We are pleased to present our comprehensive guide, "Best Dog Sledding in Fairbanks, Alaska." With over 15 dog sledding operators in the Fairbanks area, selecting the right one for your adventure can seem daunting.
Dog sledding is not just a recreational or sporting activity; it is an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Fairbanks region. The resilient and hard working sled dog has played a crucial role in shaping this area, traversing the challenging Alaskan landscape and serving as reliable transportation and companions even in the harshest of conditions. This guide will help you explore the best dog sledding tours in Fairbanks, simplifying your decision-making process, and ensuring that your immersion into the Alaskan tradition is both safe, ethical, and unforgettable.
This post is divided into three sections based on your specific interests and needs.
Not going to Fairbanks?
You might be interested in reading our comprehensive list of all Dog Sled Tour Operators in Alaska.
Best Half-Day Dog Sledding Tours in Fairbanks
Half-day tours will typically run between 30 minutes up to 2 hours of mushing. These tours offer an excellent opportunity to dip your toes in and determine whether mushing is the right sport for you.
Not sure what you should wear on a mushing tour? Consider reading our post “What to wear Dog Sledding in Alaska”
Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
Embark on an authentic Alaskan mushing adventure by driving your own dog team! Best suited for those who enjoy hands-on activities, you'll play an active role in your adventure, driving your own team of 4-6 Siberian Huskies along 6 miles of stunning trails in the hills north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
This experience lasts 2-3 hours from arrival to departure, with at least 1 hour dedicated to sledding. Additional time may be spent on instruction, engaging with the dogs, and capturing memories on the trail.
We provide cold weather gear and no prior mushing experience is necessary.
Tour Offerings:
The Mushing Co-op
This cooperative of local Two Rivers dog mushers offers Half Day Dog Sledding Tours on the Yukon Quest trail. Here, guests meet their dog team, and learn about their backgrounds before sitting in a snug basket and venturing through snow-capped riverside forests.
Post-adventure, guests can relax in a Mongolian yurt, sipping hot cocoa or tea while waiting for the Northern Lights. The Mushing Coop offers a unique, safe, and thrilling journey into the heart of Alaska.
Tour Offerings:
Black Spruce Dog Sledding
Black Spruce Dog Sledding, owned by Jeff and KattiJo Deeter, offers an immersive experience in the world of dog mushing. Seasoned Iditarod finishers, both owners bring their expertise and passion to create an unforgettable adventure.
At the kennel, visitors are educated with engaging tours where they can meet the remarkable dogs, gain insights into the art of mushing, and even have the chance to drive a tag sled. In summer, the excitement continues with tours on wheels. Guests also have the opportunity to interact with adorable puppies and the gear and equipment used for winter sledding.
Tour Offerings
Douglas Fir Mushing
Douglas Fir Mushing, based in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a dog racing team run by Mandy Nauman Austin and Matt Austin. Home to 28 dogs, including veterans, puppies, and retirees, the team thrives on strong bonds and trust. Mandy's passion for mushing ignited in Minnesota, while Matt, originally from Southern California, fell in love with Alaska and the sport. Together, they've built a homestead with their dogs and offer a unique experience in the world of dog mushing.
Tour Offerings
Sirius Sled Dogs Rescue (operated in partnership with Sluice Box Sled Dogs)
As a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit, every tour you book with Sirius Sled Dogs contributes to their rescue efforts! For years, Sirius has been dedicated to rescuing and rehoming sled dogs and puppies. Annually, they provide foster care and find loving homes for up to 50 dogs. Now, with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, they can expand their impact, aiding more dogs and the community through spaying and neutering, veterinary care, education, and training initiatives.
Tour Offerings
Alaska Sampler (½ mile dog sled mush or ride and reindeer visit)
Ridge Top Tour to drive your own dog team.
Trailbreaker Kennel
Founded by renowned mushers David Monson and Susan Butcher, Trail Breaker Kennel has been a premier racing kennel since 1981. This long offers an immersive experience into the world of mushing.
Visitors can join a musher for a thrilling sled dog ride, learn about the Iditarod and Yukon Quest races, and even cuddle with puppies. Tekla Monson, David and Susan's daughter, continues the family legacy as the Creative Director and a competitive musher herself. Trail Breaker Kennel not only introduces guests to the lifestyle of mushing but also the breathtaking beauty of Alaskan trails.
Tour Offerings
Best Full-Day Dog Sledding Tours
Full-day tours offer an exceptional opportunity for those who wish to delve deeper into the world of dog sledding while immersing themselves in the snowy landscape of Fairbanks, Alaska. These tours typically span 4-6 hours, providing ample time for participants to learn the intricacies of mushing their own dog team.
A full day program is comprehensive and includes teaching you how to harness your team correctly, understand essential commands, and foster a bond with your canine companions. Following this initial training, participants are usually given the opportunity to drive their dog team through the local trails for 3+ hours. This hands-on experience provides a unique insight into the sport of dog sledding, as well as promoting responsible dog ownership and the importance of ethical treatment of sled dogs.
Not sure if you should bring your kids on a full-day tour? Consider reading our post “Can I bring my kids dog sledding in Alaska”
Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
Founded in 2016 by Iditarod musher Lisbet Norris and wildlife biologist Nils Pedersen, third-generation mushers with deep expertise and a strong commitment to ethical dog mushing practices, Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is Alaska's first certified ecotourism dog sledding company.
Join them for a full-day ‘drive your own’ dog team mushing experiences. This is the ultimate Alaskan dog sledding adventure - you drive your own team of Siberian Huskies on an immersive dog sledding tour! No prior mushing experience is necessary.
