Join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska. This series features our Alaska cruise showcasing the beauty, excitement, and unique experiences from each port of call. Time to explore glaciers, wildlife and pristine wilderness, and neat historical trivia about America's Last Frontier!
Day 4: Exploring the Heart of the Klondike Gold Rush
Welcome to Skagway! Nestled between towering mountains and sparkling waters, Skagway, or Shgagwéi as it is known by the Tlingit, is a place where history and natural beauty converge. The town's name derives from the Tlingit word "skagua," meaning "place where the north wind blows." This charming and historic town is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and tales of the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Nordstrom started with Klondike earnings? Sadly, there's no Nordys or Rack here, but the town's unique charm more than makes up for it :-)
After walking along State Street, checking out shops and reading about the history of the town, we took a break and wandered into Skagway Brewing Co. on 4th Avenue. This place had some of the best halibut fish and chips we've ever tasted. The crispy, thin golden batter and tender, flaky fish were a revelation. Cod or halibut? We'll say halibut this time around. And we'll never look at fish and chips the same way again!
Our afternoon journey began after lunch with a short hike through the Gold Rush Cemetery, a historical resting place for many of the pioneers and gold seekers of the Klondike Gold Rush era. The cemetery, with its weathered headstones and tranquil surroundings, offers a poignant glimpse into the past. Just beyond the cemetery, we found Reid Falls, a beautiful waterfall cascading down the mountainside. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty made this a memorable first stop.
Without a doubt, one of the highlights of our visit was driving on the Klondike Highway and seeing portions of the White Pass & Yukon Route also known as "The Scenic Railway of the World." Built in 1898 to open the Klondike to gold seekers, this narrow gauge railway stretches from Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The construction of this engineering marvel took the labor of 35,000 men over two years, enduring harsh weather conditions and treacherous terrains. Today, guests can experience breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, trestles, and tunnels from the comfort of vintage train cars.
As we traveled along the Klondike Highway, we reached the Skagway Grade Summit, entering into British Columbia, Canada. Here, we encountered the "Tormented" Valley, a wilderness of subarctic alpine tundra and beautiful lakes. This stark yet stunning landscape is a true testament to nature's raw beauty. Beyond the Tormented Valley lies the northern Boreal forest, also known as the Taiga, with its dense, untouched wilderness.
Afternoon delights: Klondike Doughboy
No visit to Skagway is complete without an obligatory stop at Klondike Doughboy to indulge in these "doughboys," fried dough dusted with cinnamon sugar. These delightful treats reminded us of "beaver tails" from Canada.
Leaving Skagway took us through Lynn Canal, the deepest fjord in North America (outside Greenland) and one of the deepest and longest in the world, plunging over 2,000 feet (610 m) deep. The dramatic fjord, surrounded by towering cliffs and dense forests, offered us a glimpse into the powerful forces of nature that have shaped this region.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our Alaskan Odyssey as we continue to uncover the magic and mystery of Alaska's stunning landscapes and rich history!
____________________
Pronti? Via!
On this visit to Alaska we did not use cruise sponsored excursions. Instead, we either went directly to excursion vendors, did stuff on our own, or used Viator. To find the activity that is best for you (or you group) visit our Viator Shop for a list of our Alaska Cruise Top Value Picks. Happy travels!
Comments