Skagway Shore Excursion: Yukon Dog Sledding and Sightseeing Tour

If you’re heading to Skagway and considering a day trip into the Yukon, this tour offering dog sledding, sightseeing, and wildlife encounters is a popular pick. It’s a full day, about six hours, and designed to give visitors a taste of the rugged beauty and adventure that define Alaska and the Yukon. While it’s not all about adrenaline, it balances scenic driving with fun, interactive activities—and plenty of opportunities for some memorable photos.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines guided commentary with its stops. Your driver/guide isn’t just navigation; they’re sharing insights about the land, the history, and the dogs. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and entrance fees makes it a pretty straightforward package—no surprise costs or planning needed. That said, it’s worth noting that the dog sledding isn’t exactly what you might expect from winter scenes, but more of a fun, educational demonstration with puppies involved.

This tour is well-suited for those who love scenic drives, wildlife, and quick, engaging stops—it’s a good fit for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and hands-on fun. Keep in mind that the tour involves a fair bit of bus riding (about 1.5 hours each way) and some rushed moments at the stops, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace or more time in each spot, you might want to explore other options. But overall, it’s a solid choice if you want to see the Yukon and experience dog mushing without ice or snow.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of sightseeing, wildlife, and dog sledding activities makes this a versatile day trip.
• Includs lunch and entrance fees, making it simple to plan and budget for.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with lively commentary and local insights.
• Short but engaging stop at the Yukon training camp with puppies offers fun photos and petting opportunities.
• Scenic stops like Emerald Lake and White Pass provide excellent photo ops and a taste of Yukon’s natural beauty.
• Rushed schedule at the dog sledding and museum might leave some wishing for more time to explore or interact.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

This tour kicks off at Yukon Heath’s Popcorn Emporium, 480 Broadway in Skagway, bright and early at 9 am, with check-in at least 30 minutes beforehand. The tour then heads out in small buses that hold up to 32 people, which helps keep the atmosphere friendly but can also mean limited space and sometimes a bit of a tight squeeze during busy times.

One of the biggest perks here is that you don’t have to worry about your logistics—lunch, admission fees, and entry to the wildlife museum and petting farm are all included. That means less stress on your part, especially since you’ll need to bring passports and government-issued IDs for re-entry into the US and customs checks at the border.

The Scenic Drive and Stops: What You’ll See

The drive itself is a big part of the fun. Your guide will point out landmarks like the “Welcome to Alaska” sign atop White Pass, which marks the border between the US and Canada. You’ll also pass through Tutshi High and admire the stunning views of the fjord below from Capt Moore’s Suspension Bridge. We loved the way the scenery changes from lush forests to mountain vistas—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking it all in.

The stops are thoughtfully chosen—Emerald Lake is a highlight. As one of the most photographed lakes in the Yukon, it offers a tranquil backdrop with its clear waters and mountain reflections, making it an ideal spot to stretch your legs and grab some photos.

The Yukon Training Camp and Wildlife Encounters

The visit to Caribou Crossing is where the tour really shines. It’s about an hour at the Iditarod training camp, giving you time to explore the wildlife museum, see the petting farm, and most notably, interact with the puppies. Several reviews mention how much fun the puppies are—”the puppies were the favorite,” says one traveler, and many appreciated the chance to pet and play with the young sled dogs.

However, a common point from reviews is that the dog sled ride is not exactly a winter wonderland experience—some describe it as a motorized buggy ride in the summer, which is different from the classic sled pulling you might envision. One reviewer called it a “tourist trap,” but others found it thrilling and moving to see how excited the dogs are to pull the sleds, even if it’s not in snow.

Lunch and Additional Activities

Lunch is included with two options—chicken or vegetarian—and is generally regarded as decent, with some reviews noting it as a highlight. The meal comes with coffee, tea, or water, and is served at the camp or nearby. It’s a laid-back moment to relax and chat about the morning’s sights.

The wildlife museum and petting farm add a bit of variety, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just love animals. The puppies are playful and friendly, and many reviews mention how much fun it was to interact with them.

The Rushed Feel and Time Management

One drawback that pops up in reviews is that the schedule is pretty tight. Travelers often mention that they barely had enough time to enjoy the puppies or explore the museum, let alone take longer photos or relax at each stop. Some reviewers note that the dog sled ride is short, and the stops, though beautiful, feel hurried.

If you’re the type who prefers to linger and absorb the scenery, this may be a downside. But if you enjoy a full, well-paced day with a variety of sights and activities, you’ll probably find this tour covers quite a bit without feeling overly rushed.

Price and Value

At $229 per person, this tour offers a fairly comprehensive package—guided transport, multiple stops, meals, and activities. Comparing it to other excursions, many say it’s good value for the price, especially when considering the all-inclusive nature and convenience of organized logistics. Some reviews even mention that it’s less expensive than similar cruise line tours, which tend to charge a premium for just a fraction of the experience.

While it’s not a full-on dog sledding adventure—more a demonstration—it still delivers on the fun and the unique opportunity to see the Yukon and meet sled dogs in training.

Who Should Consider It?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Yukon scenery and dog mushing without the winter conditions. It’s also great for those who appreciate guided commentary, scenic stops, and wildlife encounters. If you’re traveling with kids or animal lovers, the puppy interaction and petting farm will be a big hit.

But if your ideal trip involves longer, more immersive experiences or more time in each location, you might find this tour a bit rushed and prefer to customize a private trip or look for alternatives.

FAQs

Do I need my passport for this tour?
Yes, bringing your passport or passport card is required because you’ll cross into Canada and back into the US during the trip.

Is the dog sledding experience in snow?
Not necessarily. In September, the sled ride may be in a motorized buggy, which some reviews refer to as a tourist trap, but others found it fun and exciting. It’s more of a demonstration than a winter sled ride.

How long is the drive to the Yukon?
Each way is about 1.5 hours, so you’ll spend roughly three hours on the bus traveling to and from the Yukon. The scenery makes it worth the ride.

Can I interact with the puppies?
Yes, during the visit to the petting farm, you can play with and pet the puppies. However, some reviewers were disappointed they didn’t get to hold or take a puppy home.

Are there vegetarian meal options?
Yes, the included lunch has a vegetarian option available, and your guide will ask about your preference before departing.

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Yes, though some physical activity is involved at stops like petting and exploring the camp. The tour does involve some walking, but nothing overly strenuous.

Final Thoughts

This Yukon dog sledding and sightseeing tour from Skagway offers a well-rounded day of scenic drives, wildlife, and dog team demonstrations. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy guided excursions with a mix of natural beauty and animal encounters, all wrapped into a convenient, all-inclusive package.

While the experience might feel a little rushed at times, the beautiful views, friendly guides, and playful puppies make it a memorable outing. The included lunch and entrance fees add value, and the chance to see the Yukon border, Emerald Lake, and the White Pass is sure to make your day special.

If you’re after a fun, engaging day trip that captures the essence of Alaskan adventure without the need for snow or long winter rides, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Happy travels!