Skagway is a tiny town with an outsized history. During the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, over 40,000 prospectors passed through Skagway on their way to the Yukon goldfields. Today, this charming port town of about 1,100 residents preserves that frontier spirit with restored wooden storefronts, boardwalks, and one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.
Highlights
- White Pass & Yukon Route Railway — The #1 attraction in Skagway. This narrow-gauge railway climbs 3,000 feet through tunnels, over trestle bridges, and past waterfalls on its way to the White Pass summit. The scenic half-day excursion follows the original Gold Rush trail. Book early — this sells out fast.
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park — A National Park Service site in the center of town. Free ranger-led walking tours tell the story of the 1898 Gold Rush. The visitor center has excellent exhibits and a film.
- Broadway Street — Skagway's main street is a beautifully preserved row of Gold Rush-era buildings with shops, saloons, and galleries. Entirely walkable from the cruise pier.
- Chilkoot Trail — The famous Gold Rush hiking trail starts near Skagway. While the full trail is a multi-day trek, shorter day hikes on the lower portion offer beautiful forest and river scenery.
- Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp — A recreated Gold Rush camp with gold panning, lumberjack shows, and salmon bake. A fun family excursion.
- Yukon Suspension Bridge — A scenic drive to a 57-foot suspension bridge over the Tutshi River on the Canadian side of the border (passport required).
Tips for Kosher Travelers
- No kosher food in Skagway — This is a very small town with no kosher options. Eat breakfast and plan for lunch on the ship. See our packing list for snack suggestions.
- Pack layers and rain gear — Skagway can be cool and rainy even in summer (50-65°F). A waterproof jacket is essential, especially if you're taking the train or hiking.
- Book the White Pass Railway early — This is the most popular excursion in all of Alaska cruising. It sells out weeks in advance, especially for ships carrying 3,000+ passengers.
- Walking town — Downtown Skagway is tiny and entirely walkable from the cruise pier. No need for taxis unless you're heading to trailheads outside town.
- Yukon excursions need a passport — Some excursions cross into Canada. Make sure everyone in your group has a valid passport.
Port Guide
Skagway is a pier port — ships dock at the Railroad Dock or Broadway Dock, both just steps from downtown Broadway Street. There's no shuttle needed; you walk directly off the ship into town.
The White Pass railway departs from its historic depot on 2nd Avenue, about a 5-minute walk from the pier. Restrooms, Wi-Fi, and visitor information are available at the Klondike Gold Rush visitor center on Broadway. US dollars and credit cards are accepted everywhere.
Sailings That Visit Skagway, Alaska
Skagway is a featured port on our Alaska itineraries:
- Alaska sailings from Seattle
- Summer sailings
Client Testimonials
Unforgettable Journeys, Exceptional Kosher Experiences
"Chanah, Shimon, and the entire Go Beyond team arranged an incredible cruise for us! The Fresh Kosher dining onboard was outstanding, truly gourmet, and having everything taken care of under reliable supervision allowed us to relax completely. Your attention to detail, from booking the kosher package to ensuring smooth sailing, was remarkable. We can't wait for our next kosher adventure with you!"
Alexandra
Oasis of the Seas • Caribbean
"Booking our European cruise with Fresh Kosher Cruises by Go Beyond was the best decision! Finding a cruise with truly fresh, high-quality kosher food can be challenging, but they made it seamless. The selection was excellent, the service top-notch, and knowing Rabbi Weberman was onboard overseeing everything gave us peace of mind. Highly recommended for any kosher traveler!"
Ronit
Odyssey of the Seas • Mediterranean
"Go Beyond helped us plan two different Fresh Kosher cruises – Alaska and the Caribbean – for our large family. They expertly handled coordinating our rooms and ensuring everyone had the Fresh Kosher Dining package booked. Having delicious, Glatt Kosher meals readily available, including Cholov Yisroel options, without any hassle, made the vacation truly special. Their professionalism and knowledge of kosher travel needs are unmatched."
Nora
Discovery Princess • Alaska
"A huge thank you to Shimon, Chanah, and the Go Beyond team for organizing our Wonder of the Seas kosher cruise! The dedicated dining in the Solarium Bistro was fantastic, and the food was fresh and plentiful for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your team's dedication ensured every detail, including the kosher arrangements, was perfect. We look forward to booking our next Fresh Kosher Cruise with you!"
Yossi
Wonder of the Seas • Caribbean
"Our Fresh Kosher cruise exceeded all expectations! We never thought cruising could be so easy while keeping strictly kosher. The food was delicious, the planning meticulous, and the onboard atmosphere with daily Minyanim was wonderful. Thank you, Go Beyond, for a truly terrific and worry-free kosher vacation."
Judy
Harmony of the Seas • Caribbean
"Shabbat at sea was absolutely beautiful! Sailing on the Symphony of the Seas while enjoying delicious, Fresh Kosher meals and meaningful Tefillot organized by Go Beyond was a unique and special experience. Thank you for making kosher cruising so accessible and enjoyable!"
Devory
Symphony of the Seas • Caribbean
"Five stars for Fresh Kosher Cruises by Go Beyond! From securing our spot on the sold-out Allure of the Seas sailing to ensuring our kosher meals were perfect every day, they handled everything flawlessly. Knowing we could explore amazing destinations without compromising on Kashrus made all the difference. Truly memories of a lifetime!"
Tova
Allure of the Seas • Mediterranean
"We sailed the Norwegian Epic through the Mediterranean and it was a dream come true. Waking up to the Italian coastline with a Fresh Kosher breakfast waiting for us every morning – that's something you just can't get anywhere else. The kids loved the ship and we loved not having to worry about a single meal. Go Beyond thought of everything."
Miriam
Norwegian Epic • Mediterranean
"Alaska on the Quantum of the Seas was breathtaking, and having Fresh Kosher meals while watching glaciers pass by was surreal. The Go Beyond team coordinated everything so smoothly – from the kosher package to shore excursion tips. We've cruised before, but never this worry-free. Already planning our next one!"
Eli
Quantum of the Seas • Alaska
"Our family of twelve sailed from Galveston on the Harmony of the Seas and it was pure magic. Coordinating rooms and kosher dining for that many people sounds impossible, but Chanah and Shimon made it effortless. The grandchildren are still talking about the food! We're already booked for next winter."
Batsheva
Harmony of the Seas • Caribbean
"The Southern Caribbean on the Norwegian Epic was exactly what we needed. Seven nights of incredible ports, gorgeous weather, and gourmet kosher dining every single day. What surprised us most was the variety – different menus each night, and everything tasted homemade. Go Beyond really understands what kosher travelers want."
Daniel
Norwegian Epic • Southern Caribbean
"We took the Sun Princess to the Caribbean and were blown away. The ship was stunning, the ports were beautiful, and having Fresh Kosher dining included made the whole experience seamless. Not having to think twice about what we could eat meant we actually got to relax on vacation for once!"
Sarah
Sun Princess • Caribbean
"As a solo traveler, I was nervous about joining a cruise, but the Minyan Sailing on the Liberty of the Seas was perfect. Having a frum community onboard, daily Minyanim, and Shabbat together with like-minded travelers made it feel like home – on the ocean! The Go Beyond team was warm and welcoming from the very first call."
Avi
Liberty of the Seas • Bahamas
"Cruising from Seattle to Alaska on the Discovery Princess was a bucket-list trip, and the kosher dining made it possible for our family. Breakfast with mountain views, lunch as we sailed through the Inside Passage, and elegant dinners each evening – all fresh, all kosher, all taken care of. We can't thank Go Beyond enough."