princess shore excursions skagway

• SOUTH DAKOTA

Best Skagway excursions that I did in 2023 (Princess cruise + book Skagway tours on your own) 🏔 Alaska cruise travel blog

The best Skagway excursions are the White Pass train and a Skagway helicopter tour with landing!

I went to Skagway on Princess cruise ships, so my experience is looking for excursions for Princess cruises.

But of course, most of the excursions can apply no matter what cruise line you are on.

Here is your quick list of best Skagway cruise excursions you must consider:

• White Pass Railway + Klondike Highway excursion
• Skagway dog sledding tour by helicopter
• Skagway helicopter tour with glacier walk

The absolutely most popular Skagway excursion is the White Pass railway, which is a train ride through the Alaska mountains… and into Canada too!

Actually, there are many different types of White Pass train excursions, as you can choose to make it just about the train ride, or you can add a land portion to it.

So you can make it a White Pass train excursion only .

If you do the train only, you will be on the train for the whole 3 hours or so, and you won’t be getting off.

You will be taking the train up high to the White Pass summit and beyond, and then taking the train back down.

There is a bathroom on the train.

If you want to do a Skagway train excursion that includes land, most likely you will need to bring your passport along on your excursion, because you will be stepping foot on Canada.

For a Skagway train excursion that includes land, there are tours that take the road up high into the mountains by bus, and then you will take the train back down…

Or you will do it in the opposite direction.

You can take the train up high to the White Pass summit and beyond, and then take the road back down by bus.

There are also different types of these train + land combination tours, and the differences are basically how far you end up going by land.

Depending on which type of White Pass excursion you choose, there are excursions that are 3 hours long, and there are excursions that are 8 hours long.

You might consider if you want to make time for another excursion in Skagway and/or if you want to make time for something else in Skagway cruise port on your own .

It’s easy to do any sort of White Pass excursion through the cruise ship, whether train only or a combination tour.

But if you want to book direct for one of the combination excursions, one Alaska company that gets mentioned a lot is Chilkoot Charters and Tours .

If you will be doing any sort of flightseeing tour in Alaska , I highly recommend you do one with some sort of landing!

It will make the experience that much more epic!

In the case of a Skagway helicopter tour , you can do one that includes a glacier walk or dog sledding !

No matter which one you choose, it will be epic and a high contender for one of the best experiences during your Alaska cruise!

• for women: hiking shorts | for men: hiking shorts
• for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
• capris for women
• hiking/walking/travel sandals: for women | for men
• hiking shoes: for women | for men
• When you fly: If you have an iphone, you can put an airtag tracker in your luggage so you can better keep track of it! Buy just one , or buy a pack of 4 . (Read the reviews !) This also makes a good travel gift !

How to search for Princess cruise excursions for Skagway

If you do want to look through the offerings of Princess, you can do so by logging into your account at princess.com .

Once you are logged in, go to: my account > manage this booking > excursions > view excursions for Skagway!

Look for the “customer reviews” for each individual excursion!

You can also look directly at the Skagway shore excursions with Princess without logging in if you just want to browse.

But when you want to book, you’ll need to go into your account.

You can also book through the Princess app, but I personally don’t even like the way the shore excursions show up on the app so I wouldn’t even want to look through them!

And then when you are on the cruise ship, you can book through your stateroom TV, and of course directly at the shore excursions desk.

If you are getting on your Princess cruise ship without having booked excursions but are interested in doing so, then there is also a live shore excursions presentation with recommendations on shore excursions to book for Skagway and all the other cruise ports you’ll be going to.

If you miss the live presentation, then there will also be a replay available on your stateroom TV . If you can’t find it, you can call guest services or do a “crewchat” with them on the Princess app to find out how to find it.

Only budgeting for ONE excursion during your Alaska cruise? Also take a look at the best Ketchikan excursions and the best Juneau excursions to see if you want to do an excursion in Skagway or Ketchikan or Juneau!

More below about the Skagway tours that I did!

Best skagway tours that are so alaska, 1. white pass railway + klondike highway excursion.

As you now know, you can do the White Pass railway as a standalone excursion, or there are many different combination tours you can do that includes the White Pass train.

I did the White Pass train in combination with the Klondike Highway.

You can do the Klondike Highway as a standalone excursion without the train, which is one of the cheapest Skagway excursions.

I did a combination tour of doing the Klondike Highway by bus up to the White Pass summit (and beyond!), and then taking the train back to Skagway.

This is a White Pass excursion that requires a passport.

See more about a Skagway train excursion

• White Pass Railway only
• Klondike Highway + White Pass Railway (I booked this one)
• White Pass Railway website
• Chilkoot Charters and Tours

See more about more Skagway excursions

You can also do the Klondike Highway by bicycle!

• Sockeye Cycle
• Princess excursion

2. Helicopter tour with glacier walk (Glacier Discovery by helicopter)

You can do a helicopter tour in Skagway to see the Juneau icefield, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains.

Your helicopter tour is made even more epic by doing a wilderness landing on a glacier!

You won’t choose a helicopter tour based on a specific glacier, as that will be up to the pilot and the conditions of the day.

My helicopter tour made a wilderness landing at Meade Glacier.

We walked around on the glacier, saw blue ice, and saw glacier waterfalls!

See more about a Skagway helicopter excursion with glacier walk

• Princess excursion: Glacier Discovery by helicopter
• Temsco helicopters

3. Dog sledding and glacier helicopter flightseeing

Another helicopter tour with a wilderness landing on a glacier that you can do is dog sledding!

Skagway is one of the best Alaska cruise ports for dog sledding .

See more about a Skagway excursion with dog sledding

• Skagway dog sledding excursion

And if you like dogs and/or dog sledding, then you might like the onboard cruise activity that will happen when a Princess cruise ship is in Skagway cruise port called puppies in the piazza !

And those are Skagway tours that you must consider!

I was in Skagway in May of 2023. Your experience may vary!

Skagway on your own:

• Yakutania Point

What I did to give you more ideas for your Alaska cruise:

• Things to do in Skagway
• My Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage
• My Alaska cruise from Vancouver round trip

HAPPY TOUR FROM SKAGWAY CRUISE PORT!

• What is embarkation day like? Sample: Vancouver embarkation day
• What is disembarkation like? Sample: Vancouver disembarkation and Whittier disembarkation
• Dinner food menu on my Alaska cruise
• Best whale watching in Alaska
• Best dog sledding in Alaska (on a glacier, on snow, in summer!)
• Snorkeling in Alaska 😂
• Deadliest Catch tour (as seen on TV!)
• Juneau icefield seaplane + Taku Glacier Lodge salmon bake
• Nugget Falls in Tongass National Forest (Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area)
• Helicopter + glacier walk to see blue ice
• Klondike Highway to Fraser BC + White Pass summit train
• What I did on another Skagway cruise ship arrival: Dog sledding and Yakutania Point
• Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness seaplane + wilderness landing
• Creek Street
• Icy Strait Point to Hoonah
• Sitka National Historical Park totem poles
• Things to do in Sitka
• What is it like: Glacier Bay National Park from a cruise ship
• This was not available on my early season cruise: Hubbard Glacier excursion (yes, you can get off the ship on a sea day! available until early September... if it's not already sold out!)
• Tips for first Princess cruise (getting familiar with Princess food + more!)
• Ideas for your first Alaska cruise

11 Must-Do Skagway Shore Excursions for Alaska Cruises

What are the best Skagway shore excursions? Is Skagway walkable from the cruise port?

After living in Alaska for nearly a year, we learned a lot about the best Alaska cruise ports with Skagway consistently being ranked in the top three! If you aren’t sure where Skagway is, it’s a small town located in Southeast Alaska and is known for its rich history during the Klondike Gold Rush.

Skagway is a very walkable town, with most of the main attractions and shops located within a few blocks of the cruise port. However, if you want to explore more of Skagway and its surrounding areas including its glaciers and mountainous regions known for epic wildlife viewing, that’s where the shore excursions come into play.

Don’t have time to read the entire post? No worries!

This Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon is undoubtedly the #1 tour on this list!

⭐ 560+ 5-Star Reviews ⭐ Viator’s Badge of Excellence ⭐ White Pass, Klondike Highway

If you’re planning on visiting Skagway on a cruise ship, you may be wondering about the best shore excursions and if it’s actually worth investing the time and money into these tours. We totally get it!