This 6-7 hour dog sledding experience includes all cold weather gear, lunch, and ~4 hours on the dog sled. On a 13-15 mile trip through beautiful old growth forest and hoarfrost covered ridges, we offer extra time for teaching, bonding with the dogs, capturing pictures on the trail, and enjoying the delights of a campfire lunch.
Fire Walker Kennel
Nestled in the heart of North Pole, Alaska, Fire Walker Kennel is a haven for dog-lovers and adventure-seekers alike. This unique kennel, run by Oliver and Maria Rammersbach, invites you to step into the shoes of a Musher and steer a team of majestic Alaskan Malamutes through a snowy wonderland. It's not just about the ride; it's about absorbing the beauty of Alaska, understanding these remarkable dogs, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Oliver's 25 years of experience ensures a safe and rewarding journey. After your adventure, meet the adorable puppies and the four-legged athletes that made your experience possible.
Tour Offerings
Paws for Adventure Kennel
Embark on an unforgettable adventure by learning to mush your own sled dog team! Join Paws for Adventure, where they've been sharing the art of mushing with expertise since 1998.
This thrilling escapade invites participants to learn to handle their personalized 3-5 dog team under expert guidance in a secure environment. Following comprehensive instructions and practice sessions alongside a seasoned musher, brace yourself for a spirited 6-8 mile Fun Run. Traverse meticulously groomed trails that wind through sprawling open fields and intertwining Spruce forests.
Tour Offerings
Best Multi-Day Dog Sledding Adventures Fairbanks, Alaska
Multi-Day Mushing Expeditions offer an optimal choice for those eager to dive deep into the captivating lifestyle of dog sledding. These tours provide a unique chance to challenge oneself in the remote Alaskan wilderness, while concurrently discovering locations that are typically visited only in winter. Such locales include the Arctic Brooks Range and far-flung areas in Denali National Park.
The length of these tours can vary significantly, ranging from short overnight adventures to more extensive journeys that can last seven days or more. The latter offers the opportunity to explore destinations seldom reached by others, contributing to the unique appeal of these experiences.
Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
Us! Arctic Dog Adventure Co. We are a great option if you are looking to go deep into the Alaskan wilderness and want to spend many hours each day dog sledding. Each trip is designed by 3-time Iditarod finisher Lisbet Norris, and is meticulously thought out to maximize your comfort and confidence.
Lisbet has been running dogs in Alaska for over 30 years and planning multi day expeditions for 15+ years. So if you are looking to fully immerse yourself in the sport of dog sledding and want to learn and experience as much as possible while doing so.
If this sounds like something that would interest you, we highly encourage you to check out our list of multi-day dog sledding expeditions or reach out directly to Lisbet and start planning your dog sledding adventure today.
Tour Offerings:
Chena Outdoor Co-Op
Chena Outdoor Co. offers a diverse range of dog sledding and reindeer tours. Experience the thrill of private expeditions, where you can get up close and personal with Alaskan Huskies, or opt for shorter rides for a quick adventure.
Their exceptional 3-day Chena River Valley Expedition invites you to camp in cozy Arctic Oven tents and marvel at the breathtaking aurora. During a sled dog demo, visitors have the opportunity to meet and interact with the incredible Iditarod and Yukon Quest race dogs. Led by seasoned mushers, this company guarantees a safe and immersive Alaskan experience.
Join them for an unforgettable journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Alaska.
Tour Offerings:
Dew Claw Kennel
Dew Claw Kennel, led by champion mushers Dan Kaduce and Jodi Bailey, offers an extraordinary Alaskan adventure. Both guides are veterans of the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest and Iditarod sled dog races, and their team of Alaskan Huskies, bred and trained for long-distance mushing, are eager to demonstrate their capabilities.
The adventure begins with a gear check and mushing orientation at Dew Claw Kennel before heading out on the trail for breathtaking views. Guests can relax at camp, enjoying home-cooked meals around the campfire and a cozy night's sleep in heated Arctic tents. For those seeking a more intensive experience, Dew Claw offers Mushing Boot Camps, tailored to individual goals and ranging from 3-7 days.
Trip Offerings
Alaska Homestead Adventures
Immerse yourself in an exclusive winter escapade at the Alaska Homestead Adventures bespoke wilderness homestead, nestled just south of Fairbanks, Alaska. Experience the charm of cozy log cabin living while indulging in a plethora of activities - from dog sledding and aurora gazing to winter camping, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and arts and crafts.
Jenna and David pride themselves on treating their guests like cherished friends, ensuring every detail is taken care of for a truly relaxing and enjoyable vacation. Indulge in hearty home-cooked meals, cozy lodging, expertly-guided adventures, hand-made gear, and seamless transportation - all included in your package. Each journey is meticulously tailored to suit your unique interests.
Trip Offerings
Choosing the perfect dog sledding tour in Fairbanks, Alaska is an exciting challenge. Whether it's a half-day, full-day, or multi-day expedition, the options are diverse and offer something for everyone. Remember, dog sledding is not just a sport but a significant part of Alaskan culture. Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the best dog sledding tours in Fairbanks, it's time to start planning your adventure.
But, before you do, we highly recommend you check out our other post on the 'What to Expect When Dog Sledding in Alaska'. This guide will provide you with valuable insights into how to prepare, what the experience will be like, and answers common dog sledding FAQ’s. So, go ahead and immerse yourself in the rich tradition of dog sledding and make your Alaskan adventure a truly unforgettable one.
Not traveling to Alaska in the winter but still want to try dog sledding? Check out our post about Summer Dog Sledding in Alaska.