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Skagway, Alaska
A visit to Skagway is like stepping back over a hundred years into the
era of the Klondike Gold Rush. Since most of the revenue for the town of
Skagway is based on tourist revenue, much has been done to preserve the
old mining town flavor that Jack London described in his book, Call of
the Wild.
From the ship port in Skagway, it is 10 minute walk into town. Skagway
still houses many of the stores, bars and brothels (now nonfunctioning)
that were part of the town in the 1890s. A one mile walking tour will direct
you to important spots including Jeff (Soapy) Smith’s parlor, the
Skagway museum and the original train depot for the White Pass and Yukon
Railroad. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can even walk out
to the Goldminers Cemetery, 3 miles outside of town.
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Many
visitors chose to venture outside the city limits and head toward
the Yukon, either by rental car,
bus or on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad. The White Pass and Yukon
Railroad is a 110 year old narrow gauge railroad that climbs 3000
miles up into the Klondike Mountains and White Pass Summit. The three
hour roundtrip is fully narrated and can be purchased on board the
ship or independently. |
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The
depot is just as you enter the town of Skagway. Avis
Rental Car maintains a small office in Skagway and is easily
accessible from the ship. The drive from Skagway
cuts through White Pass not far from the train tracks and descends
into the Yukon through gorgeous terrain to Carcross, home of
the world’s smallest desert and Emerald Lake. It’s
not unusual to see bears by the road on this journey. Skagway
also offers dogsledding/helicopter tours, horseback riding, hiking,
bicycling and fishing excursions.
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If
you don’t want to head back to the ship for lunch, try
the Red Onion in town or the Skagway Fish Company on the way
to and from the ship.
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