The 8 Best Skagway Shore Excursions For Your Port of Call

Planning a cruise to Skagway and wondering which shore excursions are actually worth booking? We’ve rounded up the very best!

While your time on the ship is a big part of an Alaska cruise, it’s the days in port that really bring each destination to life. Skagway is surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and Gold Rush history, but many of its top attractions lie beyond the town itself. That’s why a well-planned shore excursion is the best way to make the most of your time ashore.

From scenic drives into the Yukon and glacier adventures to ziplining, river floats, and sled dog experiences, these are the Skagway shore excursions we think are truly worth your valuable time in port.

Why We Book Shore Excursions Independently

We almost always book our shore excursions independently. We’ve used Viator many times for cruise ship tours, and we’ve never had an issue! The key is to choose tours specifically designed for cruise passengers, like the ones we’ve listed below.

These tours are built around cruise schedules, with start times and pick-up locations that align with ship arrivals in port. They’re also typically much more affordable than booking directly through the cruise line, while offering many of the same experiences. Plus, if a ship-sponsored tour is sold out, you can usually find a very similar option independently.

Another big advantage is the experience itself. Independent tours often run in smaller groups, which makes things feel more relaxed and personal. You’re not stuck moving around in a huge crowd and competing to get the best views and shots! 

There’s also less risk involved than you might think. Many tours offer guarantees to get you back to the ship on time, and full refunds if your ship is late or misses the port altogether, so you can enjoy peace of mind while saving money. When booking, you’ll be asked for your cruise details so operators can plan accordingly and make sure you’re back well before all-aboard. If anything feels tight, it’s always worth double-checking with the tour provider before booking.

Best Skagway Shore Excursions

1. Take a full-day tour into the Yukon (best day trip)

Traveling into the Yukon is one of the most memorable things you can do during a stop in Skagway, and this full-day tour lets you experience an incredible amount in just one day. You’ll follow the scenic Klondike Highway through dramatic mountain landscapes, tracing part of the historic route used during the Gold Rush. The journey is packed with photo stops, including the vivid waters of Emerald Lake, the unusual dunes of the Carcross Desert, and countless viewpoints overlooking lakes and rugged peaks.

One of the best things about this excursion is how far beyond Skagway it takes you. You’ll cross the border into Canada and explore parts of the Yukon that many cruise passengers never get to see. Keep your eyes peeled too, as moose, bears, and other wildlife may be spotted along the way!

The itinerary also includes a stop at Wild Adventure Yukon, where you can visit the wildlife museum and meet adorable sled dogs! 

We think this tour is perfect for travelers who want to make the absolute most of their time in port and don’t mind spending a full day exploring. It’s very well organized for cruise passengers and includes a return-to-ship guarantee, which takes much of the stress out of booking independently. Just remember to bring your passport, as you’ll be crossing into Canada.

2. Skagway City and Summit Tour (best sightseeing tour)

This Skagway city and summit tour is a fantastic way to see the area’s biggest highlights without committing to a full-day excursion. It’s scenic, informative, and most importantly, cruise-friendly! 

You’ll begin by exploring historic downtown Skagway, where your guide will share stories about the Klondike Gold Rush and the thousands of prospectors who passed through the town on their way north. From there, you’ll travel along the scenic Klondike Highway towards White Pass Summit, surrounded by rugged mountains and waterfalls.

Naturally, the journey includes several photo stops, including Pitchfork Falls, Reid Falls, and the famous “Welcome to Alaska” sign. You’ll also travel as far as the Canadian border, giving you the fun of crossing into another country during your Alaska cruise! Just remember to bring your passport or the appropriate travel documents, as these are required for the journey into Canada.

We think this is an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want to learn about Skagway’s history while also experiencing the spectacular scenery beyond town. It’s much more relaxed than hiking or rafting, and the comfortable bus or van makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

At around two and a half hours, the tour fits easily into most cruise schedules and still leaves plenty of time to explore downtown Skagway afterward. But don’t just take our word for it, because hundreds of other happy cruise passengers have left glowing reviews! 

3. Visit the Yukon on a half-day tour (best half-day tour)

Short on time in Skagway but still want to venture into the Yukon? This half-day tour delivers the region’s dramatic scenery and Gold Rush history in a much more compact itinerary.

You’ll travel along the scenic Klondike Highway, climbing through rugged mountain landscapes towards White Pass Summit. The route follows part of the historic trail used by prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush, and your guide will share stories about the area as you make your way towards the Canadian border.

