Skagway, Alaska

This is speaking in architectural terms though, as some of the restaurants and shopping facilities offer distinctly 21st century fare. This unique blend of old and new really enhances the atmosphere of Skagway. There is so much to see and so much fascinating history to soak up. The saloons and bars, some of which date back to 1898, are splendid, full of artifacts and local heritage.

Though Skagway is a small enough town that you can pleasantly travel around it on foot, side trips from Skagway to any of the neighboring cities can prove to be a difficult proposition. For example, the city of Haines is 14 miles away by ferry, but if you try and rent a car and drive to Haines, it is an unbelievable 359-mile trip to get there because of the poor or nonexistent access to roads around Skagway. In any event, lucky for you, downtown Skagway is quite compact and all of the best sights are reachable by foot.

In 1897, people from all over the world flocked to Skagway in search of a quick fortune. The gold rush gave thousands of men and women false hopes and dreams, and when the riches didn't pan out, the city really declined.

By mid-1898, Skagway was not a pleasant place to be, as poverty and shantytowns had pretty much taken over. This bustling town of 200,000 shrank to a mere 700 when the gold rush ended. It took a while, but slowly people began to realize that there was much more to Skagway than an old gold rush town.

In the last two decades, tourism has really kept the city afloat, and with the historic cemeteries, interesting museums, fantastic parks, and lively saloons, Skagway has entered the new millennium with a great deal of confidence.

• White Pass Scenic Railway
  Skagway's White Pass & Yukon Route is the "Scenic Railway of the World." Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The train climbs to the 2,865-foot summit in just 20 miles and features steep grades of 3.9% and cliff-hanging turns of 16 degrees. Experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites from the comfort of vintage-style parlor cars. See Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch and the original Klondike "Trail of '98."
  
  
• Valley of the Glaciers via Helicopter
  Experience the beauty of Alaska's glaciers as you fly aboard a turbine helicopter and land for a glacier walk. View the historic town of Skagway, once host to 20,000 prospectors, and Dyea, gateway to the Klondike gold fields. Leave these traces of civilization behind as your helicopter whisks you away to the Valley of the Glaciers. In this rugged expanse that is accessible only by helicopter, see glaciers surrounded by towering mountains peaks. Your pilot lands on or at the base of a glacier for a rare opportunity to explore this incredible phenomenon. A guide is on hand to answer your questions and explain the geological forces at work.
  
  
• Hike & Float The Chilkoot Trail
  For the slightly more adventurous, this tour has it all! Begin with a guided van tour from the Skagway pier to the historic Gold Rush town site of Dyea, trailhead of the famous Chilkoot Trail. Here, you'll retrace the footsteps of the gold-hungry stampeders who forged this route over one hundred years ago, while knowledgeable guides weave a mixture of natural history and Klondike folklore. Hike the first two miles of the Chilkoot before it brings you to the shore of the gentle Taiya River, where your 18-foot raft waits. Your experienced river guide will outfit you for your float back to Dyea. At trip's end, a riverside snack is provided before heading back to your ship in Skagway. This float trip has no white water.
  
  
• Horseback Riding Adventure
  See the remains of what was once a city of 10,000 greedy stampeders as you wind your way through one of Alaska's most breathtaking valleys just as the original stampeders did...on horseback! This adventure begins with a narrated drive from your cruise ship, through historic Skagway and on to Dyea. You'll then enter the Klondike Gold Rush National Park and begin your trek on horseback. As your horses near the old waterfront of Dyea Valley, there will be time for photo opportunities and to see spawning salmon (in season). After your ride, Alaskan smoked salmon pate and beverages are provided.
  
  
• Dog Sledding & Glacier Flightseeing
  Combine your helicopter flightseeing tour with the experience of one of Alaska's favorite sports - dog sledding. After flying over spectacular glacier sites, land at the dog camp on the Denver Glacier. Experienced guides will introduce you to the world of "mushing" and the art of dog sledding. You have the opportunity to stand on the sled and mush or relax in the sled and observe the breathtaking environment. Meet professional mushers and friendly dogs on this unique Alaskan experience. Warm clothing and sunglasses are recommended.
  
  
• Haines Wilderness Kayak Adventure & Cruise
  Your adventure begins with a 35-minute cruise down North America's longest and deepest fjord aboard a high-speed catamaran. Arriving in Haines, your guides will provide a weather update and wildlife report during a short bus ride to the launch site. With a variety of local paddle sites to choose from, your trip will be tailored to the destination where weather and wildlife trends are most favorable. Depending on the paddle site and season, you might see eagles, seals, sea lions, otters, numerous sea birds, spawning salmon, brown bears or moose. A picnic style meal will be served either before or after your kayak experience.
  
  
• Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling
  Join professional mountain guides for a climbing adventure on the smooth granite walls of the White Pass. There are climbs for all abilities and no experience is necessary. Your tour begins with a short narrated drive through Skagway and up the Klondike Highway. From the Highway you'll hike a short distance to the base of rock cliffs smoothed by retreating glaciers. Here you will don rock climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses. After a safety briefing and introduction to climbing, rope up and start climbing the clean granite. There are many routes to choose from: some climbs are easy, others offer more challenge and each ends with a aerial view of the Skagway River, the White Pass Yukon Route Railway, and the surrounding wilderness. You will have the chance to climb several of the routes and try rappelling on the cliffs. Professional mountain guides are with you during all aspects of your climb and your safety and enjoyment are always their primary concern.
  
  

• Skagway.org
  
  
• Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau
  
  
• White Pass & Yukon Railroad