In this guide, we’ll go over some of the top-rated Skagway excursions and include ample information on the best time to visit Skagway, our #1 pick when it comes to Skagway tours, and even what to pack for your tour!

11 BEST Skagway Shore Excursions

1. skagway shore excursion: full-day tour of the yukon.

Unquestionably one of the best tours on this list, the Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon offers an unforgettable full-day expedition along the scenic Klondike Highway, providing stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, and possibly even wildlife. Not to mention additional stops at the Yukon “Larger than Life” sign as well as Wild Adventure Yukon and an epic viewpoint overlooking Bove Island!

You’ll also visit the iconic Carcross Desert and witness the mesmerizing beauty of Emerald Lake, all with the guidance and knowledge of a seasoned local tour guide. Not only does this tour offer numerous photo opportunities of the untamed wilderness, but it also includes a hearty lunch to fuel your adventure.

Perfect for people of all ages, this tour invites you to cross the border between Alaska and Canada’s famed Yukon along one of the most scenic highways in the world!

2. Summit Lake Canoe Adventure from Skagway

Thanks to Skagway’s stunning location on the border of British Columbia, guests are treated to epic alpine lakes right at their door! The Summit Lake Canoe Adventure from Skagway offers a tranquil escape into nature, featuring a peaceful paddle across the stunning Summit Lake. With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, this tour provides ample opportunity to escape the crowded cruise port and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

With the guidance of expert tour operators, this 4.5-hour excursion includes a scenic drive along the Klondike Highway and includes views of the White Pass, Denver Glacier, Bridal Veil Falls, and even the Tongass National Forest!

Providing ample opportunities to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, this amazing canoe adventure is perfect for those looking to get a good paddle in. But, don’t worry, the canoes come with an outboard motor to assist in your experience.

3. Skagway Shore Excursion: Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge

For those with limited time or seeking a shorter adventure, the Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge provides a fantastic taste of the region’s remarkable landscapes. This 4-hour tour will take you through some of the Yukon’s top sites including the historic Captain William Moore Bridge, Pitchfork Falls, and the exceedingly popular Yukon Suspension Bridge.

Prepare to be enthralled as you make your way to the Yukon Suspension Bridge, where you can walk across and gaze upon the roaring Tutshi River below. It’s quite high above the river (57 feet), so if you don’t like heights, bear this in mind.

Additionally, this exciting half-day trip offers the chance to explore the Yukon border and get photos at the “Welcome to the Yukon” sign! With dedicated and knowledgeable guides sharing insights into the area’s history and ecology, the journey is as educational as it is visually stunning.

4. Skagway Shore Excursion: Scenic River Float Tour

For those who seek a gentler adventure wrapped in the beauty of Alaska’s landscapes, the Scenic River Float Tour offers a serene way to take in the sights and sounds of Southeast Alaska’s Dyea Valley. This family-friendly 2-to-2.5-hour tour glides you down the Taiya River on a relaxing river float.

Once aboard the raft, guests are treated to the tranquility of the slow-moving waters, which provide an excellent platform for wildlife viewing! Your knowledgeable guides are also well-versed in the history of the Gold Rush era and the natural history of the surrounding flora and fauna.

This scenic float is perfect for those who want to experience Alaska’s grandeur without the exertion of a hike or climb. It’s a gentle, soul-soothing journey down one of the area’s most picturesque waterways, allowing for ample relaxation and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

5. Yukon Suspension Bridge and Summit Tour

A fantastic option if you’re seeking a quick tour that gets you to the White Pass Summit, the Yukon Suspension Bridge and Summit Tour invites guests to journey along the historic White Pass Trail, famously trodden by the prospectors during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. As you ascend the White Pass Summit in comfort, take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding peaks and the deep valleys below.

Afterward, upon reaching the Yukon Suspension Bridge, be prepared for an exhilarating experience as you traverse the sturdy, yet swaying, bridge 57 feet above the tumultuous waters of the Tutshi River. This bridge is not only a marvel of engineering but also serves as a vantage point offering unprecedented views of the wild, untamed landscape.

At just 3 hours long, this tour makes it possible for those on a short Alaska cruise stop to see some of the best views in the Yukon! Plus, cruise port pick-up and drop-off are included, so you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics.

6. Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition

The Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition presents an exhilarating canopy experience for those in search of adventure in Skagway, Alaska. During this 4-hour tour, thrill-seekers will find themselves soaring through a dense Alaskan rainforest, gliding across numerous zip lines with each line offering a unique vantage point of the stunning natural landscape, including pristine forest terrain and cascading waterfalls.

Guided by experts with a strong emphasis on safety, participants will also navigate suspension bridges, adding another level of excitement to the course. Plus, you even get to ride in a local Unimog when navigating wet terrain!

Suitable for adventurers of all skill levels ages 6 and up, this tour is a fantastic option for those visiting Skagway.

7. Skagway Highlights Electric Bike Tour with Gold Panning

Experience the best of Skagway’s scenic beauty and historical allure on the Skagway Highlights Electric Bike Tour with Gold Panning ! This 3-hour tour is a unique blend of active adventure and a journey into the captivating history of the Gold Rush era. As you pedal along Skagway’s panoramic coastal roadways on an easy-to-ride electric bike, the beautiful views of this charming Alaskan town provide a picturesque backdrop.

The tour begins with an orientation to the electric bikes, ensuring that riders of all experience levels can navigate with ease. You’ll trace the path along the historic railway, stopping at various strategic viewpoints for photo opportunities. Sharing tales from the late 1800s, your guide will transport you back to the days when fortune-seekers thronged the area and even stop by the Gold Rush Cemetery.

As you ride back into the heart of Skagway, the adventure concludes with a fun and informative session of gold panning, where you can try your luck at filling your pockets with gold!

8. Ocean Raft Alaska

Prepare for a heart-pumping adventure with the Ocean Raft Alaska Wildlife Adventure ! This 2.25-hour journey is an invigorating dive into Alaska’s wild side as you zip across the crisp waters of the Lynn Canal, North America’s deepest fjord.

Clad in a weatherproof exposure suit and mask, you’ll brave the elements aboard a high-speed ocean raft, allowing for a truly intimate encounter with Alaska’s breathtaking coastal environment.

Your expert captain and guide will lead you to the best spots where you could witness the majesty of local wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles. This tour not only promises adrenaline but also provides an unmatched opportunity to witness the raw beauty of Alaskan wildlife in its natural habitat.

Ideal for photographers and adventure enthusiasts, this is easily among the most exciting tours on this list!

9. Skagway Scooter Gold Rush Adventure

For those who crave adventure with a taste of history, the Skagway Scooter Gold Rush Adventure is an exhilarating way to see Skagway and learn about its Gold Rush past. Across 3 hours, you’ll hop on a comfortable scooter and zip along Skagway’s streets on a fast-paced 19-mile excursion!

The tour begins with a safety briefing and instructions on handling your scooter, ensuring a fun and secure experience. The route highlights Skagway’s most picturesque spots and historic sites, with frequent stops for photos and storytelling by your knowledgeable guide.

This adventure is suitable for all riders, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced scooter enthusiast. Limited to just 8 riders, this small-group tour guarantees personalized attention from your guide and a more intimate experience of Skagway.

10. Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari ! This 6-hour excursion takes you from the historic Skagway harbor to the pristine natural beauty of Glacier Point. You’ll journey through fjords via a high-speed catamaran, marveling at the sheer rock faces and lush greenery that border the waters while searching for local wildlife including whales, seals, sea lions, eagles, and more!

Upon reaching the glacier, you will transition to a special wheeled vehicle to traverse the beach, then set off on a short hike through the rainforest, leading to a point where you can stand face-to-face with the iconic Davidson Glacier.

The safari includes a guided canoe trip around the glacier’s meltwater lake, giving you the chance to glide along its iceberg-studded surface. The breathtaking scenery, with the glacier’s blue ice serving as a silent, powerful backdrop, offers an unparalleled experience.

Designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this is easily among the best shore excursions in Skagway, Alaska!

11. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting

Congregating by the thousands, the Chilkat Preserve is one of the best places in the world to spot bald eagles fishing for salmon! And what better way to get up close than on a Chilkoot River Rafting Tour ?