Although this excursion is shorter than the full-day Yukon tour, it still includes some fantastic stops. You’ll have the chance to take photos beside the “Welcome to the Yukon” sign, admire the wild scenery of the Tormented Valley, and visit the Yukon Suspension Bridge for an extra dose of adventure. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the alpine lakes, waterfalls, and mountain views along the journey.

We think this is an excellent choice for cruise passengers with limited time in port, or anyone who would rather avoid spending an entire day on the road. At around four hours, it offers a great introduction to the Yukon while still leaving time to explore downtown Skagway afterward. Just remember to bring your passport for crossing into Canada.

4. Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline expedition (best adventure tour)

Few shore excursions in Skagway get your heart racing quite like this thrilling zipline expedition through the Alaskan rainforest, and the adventure begins before you even clip into a harness! To begin with, you’ll climb aboard a customized Unimog and bounce your way through rugged backcountry trails on your journey to the zipline course. It’s all part of the experience and a fun adventure in its own right!

When it’s time to take to the treetops, you’ll soar across Alaska’s largest zipline course, flying high above rushing waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery amid the towering spruce trees. Suspension bridges and elevated platforms keep the adrenaline going between ziplines, while your guides ensure everyone feels safe and confident throughout the experience.

We’ve been lucky enough to go ziplining all over the world, and this course is definitely on our bucket list! The scenery in Alaska is just spectacular, so it’s an incredible place to go ziplining.

No previous ziplining experience is required, and the guides provide a full safety briefing before you begin. However, this is an active excursion, so it’s best suited to travelers with a reasonable level of mobility who are looking for a little adventure during their day in port.

This tour also regularly sells out, so if it’s caught your eye, we’d recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! It will add a serious dose of adrenaline to your Alaska cruise, and some spectacular scenery to boot. 

5. Float down a scenic river near Skagway (best scenery)

For a slower-paced day in Skagway, this scenic river float is hard to beat. Rather than hiking, paddling, or climbing, you’ll simply sit back, relax, and enjoy some of Southeast Alaska’s most beautiful scenery from the water.

After pickup from the cruise port, you’ll travel to the peaceful Dyea Valley, where you’ll board a comfortable raft for a gentle float down the Taiya River. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush forest, it’s the perfect opportunity to soak up Alaska’s incredible landscapes without any physical effort.

One of the things we love most about this excursion is how relaxing it feels! There’s no paddling or previous experience required, making it a fantastic option for travelers who prefer a more leisurely adventure or those with limited mobility. Your guide takes care of everything while sharing fascinating stories about the area’s Gold Rush history and pointing out landmarks along the river.

Keep your camera close, too, because the river is a wonderful place to spot wildlife. Bald eagles are regularly seen soaring overhead, while seals sometimes make an appearance near the river mouth. If you’re especially lucky, you may even catch sight of a bear along the shoreline, although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

The tour is also designed with cruise passengers in mind, with round-trip transportation included and timings that fit comfortably around your ship’s schedule. Basically, if you’re looking to experience Alaska’s spectacular scenery at a gentler pace, this relaxing river float is a wonderful choice. 

6. Hike part of the Chilkoot Trail and go river floating (best combo tour)

We loved this hike and float tour because it gave us the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. It starts with a guided walk along part of the historic Chilkoot Trail, before finishing with a peaceful float down the Taiya River – bliss! 

The hike is around 2 miles (2.3 kilometers) and takes you through lush rainforest, with a steeper section near the beginning. We found it manageable with a reasonable level of fitness, and the trail quickly became much easier once we got past that initial climb.

Along the way, our guide pointed out native plants and wildlife while sharing stories about the thousands of prospectors who once used this route during the Klondike Gold Rush. Knowing the history made the walk feel much more meaningful.

After the hike, we climbed into a raft and gently floated down the Taiya River. It was such a lovely way to rest our legs and take in the scenery after being on the trail. The river winds through a beautiful valley surrounded by forest and mountains, and we kept watch for bald eagles overhead, otters in the water, and bears along the banks.

We loved this tour, and we think it’s ideal for travelers who want to stay active and experience part of Skagway’s history without committing to a strenuous, all-day hike. The combination of walking and floating keeps the excursion varied, while the relaxing river section ensures the day doesn’t feel too physically demanding.

