Sled Dog Discovery & Musher's Camp

2.25 hours | Juneau | J N U - 4 4 5
Average Guest Rating
From
$ 169.95

Points of Interest

  • Outdoor Adventures
  • Dog Sledding
Easy activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Did you know that dog mushing is Alaska's official state sport? Once used by Alaskans as a major mode of transportation mushing is now recognized as an international event.

But the training that the four-legged athletes undertake is a fascinating and remarkable experience. Discover the world of the dogs and their handlers with an approximate 2.25-hourexcursion to a musher's camp. Bring your sense of adventure, the kids and a camera to capture each memorable moment.

This is a great opportunity to learn how dogs are kept in shape during the summer months after the long, cold months of winter are over. The Alaska winter dog sledding season usually runs from January through March and sturdy and dependable sled dogs can take an adventurous musher far into the wilderness, across frozen lakes, over mountain passes and along frigid, ice-encrusted coastlines. Only by dog team can a musher see parts of Alaska that are off the beaten trail and unreachable by any other means.

Many of these mushers and their dog teams compete in the renowned Iditarod, a 1000+- mile race that treks through treacherous ice and snow. But long before the Iditarod became world famous, Native Alaskans used dog sleds in their everyday lives to help survive the cold, and to haul food and to pull heavy loads. During the Alaska gold rush, dog sleds were needed to bring much-needed supplies up over the mountain passes and glaciers. And today, dog power is still used throughout Alaska.

The excitement builds as you board your coach at the pier and drive into the Tongass National Forest, home to the largest tracts of rain forest outside of the tropics. Soon, the camp will come into view. Once you disembark you'll meet the musher and his team of Alaskan huskies, the most commonly used breed of sled dog in Alaska.

After your greeting you'll climb into a custom-designed summertime sled and take off on a one-mile run through giant spruce and hemlock trees. Feel the thrill of being pulled by a team of 14 strong dogs while surrounded by Alaska's inspiring beauty. Listen for commands mushers use like "gee" and "haw," which means turn right and left as you make your way along the trail.

Back at camp you'll meet a dog handler and a retired sled dog who'll share knowledge of the special equipment and demonstrate how the dogs are cared for by their mushers and veterinarians.

Then, "ooh" and "aah" over the breathtaking sights as you cross a suspension bridge boasting wonderful views. Then, meet a litter of future competitors - adorable husky puppies. Play with the pups and take a photo before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier, enlightened and charmed by this unforgettable experience.

Special Notes:

Some walking on uneven terrain may be required and ride may be bumpy. Guests must be able to raise their legs 8 inches to accommodate several steps. Sled dog ride covers one mile. In order to participate, children must be able to understand the rules of interaction with the dogs and a parent or guardian must be present to supervise any interaction.

Provided: Rain gear, beverage

Liability waiver is required to be signed in the presence of the tour operator.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children between the ages of 16 and 18 must have a signed parental consent form and provide advance notice to participate without a parent or guardian.

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Transfer from pier to musher's camp

Transport type:
Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
24
Travel time:
00:30
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No

Sled dog ride and meet mushing team

Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No

Mushing presentation and time to cross suspension bridge

Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes

Meet puppies and free time at camp

Time at site:
00:20
Inside visit:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer from camp back to pier

Transport type:
Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
24
Travel time:
00:30
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No