Skagway is a fantastic jumping-off point for exploring some of Alaska’s most stunning scenery and intriguing history. Its location along the historic Klondike Highway makes it a perfect launchpad for full-day tours that combine breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights. Whether you’re after an immersive Yukon experience, a wildlife adventure on the fjord, or a luxurious private tour with a dog mushing twist, Skagway has something to offer. We especially like the Yukon full-day excursions for their mix of scenic stops and cultural highlights, plus the chance to see wildlife and learn about the Gold Rush era.
If you prefer a wilderness adventure, the Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari takes you through fjords and lakes to spot bears, eagles, and mountain goats, all from a traditional boat and paddle craft. For those craving a more personalized, high-end experience, the Exclusive Yukon Full-Day Tour with Dog Mushing offers a luxury ride with a veteran musher, complete with a chance to race a sled along a snowy track.
Below, we detail each tour, highlighting what makes them special and helping you choose the right fit for your adventure style.
1. Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon
This full-day Yukon tour takes you along the iconic Klondike Highway by minibus, with frequent stops for photos and wildlife sightings. It’s built around exploring the rugged beauty and gold rush history of Canada’s westernmost territory. The tour includes visits to Tutshi Lake and Tagish Lake for panoramic views, plus the Welcome to the Yukon sign — perfect for a quick photo. The highlight is a stop at the Wildlife Taxidermy Museum and a visit to a dogsled camp, where you can learn about sled dog racing and see active teams.
What makes this trip stand out is its combination of scenic beauty, informative commentary, and wildlife sightings. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guide, often named Michael or Connor, for sharing fascinating stories about the area’s history and animals. With lots of photo opportunities and an easy pace, it’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, engaging day without strenuous activity.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for its mix of scenery, wildlife, and cultural stops. It’s perfect for history and nature lovers who want a well-rounded Yukon experience.
2. Full Day Emerald Lake Tour with or without Huskies
For those looking for a more personalized touch, the Emerald Lake tour is led by a guide with over 30 years of exploring the South Klondike Highway. The trip includes a scenic drive past Yukon Suspension Bridge, a historic site offering spectacular views and a chance to walk across the only bridge with running water in the area. Continuing north, you’ll visit the charming Carcross village, loaded with Native art, historical buildings, and a lively local culture.
What makes this tour distinctive is the guide’s deep familiarity with the landscape, ensuring you see wildlife like mountain goats — with a 99% success rate thanks to excellent spotting scopes. A highlight is visiting Emerald Lake, where you can relax and take photos of the vivid, glacier-fed waters, framed by surrounding mountains.
This tour appeals to travelers who desire an intimate, expert-led experience with a focus on wildlife, scenery, and cultural history. It’s a bit more expensive at $980 per group, but the personalized attention and in-depth commentary justify the price for many.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and those wanting a detailed, story-rich day with a professional guide.
3. Exclusive Yukon Full-Day Tour with Dog Mushing Adventure
If you’re after a high-end, private experience, this luxury Yukon tour is hard to beat. It uses a six-passenger Cadillac Escalade, offering comfort and style as you travel the historic Klondike Highway. The highlight is riding with musher Michelle Phillips, a veteran of the Iditarod, who shares stories of her sled dog races and life in the Yukon.
The tour includes a visit to Emerald Lake, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and learn about First Nations culture in Carcross. The most unique part is the dog mushing experience, where you can race along a 1.5-mile track through the Boreal Forest — an exhilarating way to connect with Alaskan traditions.
Though priced at $1,599 for up to four people, this tour provides an intimate, personalized experience with exclusive access to expert stories and authentic mushing action. Several reviewers mention the guide’s engaging personality and the “fabulous” scenery, making it a top pick for luxury travelers or those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a private, luxury experience with an active dog mushing component — a true highlight for adventure and comfort.
4. Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway
This canoe safari offers a detailed look at Alaska’s wildlife and scenic waterways. Starting with a ferry across the Lynn Fjord to Haines, you’ll drive through the Chilkoot River Valley, where brown bears, eagles, and mountain goats are common sights. The real treat is paddling around Chilkoot Lake in a traditional voyageur canoe, a boat that’s stable enough for beginners but still fun for all ages.
The tour includes a picnic lunch by the water, giving you time to relax and soak in the views. Guides are naturalists, eager to share stories about the local geology, Gold Rush history, and animal behavior. The mix of land and water activity makes this a good choice for travelers wanting variety and a hands-on day outdoors.
While slightly more expensive at $264.68 per person, the experience is worth it for wildlife sightings and the chance to paddle in a classic canoe. Reviews highlight the expert guides and the chance to see bears and eagles in their natural habitat.
Bottom Line: A scenic, wildlife-focused option ideal for active travelers who enjoy being on the water and spotting iconic Alaskan animals.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Skagway
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and energy level. If you’re after a broad Yukon experience with history and wildlife, the Yukon full-day trip offers a great balance. For wildlife lovers who want an up-close look, the Canoe Safari provides a hands-on adventure. If luxury and authentic dog mushing excite you, the private Yukon tour delivers a unique, personalized experience.
Consider your budget: tours range from about $169 to nearly $1,600. Think about how much time you want to dedicate and whether outdoor activity or culture is your priority. Booking early is wise, especially for popular trips like the Yukon adventure or the private mushing tour, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Skagway’s full-day tours give you a taste of Alaska’s wilderness, history, and culture. For broad scenic exploration and learning, the Yukon trip is a solid choice. For wildlife aficionados, the canoe safari offers a chance to see bears and eagles firsthand. And if you want a luxurious, personalized experience, the private dog mushing adventure tops the list. Each offers a different way to connect with this rugged and beautiful part of the world.
No matter which you pick, booking in advance ensures you’ll get the experience that best suits your interests. Skagway’s full-day tours are a fantastic way to make the most of your visit — plan carefully, and enjoy every moment.