This 6.5-hour guided adventure will have you gliding along the peaceful waters of the Chilkat River, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.

Seasonal highlights include a chance to watch for bear and moose sightings along the shore, majestic bald eagles soaring above, and a brilliant display of wild salmon running in the summer months. With stable kayaks and comprehensive paddling instruction provided, this tour is suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike.

FAQ: Skagway Shore Excursions

In this last section, we’ve provided some helpful information regarding the best shore excursions in Skagway including the ideal time to visit, where you can see glaciers, how to get around the port, and more!

What is the Best Excursion in Skagway?

In our opinion, the best Skagway shore excursion is this Full-Day Tour of the Yukon ! It offers the most of any tour on this list including crossing the iconic Klondike Highway, visiting several stunning lakes including Emerald Lake, and even making a unique stop in the Carcross desert.

Undoubtedly one of the top tours on this list, the Full-Day Tour of the Yukon is perfect for all ages and provides an unmatched experience in terms of scenic views, wildlife sightings, and local expert knowledge from your guide!

Is Skagway Walkable from the Cruise Port?

Fortunately for travelers, Skagway is a small and very walkable town that can be easily reached from the cruise port !

Many of the restaurants and shops are located within a few blocks of the cruise port, making it easy to explore on foot. However, for those looking to venture further out or visit surrounding areas, booking a shore excursion is recommended.

Do Most Skagway Alaska Shore Excursions Depart from the Cruise Port?

Conveniently for guests arriving in Alaska via cruise, most shore excursions in Skagway depart from the cruise port or one of the streets very close by .

We’ve also noticed that even if the excursion doesn’t depart directly from the cruise port, they’ll have someone with the local company meet people coming off the ship right on the dock with a large sign so you know exactly where to go!

This makes it easy to plan and schedule your day without worrying about transportation to and from the port.

Is It Worth Taking a Skagway Shore Excursion?

It is undoubtedly worth taking a shore excursion in Skagway ! While the town itself is charming and walkable, the majority of worthwhile attractions lie a considerable distance outside of the main area and can only be accessed through an excursion or rental car.

We’ve talked about how Alaska isn’t necessarily a budget-friendly destination, however, if you’ll be visiting on a cruise, then it’s well worth budgeting for a shore excursion to get the most out of your time in Skagway.

Otherwise, you’ll just be spending the day some Alaska souvenir shopping which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you’re hoping for a rest day, but it’s also not very exciting either. Depending on your goals for Skagway, you may or may not want to consider a shore excursion for the day!

How Much Do Shore Excursions in Skagway Cost?

On average, you might expect to spend anywhere from $50 for simple walking tours to upwards of $300 for more extensive adventures, such as helicopter rides to glaciers or full-day train tours. However, the price of shore excursions in Skagway can vary widely depending on the type of activity and duration.

It’s essential to consider your budget and what experiences are most important to you when selecting an excursion. Many visitors find that investing in a unique experience, like trekking on a glacier or a scenic train ride through the White Pass, is a highlight of their Alaskan cruise, making the cost well worth it.

What Should I Pack for Skagway Shore Tours?

Packing for Skagway shore tours means being prepared for Alaska’s temperamental weather. Here is a list of some items we’d recommend having with you on your excursion:

• Layers of clothing : The weather in Skagway can change quickly, so it’s always best to dress in layers. Bring a waterproof jacket, warm sweater or fleece, and long pants.
• Comfortable walking shoes : Many shore excursions involve hiking or walking, so make sure you have sturdy and comfortable shoes with good traction.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses : Even on cloudy days, the sun in Alaska can be quite strong and may cause sunburns. Protect your skin and eyes by packing sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Camera : You’ll want to capture all the beautiful scenery and wildlife you encounter on your excursion. Don’t forget to pack a camera or fully charged phone with you!
• Bug spray : Especially if you’re planning on hiking or spending time in nature, bug spray is a must to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Cash or credit card : Be sure to have some form of payment with you for any extras on your excursion, such as souvenirs or snacks. Some tours may also require cash tips for the guides.

Overall, it’s always best to pack for a variety of weather conditions when visiting Alaska, so you can be prepared for whatever comes your way during your shore excursion in Skagway. Some tour operators will also have their own list of recommended items to bring, so be sure to check with them as well!

Can You See Glaciers in Skagway?

Yes, you can see glaciers in Skagway and they are one of the city’s most popular attractions ! The most famous of these is the Davidson Glacier, which is often visited on boat and canoe excursions.

These trips allow you to witness the breathtaking beauty of the glacier up close and provide an opportunity for epic photos. Additionally, helicopter tours can offer an aerial view of the glaciers, providing a unique perspective on their vastness and the intricate crevasses and ice formations.

What is the Best Time to Visit Skagway Alaska?

The best time to visit Skagway, Alaska is during the summer months, from May to September . This period provides the warmest weather and the longest days, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the outdoor excursions and breathtaking scenery.

The summer season also coincides with the peak of the cruise ship arrivals, ensuring that all tours, shops, and attractions are open and fully operational. However, those looking for a quieter visit might consider the shoulder months, May and September, when there are fewer tourists and the natural beauty of the region can be enjoyed in relative solitude.

What Cruise Lines Visit Skagway?

Several major cruise lines visit Skagway, including:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Princess Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line

These are just a few of the many options that offer itineraries to Skagway. Be sure to research and compare different cruise lines to find one that best fits your interests, budget, and preferred travel dates.

Skip to the bottom of the post? No worries!

Other Helpful Alaska Resources

11 BEST Denali National Park Tours for Adventurers 8 BEST Kenai River Fishing Tours for 2024 3 BEST Katmai National Park Bear Viewing Tours 2024 Seward vs Homer: The Complete Comparison from a Local Ketchikan vs Juneau: The Ultimate Comparison by a Local Ferry from Ketchikan to Juneau: Routes, Schedule, & Tips! 12 Exhilarating Mendenhall Glacier Tours in 2024 10 Incredible Juneau Whale Watching Tours in 2024 7 BEST Ketchikan Fishing Charters in 2024 7 Top-Rated Matanuska Glacier Tours from Anchorage 30+ Things To Do in Juneau Alaska (from a Local!)

Whether you’re interested in visiting the iconic White Pass Summit, taking a canoe ride around a glacier, or wildlife sightings, there’s an excursion for everyone in Skagway! A Skagway shore excursion is an excellent way to make the most out of your visit to this charming Alaskan town, even if you’ll just be visiting for a day via cruise.

Emily and Sean Concannon are passionate travelers, photographers, and adventurers at heart. This intrepid duo is always on the move, exploring the wild corners of the world and stepping out of their comfort zone for the thrill of discovery and the majesty of nature.

Their adventures are amplified by their love for wildlife, a passion that drives them to capture the earth's stunning biodiversity through the lens of their camera. Their faithful canine companion, Leska, adds a touch of enthusiasm to their journeys.

Together, they encapsulate the spirit of wanderlust, driven by love, curiosity, and a relentless thirst for life's next great adventure.

Similar Posts

30+ Things To Do in Juneau Alaska (from a Local!)

Ketchikan vs Juneau: The Ultimate Comparison by a Local

Alaska Cruise 2024: The Complete Guide to Cruising to Alaska (Local Advice!)

7 High Success Ketchikan Fishing Charters to Book in 2024

Juneau Whale Watching Tours: 10 Bucket List Experiences

Ferry from Ketchikan to Juneau: Routes, Schedule, & Tips!

Adventure Park & Ziplines

Exceptional value.

Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.

• EXCURSION DETAIL
• CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Description

Points of Interest

• Outdoor Adventures

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Take part in an immersive activity amongst truly breathtaking beauty! Join our expert guides on an approximately 3 1/4-hour exhilarating experience in an Alaskan adventure park. Your adventure begins with a 20-minute narrated drive through historic downtown Skagway and up the Klondike Highway. A short walk on a rainforest trail brings you to the spectacular adventure park where you'll be outfitted and prepped for fun. Enter into an incredible series of crossings on the ropes course, including Burma loops, suspended bridge and raised balance beam. Up next, it's time to maneuver a fantastic series of ziplines through the lush Alaska canopy. As you propel from platform to platform, fellow participants will cheer you on. Your heart will be pumping as you prepare for the "Walk the Plank" segment soaring high above the ground through the treetops. It's an experience you'll never forget!

