Much of the western coast of the USA was built upon the search for riches, in particular gold. Entire towns sprung up from nothing or bustling cities grew from dusty little missions as people moved west with gold fever. Places that nobody would otherwise have ventured into were suddenly teeming with miners. One of these was the Klondike and Skagway private tours can help you find out more about this part of American history.
Skagway is located in what is known as the Alaska Panhandle, the southeastern part of the state. The Panhandle seems almost separate from greater Alaska and it's here that you'll find the state capital, Juneau. Skagway itself lies to the northwest of Juneau and along a beautiful fjord. It's a small city with fewer than a thousand permanent residents but it's a popular destination for cruise ships.
For many centuries, the only people living in the area were the Tlingit. However, people of European descent started moving in during the late nineteenth century. The most notable was Captain William Moore, who built a homestead in 1887 and whose cabin is still there. Moore had a feeling that there was gold here and was ready for the gold rush that followed only some years later. The historic downtown part of town dates from this era and to learn more about those exciting days, you can visit the Mascot Saloon Museum, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park or the Skagway Museum.
There are several walking trails in the area as well if you're more interested in the outdoors. One of the most popular is the Chilkoot Trail to the ghost town of Dyea. Another is the White Pass Trail to lakes such as Lake Bennett. Both these trails were used by prospectors and it's a good idea to get a guide who can tell you about the interesting characters that once walked these routes.
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is a fun way to appreciate the stunning scenery. Alternatively, take to the skies with a helicopter trip. You can also head for the waters to see seals and whales that come frolicking in the fjord known as the Tayia Inlet. There is a ferry that sails through the fjord and to Haines.
Most tourists visit the area in summer. This is when the landscape is at its most beautiful, the weather is mild and it's relatively dry. However, it can become busy, especially with cruise passengers on shore excursions. Winters are cold and when it doesn't snow, it rains.
You can reach the town by cruise ship or by taking the ferry route of the Alaska Marine Highway, which connects the town to places like Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and Haines. Otherwise, fly in from Juneau. You can also drive in along the Klondike Highway via Canada.
With all the people visiting in summer, there is no shortage of tour operators that provide private tours. You have plenty to choose from too, with guided sightseeing tours or more epic adventures into the surrounding countryside. To be on the safe side, though, find a tour operator online and book ahead.
Skagway is located in what is known as the Alaska Panhandle, the southeastern part of the state. The Panhandle seems almost separate from greater Alaska and it's here that you'll find the state capital, Juneau. Skagway itself lies to the northwest of Juneau and along a beautiful fjord. It's a small city with fewer than a thousand permanent residents but it's a popular destination for cruise ships.
For many centuries, the only people living in the area were the Tlingit. However, people of European descent started moving in during the late nineteenth century. The most notable was Captain William Moore, who built a homestead in 1887 and whose cabin is still there. Moore had a feeling that there was gold here and was ready for the gold rush that followed only some years later. The historic downtown part of town dates from this era and to learn more about those exciting days, you can visit the Mascot Saloon Museum, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park or the Skagway Museum.
There are several walking trails in the area as well if you're more interested in the outdoors. One of the most popular is the Chilkoot Trail to the ghost town of Dyea. Another is the White Pass Trail to lakes such as Lake Bennett. Both these trails were used by prospectors and it's a good idea to get a guide who can tell you about the interesting characters that once walked these routes.
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is a fun way to appreciate the stunning scenery. Alternatively, take to the skies with a helicopter trip. You can also head for the waters to see seals and whales that come frolicking in the fjord known as the Tayia Inlet. There is a ferry that sails through the fjord and to Haines.
Most tourists visit the area in summer. This is when the landscape is at its most beautiful, the weather is mild and it's relatively dry. However, it can become busy, especially with cruise passengers on shore excursions. Winters are cold and when it doesn't snow, it rains.
You can reach the town by cruise ship or by taking the ferry route of the Alaska Marine Highway, which connects the town to places like Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and Haines. Otherwise, fly in from Juneau. You can also drive in along the Klondike Highway via Canada.
With all the people visiting in summer, there is no shortage of tour operators that provide private tours. You have plenty to choose from too, with guided sightseeing tours or more epic adventures into the surrounding countryside. To be on the safe side, though, find a tour operator online and book ahead.
About the Author:
You can visit www.tntours98.com for more helpful information about Get Into The Frontier Spirit With Skagway Private Tours.
No comments:
Post a Comment