First Time in Skagway: Port Arrival & Exploring Historic Downtown

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Awake early aboard Sapphire Princess on the way to the Port of Skagway, the ship cruises through the Lynn Canal to the Taiya Inlet.

Sprinkled along the waterfront of Skagway's Taiya Inlet had some properties that I imagine offered natural privacy, wildlife viewing and majestic mountain backdrops. All I could think of was weather they were grid (with Western toilets) vs truly off-grid.

With a cloudy, drizzly morning, we could already spot waterfalls.

We spoiled ourselves with room service delivered to our Category S4 Penthouse Suite - Stateroom C408. Portions seemed very generous!

We're enjoying the views and our stateroom balcony - 169 square feet!

We are bringing our passport today as we will be jumping on a tour that crosses the Canadian border.

Don't Forget to Bring: binoculars and a great zoom camera!

One of the most charming historic traditions in Skagway are the painted rocks — affectionately known by locals as the Ship Signature Wall.

For more than a hundred years, crew members from cruise ships and gold rush-era vessels have left their mark on the rocky cliffside, painting ship names, colorful logos, flags, and dates. It’s a longstanding maritime custom — a kind of nautical rite of passage — celebrating maiden voyages and memorable journeys into Alaska’s rugged frontier.

I love Alaska cruise ports that don't often need tendering, unlike Sitka and Icy Strait Point that consistently require tendering.

Here's a good look at the stern of Sapphire Princess – built in 2004.
 
[Update: The ship received its most recent major drydock refurbishment and modernization in 2018.]

Located at Congress Way and just an 8-15 minute walk to Skagway's famous Gold Rush-era downtown Broadway Street, the Skagway Small Boat Harbor is a year-round, full-service marina accommodating vessels up to 150 feet.

Located at the southeast corner of the harbor is Pullen Creek – a premier location for viewing spawning salmon (King and Pink), as well as resident harbor seals, river otters, and kingfishers. Arriving in late September, we had just missed the best time to see the salmon run at Pullen Creek, which is late summer, specifically from July through August.

View from our Skagway tour offered a different perspective of both Sapphire Princess and Holland America cruise ships docked on this September day.

 

 

Skagway's famous Gold Rush-era downtown Broadway Street

Alaska Shirt Company

Red Onion Saloon

One of our favorite stops during our Skagway cruise port day was the historic Red Onion Saloon, a true Gold Rush icon built in 1897.
 
During the Klondike Gold Rush, this lively spot offered weary miners food, drinks, and entertainment. A quirky highlight was their clever “doll system” — a row of dolls behind the bar signaled which of the ten working ladies were available. When one was busy, her doll was laid flat.
 
Over the decades, the building reinvented itself as an army barracks, bakery, union hall, and even a TV station before being lovingly restored. Today, it operates as a fun restaurant and bar where staff dress in 1898-style outfits. We enjoyed pizzas, nachos, and local craft beers while soaking up the frontier atmosphere.

The Most Photographed Building in Skagway: Arctic Brotherhood Hall

No visit to Skagway is complete without stopping to admire the Arctic Brotherhood Hall — hands-down the most photographed building in town.
 
Built in 1899 during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, this quirky landmark is instantly recognizable thanks to its extraordinary façade. The entire front is covered in more than 8,800 pieces of locally collected driftwood, carefully arranged in an intricate, almost mosaic-like pattern. The result is a one-of-a-kind wooden “gingerbread” masterpiece that looks like nothing else in Alaska.
 
Today, the historic hall has a new life as Skagway’s official Visitor Center. Step inside for friendly advice, maps, and exhibits on the town’s wild Gold Rush history.

The Mascot Saloon

Golden North Hotel

While wandering Skagway’s colorful historic downtown, we couldn’t miss the striking Golden North Hotel on Broadway Avenue. Built in 1898 during the frenzy of the Klondike Gold Rush, this beautiful building is Alaska’s oldest operating hotel. Its standout feature is the gleaming golden “onion” dome that tops the structure — a landmark you’ll spot from blocks away.
 
