You can drive to Skagway in Alaska by using the Klondike Highway. The highway runs 441 miles from the Yukon Territory in Canada to the Alaskan Panhandle, where Skagway is located. The most common starting point for driving to Skagway is from Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, in Canada. It’s a 110-mile drive from Whitehorse to Skagway, turning off from the Alaskan Highway at Carcross Cutoff junction and following the Klondike Highway.
Some roadtrippers from the south choose to bypass Whitehorse altogether and use the Tagish Road to cut across to Carcross. At Carcross, the Tagish Road joins with the Klondike Highway. As both of these journeys involve traveling through Canada and Alaska, you’ll need a passport to make the road trip to Skagway successfully.
Skagway is in the southeastern part of Alaska, in the Alaskan Panhandle. It is situated at the northern end of the Inside Passage, near the border with Canada. Skagway is nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Lynn Canal, a deep fjord.
Geographically, Skagway is approximately 90 miles north of Juneau, the capital of Alaska. It is also about 110 miles south of Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory in Canada. Skagway is part of the Skagway Municipality and is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those on cruise ships exploring the Inside Passage.
Skagway is relatively accessible by Alaskan standards with an airport, port, and a year-round road connection. This provides visitors with a number of different ways to reach the city and explore the surrounding areas.
Skagway is located at the far end of the Klondike Highway, which links the Alaskan Panhandle with the Yukon Province in Canada. It’s a road that stretches for 441 miles, and it’s the only road into and out of Skagway. Therefore, all overland traffic to Skagway must come in via the Klondike Highway.
The easiest and most convenient way to join the Klondike Highway is by traveling on the Alaskan Highway from Alaska to the north or Canada to the south. The two roads intersect at the Carcross Cutoff junction, and the Klondike Highway forms part of the Alaskan Highway up to the Forestview junction.
You can take an alternative route to Skagway if you’re traveling from the south. On this route, you exit the Alaskan Highway earlier at Jake’s Corner and take the Tagish Road. It’s a scenic and enjoyable drive that takes you past Little Atlin Lake and Tagish. The road eventually meets with the Klondike Highway at Carcross, 33 miles south of the Carcross Cutoff junction. It’s then another 65 miles from Carcross to Skagway.
Skagway is relatively well connected by sea with the surrounding coastal communities and cities. Most of these connected cities and communities are also well served by other ferry routes, meaning Skagway can be reached from the Contiguous United States if you don’t mind a connection or two. The city is also a popular port of call for many Alaskan cruise ships that sail up from the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
One of the most popular cities to sail to from Skagway is the state capital, Juneau. During the peak summer season, there are 5 sailings each week, with a reduced schedule during the winter months. The ferry to Juneau takes around 6 hours to cover the 80 miles that separates the two cities. It’s an exceptionally beautiful trip and one of the most popular ferry crossings in Alaska. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) operates the ferry and carries passengers and vehicles.
The best-connected location with Skagway is the nearby city of Haines. The Fast Ferry between the two cities has multiple daily sailings, but note this is a passenger-only service. Sailing frequency varies by season and day of the week, but there are typically at least 3 or more sailings per day during the peak summer months. The AMHS operates the Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry, which only takes 45 minutes to complete. A slower once-daily vehicle ferry, also operated by AMHS, is also available. See the AMHS website for further details.
You can also sail to Skagway from Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. Once again, the ferry is operated by AMHS, and the journey is part of the Inside Passage route, which offers stunning coastal scenery along the way. The duration of the trip can vary, but it generally takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. This is also a year-round ferry route, although there’s typically more sailing during the busier summer months.
While Skagway officially has an airport known as Skagway Airport (SGY), it’s little more than a landing strip. The tiny passenger terminal doesn’t amount to much more than a small room. The airport generally services a very limited schedule of flights with Alaskan Seaplanes, the main operating airline with local flights to Juneau and Haines.
If you want to fly to Skagway or visit the wider area, it’s generally best to fly into nearby Haines or Juneau. Both locations have significantly larger airports that offer connections to other Alaskan cities, as well as destinations in Canada and the Contiguous U.S. Both Haines and Juneau offer regular connections to Skagway, either by flying with Alaskan Seaplanes or by taking the ferry operated by the Alaskan Marine Highway Service.
Skagway’s coastal location at the far end of the Klondike Highway means it remains a remote but accessible location. However, visitors often underestimate the significant distances between the major cities in Alaska, Canada, and the northern parts of the U.S. We’ve collated the table below to illustrate the significant distances and time involved in driving to Skagway from various locations. It’s important to note these travel times are based on normal road and weather conditions. During the winter months, travel times can increase significantly.
Starting Point | Destination | Distance | Travel Time |
Seattle | Skagway | 1,606 miles | 30 hours |
Vancouver | Skagway | 1,537 miles | 29 hours |
Fairbanks | Skagway | 696 miles | 12.5 hours |
Anchorage | Skagway | 812 miles | 15 hours |
Skagway is a destination that has a lot to offer. Its location close to the mountains and the coast means there’s no shortage of outdoor activities. The city also has a rich history, with the story told across several good museums and attractions. So whether you’re after history, the great outdoors, or nature trips, Skagway has something to offer.
Here are some of the very best things to do in Skagway:
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: Take a scenic journey on this historic narrow-gauge railroad, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains, gorges, and waterfalls as it climbs to the summit of White Pass.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: Learn about the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898 and explore the historic buildings and exhibits in Skagway that tell the story of this fascinating historical period.
Chilkoot Trail: If you enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures, consider hiking a portion of the Chilkoot Trail. This historic trail was once a vital route for gold rush prospectors and offers stunning scenery and a glimpse into the past.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: Although not located in Skagway, Glacier Bay is a popular day trip destination. You can take a boat tour to witness majestic glaciers, stunning fjords, and abundant wildlife, including whales, seals, and eagles.
Outdoor Adventures: Skagway is surrounded by incredible natural beauty, providing opportunities for activities such as kayaking, rafting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. You can explore the wilderness on guided tours or rent equipment for your self-guided adventures.
Skagway Museum and Archives: Visit the Skagway Museum to delve into the town’s history, view exhibits on the Gold Rush era, and gain insights into the lives of early residents.
Downtown Skagway: Stroll through the charming downtown area, lined with historic buildings and restored storefronts. You can browse local shops, art galleries, and boutiques and savor delicious seafood and Alaskan cuisine in the restaurants and cafes.
Yukon Suspension Bridge: Located just outside Skagway, the Yukon Suspension Bridge offers a thrilling experience as you walk across the bridge, suspended over the Tutshi River, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wilderness.
The best time to visit Skagway is typically during the summer, from May to September. This period offers the mildest weather, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). The summer months also provide the most daylight hours, allowing you to make the most of outdoor activities and explore the region’s natural beauty. The summer season is ideal for taking scenic train rides, hiking the Chilkoot Trail, and enjoying wildlife sightings. However, the summer months are also the busiest, meaning more crowds and higher prices. Additionally, most cruise ships visit Skagway in the summer, bringing an influx of visitors to the town.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting Skagway in the shoulder seasons of spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). During these months, the weather can be more unpredictable, with cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain. However, the shoulder seasons offer a quieter and more serene atmosphere, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of Skagway with fewer tourists. Remember that some businesses and attractions may have limited hours or close outside the peak summer season.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Skagway depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Consider what matters the most to you and plan accordingly to make the most of your visit to this scenic Alaskan town.
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