Special Notes:

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Tour to zipline site

Hike through the rainforest to zipline course, safety orientation, gear up & zipline course, walk back down nature trail to van, tour back to cruise ship pier.

20 Best Things to do in Skagway Alaska Cruise Port – Complete Guide

Sharing is caring!

Skagway, Alaska is a popular cruise port with a fascinating history. Cruisers who stop in Skagway will find a town that has retained its gold rush era charm and activities and excursions that will appeal to a variety of ages and interests. 

In fact, Skagway may just be a highlight of your Alaska cruise !

In 1898, Skagway became a base camp and supply station for thousands of Yukon gold rush miners. People seeking their fortunes would start in Skagway and then choose either the steep (but shorter) route over the White Pass Trail or the Chilkoot Pass Trail located in nearby Dyea. 

Growing up in Alaska, I was able to experience many historical gold rush towns. It is enthralling to step into the past and learn about the grit and determination of early Alaskan settlers.

In this post, I share the best things to do in Skagway on a cruise, including shore excursions as well as inexpensive or free activities. I’ve also included the information you’ll need to know about visiting the Skagway cruise port for the day and answered common questions.

Skagway Cruise Port 

Most cruise ships arriving in Skagway will dock at at one of three locations right on the edge of town: Ore Dock, Railroad Dock or Broadway Dock. 

The city of Skagway is within easy walking distance of the cruise port. There are many shore excursions to choose from, including the popular and historic White Pass Trail, that are accessible to cruise passengers.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Skagway Cruise Port

Although close to Canada, Skagway is located in Alaska (USA). The official currency is the USD (United States Dollar). 

Businesses in Skagway will accept cash, credit and debit cards.

In Alaska, you might hear some unusual vernacular including “Lower 48” (the 48 contiguous United States), “break-up” (spring time when ice and snow finally melt) and “cheechako” (a newcomer), but the primary language is English. 

90% of Alaska (including Skagway) is within the Alaska Standard Time Zone. Alaska Standard Time Zone is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind the Eastern Time Zone. 

In Skagway, the weather will range from the 40s to the low 60s during Alaska cruise season.  Skagway has the driest climate of any of the Southeast passage port towns, which means you’ll probably enjoy sunny weather during your visit. 

Tip: When considering what to wear on your Alaska cruise , it’s a good idea to dress in layers. Mornings will start off cool, but the weather can warm up significantly later in the day.

Getting Around Skagway

It is very easy for cruisers to get around Skagway on foot. It’s only a short walk from the dock to downtown Skagway. Overall, this city is very walkable. 

Public Transit

The Skagway Municipal And Regional Transit (SMART) offers a SMART shuttle bus. Their  “Dock to Downtown” Loop runs every 15 minutes during cruise season.  

An all-day SMART bus pass costs $5 per person or you can pay $3 per person for a one-way pass. 

Electric Bikes (EBikes) 

Renting an E-Bike will give you independence and speed as you explore Skagway. 

You can also book a self-guided tour through Klondike Bikes, and even arrange to have a picnic lunch ready for pickup when you arrive. All rentals include helmets and bike locks. 

Car Rentals

There aren’t many car rental options in this small town. DIY Jeep Tours is one innovative option that combines a rental car with a built-in tour guide. Each rental includes a CD that will give you mile-by-mile guide explaining historic and scenic spots. 

Related Posts:

• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (clothing, gear & essentials)
• What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise (outfit ideas with photos)
• 5 Practical Alaska Whale Watching Tips You Need to Know
• 13 Alaska Cruise Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Cruise
• Juneau Alaska Cruise Port Guide

The 10 Best Skagway Shore Excursions

The variety of shore excursion options is one reason why Skagway is such a popular stop for cruise ships. From gold mining history to rainforest bicycle tours, it might be hard to narrow down your list of things to do.

Here are some of the best Skagway excursions.

1. Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway 

This breathtaking train ride will take you on the White Pass Summit route  that gold miners took in 1898. You’ll see glaciers, waterfalls, mountains and even signs of the original Klondike trail worn into rocks. 

The train ride lasts from 2.5-2.75 hours and goes 40 miles round trip. You do not need your passport to ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, but be sure to bring your camera. 

If this is your first Alaska cruise , the White Rail Pass is a shore excursion to consider.

2. Feel the Rush of a Dog Sled Ride

Skagway offers a very unique opportunity to learn about the history of dog sledding and experience an exhilarating dog sled ride. 

There are several different companies that offer sledding experiences including a dogsled ride on a wheeled “summer sled.” Watching trained huskies pull a dog sled is an awe inspiring experience. Not only are sled dogs powerful, they also love what they do (and it shows). 

The dog sledding and musher’s camp shore excursion is a popular Alaska cruise line excursion.

3. Pan for Gold at Liarsville Goldrush Camp

You’ll be transported back to Skagway’s gold rush days with this entertaining excursion that takes two hours and includes transport to and from the cruise ship aboard a bus. 

An all-you-can-eat salmon feast awaits you once you arrive at the “Liarsville” camp. Afterwards, you’ll head to a gold rush era trail camp, for a melodrama performance with costumed 19th century characters. 

You’re guaranteed to strike gold as you learn all about gold panning. Use the rest of your time to walk through the camp’s laundry, bordello and gift shop. 

4. Head to the Yukon Boarder on a Mini Bus Tour 

On this guided tour, you’ll travel 100 miles roundtrip to the Yukon border. Along the way, there are numerous photo stops and opportunities to see wildlife including bear, moose, caribou and bald eagles. 

This narrated scenic tour will give you a better glimpse into the interior of Alaska and provide you with interesting gold rush history and nature information. 

This tour meets at the cruise ship pier. Because you’ll crosses over into Canada, passports are required for adults and children over age 16. Children under 16 need to have either a passport or an original raised seal birth certificate. 

5. Take in the Majesty of Glaciers with an Aerial Tour

It’s hard to describe the spectacular feeling of seeing a glacier in person. With an other-worldly blue color and colossal size, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to see (and walk on) a river of ice. 

If you choose an aerial glacier excursion , you can book it through the cruise line, take a SMART bus or walk 5-30 minutes to the helicopter port (depending on your dock location). After 15 minutes of preflight instruction and safety training, you’ll put glacier boots over your shoes and climb aboard a helicopter for a 40 minute round trip flight. 

Guides choose the best route and landing spot depending on weather, but explorers will potentially land on either the Chilkat, Ferebee or Meade Glaciers. After landing, your experienced glacier guide will spend 40 minutes with you on the glacier, teaching you about glaciers and answering any questions you might have before you return back to the helicopter port.

6. Float the Taiya River

For cruisers wanting to experience Alaskan outdoors and wildlife, a Taiya River Float Trip is an excellent choice. Your 2.5 hour trip includes a 10-mile drive along the Dyea Valley and 35-45 minutes floating down the scenic Taiya River. 

Because this river is fed by glacier water, it has a gorgeous green-turquise color. Bits of rock called “glacial flour” reflect sunlight, resulting in a beautiful and unusual color. 

There is a good chance you will see Alaskan wildlife including bald eagles, otters, moose, and potentially bears.  

7. Rainforest Cycling Trip

Did you know that Southeast Alaska is home to the nation’s largest rainforest? You can experience the beauty of a temperate rainforest in this active excursion. 

Your adventure begins with a 25 minute van ride through Skagway, up the coastal mountains to the summit of White Pass. You’ll then begin a 15-mile downhill, 1.5 hour bicycle ride on the paved Klondike Highway past waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and historic sites. 

8. Explore the Shores of North America’s deepest Fjord in an Ocean Raft 

Skagway is home to Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord. This is a high adventure excursion on a speed boat that will have you flying past gorgeous waterfalls, rocky beaches and wildlife. 

Each 17-25 person open air boat includes a captain and a naturalist that share interesting facts. The boats stop often for wildlife viewing and photo taking opportunities. 

This excursion is for ages 10 years and up, and you’ll be outfitted in a one-piece “exposure suit” (basically a giant warm and waterproof jumpsuit), a balaclava hat, goggles and gloves. 

