Sled Dog Adventure & Musher's Camp® in Skagway Alaska - Skagway, Alaska

Brenda

This was a fun and interesting experience! After taking a tour bus to the musher's camp we then got in an all-terrain type vehicle to go up the steep rugged mountain to the area where the dogs were waiting to pull us on wheeled sleds. Since this was September, the dogs looked very lean and thin because they didn't have their winter coats in yet. They didn't look like traditional Alaskan huskies even though they were. As soon as we arrived to the dog area, the dogs were going crazy with excitement barking and jumping up and down. They couldn't wait to run and pull us on the sleds. They sure love their job! They were very funny! The two in the back were biting and barking at each other while they were running. They were making us go so fast! It was a lot of fun! After this we had a presentation about dog sledding and then we got to hold 2 week old puppies. Those puppies were so adorable! There was also a beautiful creek nearby. This is a great outing for the whole family!

Brian M.

Absolutely loved it! It was the highlight of our trip. My wife and I agree completely.
Our guide, Danny, was wonderful. He picked us up in the shuttle and gave us all some details along the way.

Once we arrive at the camp, we are then loaded on to some very large all road vehicles to take us up the steep dirt road to the dogs. Our driver here is another very friendly guide.

Once we get to the dog teams, they go and bark excitedly. They have all been harnessed together and are eagerly awaiting their run. This where we meet their driver. We go around a trail being pulled by 16 happy dogs.

After this, we head back and get to meet the dogs which will one day pull the sleds. These are younger and very energetic. We are able to touch and hold the babies.

It was absolute delight through and through.

If you find yourself in Alaska and want to do something that you can't do anywhere else, this is THE place to go.

We highly recommend it.

Elaine

We had an amazing time at the Musher Camp sled dog ride excursion! Amy was our driver to base camp & was very informative! Then our 4 x 4 driver took over to get us up to the sled dog camp & that was an adventure on its own! The sled dogs were all hooked up to the carts to pull us which they thoroughly enjoyed! This was our favorite excursion thanks to all but especially Alex who took the time to educate us & allowed us to get to know some of the dogs! Next was puppy time which of course they’re so cute & very well cared for!

Christina D.

There's not a moment that could have been any better. Our knowledgeable tour through town with guide Danny? and his dad jokes, transfer to the beast truck that got up to camp, the sled ride with our team of dogs and musher, and introduction to 3 sets of puppies! Each question was answered with a smile and voice of experience. There was even a iditarod musher that worked there! The store offers memorabilia and an adult option on their hot cocoa.
On the way back there is a scenic stop for pictures and an extra stop if you want to walk through downtown Skagway. I highly suggest walking through town and making a stop at the gallery on the corner. 15 yr national geographic photographer with absolutely amazing prints.

Mary G.

We just visited yesterday. You knocked our socks off. Everyone we encountered was enthusiastic about sharing what they knew about the sled dogs and the environment.
We had so much exposure to the dogs! It would be difficult to tell you our favorite thing. Probably the petting sessions. We petted active sled dogs, dogs in training, retired dogs, and 3 week old puppies. One dog was within hours of giving birth.
And the sled ride was just incredible. Watching 16 dogs working as a team was amazing! At the end of the ride the dogs were rewarded with more pets. I don’t know who was more excited about that.
Thank you for such an unforgettable experience! We will spread the word!

Tom M.

Awesome experience !!! The entire staff was sincerely friendly and you could tell they truly love what they do. Our driver COLLIN was the absolute best ! His extremely knowledgeable narration of the ecosystem was a hidden bonus. And the musher pictured with us below(Scott ? sorry if I forgot your name) we were truly lucky to meet) He was easily one of the most interesting people I met in Alaska. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion. It was the best moments on out Alaska trip.

Melissa P.

This was the excursion we were most looking forward to and they did not disappoint! Hilary, our bus driver and our initial tour guide, is fantastic! She shared great facts, details and stories about Skagway and our drive seemed like it was only 2 minutes. She filled the time nicely. Not that she needed to... The drive was probably the most beautiful bus ride we've ever taken! Saw golden eagles, bald eagles, and a little black bear!! At the camp, the Unimog was a highlight of the trip! Felt like a fabulous off road adventure getting up the mountain. Views were stunning! And we learned a lot during our travel up to the mushers. Our musher, Hannah, and her team of excited and enthusiastic hopping pooches were our favorite part of the trip! It's amazing to hear the dogs all revved up and ready to go! And once they get the ok, they go! We made several laps, while also taking breaks for the dogs to catch their breath. While they're happy to work, they're not used to it in the 76 degree weather we had while we were there. After our laps, we spent some time greeting the dogs, while allowing the shy ones to have their space. After we spent time with the puppies! We met Sam Sailor, who was adorable but a very dramatic yelper. We had a great presentation from a musher, who really gave me a new appreciation for what they do. This excursion was our Alaska highlight! Would do it again if ever given the opportunity!!

Bob F.

This is a great excursion to take. Very well organized,fun and they don’t force you into a gift shop for an hour at the end. It’s all about learning about and experiencing mushing and the dogs

First you go up and go on a trail ride with a team of 16 dogs in a customized summer training sled. These dogs are in “off season training”, with teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Alaska. At the conclusion of the summer (early October-ish) everyone gores back “home” for winter work!

Next is a quick presentation on the history of mushing and the importance of dogs as working animals for the native peoples and on up to today with iditorad and other custom races.

Finally, it’s time to meet some pups. We met some 13 week old dogs and then on to the 3 week old bundles of fur. They were very cute and everyone in our group was encouraged to hold one for a while.

The drivers (talking to you Rose and Tim) who deliver to and from the camp are knowledgeable and humorous (especially if you’re visiting from a cruise ship).

This was a great excursion and something everyone- especially if you’re a dog lover - should do if you’re visiting Skagway (or Alaska).