Skagway, Alaska, US - Thursday, May 18 2023

Arrive: 7:00 AM Depart: 8:00 PM  

Our excursion started at 10 am, with a duration of about 2.75 hours. The plan was to go back to the ship around noon to change clothes and shoes.

However, due to the falling rocks, which messed up the schedule of all the cruise ships we changed plans. Tendering back and forth to the ship takes a  lot longer. 

Our Excursion, described below was amazing. After our train ride, we went into town for lunch. 
Broadway Street is the main thoroughfare of Skagway. If you prefer, not to venture too far from the dock, or you don't have much time to explore, you can’t go wrong with this area. 
There are many local shops and restaurants to choose from. The people of Skagway have a four to five-month window to make their money for the year, then everything closes down.

If you love seafood this will be your paradise. 
Try local dishes like grilled salmon or king crab legs. I wanted to have lunch at Olivia's and my accompanying food critic had made reservations at the Alaska House.  We didn’t argue much back and forth, after all as you see in the photo below it was one and the same, plus the reviews didn't steer 

 

either wrong. Olivia is the last person born in Skagway.  This means in the last 37 years, all of the women of Skagway managed to get themselves out of the valley, and into a hospital before the baby arrived.

If you love beer you should visit the Skagway Brewing Co. to sample local beer. 

After reading the Klondike Stampede by Tappan Adney I feel Skagway has more of the gold rush theme Juneau had.  Juneau had the goldmines but Skagway gives you the opportunity to get into the whole nitty-gritty of the gold rush. You can hike the 33-mile Chillkoot Trail, join the Sockeye Cycle Co. or find gold firsthand on a gold panning tour.  No matter what you pick you must stop at Arctic Brotherhood Hall. The hall is one of the most recognizable and photographed areas in the city. The front is decked out with over 8,800 pieces of driftwood so it’s hard to miss. 

Downtown Skagway is full of museums in downtown Skagway. The Trail of ’98 Museum or Corrington’s Alaskan Ivory Museum is certainly worth a visit. I wanted to go visit the Jewell Garden and participate in a glass-blowing workshop but there ended up running out of time 

The Ghosts and Goodtime Girls Historical Walking Tour is a must-do, too. The tour is given by gals in Klondike-era clothing who stay in character the entire tour. You’ll walk the historic streets and back alleys of the city while learning more about its rich history. We also met the VBloggers, Brian and Ashley, check out their YouTube Channel Simplified Travels.  Brian said he will post a lot of videos in the next few months, so check out all the things we saw.  

Tomorrow we will be in Glacier Bay

Description of our excursion:

White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad

Take an unforgettable round-trip journey aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Against all odds, this iron trail was built through some of the North's most ruggedly beautiful terrain and more than 120 years later is still in operation.

Ride in a comfortable, restored, or replica vintage rail car to the summit of the White Pass, through two tunnels, over sky-high trestles, and remote valleys. Pass Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch as your guide announces all points of interest and tells the story of the Klondike Gold Rush.

At the White Pass Summit at 2,865 feet, the train makes a loop and heads back down the pass, allowing everyone to experience excellent views during this round-trip rail journey.

This narrow-gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It shares this honor with the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty, and is truly a world wonder.

Notes:

Restrooms are located on each train car. Food is not available for purchase on the train. You will not get off the train during the tour.