Yukon Husky Puppy Play Time & Summit Tour

If you’re thinking about adding a bit of Alaska charm and puppy cuteness to your cruise stop in Skagway, the Yukon Husky Puppy Play Time & Summit Tour might just be worth considering. While I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve gone through the details, reviews, and experiences of others to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What really stands out about this tour are the amazing mountain views during the drive and the opportunity to spend quality time with adorable husky puppies. It’s a tour that combines some stunning scenery and a taste of the local Alaskan culture with a hands-on puppy petting session. But it’s not all just cuddles—there’s a significant drive involved, which might be a consideration for some.

One potential drawback? The tour is quite focused on the scenic journey and the puppy interaction, so if you’re hoping for a sled ride or a more educational experience about dog training, you might find this tour a bit limited. That said, it’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, family-friendly activity that offers plenty of adorable moments and scenic beauty.

This tour appeals to travelers who appreciate good value, love animals, and want to see some of Alaska’s iconic landscapes without a strenuous schedule. It’s especially suited for those with a soft spot for puppies and a desire for a laid-back, visually engaging half-day adventure.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenic stops along the route make this more than just a puppy petting session.
• The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the overall experience.
• The puppy play time is a highlight, with many reviews mentioning how adorable and well-behaved the puppies are.
• The tour includes a drive through scenic areas, with stops for waterfalls and mountain views, adding to the visual appeal.
• Value for money seems high, considering the scenic stops, guided narration, and puppy interaction included.
• Limited sled dog activity: The actual dog sled experience is optional and not included in this tour, which can be a letdown for some.

The Itinerary in Detail

Welcome to Alaska Sign at White Pass

Your adventure kicks off with a quick photo stop at the top of the White Pass and Klondike Highway. This spot offers a fantastic view and is a great way to set the scene for your trip. Expect about 10 minutes here—just enough time to snap some memories and enjoy the expansive vistas.

Scenic Stop at Pitchfork Falls

Next, you’ll pause at Pitchfork Falls, a 2,000-foot cascade that flows into the Skagway River. This is a quick five-minute stop, but it’s a picture-perfect moment. The falls go underneath a historic railroad bridge, adding a bit of old-world charm to the stunning natural scenery.

Exploring Skagway & the Gold Rush

As you head into Canada, your guide will point out landmarks along Broadway and other historically significant buildings. You’ll also learn about the 1896 Gold Rush at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park—an interesting tidbit for those keen on local history.

The Star of the Tour—Tutshi Sled Dog Camp

This is where the magic happens. About 30 minutes are spent at the sled dog camp, where you’ll meet some of the future Iditarod and Yukon Quest champions. The highlight? Playing with the puppies. Many reviews mention how adorable and lively the puppies are, with some even calling it “cuteness overload.” You’ll also get to meet the handlers and learn about how these dogs are raised and trained for racing.

While this part of the tour does not include sled rides or educational talks, it’s still a chance to cuddle puppies, learn about the dog’s athleticism, and understand the work that goes into competitive mushing. One reviewer raved, “Meeting Michelle Phillips and her award-winning dogs was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” emphasizing the quality of the encounters.

Scenic Drive Back with Photo Stops

The return journey offers more opportunities for photos—waterfalls, mountain vistas, and scenic views. Many travelers have praised their guides for capturing great pictures and sharing interesting stories about the landscape and local culture.

What You’ll Love About This Tour

Guides with Knowledge and Personality — Several reviews mention how helpful, friendly, and informative guides are, making the trip more engaging and fun. Noah and Adam, for instance, are repeatedly praised for their enthusiasm and local insights. This personal touch really makes the difference.

Beautiful Landscape & Scenic Stops — From waterfalls to mountain tops, the drive itself is a visual treat. These stops help you appreciate Alaska’s rugged beauty without feeling rushed.

Adorable Puppies & Puppy Therapy — For animal lovers, this is a highlight. The puppies are described as well-behaved and incredibly cute, making it a perfect break from sightseeing. One reviewer summed it up as “cuteness overload.”

Good Value for the Price — At $119 per person, including transportation, scenic stops, and puppy playtime, many find this tour offers a lot for the cost. The reviews support its reputation as a worthwhile and affordable experience.

Things to Keep in Mind

Limited Sled Dog Activities — If you’re hoping to actually ride in a dog sled or get an educational talk about training, this tour doesn’t include that. You might want to consider booking a different or upgraded tour for that experience.

Long Bus Ride into Canada — Some reviews mention a lengthy drive into Canada, which can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re sensitive to bus travel or have kids. Be prepared for a bit of a journey.

Weather & Comfort — The tour operates rain or shine, and some travelers recommend bringing water, bug spray, hats, sunglasses, and a neck fan—especially during warmer months or if traveling in buggy weather.

Group Size & Flexibility — With a maximum of 40 travelers, it’s a reasonably intimate group, which helps with getting photos and interaction. Guides seem eager to accommodate questions and photo requests.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who loves animals, especially puppies, and wants a scenic drive with some photo stops, this is a great pick. It’s perfect for those looking for a relaxed, family-friendly activity that offers a good mix of culture, natural beauty, and adorable moments.

It’s less ideal if you’re hoping for a deep-dive into dog training or sled riding, but if you’re happy with a scenic journey and puppy cuddles, you’ll likely walk away happy. The tour’s good value and positive reviews suggest it’s a popular choice—and for good reason.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship docks are included, making it easy to join without extra hassle.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops, driving, and puppy time.

What is included in the price?
All fees, taxes, guided narration, scenic stops, transportation, and puppy playtime are covered. Snacks are available for purchase.

Are sled rides part of this tour?
No, sled rides or educational discussions are not included but can be booked separately or as upgrades.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate; families seem to enjoy the puppy interactions, but keep in mind the drive can be lengthy.

Can I take photos of the scenery and puppies?
Absolutely, guides are happy to help with photos at various scenic spots and of the puppies.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, water, bug spray, sunglasses, a hat, and possibly a neck fan for warmer days are recommended.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify, so it’s best to contact the tour operator directly for accessibility questions.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent and can be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled due to bad weather.

Final Thoughts

The Yukon Husky Puppy Play Time & Summit Tour offers a friendly, scenic, and animal-filled experience that boasts high marks from travelers. It’s a solid choice for those who want to enjoy Alaska’s landscapes and spend quality time with puppies, all at a reasonable price.

If your main goal is to see beautiful scenery, learn a bit about the area, and interact with some incredibly cute dogs, this tour hits all those marks. Just be aware of the long drive and the fact that sled rides are optional and not part of this experience.

Overall, it’s a relaxed, enjoyable outing that many travelers recommend, especially if you’re visiting Skagway for the first time and want a taste of Alaska’s charming wilderness and furry friends.