Although it no longer offers overnight stays, the Golden North remains one of Skagway’s most photographed icons.

Sweet Tooth Cafe

Holiday Cheer All Year Round: Alaska Christmas Store in Skagway

The Pack Train Building: A Historic Gem on Broadway Street

Constructed in 1898 during the peak of the Klondike Gold Rush, it originally served as a supply and outfitting store for stampeders heading north. The large, bold lettering on the side of the building proudly proclaims “The Trail” — a direct nod to the treacherous White Pass and Chilkoot Trails that prospectors had to conquer on their way to the gold fields.

Architecturally, the building showcases classic frontier commercial style with its prominent false-front façade, large display windows, and sturdy wooden construction. These features were designed to make businesses look impressive in the fast-growing boomtown.

Today, the Pack Train Building continues to house shops (like the Alaska Fur Gallery), keeping the spirit of Skagway’s Gold Rush past alive for modern visitors.

(Left) A home situated on the edge a cliffside (Right) The Pack Train Building

 

The Striking Totem Poles at Kirmse’s Jeweler

While exploring Broadway Street in Skagway, one building immediately catches the eye: Kirmse’s Jeweler, with its beautiful collection of colorful totem poles lining the front and side.

These impressive totems aren’t just decorative — they represent a wonderful blend of Alaska Native artistry and the town’s Gold Rush history. Many of the poles feature traditional designs carved by Tlingit artists, telling stories of clans, animals, and legends that have deep cultural significance in Southeast Alaska. You’ll spot ravens, eagles, bears, and other symbolic figures that hold important meaning in Tlingit culture.

They serve as a beautiful reminder that long before the gold rush brought thousands of stampeders, this land was (and still is) home to the rich traditions of the Tlingit people.

The Skagway Bazaar: A Modern Marketplace with Historic Charm

Tucked along Broadway Street, the Skagway Bazaar is a lively shopping destination that was built in 2004 by the Corrington family, a well-known name in Alaskan tourism and retail.

The Bazaar feels like a lively marketplace where the spirit of 1898 meets modern-day treasure hunting.

What makes it special is the wide variety of vendors under one roof. You’ll find everything from locally made Alaskan art and handmade jewelry to unique souvenirs that you won’t easily find in the bigger chain stores. Many items are crafted by regional artists and small businesses, giving you the chance to take home something truly authentic.

Wells Fargo Bank: A Gold Rush-Era Landmark on Broadway

As you stroll down Broadway in Skagway, you’ll notice the handsome Wells Fargo Bank building — one of the oldest and most important historic structures still standing in downtown.

Originally built during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush (around 1898–1899), this building served as a vital financial institution for stampeders, miners, and merchants. In an era when fortunes were made and lost overnight, Wells Fargo played a crucial role in handling gold dust, providing banking services, and supporting the rapid growth of the boomtown.

Today, the Wells Fargo branch continues to operate in the historic building, making it one of the few places in town where you can do everyday banking inside a genuine Gold Rush landmark.

Taste of the Last Frontier at North to Alaska Gourmet Foods & Gifts

In the background of our photo stands the North to Alaska Gourmet Foods & Gifts shop on Broadway Street — a fun and popular stop for cruisers exploring Skagway’s historic downtown.

The name “North to Alaska” is a nostalgic nod to the classic 1960 movie starring John Wayne, which romanticized the adventurous spirit of heading north during the Gold Rush era.

Inside, the store offers a wide selection of Alaska-made gourmet foods and unique gifts. You’ll find everything from smoked salmon and seafood jerky to local jams, chocolates, coffee, and a variety of souvenirs and keepsakes. It’s a great place to pick up edible Alaskan treasures or thoughtful gifts for friends and family back home.

A quick, tasty detour while wandering the wooden boardwalks of Skagway — highly recommended for foodies and souvenir hunters alike!

Tip for cruisers: These shops are usually just a short walk from the dock, making them an easy and joyful stop during your port day.