Skagway, Alaska – To the Klondike Summit

The Municipality and Borough of Skagway is a first-class borough in Alaska on the Alaska Panhandle. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,240,^[3] up from 968 in 2010.^[4] The population doubles in the summer tourist season in order to deal with more than 1,000,000 visitors each year.^[5] Incorporated as a borough on June 25, 2007, it was previously a city (urban Skagway located at 59°27′30″N 135°18′50″W) in the Skagway-Yakutat-Angoon Census Area (now the Hoonah–Angoon Census Area, Alaska).^[5] The most populated community is the census-designated place of Skagway.

Skagway was an important port during the Klondike Gold Rush. The White Pass and Yukon Route narrow gauge railroad, part of the area’s mining past, is now in operation purely for the tourist trade and runs throughout the summer months. The port of Skagway is a popular stop for cruise ships, and the tourist trade is a big part of the business of Skagway. Skagway is also part of the setting for Jack London‘s book The Call of the Wild, Will Hobbs‘s book Jason’s Gold, and for Joe Haldeman‘s novel, Guardian. The John Wayne film North to Alaska (1960) was filmed nearby.

The name Skagway (historically also spelled Skaguay) is derived from sha-ka-ԍéi, a Tlingit idiom which figuratively refers to rough seas in the Taiya Inlet, which are caused by strong north winds.^[6] (See, “Etymology and the Mythical Stone Woman“, below.)

Credit Wikipedia® Skagway, Alaska – Wikipedia

Photo credit Skagway, Alaska. (2023, October 15). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skagway,_Alaska, Christopher Michel

Today, we embarked on an exciting shore adventure that took us along the breathtaking Klondike Highway. With an eagerness for exploration, we crossed the border into Canada, immersing ourselves in the charm and beauty of our northern neighbor. As we traveled along this scenic route, we couldn’t help but admire the majestic landscapes that unfolded before our eyes.

The Klondike Highway, renowned for its historical significance and natural wonders, provided us with a multitude of captivating sights. Lush forests, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear lakes adorned the picturesque scenery, leaving us in awe of Mother Nature’s grandeur. Every twist and turn of the road revealed new vistas, inviting us to pause and breathe in the tranquil ambiance.

Stopping at various points along the way, we savored the opportunity to appreciate the awe-inspiring Canadian wilderness. The air was crisp and invigorating, carrying hints of pine and wildflowers. Our avid curiosity led us to hike along serene trails, where we discovered hidden gems nestled amongst the moss-covered rocks and vibrant foliage.

Retracing our steps along the Klondike Highway, we relished in the memories created during this remarkable adventure.

“Life is a journey, and the road less traveled is often the most rewarding.” So, let’s keep exploring and embracing the wonders that await us.