Skagway: City & Mountain Summit Tour with Alaska Sign Stops

Summary

Gold rush tales waterfalls and valley views from Skagway to the summit

You’ll ride from Skagway’s quirky streets up into wild mountain country with a local guide who brings gold rush history alive. Expect stops at the Welcome to Alaska sign (yes, it’s worth it), roaring waterfalls, and Tormented Valley’s surreal landscape. It’s not just scenery—it’s stories, weather on your skin, and moments you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that really Canada over there?” I asked, squinting past the fogged-up window as our guide, Mike, grinned in the rearview mirror. We’d barely left Skagway’s wooden sidewalks when he started weaving in stories about gold-hungry fortune seekers and lawless days. The bus smelled faintly of rain jackets and coffee—someone up front had a thermos that steamed up every time we stopped for photos. I didn’t expect to feel so small under those mountains, honestly.

The first stop was that big blue-and-yellow Welcome to Alaska sign. Mike joked it was “mandatory,” but everyone still lined up for their shot—wind whipping hair into faces, someone’s kid clutching a stuffed moose. The air tasted sharp, almost metallic from the damp. When we got back on, I tried to brush off the cold but my fingers tingled for ages. It’s funny how you remember little things like that more than the big views sometimes.

We wound higher toward White Pass, past waterfalls that tumbled right next to the road—you could hear them before you saw them, just this steady hush under Mike’s voice as he pointed out old telegraph poles and told us about Soapy Smith (I googled him later). At Tormented Valley, everything went quiet except for boots crunching gravel; it felt like standing at the edge of some other world. I still think about that view when I’m back home in traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Skagway city and mountain highlights

• Learn Skagway gold rush history
• View spectacular waterfalls
• Visit Tormented Valley
• Stop at Welcome To Alaska Sign
• Enjoy Skagway Overlook views

Top questions

How long is the Skagway city and mountain summit tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Does the tour include pickup from the cruise port?

Yes, port pickup is available for 8am tours; other times depart from downtown Skagway.

Are passports required for this day trip?

Yes, valid passports or proof of citizenship are required due to border proximity.

What are some highlights of this Skagway shore excursion?

You’ll see waterfalls, Tormented Valley, Skagway Overlook, and stop at the Welcome to Alaska sign.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants can ride on laps or in strollers; all fitness levels are welcome.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress in layers as weather can change quickly.

Where does the 11:30am or 2:30pm tour start?

These tours depart from Yukon Heath's Popcorn Emporium at 485 Broadway Avenue in Skagway.

What’s included

Your day includes live commentary from a local driver-guide aboard a comfortable bus (seats up to 32), several scenic stops like waterfalls and overlooks—including time at the Welcome to Alaska sign—and convenient pickup options depending on your departure time before returning you back to town or your ship.