The railroad was the first in Alaska, and provided freight, fuel and transportation to Whitehorse and served the Anvil Gold Mines in the Yukon. It employed many locals until 1982, when the mine closed. Community Information Skagway is predominately a tourist community, with historical Tlingit influences. Downtown buildings have been colorfully restored to reflect the history of the Gold Rush through the Chilkoot Pass. The tourist industry flourishes in Skagway, as a port of call for cruise ships and a transfer site for interior bus tours.
Relics are still visible along the trail.
Skagway experiences a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Within the shadow of the mountains, Skagway receives less rain than is typical of Southeast Alaska, averaging 26 inches of precipitation per year, and 39 inches of snow.