1. Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.

2. Rock climb and rappel on Klondike Summit.

Mountains dominate the landscape, but the peak that interests most travelers visiting Skagway on an Alaska cruise is Klondike Summit. Also known as White Pass Summit, this peak stands 3,292 feet above sea level. The path leading to it offers stunning views of towering waterfalls, postcard-quality vistas and excellent glimpses of the original Dead Horse Trail and Tormented Valley. Dead Horse Trail is a haunting stretch where prospectors' overloaded pack animals met their fate, and the Tormented Valley is a windswept, otherworldly expanse dotted with twisted trees and glacial scars.

3. Visit the Haines Bald Eagle Preserve

Nature lovers will want to head out of town to check out the beautiful neighboring city of Haines, which boasts a wealth of natural beauty and a thriving animal population. Though the area is home to a number of majestic species, it is perhaps best known for its bald eagle population. Haines has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world, and travelers can see these rare creatures at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

4. Visit historic downtown and Red Onion Saloon.

Once a raucous bordello during the Gold Rush, the Red Onion Saloon now invites guests to soak up Skagway’s history — with a side of Alaskan brews and banter. The saloon has softened its image and is now a lively bar and restaurant as well as a National Historic Building. Strike up a conversation with the staff or fellow patrons — you might just walk away with insider tips and local lore that make your time in Skagway even more meaningful.

5. Experience genuine dogsledding.

Hold on tight as you mush through Skagway’s snow-covered wilderness like a true Alaskan. Dogsledding is a quintessential Alaska adventure that lets you glide across the frozen northern landscape, led by a team of powerful, enthusiastic sled dogs. Historically used for transportation during the Gold Rush, dogsledding has transformed into a beloved sport that reflects Alaska’s deep-rooted heritage. Whether it’s summer on a wheeled cart or winter on a snow sled, dogsledding is iconic to Skagway, giving you a taste of the historic Skagway sanctuary.

6. Hike the scenic Chilkoot trail

Step back in time along the Chilkoot Trail, where you’ll walk the same path as Gold Rush prospectors of old. Once a treacherous route for gold seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush, the trail is now a stunning trek through lush forests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Here, you’ll get glimpses of the same rugged terrain that thousands of hopeful miners once traversed. Along the way, you’ll cross the Taiya River on rustic wooden bridges and take in panoramic vistas of glacial lakes, like the emerald waters of Crater Lake. For nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, hiking the Chilkoot Trail is a memorable way to explore Skagway’s blend of natural beauty and rich past.

7. Zipline above the Alaska wilderness

Looking for a blast of adrenaline during your Skagway visit? Then ziplining above the towering spruce trees and rushing Skagway River is a must. Race along lines — some stretch more than 600 feet — as you soar along the tree canopy, flying past dense forest and glimpsing distant peaks like White Pass Summit. With multiple lines crisscrossing the canopy and suspension bridges that sway high above the ground, a zipline adventure is the perfect way to appreciate Skagway’s natural beauty from an unforgettable bird’s-eye view.

8. Get a taste of Skagway’s culinary flavors

Skagway may be small, but its culinary scene is packed with flavors that reflect the heart of Alaska. Savor the taste of freshly caught seafood, from wild-caught salmon grilled to perfection to Dungeness crab pulled straight from Alaska’s waters. Join a local chef for a garden-to-table experience, sampling fresh ingredients, such as crisp greens, herbs and rhubarb. Whether it’s tasting locally-caught halibut or indulging in a warm sourdough treat (a nod to the Gold Rush days), exploring Skagway’s culinary offerings is a delicious way to dive into Alaska’s culture.

9. Witness the beauty of the Yukon

A visit to Skagway wouldn’t be complete without venturing into the Yukon, just a short scenic drive from town. As you wind along the Klondike Highway, you’ll pass through rugged mountains, dense forests and alpine tundra — crossing the iconic William Moore Bridge suspended over a dramatic gorge. Marvel at the striking waters of Emerald Lake, its vibrant turquoise hues framed by snowcapped peaks. The untouched beauty of the Yukon makes it a must-see for anyone looking to experience the wild, untamed spirit of the North.

10. Discover Skagway’s Gold Rush history

Immerse yourself in the storied past of Skagway, where the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush still echoes through its historic streets. Skagway’s history is deeply intertwined with the Klondike Gold Rush, and you can see the era's impact in the town’s preserved buildings, museums and historic sites. Take a guided tour of Gold Rush landmarks like the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Depot. Try your luck panning for gold, or explore tales of legendary town characters like Soapy Smith. Discovering Skagway’s Gold Rush history is like peeling back the layers of time to reveal a captivating story of adventure, fortune and intrigue.