Destination/USA/Alaska/ Skagway

The town of Skagway sits at the top of the Inside Passage.  The town was founded by Captain Moore just 10 years before the Gold Rush.  The White Pass just above Skagway proved to be the best route to the gold fields.  Nearly 20,000 gold seekers came through Skagway on their way to the White Pass and Chilkoot trails.  Today Skagway looks much the same way it did back then.

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Liarsville

Liarsville is a recreated Gold Rush camp built on the spot where the original stood over a century ago.  The camp is nestled in the lush forest at the foot of a beautiful waterfall.  In the camp, depending on the specific tour taken, guests were treated to apple cider and cookies or a delicious meal prepared and served outdoors.  Scattered around the camp are antiques that were left behind years ago. 

The live Vaudeville type show in the Hippodrome is very entertaining.  The show opens with the audience coming face to face with a giant Malamute.  The raucous cast of characters relive tales of the famous Red Onion Saloon or portray some Robert Service poetry.  The show is fun and upbeat.  

After the show it's time to pan for gold.  Everyone found tiny bits of gold and got to keep all they found.

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Klondike Summit

The large motor coach travels up the Klondike Highway, up to the White Pass Summit reaching over 3,290 feet above sea level.   There are several stops along the way for breathtaking views of waterfalls, glaciers, scenic vistas and glimpses of the original "Dead Horse Trail".  The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad are seen across the gorge carrying guests along the incredible journey to the White Pass Summit.

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Skagway Street Car Tour

The Skagway Street Car Tour was a nice way to see the sights. Our costumed guide provided non-stop entertaining narrative about the history of the downtown area which included a trip past the historic Red Onion Saloon and other points of interest.

Leaving the historic boardwalks of downtown we traveled up to a panoramic view of the valley. Here another guide explained more of the history of this rugged town, offering a great view of our ship docked in the harbor.

We also made a stop at the Gold Rush Cemetery and heard tales of villains and heroes of days gone by.

Our last stop brought us back downtown to enjoy hand-clapping entertainment and a brief multimedia presentation called "The Skagway Story".

The downtown area offered something for everyone, from shopping to dining or just taking in the sights.

 

White Pass Summit Scenic Railway

A highlight in Skagway is an unforgettable journey aboard the world-famous narrow gauge railroad to the White Pass summit.

The train set off from the pier. There were vintage parlor cars with authentic costumed conductors. When the train leaves Skagway, a panorama of wilderness unfolds. As the train climbs up the mountain over trestles and through the tunnels, the scenery gets more beautiful by the minute until you reach the summit at White Pass. And of course, what goes up must come down. Coming down, the passengers see the view on the other side before returning to the station.