Skagway Borough, Alaska Weather
Skagway Borough, Alaska is located in the northernmost part of the state, along the Inside Passage of the Pacific Ocean. The borough is bordered by both British Columbia and Yukon Territory, Canada and is within close proximity to several glacier-covered mountain ranges. Skagway Borough has a total population of 1,077 people as of 2019 and covers an area of approximately 890 square miles.
According to aviationopedia.com, Skagway Borough has a long and rich history that dates back to around 1880 when it was first settled by miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. The city quickly grew to become an important port for steamboat traffic between Alaska and British Columbia. During this period, Skagway was known for its lawless reputation with numerous saloons, gambling houses, prostitution rings, and other establishments catering to miners in search of their fortunes.
Today, Skagway Borough serves as a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque surroundings and vibrant cultural heritage. Visitors can explore many historical sites such as the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park or take part in outdoor activities like hiking or fishing in nearby mountains or rivers. In addition to its natural beauty, Skagway also offers various attractions such as museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
Several famous people have come from Skagway over the years including former U.S Senator Ernest Gruening who served from 1959-1969; former Alaska Governor Jay Hammond who served from 1974-1982; actor John Wayne who made several films in this area; explorer Bob Bartlett who sailed around the world with Robert Peary; as well as author Jack London who wrote extensively about his experiences in Alaska during the gold rush era.
Skagway Borough is a beautiful destination with plenty of natural beauty and interesting history for visitors to explore. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or want to experience some local culture there’s something for everyone here.
Climate and weather in Skagway Borough, Alaska
According to iamaccepted.com, the climate of Skagway Borough, Alaska is subarctic with mild summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is around 32°F (0°C), with summer highs reaching up to 65°F (18°C) in July and August. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -20°F (-29°C) during January and February.
Skagway Borough is located in a temperate rainforest region, so it receives a lot of precipitation throughout the year, averaging around 75 inches (190 cm). Snowfall is common during winter months but usually melts quickly due to the mild temperatures. The area also experiences frequent high winds which can reach up to 40 mph (64 km/h).
Springtime in Skagway Borough is generally mild and sunny with occasional showers. Temperatures usually range from 33-54°F (1-12°C) during this season and snowfall is rare. Summer brings warmer days and cooler nights, with temperatures typically ranging between 54-65°F (12-18°C). Rainfall increases during the summer months but there are still plenty of sunny days for outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing.
Autumn is cool and wet with temperatures ranging from 33-50°F (1-10°C). Fall rains are often accompanied by strong winds which can make outdoor activities difficult. Winter weather in Skagway Borough can be harsh at times with temperatures often dropping below freezing overnight. Snowstorms are common during this season so it’s best to be prepared for cold weather if traveling here during winter months.
Transportation in Skagway Borough, Alaska
Skagway Borough, Alaska is served by a variety of different transportation options. The most popular way to get around is by car, although public transportation is also available. There are several taxi services in the area as well as rental car companies and a shuttle service for those who don’t have their own vehicle.
The main highway in Skagway Borough is the Klondike Highway, which connects Whitehorse in Canada to Fairbanks in Alaska. This highway runs through the borough and provides easy access to other parts of Alaska for travelers.
Public transportation in Skagway Borough consists of buses operated by the Skagway Transit System. These buses run throughout the borough and provide access to all major points of interest including downtown Skagway, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, and the National Historic Park. Buses run every hour from 7am-7pm on weekdays and 8am-6pm on weekends.
For those looking to explore further afield, there are several boat tours that provide access to nearby glaciers and fjords as well as whale watching opportunities. These tours usually depart from the downtown area and can be booked through local tour operators or online.
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is another popular option for getting around Skagway Borough. This historic steam train runs between Skagway and Carcross in Canada and offers stunning views of mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and wildlife along its route.
Finally, air travel is also an option when traveling within or out of Skagway Borough with regular flights available from Juneau International Airport or Whitehorse International Airport depending on your destination.
Cities and towns in Skagway Borough, Alaska
Skagway Borough, Alaska is home to several small towns and cities, each with its own unique character. See major cities in Alaska. The largest city in the borough is Skagway, which is located on the northern end of the Taiya Inlet and serves as the gateway to Alaska’s Inside Passage. This bustling town is home to many historic buildings and tourist attractions such as the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, the National Historic Park, and the Red Onion Saloon Museum.
The city of Haines is located at the southern end of the Taiya Inlet and serves as a gateway to Canada’s Yukon Territory. This picturesque town offers incredible views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers from its harbor. It also boasts a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, and more.
The community of Dyea is situated at the mouth of Taiya River along Chilkoot Trail and was once an important trading post for gold miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it’s a popular destination for hikers who want to explore this historic area or take on trails leading up into Chilkoot Pass.
The small town of Haines Junction is located just north of Haines in Canada’s Yukon Territory. This quaint town has become a popular destination for those looking to explore nearby Kluane National Park or take part in activities like rafting or fishing on nearby Kluane Lake.
Finally, there are several other smaller communities throughout Skagway Borough including Skagway Airport near Juneau International Airport; Mosquito Lake near Haines; Carcross on Lake Bennett; Aishihik Village near Whitehorse; Pelly Crossing near Dawson City; Teslin Village north of Whitehorse; Atlin Village northwest of Atlin Lake; Tagish Village south of Atlin Lake; Carcross Tagish First Nation near Carcross; Dalton Post south of Pelly Crossing; and Destruction Bay north of Kluane National Park.