9. Explore the Chilkoot Trail 

The 33-mile Chilkoot Trail is called “The World’s Longest Outdoor Museum” because of the artifacts left behind by hundreds of gold rush miners in the late 1890s. 

Cruisers can get information about the historic Chilkoot trail and a hiking permit at the Trail Center in Skagway, located on Broadway between 5th and 6th Avenues.

If you decide to Explore Chilkoot Trail, all hikers must watch a 30 minute mandatory trail orientation video scheduled at 8am, 10am, noon, 2pm, and 4pm daily  at the Trail Center during the permit season.

The trailhead starts in Dyea, a 10 mile drive from Skagway. SMART Bus has a shuttle that runs to Dyea for $15 a person. 

10. Rainforest Ziplining

You’ll get a bird’s eye view of North America’s largest temperate rainforest as you soar down a zipline in this active excursion. 

The Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition includes 10 ziplines and four suspension bridges. You’ll begin with a 35 bus ride from the cruise ship dock to Dyea. After safety training, you’ll have two hours to fly through the rainforest at speeds over 45 miles per hour over spectacular sights including glacier fed waterfalls. 

Cruisers of all ages will love this active adventure in Skagway. 

10 of the Best Free Things do do in Skagway Cruise Port

1. Stroll Down a Gold Rush Main Street 

Skagway’s mainstreet is home to darling shops, restaurants and museums. You could easily spend a few hours enjoying the boardwalk and perusing shops that sell jewelry, furs, and unique-to-Alaska gifts and souvenirs.

The downtown boardwalk is about a 10 minute walk from the docks.

2. Enjoy a “Ranger’s Choice” Daily Talk

Every day from Early May to Late September, you can hear rangers from the National Park Service talk about their favorite Alaskan subjects at the Visitor Center. 

The NPS Visitor Center is less than a half a mile from most cruise ship docks, at 2nd and Broadway in the old White Pass & Yukon Route Depot building.

Talks range from 10-30 minutes and include a variety of subjects. 

3. Watch a Movie About the Gold Rush in Skagway

A free 25-minute film “Gold Fever: Race to the Klondike” is shown at the NPS Visitor Center. 

Check in to find out what time(s) the film is shown that day. You’ll leave with a great understanding of Skagway’s part in the Yukon Gold Rush. 

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

4. Shop and Learn at Corrington’s Alaskan Ivory & Museum

If you love history and shopping, you’ll want to stop in at Corrington’s. The museum is tucked in the back of this high-end gift store and specializes in native artwork. It tells the history of Alaska in scrimshaw: artwork that is carved into ivory, whalebone and other materials. 

The museum itself takes 30-45 minutes to walk through. Afterwards, you can shop for your own scrimshaw, or another unique souvenir, to take home.

5. Marvel at the Snow and Ice Cutting Train on Broadway

Make your way down Broadway Street in downtown Skagway to get a picture of the snow and ice cutting train formerly used by the White Pass & Yukon Railroad. 

This massive train/snowplow was built in 1898 and cleared the tracks here until 1964. It was restored in 1995 and is now on display for visitors to enjoy. 

6. Take a picture of “The Most Photographed Building In Alaska”

The exterior of the Skagway Visitor’s Center, located in the historic Arctic Brotherhood Hallm is a tourist destination all on its own.The outside of this building is intricately decorated with over 8,800 pieces of driftwood. 

If you step across the street, you can see the letters “AB” (Arctic Brotherhood) and “1899” above the door. This unique building is a must-see!

7. Go Birding at Yakutania Point 

The trail head begins 15 minutes from the NPS Trail Center downtown. You’ll cross the Skagway River on a footbridge, then hike through trees until you come to a glorious overlook of the Lynn Canal fjord and docked cruise ships. 

Yakutania point is a great bird watching spot year round. You can read about the birds you might see and get a  Skagway bird species checklist here . 

This hike is 1-2 miles and will take you 1-2 hours roundtrip. 

8. Step Into History at the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls

This historical cemetery is 4 mile round trip walk from downtown Skagway. You can also take the local SMART bus shuttle, which will drop you off about a half mile from the cemetery. 

There’s a fascinating list of people interred in the Gold Rush cemetery. You can see their ages and the common (and uncommon) ways that people died during in Skagway during the Gold Rush. 

Lower Reid Falls is a 10-15 minute hike behind the cemetery. This path is suitable for anyone with mobility issues. 

9. Experience the Tranquility of Lower Dewey Lake

If you want more a more challenging hike away from the cruise crowds, head to Lower Dewey Lake. 

It’s a little less than a mile to get to the trailhead frown downtown, and then 3.6 miles around the lake. 

The trail starts out with an uphill climb, but quickly evens out and becomes a leisurely loop. Chances are good that you’ll spot some wildlife as you experience peace and quiet.

Plan to spend 2-3.5 hours on this hike, depending on your speed. 

10. View Gold Rush Artifacts at the Skagway Museum & Archives

If you want to learn about the Yukon Gold Rush, the Skagway Museum and Archives is a fun (and inexpensive!) option. 

Located in a historical building on 7th Avenue & Spring Street, this museum now houses artifacts from Gold Rush Days, historical documents, photographs and even a taxidermied Alaskan brown bear!

A $2 donation is suggested. Your money will be well spent as you walk away with a better understanding of the importance of Skagway in Alaska’s history. 

Eat & Drink in Skagway

It can be an Alaska cruise mistake to not eat or drink in the ports of call. Consider having lunch or a local beer at one of the family owned restaurants.

Skagway Brewing Company is a popular favorite for locals, cruise travelers and cruise ship crew. Try a pint of Spruce Tip Ale for a unique taste of this Alaska beer.

The Red Onion Saloon is another popular restaurant in Skagway. Originally established in 1898 as a bordello for lonely gold miners during the Klondike gold rush era, the Red Onion Saloon is a historic landmark in Skagway. Now, you can grab a bite to eat while visiting the on-site brothel museum.

What is the best time of year to visit Skagway? 

Skagway has the mildest weather of any port town in Southeast Alaska, so it is a pleasure to visit any time during cruise season. The best time of year to visit is in July or August when the majority of shops and excursions are in full operation and the weather tends to be the driest. 

How far is downtown Skagway from the cruise port? 

Downtown Skagway is a quick walk from the cruise port. There are four different ports available for cruise ships to dock in Skagway. Depending on which port your ship is docked in, the walk from the cruise port to downtown Skagway is between half to three quarters of a mile long. 

Related & Popular Posts:

• 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
• 30 Best Cruise Accessories Under $10
• 15 Things First Time Cruisers Should ALWAYS Do on a Cruise
• 17 Rookie Mistakes First Time Cruisers Should Avoid
• 50 Unspoken Rules of Cruising All Cruisers Need to Know
• 25 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips You Need to Know

Final Thoughts On Things to do in Skagway Cruise Port

The charming port town of Skagway, Alaska lets cruise passengers step back in time to gold rush days through exciting excursions. Whether you walk through a historical museum, try your hand at panning gold or explore nature, this port will be a memorable stop on your Alaska cruise. 

In this post, I shared a complete guide of the 20 best things to do in Skagway Alaska when you’re on a cruise. 

Have you been to Skagway on a cruise? Please let me know what you enjoyed most in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio:

Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website,  www.TheGiftyGirl.com . 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Alaska Cruise Excursions

Experience true adventure in alaska.

Feel like a local with our unique land and shore excursions that give you a taste of true Alaska life. From the historical fortunes of the Klondike Gold Rush to the glacial treasures of the Inside Passage, get up close to the Great Land’s famous riches and best kept secrets.

Find Shore Excursions

Discovery & Animal Planet Excursions

Unlock a world of adventure with Discovery at SEA™, our exclusive partnership with Discovery™ and Animal Planet™. Immerse yourself in Alaska and see the best the region has to offer with "Recommended" tours or choose "Exclusive" Alaska cruise excursions that you can only experience with Princess – like fishing for king salmon, dogsledding through beautiful terrains and canoeing past Mendenhall Glacier.

Alaska is teeming with wildlife. See the Great Land’s most famous animals — like humpback whales — on our Alaska shore excursions. Marvel at bald eagles in their natural habitats while in Ketchikan. See humpbacks play alongside sea lions in Juneau. Or keep a lookout for Denali National Park’s Big Five — including moose, caribou, grizzly bears, wolves and Dall sheep — while on a bus tour in the park.

