Skagway: Yukon Dog Mushing & Sightseeing Tour

If you’re heading to Skagway and want a taste of the true Yukon wilderness, the Yukon Dog Mushing & Sightseeing Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the rugged beauty and cultural heritage of northern Canada. For $209 per person, this 6-hour adventure takes you deep into the Yukon Territory, combining dog sledding with scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and visits to iconic sites like Emerald Lake and the Carcross Desert. The tour is operated by Southeast Tours and departs conveniently from the Southeast Tour desk, a short 10-minute walk from the cruise port.

What we love about this experience is how it strikes a nice balance between excitement and education. First, the dog sledding itself is genuinely thrilling—you get to ride with a team of Alaska Racing Huskies, known for their stamina and speed, which fuels the authentic feel of mushing in the wilderness. Second, the stops along the way are thoughtfully curated; you’ll enjoy stunning scenery and learn from passionate guides who share plenty of interesting facts about the area, wildlife, and mushing.

One possible consideration is that the dog mushing segment can feel a bit rushed—some reviews mention that the actual ride lasts only about 10 minutes instead of the expected 30. If you’re hoping for a longer time with the dogs, that might be a downside. Still, for most travelers, this quick but immersive experience is enough to spark your curiosity and generate lasting memories.

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers, families with children, and anyone eager to combine outdoor activity with cultural insights. If you’re curious about the Iditarod and Canada’s wilderness, this trip offers a taste of both, making it a worthwhile addition to your Skagway itinerary.

Key Points

• Authentic dog sledding experience with premier Huskies
• Wildlife spotting opportunities, including bears, eagles, and moose
• Scenic drives through the Yukon with multiple photo opportunities
• Educational insights from experienced mushing guides
• Visit to Caribou Crossing with a wildlife museum, petting zoo, and lunch
• Includes transportation, puppy time, and visits to Emerald Lake and the Carcross Desert

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Yukon Dog Mushing & Sightseeing Tour

This tour is a well-crafted mix of adventure, scenery, and education, designed to give you a meaningful taste of the Yukon without requiring days of travel. Let’s break down what to expect and why this tour might be just what you’re looking for.

The Departure and Transportation

Starting from the Southeast Tour desk inside Richter’s Souvenir and Popcorn store, the meeting point is straightforward—a short walk from most cruise ships in Skagway. The motorcoach picks you up and whisks you away into the Yukon, and the ride itself becomes part of the experience. Your guide, who some reviews mention as engaging and knowledgeable (like Raymond, who was praised for his humor and binoculars), makes sure you’re comfortable and entertained with stories about the area.

The Scenic Drive

As you leave Skagway, you’ll notice the landscape shifting from lush coastal forests to more rugged, open terrain typical of Yukon. Your driver will point out significant sights, including mountain vistas, waterfalls, and historical landmarks. Stops along the way break up the drive, preventing the journey from feeling monotonous. Many reviewers appreciated the frequent breaks, which allowed for wildlife viewing and photography.

Wildlife Viewing

While the guide can’t guarantee sightings, there are plenty of chances to see bears, sheep, caribou, elk, lynx, fox, eagles, and moose. The landscape itself is wildlife-rich, and the guides’ binoculars are a nice touch, making spotting animals easier. One traveler fondly recalled seeing eagle babies in their nests and a bear, highlighting how surprising wildlife encounters can be.

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The Dog Sledding Experience

The core of the tour is the 30-minute dog mushing adventure. You’ll meet a team of Alaska Racing Huskies—these are the same dogs that race over 1,000 miles in the Iditarod. The guide, a professional musher, explains dog training and the history of the sport. Then, you hop aboard a sled and enjoy a ride through the Yukon wilderness.

Some reviews note that the actual mushing ride is about 10 minutes, not the 30 minutes advertised, which can be disappointing if you’re expecting a longer ride. However, most agree that the experience of riding with such energetic dogs is exhilarating regardless. You’ll learn how the dogs work together, and you might even meet a few puppies at the camp.

The Caribou Crossing Iditarod Training Camp

After the mushing, you stop at the Caribou Crossing camp for lunch and exploration. The camp features a wildlife museum, gift shop, and a petting zoo with goats, mini horses, and alpacas. The lunch, described as simple but tasty, is a highlight—many appreciated the vegetarian options, especially if you prefer lighter fare.

The museum offers a quick look at Arctic animals, and the petting zoo provides a fun break, especially for families. One reviewer was delighted with the “easy but good” food and enjoyed the spicy vegetarian options.

Other Scenic Stops

The tour continues with visits to Emerald Lake and the Carcross Desert—a fascinating area often called the world’s smallest desert. Expect plenty of opportunities for photos and to stretch your legs. These scenic moments are what make trips like this memorable—vast landscapes, sparkling lakes, and the unique desert landscape.

Return to Skagway

The tour wraps up with the return drive, with the guide sharing more stories and answering questions. Most travelers arrive back in port well before the cruise ship departs, providing ample time to explore or relax.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $209 per person, you’re paying for a comprehensive experience that balances adventure, scenery, and education. The inclusion of transportation, lunch, puppy time, and museum access makes it a good value, especially considering the quality of the interactions with the dogs and guides. However, if your main goal is an extended dog sledding ride, you might find the actual mushing portion somewhat brief compared to expectations.

Why Travelers Find This Tour Valuable

Most reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery as key benefits. One traveler called the tour “great” because of the many stops and amazing photo opportunities. Another appreciated the opportunity to learn about the area and the sport of mushing, which adds depth beyond just sightseeing.

Preparing for Your Trip

Bring passport and dress warmly — layers are best since weather can be unpredictable. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking around the scenic stops, and be prepared for some cold weather, especially if the wind picks up during the ride.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits families with children, adventure travelers, and nature lovers eager to see Yukon wildlife and learn about dog mushing. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate a balanced itinerary with scenic drives, wildlife, and outdoor activity all in one package.

If you’re expecting a long, immersive dog sled ride, you might want to manage your expectations, as the actual riding time is relatively short. But if you value professional guides, beautiful landscapes, and a well-rounded day that offers both excitement and education, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation from the Southeast Tour desk to each location is included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about logistics.

How long is the dog sledding ride?
The tour offers a 30-minute mushing adventure, but some reviews mention the actual ride lasts only about 10 minutes, so keep that in mind if you’re hoping for a longer experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your passport for Yukon border crossing, wear comfortable shoes, and dress in warm layers for the outdoor weather.

Is wildlife spotting guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings depend on luck, but your guides are experienced at finding animals and will point out birds and animals if they appear.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?
Yes, many reviewers mentioned enjoying the vegetarian meal, which was described as spicy and satisfying.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, families with children, including a 9-year-old, found it enjoyable. Be aware that the dog mushing segment is brief, but it’s still engaging for kids.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

The Skagway: Yukon Dog Mushing & Sightseeing Tour offers an excellent way to experience the raw beauty and unique culture of the Yukon. It’s perfect for those who want a mixture of outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and scenic exploration, all wrapped into a well-organized six-hour package. While the dog sled ride is shorter than some might hope, the overall experience—especially guided by knowledgeable, personable guides—delivers engaging stories and stunning vistas that make every dollar worthwhile.

This tour will appeal most to adventure travelers, families, and nature enthusiasts eager to learn about dog mushing and see authentic Yukon landscapes. If a quick but authentic taste of the far north sounds like your ideal day, this trip should definitely be on your list.

Ready to explore the Yukon’s wilderness and meet some incredible dogs? This tour combines adventure, scenery, and education in a way that leaves most travelers feeling inspired and connected to the land.

You can check availability for your dates here: