You don’t have to be freezing cold to enjoy a good dog sled ride in Skagway. During the summer months, there are excellent tours involving racing huskies and sleds with wheels for you to try.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
For many people, their first introduction to Skagway was through Jack London’s classic novel The Call of the Wild. And if you’re visiting Skagway, most likely on one of the cruise ships that docks there in the summer months, a dog sled ride is an authentic way to experience a slice of the Yukon Trail. Alaska’s remote, small settlement of Skagway doubles in population during the summer tourist season, when activities such as dog sledding are in high demand. Here are four great sledding tours to consider. Please note that all tours are only available from late spring to early fall.
Yukon Dogs and Gold
The White Pass is an old route that connected the port of Skagway, in the United States, to the mines of the nearby Yukon Territory of Canada. Huskies, those lovable blue-eyed dogs, were the only reliable transportation for much of the year due to the snowbound conditions. During this 4.5-hour tour you’ll get to learn all about the Yukon gold rush, pan for gold yourself, and take a 20-minute sled dog adventure after meeting the dogs. From $139 per person.
Sled Dog Discovery in Skagway
(Photo: Viator.com)
This tour is all about the sled dog experience. You’ll take a short tour of Skagway before heading out to the Musher’s Camp, where you’ll take an unusual type of all-terrain vehicle called a Unimog up a nearby mountain in Tongass National Park. At this point it’s time to meet your musher and the excitable huskies. You’ll board a special summertime sled with wheels and let the dogs use their strength to do the rest for a mile through the forest. There’s a chance to see wildlife, like eagles and bears, as well as time allotted for petting husky puppies. From $145 per person.
Skagway Dog Sledding and Sightseeing Tour
An ideal shore excursion for cruise ship passengers docking at Skagway is this six-hour, Yukon dog sledding and sightseeing tour. You’ll be met by your guide at the port and then head out into the wilderness of Alaska. Visit Iditarod husky dog training camp, where you’ll be able to take a 15-minute dog sledding ride, pet the puppies and learn about Alaskan racing huskies. Lunch is provided. For vegetarian or vegan options, please enquire in advance. As with all tours on this list, please don’t forget to bring your passport with you on the tour. From $178 per person.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Yukon Dog Sledding Adventure in Skagway
Another popular dog sledding shore excursion in Skagway combines a short sledding experience with an exploration of the region’s incredible natural beauty. During this four-hour tour, you’ll be transported in a bus to see scenic lookout points in the area, plus visit the ‘Welcome to Yukon’ sign for a photo. You’ll meet some Alaskan husky puppies (a popular feature on these tours), and possibly even spot a bear or eagle along the way. Round trip transportation to and from the cruise port is provided. From $174 per person.