Exploring Alaska (Part Four)

Skagway, Alaska is a remarkably small town considering it hosts multiple cruise ships each day during the summer months.  Its population doubles during the summer in order to provide enough manpower to host all the visitors.  Thankfully it remains friendly and charming in spite of the extra guests. 

Skagway has a very checkered past with the gold rush era.  Described by many of the time as a “hell on earth”, it was the launching place for miners seeking their fortune in the gold fields.  Most miners ran into unscrupulous businessmen who charged outrageous prices for every commodity needed for survival in the Alaskan wilderness.  Many of the buildings of the era have been preserved or rebuilt to keep its heritage alive and vibrant.

Walking around the main town area of Skagway is a little like walking through a living museum.  It has a charm that comes from knowing the buildings are old and unique in their personality.  Most of the buildings are occupied by shops for tourists, but a few are bars and local hangouts that speak to its colorful past.  You can shop, drink, eat, and check out where local brothels used to be housed all in the same block.  Skagway is truly unique and charming.

The main draw of Skagway is the White Pass and Yukon Route Narrow Gage Railroad.  This railroad used to be exclusively for mining purposes but has been re-imagined for the tourist trade.  The train cars themselves are rustic and charming.  The route the train takes is breathtaking.  The trip is fully narrated with lots of gold rush era sites to see along the way.  If you want the most bang for your buck, I recommend taking the train all the way into Frazier, Canada.  Once there you will have to go through customs (they come on board and look at your passport) but then you take motor coaches back to Skagway.  Depending on the company you use and the size of the coach, you can stop to see wildlife, rock formations, and take pictures along the way.  Most of the ship’s excursions will take you to the summit of the pass and then turn around and go back down the same route.  By going into Frazier and riding the coaches back you get two different views and a more expansive experience. 

For more options of things to do in Alaska and in Skagway, consult your travel agent!