7. Hang out with sled dogs and learn all about mushing (best for families)

Animal lovers definitely won’t want to miss this unforgettable sled dog experience in Skagway. It’s a very cute opportunity to experience a different side to Alaskan culture and enjoy a sled ride! 

The adventure begins with a short tour through historic downtown before you head into the surrounding mountains aboard a rugged Unimog. Then once you arrive, you’ll climb aboard a specially designed wheeled sled and race along a forest trail behind a team of energetic Alaskan huskies. Watching the dogs work together is incredible, and their enthusiasm is absolutely infectious.

After the ride, you’ll learn more about dog mushing during a kennel presentation led by experienced mushers. They’ll explain how the dogs are trained and cared for and share stories about racing and life on the trail. It’s also very heartwarming to learn about the unique bond between mushers and their teams.

And, of course, there’s usually time to meet the dogs up close and cuddle some seriously adorable husky puppies. It’s a lovely chance to slow down after the excitement of the sled ride and snap a few very cute photos.

We think this excursion is especially well suited to families and animal lovers. It’s a uniquely Alaskan experience that isn’t physically demanding, and at around three and a half hours, it also fits comfortably into most cruise schedules. It books up quickly, though, so we’d recommend securing your spot as soon as your Skagway plans are confirmed.

8. See the Davidson Glacier and the surrounding beauty (best wildlife tour)

If you’re dreaming of glaciers and wildlife, this wilderness safari is about as Alaskan as it gets!

Unlike many glacier excursions, this experience lets you explore the landscape in several different ways, from a boat cruise to a rainforest walk and a canoe trip – talk about an all-rounder!

First up is the scenic boat cruise through Lynn Canal, where you’ll have the chance to spot humpback whales, sea lions, bald eagles, seals, and even mountain goats along the shoreline. Then after arriving at Glacier Point, you’ll take a short guided walk through the rainforest before climbing into a large canoe for the final stretch across the glacial lake. And great news: your guides do most of the work while you sit back and soak up the scenery as the towering face of Davidson Glacier comes into view.

One of the things we love most about this excursion is the variety. You get to experience Alaska from the water, the forest, and the lake, so it’s a true wilderness adventure! Plus, all specialist equipment is provided to make life super easy, and you don’t need any previous canoeing experience or outdoor expertise to take part.

At around six hours, this is one of the longer shore excursions in Skagway, but we think it’s well worth dedicating your day in port to. If you’re looking for a true bucket-list experience that showcases the very best of Alaska’s wild beauty, this tour is hard to beat!

Related Read: Planning more than just your Skagway stop? Check out our guide to the best Alaska cruise excursions for every port of call to discover our favorite tours across the state.

Where to Stay Before or After your Cruise

Most Alaska cruises either start or end in Vancouver or Seattle, so chances are you’ll be passing through one (or both) of these cities. They’re the two main embarkation ports for Alaska itineraries and are well connected with major airports, making them the most convenient options for cruise passengers.

Spending a night or two before or after your cruise is always a good idea. It gives you a buffer in case of delays and lets you explore a bit without feeling rushed. Both cities have great neighborhoods and plenty of restaurants, as well as easy access to their cruise terminals.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Vancouver and Seattle for every budget. All of these options are within easy reach of the cruise ports, so you can keep things simple on travel days! 

Vancouver

Luxury – $$$

The Pan Pacific Vancouver is one of the most iconic hotels in the city, and if you’re cruising from Vancouver, it doesn’t get more convenient than this! The property sits right on top of the cruise terminal at Canada Place, so you can literally walk from the hotel straight onto your ship. Plus, it’s very on-theme, since the hotel is actually designed to look like a ship!

The location alone makes it a top choice for cruise passengers, but the views are just as impressive. Many rooms look out over the harbor, where you can watch ships come and go. There’s also a great setup on-site, including a bar with an outdoor terrace and a spa with a heated outdoor pool overlooking the water.

It’s definitely a splurge, with rooms starting around $500 CAD per night, but for convenience and views, it’s hard to beat. This hotel is so popular, so snag your stay here before rooms sell out!

Mid-Range – $$

EXchange Hotel Vancouver is a great mid-range option if you want to stay close to the cruise terminal without paying luxury prices. It’s located right in downtown Vancouver, just a short walk from Canada Place, so getting to your ship is quick and easy on embarkation day.

The hotel itself is set inside the city’s former stock exchange building, which gives it a bit of character, but the rooms feel very modern. With comfy beds, espresso machines, and rainfall showers, this place offers a nice step up in comfort without going overboard on cost – if you’ll pardon the pun. 