Learn more about Alaska wildlife

The Great Land was built on a strong culture. On our Alaska shore excursions, step back in time to learn how these traditions came to fruition and how they're practiced today. Attend a lumberjack axe-throwing competition, watch a Native dance performance and excite your taste buds at a salmon bake with locals. Or watch a craftsmen thoughtfully carve totem poles at a Native Alaskan village.

Gold Rush History

Strike it rich on any of our cruise excursions in Alaska where you can pan for gold like the many treasure hunters before you. Tour mining camps and meet experienced miners. Visit a restored saloon to craft cocktails from age-old recipes. Or board a gold rush-era train that takes you through Yukon territory and brings you up close to some of Alaska's most historical sites.

With waters as prosperous as the treasures on land, discover what lies below the surface on our Alaska cruise excursions that take you out to sea. Hear thrilling tales from members of the award-winning TV series Deadliest Catch . Or learn to fly fish from an expert guide. As a part of our unique culinary experience, Cook My Catch, bring your fresh-caught fish on board and have our chefs prepare it for your dinner.

Glaciers are the epitome of Alaska. Sailing past them is a sensory experience that inspires both the mind and heart. Watch as Hubbard Glacier calves into the water and listen for the rumble of “white thunder” that it leaves in its path. Land by helicopter on top of Mendenhall Glacier, and feel its strong roots beneath you. Or navigate its rugged terrain by way of flightseeing or dogsled with our Alaska shore excursions.

Learn more about glaciers

Sightseeing

There’s a world of sights to be seen in the Great Land and our Alaska cruise excursions give you a front-row seat to it all. Bring history books to life when you tour Skagway, the former gateway to the gold rush, and visit Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks to learn even more about mining. Travel along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, or aboard a riverboat sternwheeler for sweeping views of Alaska’s greatest treasures.

Outdoor Adventures

There’s a reason it’s called the Great Land — including its great outdoors. Get up close to renowned glaciers on a flightseeing tour, zipline through Tongass National Forest and hike along the mountainside of Ketchikan’s Deer Mountain Trail which takes you 3,000 feet above sea level. Whether you prefer to traverse by land, sea or air, our cruise excursions in Alaska will bring you on a wild ride.

Denali National Park Tours

Home to the highest mountain in North America, Denali National Park is brimming with magnificence. Search for the Big Five — grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves, caribou and moose — while on a bus tour in the park. Most Princess Alaska cruisetours include a tour into Denali National Park.

Learn more about Denali National Park

Why Book Excursions with Princess?

Award Winning Excursions: Discover age-old traditions, relive mining history and make local connections with the people lucky enough to call the Great Land home. Experience the very best of Alaska with Princess.

Exceptional Value: Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.

Guaranteed Return to Ship: Take full advantage of your Alaska cruise activities when you book a shore excursion through Princess. Rest assured that we won’t leave without you, so you can focus more on the moment and less on the clock.

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise articles and videos.

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

You May Also Like

Alaska Cruises

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Alaska Cruisetours

Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.

Skagway Shore Tours & Excursions

The best shore excursions in skagway.

Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition

Skagway Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour

Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Skagway Sled Dog and Musher's Camp

Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float

Skagway Helicopter and Dogsled Excursion

Choose your skagway adventure.

Sightseeing

Local Food & Drink

Flightseeing

Our guarantees

Instant confirmation.

Get your tour voucher right away!

Cheaper Than the Cruise Lines

Save compared to cruise line pricing by booking independently!

Browse Tours

Expert Agents

On hand and ready to answer your Alaska questions

Easy Online Booking

Enter your cruise information or travel details to see only tours that work with your cruise ship schedule

We Give Back

5% of profits donated to local conservation work

Book Now, Pay Later

Reserve your tours with only 5% down and the remaining balance due two weeks before your tour.

Guaranteed Return to Ship

We guarantee that you will not miss your cruise ship.

Curated Tours & Activities

Verified and highly-reviewed tours with expert local guides

Reserve your tours with only 5% down and the remaining balance due two weeks before your tour

Suggested Articles and Travel Planning Topics

• Order Status
• Juneau Tours
• Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure
• Mendenhall Lake Canoe
• Dog Sledding
• Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour
• Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
• Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding
• Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Musher's Camp
• Whale Watching & Salmon Bake
• Taku Lodge Flight & Feast
• The Mendenhall Glacier
• Downtown Juneau
• Shrine of St. Therese
• Taku Glacier
• Auke Bay Harbor
• Mount Robert's Tramway
• Skagway Tours
• White Pass Railroad
• Bennett Scenic Railroad
• Yukon Discovery
• White Pass Summit & Beyond
• Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
• Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing
• Grizzly Falls Ziplining
• Downtown Skagway
• Yukon Territory
• Chilkoot Trail
• Ketchikan Tours
• Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument
• Mahoney Falls Extended Tour
• George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast
• Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
• Mahoney Lake UTV Safari
• Ebike and Hike Tour
• Fishing & Wilderness Dining
• Lumberjack Show & Saxman Native Village
• Mountain Point Snorkeling
• Neets Bay Bear Encounter
• Misty Fjords National Monument
• Saxman Native Village
• Creek Street
• Tongass National Forest
• Totem Bight State Park
• Icy Strait Point Tours
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife & Bear Search
• Stream Fishing
• Wilderness Island Tour
• River Fishing & Bear Search
• Icy Strait Point Adventure Center
• Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center
• Sitka Tours
• Premium Scenic Tour
• Whale Watching Tour
• Sitka Kayaking Adventure
• Tongass Rainforest Hike
• Simply Amazing Sitka Tour
• Fortress of the Bear
• Alaska Raptor Center
• Sitka National Historical Park
• Sitka Harbor
• Things to Do

Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion & Train Tour

• Photos / Video
• Things to know
• Reviews (700)

Excursion Overview

Take an unforgettable journey aboard skagway's scenic railway.

The Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion is our most popular Skagway excursion! Begin your excursion as you board the train in Skagway and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the Summit of the White Pass - a 2,865-foot elevation! Every passenger enjoys vast canyon views and complimentary bottled water throughout the fully narrated tour. On this Skagway train tour, relax in vintage passenger coaches as you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and historic sites along the White Pass Railroad. See the original Klondike Trail of 1898 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands of souls who passed this way in search of fortune. Passports are NOT required for this tour. Passenger coaches are heated and are equipped with restrooms. Please specify if you are traveling with a wheelchair. There is a short walk to the meeting location - a shuttle is available to take for an additional price paid to the shuttle driver day of.

Train Sold Out? Explore scenic Skagway another way!

Due to high demand, you may notice certain dates are unavailable to book for the 2024 season. Discover additional excursions to explore the White Pass, Klondike Highway, Yukon Territory, and more: Skagway Sightseeing and Yukon Tours

Train tours in October 2024:

Please note that from October 6th-23rd 2024, a slightly shorter tour, Journey to Inspiration Point will be operating. This shortens the Summit tour by a little more than a mile to allow for ongoing bridge maintenance before the snow arrives. A reduced fare will be reflected in your shopping cart due to the change in tour length.

Cruising to Alaska in 2025? Complete our excursions inquiry form.

Click here to sign up to be notified about excursions for 2025. Once your requested tour becomes available, our team will notify you via email. All of our tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so completing our Excursion Inquiries Form gives you the best chance of booking all of your desired experiences for next year.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Bottled water

Requirements:

• There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 2.75 hours (Roundtrip from downtown Skagway.)

• 2.75 hours - roundtrip scenic train trip to White Pass Summit

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the Skagway Train Depot. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is wheelchair/mobility scooter accessible. Guests that require accessibility accommodations, must go to the train depot 30 minutes before departure for additional time in loading. However, space is limited in lift-equipped cars. An optional shuttle, the Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit (SMART Bus) is available to take guests to/from the docks to the Train Depot for an additional fee on the day of the tour. Please leave a comment during checkout if accessibility accommodations will be required. If the operator is unaware beforehand of necessary accommodations, they may not be able to accommodate guests the day of.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a valid passport is not required for this tour.

There is a short walk to the meetup location. Guests have the option to purchase tickets for the Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit (SMART Bus)

No, although you will be entering Canada on this tour you will not be permitted to exit the train until it returns to Skagway.

