Skagway offers some of the most exciting and diverse shore excursions in Alaska. Its proximity to the Yukon, rugged landscapes, and colorful Gold Rush history make it a favorite for cruise travelers. Whether you’re after sweeping mountain views, wildlife encounters, or a taste of gold rush adventure, there’s an option that fits. We especially love the Full-Day Yukon Tour for its comprehensive experience and wildlife sightings, or the Yukon Dog Sledding and Sightseeing Tour for a memorable sled dog adventure. These excursions go beyond the usual, giving you a real feel for the wild beauty and history of the area.
While in Skagway, you can explore lush forests, historic towns, and dramatic mountain passes, all in a day. Your options include scenic drives, active hikes, river floats, and cultural visits—all with local guides sharing insider insights. To help you choose, we’ve pulled together a list of the nine best shore excursions, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon
At number 1, the Full-Day Tour of the Yukon offers the most complete experience. Traveling along the Klondike Highway, you’ll see iconic sights like Tutshi Lake, the Yukon border sign, and the Carcross Desert – a surprisingly large sand dune area. The tour includes stops at wildlife museums and a dog sled camp, making it perfect for those interested in both scenery and culture.
What sets this tour apart is its in-depth exploration of the Yukon’s natural beauty and history. You might spot wildlife, learn about the Gold Rush, and enjoy stunning photo opportunities at every turn. Guides like Michael or Connor add lively commentary and humor, making it both educational and fun. The 6.5-hour trip also includes a visit to the charming village of Carcross, with its historic buildings and indigenous culture.
Guests consistently praise this tour for its scenery, knowledgeable guides, and comprehensive itinerary. With a high rating of 5.0/5 from over 700 reviews, it’s a favorite for travelers looking for a full, immersive day. The price is $169.08 per person, making it a good value for the breadth of sights and experiences.
Bottom line: If you want a detailed Yukon experience that combines wildlife, history, and scenery, this tour hits the mark.
2. Skagway Shore Excursion: Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge
For those short on time but eager to see the Yukon’s dramatic landscapes, the half-day tour to the border and suspension bridge is ideal. This 4-hour trip takes you along the Klondike Highway, with plenty of scenic stops, including White Pass summit and the Yukon border sign.
The highlight is the Yukon Suspension Bridge, where you can walk across and take in the view of rushing waters and forested valleys. The tour includes a stop at Tutshi Lake and offers good wildlife sighting chances, especially with the possibility of spotting bears or eagles. Guides like Mike or Chad make the journey lively, sharing local stories and insights. The tour is priced at $118.47 per person, offering a budget-friendly way to experience the region.
Guests love the photo opportunities and the scenic drive, with reviews highlighting how well this tour balances scenery and short travel time. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who still want a taste of Yukon’s wild beauty.
Bottom line: Ideal for a quick, scenic glimpse of the Yukon border and White Pass, with plenty of photo stops and wildlife chances.
3. Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour
At number 3, the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float blends active adventure with history. Starting with a scenic van ride, you’ll trek about 2 miles on the historic Chilkoot Trail, famous for its role in the Gold Rush. This moderate hike takes you through lush rainforests, where guides discuss native plants and local wildlife — including potential sightings of bears and eagles.
After the walk, you’ll board a rubber raft for a peaceful float down the Taiya River, part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The float offers a chance to see more wildlife and appreciate the serene landscapes of early prospectors’ routes. The tour takes about 4 hours, with a small-group feel that’s perfect for families or active travelers.
Guests describe it as “beautiful,” “challenging,” and “well worth the effort,” with particular praise for guides who share fascinating stories about the area. The combination of hiking and floating makes it a great choice for those wanting a physical challenge and an authentic experience.
Bottom line: Perfect if you’re up for a moderate hike and a float, with wildlife and history woven into the experience.
4. Skagway Shore Excursion: Scenic River Float Tour
Number 4 offers a relaxing float ride on the Taiya River, ideal for families or anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery without too much exertion. This 2.25-hour tour includes a scenic drive to Dyea Valley, where you board a raft to glide past mountains and forests. You might spot bald eagles, bears, or seals depending on the season.
The float is peaceful, with guides pointing out wildlife and sharing stories about Skagway’s history. The small group setting and gentle ride make it accessible to most ages and fitness levels. Reviewers mention Owen and Dom as “great guides” who make the trip both relaxing and informative. The cost is $96.93 per person, offering good value for a family-friendly adventure.
This tour’s highlight is the quiet, unhurried float that lets you soak in the wilderness and take photos of the mountain scenery. It’s best suited for those looking for a soft adventure and a taste of Alaska’s natural beauty.
Bottom line: A peaceful, scenic river float that’s perfect for families or travelers seeking a gentle nature experience.
5. Skagway Shore Excursion: White Pass Summit and Skagway City Tour
Number 5 combines the best of mountain vistas and local history. This 2.5 to 3-hour mini-bus tour covers the White Pass Summit, with stops at Bridal Veil Falls, Pitchfork Falls, and the scenic Welcome to Alaska sign. Guides narrate stories of the Gold Rush era and point out natural features like Tormented Valley and the Skagway Lookout.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on photo stops and scenic viewpoints, including a stop at the historic Gold Rush Cemetery. Guests note the guides’ humor and storytelling, which bring the area’s history to life. It’s priced at $72.16 per person, offering good value for a quick yet comprehensive tour.
