Golden North Hotel
Skagway's iconic Gold Rush landmark, famed for its onion dome and chilling ghost stories. A step back in time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Golden North Hotel
Best Time
Best for exploring town
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Skagway's iconic Gold Rush landmark, famed for its onion dome and chilling ghost stories. A step back in time.
"One of the landmarks of the small Alaskan town Skagway. The hotel and the place itself looks like it came out of those western movies. So cool!!!!"
📸 Snap the Iconic Dome
Don't miss capturing the unique onion-shaped dome, a true Skagway landmark! :camerawithflash:
👻 Hear the Ghost Stories
Ask locals or tour guides about the famous 'Scary Mary' legend associated with Room 23. :ghost:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Onion Dome
Exterior
Skagway's historic landmark with a distinctive onion-shaped dome, a symbol of the Gold Rush era.
Gold Rush Era Architecture
Exterior
A building that transports you to the late 1800s, reminiscent of a classic Western movie set.
Haunted History of Room 23
Exterior (mention of Room 23)
Learn about the legend of 'Scary Mary' and the spectral tales that surround this historic building.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Skagway's Gold Rush Charm
Ghostly Tales and Excursions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Snap the Iconic Dome
Don't miss capturing the unique onion-shaped dome, a true Skagway landmark! :camerawithflash:
👻 Hear the Ghost Stories
Ask locals or tour guides about the famous 'Scary Mary' legend associated with Room 23. :ghost:
🚶 Explore the Exterior
Since it's no longer a hotel, admire the building's facade and imagine its Gold Rush past. :hiking_boot:
🚢 Consider a Skagway Tour
Many excursions depart from or pass by the Golden North, offering historical context. :ferry:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Snap the Iconic Dome
Don't miss capturing the unique onion-shaped dome, a true Skagway landmark! :camerawithflash:
👻 Hear the Ghost Stories
Ask locals or tour guides about the famous 'Scary Mary' legend associated with Room 23. :ghost:
🚶 Explore the Exterior
Since it's no longer a hotel, admire the building's facade and imagine its Gold Rush past. :hiking_boot:
🚢 Consider a Skagway Tour
Many excursions depart from or pass by the Golden North, offering historical context. :ferry:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Golden North Hotel's iconic architecture and its deep connection to Skagway's Gold Rush history. Its reputation as a haunted landmark, particularly the legend of 'Scary Mary,' adds a unique and intriguing dimension to its appeal. While no longer a functioning hotel, its exterior remains a significant point of interest for those exploring the historic town.
"One of the landmarsk of the small Alaskan town Skagway.The hotel and the place itself looks like it came out of those western movies.So cool!!!!
The Golden North Hotel was built in 1898, at the height of the rush, providing accommodations and refreshment to some of the 1,000 prospectors passing through the city every week. It was this stream of guests that helped provide the basis for the principal ghost story associated with the hotel. The tale involves a prospector — sometimes referred to as “Klondike Ike” — who travelled to Skagway with his fiancé Mary. Mary took up residence in Room 23 at the Golden North while Ike headed out on the 500-mile journey to the gold fields.
From this point, the story takes on a few variations: some say Mary fell ill with pneumonia; some say she grew worried when Ike didn’t return when he was meant to and locked herself in her room; some say, rather ambiguously, that Mary cloistered herself because she was hiding out from local ruffians. Whatever the circumstances, Mary died while waiting for Ike to return from his prospecting expedition (with some versions involving the hotel staff breaking down the door of Room 23 to find Mary dead, wearing the dress she had intended to wear at her wedding).
They say she haunts the building to this day, although reported sightings of “Scary Mary” vary widely, with some seeing a spectral woman roaming the halls or watching at a window for her fiancé’s return, some hearing mysterious noises or feeling blasts of cold air (in Alaska), and some guests of Room 23 waking up in the middle of the night feeling like they’re choking (as if they had ghostly pneumonia…).
Another supernatural event claimed by the Golden North involved Room 14, where staff and guests reported seeing a mysterious light that some described as a sparkle, others as a small twinkling light, and still others as an orb. The provenance of this light is unknown, but it is apparently non-threatening.
While the building is still there and still features the Golden North sign, the hotel closed in 2002 and thus the haunted rooms can no longer be rented by curious ghost hunters. According to a floor plan, Room 23 was located on the third floor in the northwest corner of the building, while Room 14 was (presumably) on the second floor. The building is currently occupied by Frontier Excursions & Adventures."
Vladan Novakovic
"Unique experience. Considered the most haunted place in all of Canada. Rooms on site, but no one stays here. We caught an excursion from the site."
Tyler Enoch
"And they say that Room 23 is haunted by Mary's ghost. Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: Must make a reservation way in advance for that haunted room! Love America's Haunted Hotels! The Golden North is Fabulous!!!"
Paula Dodd Barnes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Golden North Hotel is located in the heart of Skagway, Alaska. If you're arriving by cruise ship, it's a short walk from the docks. Many shore excursions in Skagway will pass by or depart from near the hotel.
As the building is historic and no longer operates as a hotel, accessibility might be limited. It's best to view the exterior. If you're on a tour, inquire about specific accessibility for any stops near the hotel.
Skagway is a very walkable town. You can explore on foot, rent a bike, or join guided tours that cover the historic district, including the area around the Golden North Hotel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Golden North Hotel closed its doors as a hotel in 2002. While the building still stands, you can no longer rent rooms there.
No ticket is required to view the exterior of the Golden North Hotel. It's a prominent landmark in Skagway's historic district.
Yes, many Skagway tours, especially those focusing on Gold Rush history or haunted locations, will include information about the Golden North Hotel.
Since it's an exterior viewing, you can see the Golden North Hotel at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photos.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Golden North Hotel is in the heart of Skagway's historic district. Nearby attractions include the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, the Gold Rush Cemetery, and Reid Falls.
Yes, the Golden North Hotel is famously known for its ghost stories, particularly the legend of 'Scary Mary' in Room 23.
Built in 1898, it's a historic landmark that housed prospectors during the Gold Rush. Its unique architecture and ghost stories make it a notable Skagway icon.
No, the building is currently occupied by Frontier Excursions & Adventures and is not open for public tours or hotel stays. You can only view its exterior.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo is of the hotel's exterior, especially its distinctive onion-shaped dome. Capture it from different angles along the street.
Daylight hours are best for clear photos. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for capturing the historic architecture.
The hotel is situated on a main street, so you can get great shots from across the road or as part of a wider street scene of historic Skagway.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
👻 Ghost Story Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Skagway's Gold Rush Past
Originally serving as a commercial company headquarters before transforming into a hotel in 1908, the Golden North was advertised with a focus on 'business guests,' emphasizing its more refined atmosphere compared to typical saloons or bunkhouses. This historical context adds another layer to its significance, highlighting the development of Skagway from a rough frontier town to a more established settlement. Today, the building is occupied by Frontier Excursions & Adventures, continuing its legacy of serving visitors to Skagway, albeit in a different capacity.
The Spooky Legends of the Golden North
Another reported phenomenon involves a mysterious light or orb seen in Room 14, the origin of which remains unknown but is described as non-threatening. While the hotel closed in 2002 and these rooms are no longer available for overnight stays, the legends persist. These supernatural accounts contribute to the Golden North's mystique, drawing visitors interested in its haunted history. Many local tours incorporate these stories, offering a chilling yet fascinating perspective on the building's past.
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