Yes, each train car is equipped with a restroom.

Yes, this tour is a scenic train trip up and down the mountain pass.

Each rail car holds approximately 43 passengers. We do not assign seats, passengers will be instructed by the Station Master which train car they are welcome to board. Once in the assigned car, passengers are free to choose any seat available. Passengers will not be given their car assignment until the day of travel when they meet with the Station Master.

Guests must be able to climb steps into the train and bus. This tour has limited wheelchair accessible seating available upon request.

Layered clothing is recommended, it is possible for slight temperature drops due to elevation however the train cars are heated.

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in closeable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.

Bottled water is included.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On sep 2024.

The staff were very friendly and accommodating and very knowledgeable on the tour. Train was very clean. Had a great time. Excellent service.

Christina C

Really loved the tour. The scenery was simply breathtaking 😍 The tour guides were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. A fantastic experience, highly recommend 😊

It was a great experience, especially since neither my wife or I had ever been on a real train. All the sites of interest were pointed out by well trained guides with a good sense of humor. Beautiful scenery.

Excellent tour to take! Enjoyed the commentary as well as the train ride to and from. We were fortunate to have good weather so we saw everything that was explained to us on our passage. Thank you to our guides Max and Chris for making this an experience that we will remember for a long time. Well worth the expense!

Skagway has been a dream destination for me for years! Although it rains a lot, we had a perfect sunny day which made the train ride even more incredible!! The views were spectacular!! I highly recommend this excursion to everyone!!

• Reviews Showing: 700

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2.75 hours

Date Required

Time Required

# of Passengers Required

Adult (13+): $ 146.00

Child (3-12): $ 73.00

Infant (Under 3): $ 0.00

Why Alaska Shore Excursions?

• Free Cancellation
• Secure Payments
• On Time Ship Return Guarantee
• Alaska Tour Experts
• Best Price Guarantee
• Chat & Phone Support

Skagway Blogs

Best Alaska Zipline Tours

Glaciers in Alaska: Juneau Icefield, Mendenhall Glacier, & More

Best Alaska Land Tours

Related tours.

Bennett Lake Scenic Railroad Journey Train Tour

$265.00 / Person

Skagway Glacier Helicopter Tour

$399.00 / Person

Yukon Suspension Bridge & Summit Tour

$126.25 / Person

Skagway White Pass Summit and Beyond Tour

$115.50 / Person

• Copyright 2024 Alaska Shore Excursions

• Destinations
• Cruise Tips
• Cruise News
• Cruise Deals

Skagway Bald Eagle Preserve and Rafting Tour

This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated.

If your Alaska cruise includes a day at the small town of Skagway, Alaska, you’ll find some of the most spectacular scenery and amazing variety of shore excursions.

From a breathtaking ride on the narrow gauge White Pass & Yukon Railroad to the top of White Pass Summit to dog sledding with Alaskan huskies or a scenic helicopter ride and panning for gold, there are plenty of shore excursions to choose. 

A non-strenuous, relaxing raft tour floating along the Chilkat River in search of bald eagles and other wildlife sounded good to us. 

Skagway Shore Excursion to Bald Eagle Preserve and Raft Tour

If the more adventurous options sound exhausting or you’re looking for something relaxing but not boring, the Skagway Bald Eagle Reserve and Rafting tour is perfect. Sign up in advance through the cruise line and you’ll be all set for a memorable day spent outside in the wilds of Alaska. 

For our stop in Skagway aboard Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess , we reserved this shore excursion for several reasons; a full day spent outdoors, a soft adventure and a chance to view wildlife. 

A highlight of any trip to Alaska is wildlife viewing so the Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting Quest sounded ideal. There was also the chance to spot brown bears or moose along the river’s edge and for sure, bald eagles.

Our Skagway Shore Excursion Begins

From the cruise ship docks, it’s a short walk to the high-speed catamaran for the scenic ride to Haines, Alaska. As the fast ferry makes its way to Haines, a naturalist guide narrates about the geology and history of southeast Alaska. 

Passengers are welcome to hang out on the outside deck and watch for marine life. You might spot gigantic humpback whales or seals. However, we chose to sit inside as our day began with lots of clouds and a temperature in the low 60s. 

The fast ferry takes about 45 to 50 minutes to zoom between Skagway and Haines. Upon landing in Haines, we met up with our tour guide, Bracken. As with all Princess shore excursions this tour is operated by an independent, local company. While not a private tour, this was definitely a small group.

When Bracken rounded up all 12 of us in our group, it was time to board our bus transport. And when I say bus, I’m talking about an old beat-up school bus-style vehicle, probably circa the 1990s.

It’s not exactly comfortable, but it’s certainly a unique experience. Plus, it has the frontier Alaska feel to it that feels right. Very similar to the tour buses that go into Denali National Park. 

Bus Ride From Haines to Rafting on the Chilkat River 

The bus trip took about another 30 or so minutes, with most of the ride traveling along the Haines Highway. En route, Bracken skillfully pointed to interesting sites along the Chilkat River and talked about local life, particularly for the river guides.

For instance, Bracken and most of his fellow guides live in converted buses, from which they’d ripped out seats to make room for a mattress or two. They have no running water. They cook on campfire stoves.

And, they’d recently begun sharing the site with an Alaskan brown bear who’d already ripped the door off of one of the buses … thankfully, when no one was home.

READ MORE:   What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise Plus Checklist

Rafting on the Chilkat River – Relaxed and Easy

Once we arrived at our point of entry into the Chilkat River, it was time to don our rafting gear. This included rubber boots, a rain poncho, and life jacket. (Oh, the fashion!)

With 12 people in our group, we evenly split into two rafts of six. We all gathered to listen to a quick tutorial about river and raft safety. Included in the briefing was this gem: “If you fall out and can feel the ground, stand up.” 

We ended up in Bracken’s raft, which meant more stories about local life for the guides, along with lots of information about the Chilkat River and bald eagles.

The guides do all the rowing. All we had to do was sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It was also up to us to help with wildlife spotting so Bracken could concentrate on navigating the river. 

The Chilkat River is a shallow waterway that flows from Chilkat Glacier in Alaska, down through British Columbia and back into Alaska. A large section of the river is located inside the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, a state park established in 1982 that covers some 49,320 acres.

This preserve is home to the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles, with sightings during a raft tour on the river practically guaranteed. 

Because the Chilkat River is fed by the melting glacier and rainwater, its water level and path can change on a daily basis. What was passable the day before, isn’t always possible the next day. And, in fact, Bracken did have to get out once to drag the raft when we hit a spot that was too shallow to float through. 

Raft Tour in the Bald Eagle Preserve

We were in the raft for about an hour and 30 minutes or so. During that time, we saw some 20 bald eagles, including a mix of adult and juvenile birds.

Afraid it was going to rain, I didn’t bring my good camera and had to content myself with photos taken with my phone. At least we could slow down for a few photo stops.

We never did see any other animals. Though the description of the excursion promises “the chance” to spot other wildlife, like bears, moose and even wolves, the chances are low. That’s why all Alaska wildlife shore excursions use the word, “chance” when describing a wildlife tour.

Bracken told us they rarely see any during these rafting trips because these animals tend to come out early in the morning (we got into our rafts around 10 a.m.) or closer to evening.

Once the raft trip ended, it was time for a small riverside lunch. Bagged lunches (two choices of sandwiches), a delicious homemade cookie and an apple were offered. There was also hot chocolate and coffee.

We had about 10 minutes to eat and then it was back on the bus with Bracken to get to Haines in time to catch the fast ferry back to Skagway. 

Parting Thoughts – Haines Eagle Preserve Rafting & Wildlife Quest Shore Excursion

If you’re looking for guaranteed bald eagle sightings in a natural setting, this tour is the way to go. We saw nearly 20 bald eagles. I’m sure there were more we didn’t spot. It was, by far, the best bald eagle viewing we had during our entire cruise. 

We were a bit disappointed that we didn’t see any other wildlife. We were hoping for a moose sighting, but other than a few other bird species, it really was the bald eagle show. 

