A small region on the northern point of the Inside Passage, Skagway in many ways is a throwback town. Many note that it looks the same as it probably did 100 years ago. A one-time gold rush site, the area certainly is proud of its past. It has also become something of an artists’ mecca and a place for tourists to visit quaint little shops, cafes and restaurants. Skagway also offers ample opportunity for the avid hiker. With trails galore, you can explore the Chilkoot Trail, known as the world “longest outdoor museum,” or make your way through Klondike Goldrush Historic Park.
While many do tend to visit the region in the summer months, during the winter skiing is a huge activity here. Also, cross country skiing and snowmobiling tend to take over the town come winter.
For a small town, they have some big events. Their Klondike Road Relay is a true test of strength and endurance as competitors run on both pavement and rocky terrain. The Skagway Summer Solstice celebration has also been known to draw large crowds.
Skagway has a large amount of visitors that arrive through cruise ship. The local tour operators build their businesses around this crowd.
Always a popular pastime, fishing in Skagway can be a truly fun and exhilarating experience. It’s not uncommon to reel in an Alaskan King Salmon along with halibut and Dolly Varden.
Days are short and the weather is cold. Highs are only in the low-30s. It isn't the best time to be in Skagway.
Spring is the dry season. May highs only reach the upper-50s. The tours start running in late May or early June.
Summer is the busy season, especially when cruise ships are running trips that stop in Skagway. The weather is dry and highs are in the mid-60s. It is also the best time to ride the train.
Fall is the rainy season. Most of the tours stop in September. After that, there isn't much to do in Skagway in the fall.