Skagway, Alaska: Gold Rush Rails, Saloon Tales & a Duck Fart Shot

Skagway is one of those Alaskan cruise ports that instantly transports you to another time, specifically the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. From vintage railcars winding through the mountains to historic saloons with cheeky nods to their brothel past, this little town is packed with charm, character, and plenty of stories.

All Aboard the White Pass Scenic Railway

Our day started with the famous White Pass Scenic Railway, and it was absolutely magical. We boarded the vintage train right from the pier, which made it super convenient, and from there, it was all about the journey.

This historic rail line climbs nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles, weaving through steep grades, cliff-hugging turns, and jaw-dropping views of Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. Every twist in the track brought a new photo-worthy moment.

What I loved most? The flexibility. We had our own seats inside the warm car, but we were free to get up and step outside onto the train platform whenever we wanted. It was cold, for sure, but standing on the side of a vintage railcar with the wind in your face, passing by alpine lakes and dense green forests, felt like something straight out of a dream. The train wasn't overly crowded either, which made it even more enjoyable.

Our tour guide was fantastic. Informative, funny, and super personable. He answered questions on the fly, threw in some great jokes, and really brought the history to life as we retraced the route that thousands once took in search of gold.

Pro tip: This is a round-trip journey, so you won’t be getting off the train until you’re back in Skagway, which just makes it that much more relaxing.

Gold Fever and Alaskan Sled Dogs Experience

After the train, we dove even deeper into Alaska’s past with the Gold Fever and Alaskan Sled Dogs excursion, and this was such a fun, immersive way to experience the culture and history of the region. The moment we disembarked, we were greeted by our costumed guide, who “lives” in 1898 and instantly set the tone for our time-travel-style journey.

We started with a trip through historic Skagway, followed by one of my favorite parts: meeting the Alaskan sled dogs and mushers. We learned all about the history of dog mushing, got up close with the canine athletes, and watched a musher prep a real sled before taking a fast lap around the track. The dogs were energetic, lovable, and clearly passionate about what they do, and yes, dog cuddles were absolutely included.

Next, we had an interactive experience at the Gold Rush Training Camp where we learned how to sluice, extract paydirt, and even pan for gold. The water troughs were heated (thankfully), and the show was both hilarious and educational, a perfect combo for travelers of all ages. Best part? Gold is guaranteed, and we got to weigh our haul with the help of an old-school assayer. (Not to brag, but my gold weighed more than both my mom's and grandma's.)

By the time we wrapped up, we felt like we had truly stepped into the heart of Alaska’s past, no longer just visitors, but “sourdoughs” (a local term for someone who’s experienced Alaska and become part of its culture).

Lunch with a Side of Scandal at the Red Onion Saloon

Once we returned to town, we headed straight to The Red Onion Saloon, a spot I’d been dying to check out. Originally opened in 1898 during Skagway’s gold rush boom, the Red Onion was once a saloon and a brothel. Today, it’s a full-on historical experience, and yes, you can still tour the upstairs "rooms" with one of their cheeky “madams” leading the way.

When a tour is in session, they flip on a glowing red light. Need I say more?

While we didn’t take the brothel tour this time, we did enjoy lunch downstairs. The original bar is still there, and the vibe is cozy, rustic, and full of stories if you know where to look.

Trying the Infamous “Duck Fart”

My mom, grandma, and I couldn’t resist trying something we kept seeing on menus across Alaska, the Duck Fart shot. The name alone? Iconic. Turns out it’s a local favorite, invented in Anchorage in the ‘80s and made with Bailey’s, Kahlúa, and Crown Royal, layered to perfection. Legend has it the name came from the sound a woman made after trying it… and honestly, I can’t say I blame her.

We paired the shot with nachos and pizza, which were decent. Coming from New Jersey, my pizza standards are very high, so while it didn’t blow me away, it hit the spot. The nachos were satisfying too, classic bar food that pairs perfectly with good company and a cold drink.

Speaking of drinks, in addition to the shot, I tried a local cider from Alaska Ciderworks, and it was really unique. Crisp, flavorful, and something I hadn’t seen anywhere else.

Final Thoughts: Skagway Is a Must-See Stop

Between the historic train ride, the fun saloon vibes, and the beautiful town itself, Skagway quickly became one of my favorite Alaskan stops. It’s a port full of personality, a place where the past feels alive, but the experience is anything but outdated.

If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise, don’t miss Skagway. Come for the views, stay for the stories… and definitely try the Duck Fart.