Guests appreciate the amount of scenery packed into a short trip and the opportunity to learn about Skagway’s Gold Rush days. It’s well suited for travelers who want a quick overview of the town and its surroundings.
Bottom line: An efficient way to see the White Pass and surrounding highlights with plenty of photo stops and local color.
6. Skagway Shore Excursion: Yukon Discovery Tour
Ranking 6th, this Yukon Discovery Tour offers a solid introduction to Canada’s Yukon. Starting with a drive through White Pass, you’ll visit Emerald Lake, Carcross Desert, and wildlife sites. The 6-hour trip includes a stop at a dog mushing camp, where you can meet huskies and learn about sled dog racing – a highlight for many.
This tour is a hassle-free way to see the Yukon with timed pick-up and drop-off that fits cruise schedules. For $185 per person, you get an extensive look at the region’s landscapes and a chance to upgrade to a sled ride. Guests note guides like Garett and Rebecca make the experience fun and informative, with some mentioning the opportunity to see wildlife like bears and moose.
The main appeal is the combination of scenic stops, a visit to a dog camp, and a relaxed pace. It’s best suited for travelers interested in wildlife, scenery, and a bit of adventure.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting an in-depth Yukon experience with a focus on wildlife and outdoor activities.
7. City and Mountain Summit Shore Excursion in Skagway
Number 7 features a short but scenic city and mountain tour. Starting with an introduction to Skagway’s history, you’ll then ascend to White Pass with stops at Bridal Veil Falls and other lookout points. Guides share little-known stories, and you’ll get inside tips on local shops and spots to explore later.
The tour is 2.5 hours long and around $79, making it a budget-friendly way to experience both town and mountain scenery. Reviewers mention the guide’s enthusiasm and the impressive waterfalls and vistas. It’s suitable for travelers who want a quick, informative overview without strenuous activity.
This tour is particularly good if you prefer a relaxed pace with scenic stops, leaving time afterward to explore Skagway at your leisure.
Bottom line: A compact, scenic tour that combines town highlights with mountain views, ideal for travelers short on time.
8. Skagway Shore Excursion: Yukon Dog Sledding and Sightseeing Tour
Number 8 offers a true Alaskan winter experience — even in summer. This dog sledding and sightseeing tour combines a visit to a mushing camp with time to interact with puppies and learn about sled dog racing. Plus, you’ll see landmarks like Capt Moore’s Suspension Bridge and Emerald Lake.
The tour lasts 6 hours and costs $229 per person, making it the most expensive on our list. However, the inclusion of a sled ride, lunch, and the chance to meet real sled dogs makes it a memorable choice. Reviewers mention the lively guides and the fun of playing with puppies as highlights.
This trip is suited for active travelers who love dogs, outdoor adventures, and want an authentic dog-sledding experience — even in summer.
Bottom line: If you’re dreaming of sled dogs and want a full-day outdoor adventure, this tour delivers.
9. Skagway Shore Excursion: Liarsville Gold Rush Camp, Gold Panning and Salmon Bake
Number 9 offers a fun, hands-on Gold Rush experience. At Liarsville, you learn how to pan for gold, explore historic exhibits, and enjoy an all-you-can-eat salmon bake. The 2-hour tour features a lively prospector show and the chance to keep any gold you find.
Priced at $119, the tour provides good value, especially with the included buffet of wild salmon, chicken, and sides. Reviewers like the “tasty food” and “fun panning for gold,” though some note the directions could be clearer. It’s ideal for families or anyone wanting a playful, interactive history lesson and a hearty meal.
Bottom line: A lively, family-friendly gold panning experience combined with a delicious salmon feast.
$119.00 per person
How to Choose Your Skagway Shore Excursion
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, activity level, and schedule. If you want a comprehensive Yukon adventure, the Full-Day Tour is perfect. For a shorter, scenic trip, the Half-Day Yukon Border Tour offers a quick taste. Active travelers will enjoy the Chilkoot Trail hike and float, while those seeking relaxation can opt for the River Float Tour.
History buffs might prefer the White Pass Summit and Skagway City Tour, and families or dog lovers will find the Yukon Dog Sledding Tour unforgettable. Budget-conscious travelers can select the City and Mountain Vista Tour, which offers scenic views at a lower price.
Remember to consider passport requirements for Yukon trips, and book early, especially for popular tours like the Full-Day Yukon or Dog Sledding.
To sum it up, Skagway’s shore excursions range from scenic drives and hikes to interactive cultural experiences. For an all-encompassing Yukon adventure, the Full-Day Yukon Tour stands out. If you’re short on time but eager to see the border and White Pass, the half-day options are excellent. Families and active travelers will find the Chilkoot Trail hike and dog sledding unforgettable, while those seeking relaxation will enjoy the calm of the River Float.
No matter your preference, booking in advance ensures you get the tour that best matches your interests and schedule. Skagway truly offers a remarkable mix of scenery, history, and adventure, making it a memorable part of your cruise.