There’s also a stylish restaurant and bar on-site, which is handy if you’re arriving late or just want something easy the night before your cruise. Prices typically sit around $400 CAD in summer and drop closer to $250 in winter, making it a solid value for the location. EXchange Hotel Vancouver is a popular choice with cruise passengers, so it’s worth booking ahead to lock in a good rate!

Budget – $

If you’re cruising from Vancouver on a budget, the YWCA Hotel is one of the best value options in the city! It’s located in downtown Vancouver, about a 15-minute walk or a quick 5-minute drive from the cruise terminal at Canada Place. It’s not quite as close as some of the other hotels, but it’s still very manageable on embarkation day.

The hotel is simple but comfortable, and a great choice if you just need a clean, convenient place to stay before or after your cruise. There’s a shared kitchen on-site, which is ideal if you want to save money on meals, plus free coffee in the mornings and water in the lobby.

You can choose between rooms with a private bathroom or shared facilities, depending on your budget. Prices are usually around $250 CAD in peak season and closer to $150 in the off-season, making it one of the most affordable options near the port. Book your stay at the YWCA Hotel here!

Want more choices? Check out other hotels listed for Vancouver here before you plan your stay!

Related Read: Need help choosing the right area? Explore our full Vancouver neighborhood and hotel guide here.

Seattle

Luxury – $$$ 

Located right across from Elliott Bay, Seattle Marriott Waterfront is a great pick if you’re cruising out of Seattle and want to stay close to the action. It’s within easy reach of the cruise terminals, so getting to your ship is quick and straightforward on embarkation day.

The biggest draw here is the view. Many rooms come with private balconies overlooking the marina, and on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains. It’s a great spot to soak in those waterfront vibes before or after your cruise.

The location is also ideal for exploring. You’re just a short walk from Pike Place Market, the waterfront piers, and the Olympic Sculpture Park, so it’s easy to fit in some sightseeing. Rooms typically range from $350 to $1,000+ USD per night, depending on the season and view. Check availability and book your stay here!

Mid-range – $$ 

Mayflower Park Hotel is a great mid-range option in Seattle, especially if you like a bit of character over modern chain hotels. Built in 1927, it has a classic, old-world feel with traditional décor, but still offers all the essentials for a comfortable stay before or after your cruise.

The location is a big plus. You’re right in downtown Seattle, within a 10-minute walk of Pike Place Market and within easy reach of the cruise terminals, so getting to your ship is simple. There’s also direct access to the monorail, which is handy if you want to visit the Space Needle or Seattle Center.

Prices start at around $200 USD per night but range up to $600 USD during peak season. Find the best prices for the Mayflower Park Hotel over at Booking.com!

Budget – $

While there aren’t many true budget options in downtown Seattle, Ace Hotel is one of the best picks if you’re cruising and want to keep costs down without sacrificing location. It’s less than a mile from Pike Place Market and within easy reach of the cruise terminals, making it a convenient base before or after your trip.

The hotel has a cool, slightly quirky vibe with simple but comfortable rooms. It’s clean, well-rated, and does the job if you’re just looking for a place to sleep without paying for luxury extras. You can choose between rooms with shared bathrooms to save money, or upgrade to a private bathroom for a bit more comfort.

At around $220 USD per night, it’s not ultra-cheap, but for central Seattle, it’s about as budget-friendly as it gets! Grab your room at the Ace Hotel here, before they sell out!

Looking for more options? Browse all the hotels listed for Seattle here!

Related Read: Want a deeper dive? Check out our full guide on where to stay in Seattle here for the best neighborhoods and hotels.

Thanks for reading!

A stop in Skagway is all about getting out into Alaska’s incredible wilderness, and the right shore excursion makes all the difference. Whether you’re crossing into the Yukon, admiring glaciers, floating past wildlife, or learning about the town’s Gold Rush past, each experience offers a unique way to see this remarkable destination. We hope this guide helps you choose the excursion that’s right for you and make the most of your day in port.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our other Alaska guides for helpful tips, detailed itineraries, and more of our favorite experiences across the Last Frontier. We’ve also rounded up some of our most popular destination guides below to help you plan your next adventure.

12 Best Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska in Winter

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Fairbanks, Alaska: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

The 12 Best Juneau Shore Excursions For Your Port of Call

10 Best Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska in Winter