s stunning Inside Passage, sailing into the
spectacular Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord, following in the footsteps of
those wily Stampeders who made their way here during the Klondike Gold Rush (1897-1898).
When you arrive in Skagway (meaning Home of the North Wind), you may wonder what all the fuss
was about? It’s small to say the least, with a winter population of just over 800, but during the
Alaska Summer cruise season it swells with thousands of visitors every day, much like the Days of
’98! It was right here that those fortune seekers began a cross-country journey that would take
countless lives, all in the search of gold.
Skagway is blessed as being an easy port for any cruise ship visitor to negotiate. Four mega-ships
can dock comfortably here at any one time, and the very flat walking distance into town is no more
than 15-20 minutes from any of the ships. There’s even a frequent shuttle service available.
Once in town, there is one main street, Broadway, and what a street it is! You’ll feel like you’ve
landed smack bang into a John Wayne Western, complete with wooden boardwalks, bawdy saloons
and even a frontier style dance show. Everything here centre’s on the Gold Rush era, although it’s a
far more pleasant adventure these days.
Alaska is a destination where you certainly should consider participating in some of the ship’s
organised tours to get the most out of your visit, as the true beauty of this area is beyond the city
streets laden with shopping. Skagway offers all manner of distractions, including the White Pass &
Yukon Railway, which follows the route of the Srampeders and enriches you with a detailed, at
times haunting narration on their struggle.
There are helicopter rides atop glaciers, some with dog sledding (which you must do in one of the
ports at least), river rafting, bicycling, zip-line adventures, gold panning, and old-time streetcars
driven by zany characters with colourful stories.
Roger’s Quick Tips
Best Months: May-September
Don’t Miss: White Pass & Yukon Railway
Tour or Not: Yes, at least half-day tour suggested
Sightseeing: Loads! Historical, Cultural, Nature,
Adventure
Food: Blackened Halibut
Language: English (American)
Currency: U.S. Dollar
Shopping: Everywhere you turn
Cash or Card: Major C/C widely accepted
By Roger Condon, Cruise Sales Manager, Discover the World Marketing – with 15 years at sea.
