Skagway Scenic Waterfall Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Skagway and want a way to see some of the area’s most beautiful sights without the hassle of planning every detail, the Skagway Scenic Waterfall Tour might be just what you’re looking for. This guided bus experience offers a relaxed way to take in impressive waterfalls, learn about local history, and enjoy some great photo opportunities — all in about three hours.

What caught our eye about this tour are the close-up views of Bridal Veil Falls and the chance to cross into Canada at the International Falls, along with the story-rich commentary from guides. Plus, the visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery adds a surprising historic twist. However, since it’s a bus-based tour that involves some walking and border crossing, it’s worth considering how comfortable you are with those aspects. This is a good pick for travelers who want a manageable, scenic outing that packs in some of Skagway’s best natural sights with a bit of local color.

Key Points

• Comfortable, guided bus tour with scenic stops
• Close encounters with waterfalls like Bridal Veil and Pitch Fork Falls
• Photo opportunities at iconic spots including the Welcome to Alaska Sign
• Informative commentary on local history and the Gold Rush era
• Border crossing into Canada included in the itinerary
• Duration of about 3 hours, ideal for a morning or afternoon activity

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Skagway Scenic Waterfall Tour Offers

This tour is designed to combine natural beauty with cultural insights. After meeting at the Southeast Tour desk, located inside a friendly souvenir shop about ten minutes from the cruise port, you’ll hop on a bus that takes you through some of the most picturesque areas around Skagway. The journey lasts roughly three hours, which is just enough time to see multiple waterfalls and get a sense of the region’s landscape without feeling rushed.

The tour includes stops at Reid Falls, where an optional 10-minute rainforest hike up to the Gold Rush Cemetery delivers a little extra adventure. It’s a peaceful, lush spot, and your guide will probably share some stories about the Gold Rush era while you soak in the scenery. We loved the way guides seem to blend friendly chat with interesting facts — making the experience both relaxing and educational.

Next up is Bridal Veil Falls, a highlight that really lives up to its name. You’ll get close enough to reach out and touch the water, feeling the mist on your face — a simple but memorable thrill. The tour also covers Pitch Fork Falls, which is notable for being the second-largest waterfall in Southeast Alaska. The views of these cascading waters are particularly striking, especially if you’re into photography.

Crossing into Canada and Visiting Iconic Spots

One of the fun parts of this tour is crossing the border into Canada at International Falls. Here, you’ll have the chance to snap a photo at the Welcome to Alaska Sign — a classic travel shot. The border crossing adds a sense of adventure and makes this more than just a waterfall tour. It’s a neat way to see the boundary between two countries, even if it’s just a quick stop.

As you cross, you’ll pass the Captain William Moore Bridge, a relatively new pedestrian walkway opened in 2020. The bridge offers some great views and is a good photo spot in itself. Your guide will probably give you some background on the bridge’s significance, which adds context to the scenic drive.

Finally, the bus heads to the Skagway City Overlook, offering a panoramic view of the town and surrounding mountains — a perfect spot to wrap up your trip with a final photo or two.

The Experience and How it Feels

The overall experience tends to be well-received, with travelers praising the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. As one reviewer put it, their guide was “amazing and full of energy,” making the entire ride engaging and memorable. Others appreciated the opportunity to get good pictures of the waterfalls and the border sign, which they described as truly spectacular.

While the tour isn’t overly long or intense, it does involve some walking — particularly if you choose to hike up to Reid Falls. It’s not suited for anyone with mobility issues or pregnant women, but most people with average mobility should find it manageable. The bus itself is comfortable, and the stops are at scenic viewing platforms, so you won’t be doing strenuous activity.

Pricing at $83 per person strikes us as reasonable given the inclusion of multiple stops, the border crossing, and the guided commentary. For those wanting to see a variety of waterfalls and enjoy some local history in a relaxed setting, it offers pretty good value.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Reid Falls and Gold Rush Cemetery: The optional rainforest hike adds a bit of adventure. The cemetery itself is historic, and listening to your guide tell stories about the Gold Rush makes it more than just a photo spot. The scenery here is lush and peaceful, ideal for those who love quiet nature.

Bridal Veil Falls: Expect to get close enough to feel the spray and see the falls’ delicate veil-like cascade. It’s a popular spot for photos, and the experience of feeling the mist is surprisingly refreshing.

Pitch Fork Falls: As the second-largest waterfall in Southeast Alaska, it’s a sight to behold. The views are stunning and offer a great chance for wide-angle shots.

Welcome to Alaska Sign and International Falls: These iconic spots are perfect for snapping photos and savoring the moment of crossing into Canada. The sign is a classic, and most travelers enjoy this quick border stop.

Captain William Moore Bridge: This newer pedestrian bridge offers a different perspective of the landscape, and it’s a good place to pause and take in the scenery.

Skagway City Overlook: The final stop provides a sweeping view of Skagway, mountain ranges, and the harbor — a fitting end to your scenic journey.

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The Value of This Tour

At $83, you’re paying for a well-rounded experience that combines natural beauty, local history, and border adventure. Most reviews highlight the guides’ friendly demeanor and knowledge, which really enhances the trip. The stops are well-chosen to balance picturesque scenery with interesting stories, without feeling overly long or rushed.

Since the tour is three hours long, it’s a manageable option if you’re tight on time or want a relaxing way to see some iconic sights without too much walking or planning. Keep in mind, meals and drinks aren’t included, so you might want to bring a snack or water, especially if you’re sensitive to the weather or plan to take photos.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who love natural scenery and are comfortable with bus rides and light walking. It’s ideal for those interested in a mix of waterfalls, history, and border crossings, with a relaxed pace and a knowledgeable guide. It’s also good for anyone wanting to tick off some classic Skagway sights without committing to a full-day adventure.

However, it’s not designed for travelers with mobility issues or pregnant women, given the walking involved and the nature of the stops. Families with older children or teenagers who enjoy nature and photos may find it particularly enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic experience that hits highlights like waterfalls, a border crossing, and some local history, the Skagway Scenic Waterfall Tour offers honest value. The combination of stunning views, friendly guides, and manageable timing makes it a solid choice for many travelers. While it’s not the most adventurous or intensive tour out there, it’s perfect if your goal is to relax, take beautiful photos, and learn a bit about the area’s past.

For those who enjoy guided excursions that combine nature with storytelling, and who appreciate accessible stops with great photo ops, this tour is worth considering — especially if you want a taste of Skagway’s natural wonders without a full-day commitment.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s suitable for most families with children old enough to handle light walking and bus rides. However, it’s not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues, as some walking and border crossing are involved.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 hours, making it a good half-day activity.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes guided stops at waterfalls, the border crossing, and scenic viewpoints, along with informative commentary. It also offers an optional hike up to Reid Falls.

Do I need my passport?
Yes, passports are required for crossing into Canada.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food or drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring water or snacks if desired.

Are there any restrictions?
Smoking is not allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Is the tour available in the morning or afternoon?
It’s usually available in both the morning and afternoon, giving you flexibility in planning your day.

How do I meet the guide?
You meet at the Southeast Tour desk inside Richter’s Souvenir and Popcorn store, about 10 minutes from the cruise dock.

What’s the best way to get good photos?
Bring your camera or phone and get ready to capture the waterfalls, border sign, and scenic views. The stops are at viewing platforms designed for photos.

This should give you a pretty clear picture of what to expect and how it might fit into your Skagway plans. Happy exploring!

You can check availability for your dates here: