Skagway's exciting gold rush history and spectacular natural setting make it a popular cruise stop. After the Klondike gold strike in 1896, thousands of hopeful prospectors purchased their gear in Skagway and began the long tedious journey to the goldfields 689km (428 miles) north in the Yukon. In early 1898, Skagway grew from one cabin to a bustling and rowdy town of 10,000. The town retains much of its charm today and still resembles the lawless boomtown it was during the gold rush years with colourful saloons and wooden pavements.

Walking tours led by a park ranger explore the Skagway Historic District where buildings have been restored to their glory days. Visitors can check out the town on a replica antique street car and enjoy honky-tonk music at the Red Onion Saloon. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad travels through some of Alaska's most ruggedly beautiful terrain. Flight seeing, gold panning, dog sledding, kayaking and jeep tours are also available.

Highlights
• Gold Rush Cemetery
• Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
• Skagway Trail of '98 Museum
• The Days of '98 Show with Soapy Smith

Skagway Convention and Visitors Bureau
2nd and Broadway, Skagway, Alaska, USA
Tel: +1 90798 32854.
Website: www.skagway.com

Gold nugget jewellery; items carved from fossil ivory and jade; handmade clothing and toys; items made from skin, fur or bone; and woven baskets of beach grass, bark and baleen. Miniature hand-carved totem poles and smoked salmon are also popular souvenirs.

Salmon, halibut, trout and crab are popular menu choices. Clam chowder is another favourite. Alaskan delicacies include smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer sausage.

May through September is the most popular time to visit.

Alaska

GMT - 9.

US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents.

English.

Alaska, north of Canada and not connected to mainland USA.

852.

Federal Republic since 1789. Gained independence from the UK in 1776.

Protestant, with Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.

Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A relaxed and informal atmosphere is usually the norm. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy and respect are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.

Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home. Casual dress is accepted in all restaurants and clubs, unless a special occasion is planned. Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or forbidden in public buildings. There will be a posted notice where no smoking is requested.

Tipping: Widely practised, as service charges are not usually included in the bill and waiters depend heavily on tips for their income. Waiters generally expect 10 to 15% gratuity. It should be noted that a cover charge is for admission to an establishment, not a tip for service.