With that said, the tour is a nice, relaxing way to take in Alaska’s beauty that’s more “real” than a panoramic stop on a bus tour. You’re definitely out in nature but in the easiest way possible. After all, the excursion is not at all active. If you’re hoping to get in a little upper body workout, you won’t. The rafting guides do all the paddling. All you have to do is keep your eyes open for wildlife. 

Additionally, the river is quiet and peaceful. There are no rapids unless the water level is high. Even then, the white water barely qualifies as rapids. If you’re after adrenaline, you won’t find it here. It’s not a white-knuckled experience but nevertheless, it was an exciting raft trip on its own merit.

What to Know Before You Go

Definitely bring a good camera, and know how to use it! The rafts can only get so close to where the birds are sitting (or flying), so a zoom lens is definitely advisable. Also, pack a few ziplock bags to stow and protect your camera and accessories.

I was worried it would rain so left my camera on the ship. As it turned out, we could leave anything we didn’t need on the bus. I could have brought my camera and determined at the last minute whether I wanted to bring it on the raft with me. 

Remember, Skagway, Haines and Southeast Alaska are part of the Tongass National Forest, the largest rain forest in North America. There’s a good chance that you’ll encounter some rainy or simply drizzly days. Be prepared and bring a waterproof jacket with a hood, a folding umbrella and a pair of sturdy waterproof or water-resistant shoes.

Who Would Most Enjoy This Shore Tour

The Skagway Bald Eagle Preserve and Rafting is pretty much appropriate for all ages. You do need to be able to get on the bus and walk the 10 feet or so from the bus to the rafts.

There’s no steep incline into or out of the water, but it can be a bit slippery depending on how wet it is. Once you’re in the rafts, you simply need to be able to sit for an hour and a half. 

Keep in mind: you will be spending almost two hours getting back and forth between Skagway and Haines. Depending on how long your ship is docked in Skagway, those two hours could significantly cut into any time you might have left for a walking tour through downtown along the main street.

You’ll Also Love

Our Guide to the 12 Best Travel Purses for 2024

The 14 Best Walkie Talkies to use on Cruise Ships

Guide to the Best Cruise Medical Insurance Plan 2024

Holland America Line Set to Debut New ‘Glacier Day’ and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences on Every Alaska Cruise in 2024

Best Things to Do in Tampa Before or After Your Cruise

12 Reasons Why You Should Take a Short Cruise

What are you looking for.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Excursions & Tours

White Pass Summit Rail and Bus Excursion

Yukon Rail and Bus Adventure

Skagway City and White Pass Summit

White Pass Summit Rail and Yukon Suspension Bridge

Bennett Scenic Journey

Self-Guided Jeep to the Yukon

Helicopter Glacier Discovery

Scenic Waterfall Adventure

Yukon Klondike Adventure by Bus, Puppy Camp, and Lunch

White Pass Summit and Yukon Suspension Bridge

Helicopter Dog Sledding Adventure

Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing Tour from Skagway

Ocean Raft Adventure

Scenic Hike and Float

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting from Skagway

Yukon Sightseeing Tour

Deluxe Yukon Sightseeing Tour

Scenic Skagway Float

Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake

Hike, Float and Summit

Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour from Skagway

Extended Summit Drive

Inside Passage Sea Kayaking

Jet Boat Adventure from Skagway

White Pass Mountaineering Adventure

Wildlife Safari and Bear Viewing - Haines

Alpine Lake Canoe Adventure from Skagway

Chilkoot Lake Canoeing

Yukon Dog Musher Adventure Tour

Historic Gold Rush Scenic Drive

Skagway Zipline and Adventure Park

Summit Views and Yukon Sled Dogs

Summit Views, Yukon Sled Dogs, and Musher Experience

Suspension Bridge, Yukon Sled Dogs, and Summit Views

Yukon Day Trip with Emerald Lake Exploration

Private Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting

Private Chilkat Valley Photography Tour from Skagway

Private Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing

Private Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour from Skagway

Private Hike, Float and Summit

Private Skagway Highlights

Skagway, alaska, skagway excursions.

Though Skagway is a small city, home to less than 1,000 people, there is something for every visitor. Nestled in the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, it features a wide variety of entertainment venues, streets lined with wooden boardwalks, and restored buildings that look just as they did 100 years ago! Noted for its friendly inhabitants and exceptional hospitality, our collection of Skagway shore excursions and tours offers visitors all the amenities they desire for a relaxing, adventurous, and unforgettable vacation.

Sightseeing Tours Galore

Skagway may be small, but it is packed with some of the best sightseeing opportunities in the entire nation. Skagway is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and there's no better way to take it all in than on a sightseeing tour. From the majestic beauty of the Tracy Arm Fjord to the towering glaciers of the Juneau Icefield, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to see. Take a guided tour by land, air, or sea and experience the true beauty of Skagway.

For the adventurous types, we offer Skagway Excursions for hikers, boaters, bikers, kayakers, and those who love the thrill of Jeeps and helicopters. Try zip-lining your way through some of Alaska's largest pines or try Yukon dog sledding and experience a real musher's camp! You can even try one of our combo excursions, like our popular Helicopter Dog Sledding Adventure , where you can go flightseeing on a helicopter and then sledding with Alaskan huskies.

For the more laid-back tourists, we have Alaskan cruise excursions for photographers, gold miners, and anyone who simply wants to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Skagway wilderness and wildlife. Explore Alaska's wild interiors by taking train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad or a private walking tour through the scenic Chilkat Valley in Haines. No matter what you choose, you'll have plenty of photo opportunities.

Experience the Gold Rush Era

Skagway played a pivotal role in the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, and the town is steeped in the history of this exciting era. Take a trip back in time and experience the gold rush for yourself on one of our many historic tours. Go gold panning on our Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake Excursion , hike through the Chilkoot Trail with a tour guide, or take a ride on the historic White Pass train. Our Skagway City and White Pass Summit excursion doubles as a city tour and as a train tour, all in one. These excursions offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and are a must-do for any history enthusiast.

Walk Around Downtown Skagway

Downtown Skagway is a quaint and charming area filled with historic buildings, unique shops, and delicious eateries. Try picking up some souvenirs from local shops or strolling down Broadway Street before or after your excursion. Explore the town's rich history, culture, and local flavor. Visit the Skagway Museum and Archives to learn more about the town's fascinating past, or stop by the Red Onion Saloon, a brothel-turned-saloon that serves up refreshing drinks and tantalizing bites.

Skagway is a destination that is sure to captivate and amaze. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure, Skagway excursions are the perfect way to experience the best of this incredible Alaskan town. Reserve your tour or excursion today and start exploring with Shore Excursions Group. Book now before it's too late!

Please note that the tours noted above are only a few of the wonderful excursions offered in Skagway and may not work with your cruise line itinerary. Find excursions for your cruise ship itinerary.

The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don't need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren't like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise, you'll want to sign up for a tour in most, if not all, of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You'll want the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

In Alaska, many of the biggest "attractions" — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you'll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn't just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer's "Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call" guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I've tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I've also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska's spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you're thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It'll be expensive. We're talking $250 or more per person. But there's nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don't miss the whales. Even if you're not a big wildlife person, you'll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don't-miss sight. It's everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a destination where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don't have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It's just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but ... it is what it is). If you have a few people, you're probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it's not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you'll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There's a creek there, too, where I've sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you're just hoping you don't get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren't devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you're a craft beer fan like me, you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It's made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It's the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

Related: The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle

How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it's all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and a tour guide will be waiting for you when you walk off the ship.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. That said, many of the tour operators you'll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you at the same price . Shopping around isn't necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America is a part-owner of Skagway's big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

Note that you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I've had some luck with that over the years, but it's hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I've listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you'll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. Different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I've used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $849.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska's most iconic experiences.

It's also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process (this was back when the pricing was half what it is today). That's a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I'll tell you this: I don't regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you'll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $204.95

If it's Alaska's famous humpback whales that you want to see, you'll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you'll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you're like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don't let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It's a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that's the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They'll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement), plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don't need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn't have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you'll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $254.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I'm a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn't going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area's classic Alaskan scenery.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you'll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it's well worth the money. Indeed, it's one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you'll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you'll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You'll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you'll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike is a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you'll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $329.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There's nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you're going to do a floatplane ride, there's nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You'll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that's so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it's not too "misty" to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It's definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours long and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin