Dog Sled Adventure

If you’re heading to Fairbanks and craving an authentic taste of Alaska’s traditions, a dog sledding tour with Howling Bay Kennel might be just what you’re after. This experience offers more than just a ride — it’s a chance to connect with the land, the history, and the incredible dogs that make this activity such a beloved part of the state’s culture. With a perfect 5.0 rating from over 160 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this trip memorable, personal, and genuinely fun.

What we love about this tour is how personalized the experience is — you’re not just a face in a crowd; it’s a private tour that allows you to get close to the dogs, learn firsthand from knowledgeable guides, and enjoy scenic views without feeling rushed. Plus, the friendly, well-cared-for dogs seem to genuinely enjoy their work, which makes the whole outing feel warm and authentic. A second highlight is the scenic trail: expect forest views that make you feel like you’re in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.

One thing to keep in mind is that, as with many outdoor activities, weather can impact the experience. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, your tour might be canceled or rescheduled, though you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Also, since this is a private experience capped at six travelers, it’s best to book well in advance — most folks are planning more than a month ahead, on average.

This tour is perfect for those who appreciate a personal touch and want to learn about dog sledding from passionate, caring hosts. It’s suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of mobility who’s ready for an outdoor adventure in winter, but it’s especially great if you’re genuinely interested in the tradition and want to experience it in a small, intimate setting.

Key Points

• Authentic experience with a private, personalized tour.
• Friendly, well-cared-for dogs easily interact with guests.
• Scenic, forested trail views that showcase Alaska’s natural beauty.
• Knowledgeable guides who share insights into sled dog history.
• Expect warmth and hospitality after the ride, with hot cocoa and puppy cuddles.
• Book well in advance — most travelers plan around 54 days ahead.

What Makes This Dog Sled Adventure Stand Out?

This isn’t just a quick ride; it’s an engaging encounter with Alaska’s sled dog culture. When you arrive at Howling Bay Kennel, you’re greeted by a cozy, welcoming environment. The tour begins with getting suited up in gear, and from the moment the dogs are raring to go, there’s a palpable excitement. The 45-minute sled ride takes you through snow-covered forests, offering views that feel straight out of a holiday card. You’re riding with a team of enthusiastic, well-trained dogs that clearly love their work, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.

The guided portion of the tour is where it gets really special. As you pause after the ride, you’re encouraged to thank and pet the dogs, including adorable puppies, which most reviews highlight as a highlight. Visitors consistently comment on the obvious care and respect the owners have for their animals. One reviewer noted, “You can tell Tabitha cares about her dogs and takes great care of them,” which says a lot about the kind of environment you’re stepping into.

Following the outdoor adventure, you’re invited into a geodesic dome for hot chocolate — a cozy way to warm up and reflect on your experience. It’s a small detail, but it really enhances the intimate, welcoming feel of the tour.

The Itinerary: What to Expect Step-by-Step

Start at Howling Bay Kennels: Located on Elliott Highway, this is where your adventure begins. The check-in process involves waiting in a warm dome — a good chance to get comfortable and gather your thoughts before heading out.

Gear Up and Meet the Dogs: Once inside, guides will outfit you in winter gear, making sure you’re prepared for the cold and snow. This part of the experience emphasizes the connection with the dogs — you’ll get to see them get excited, readying for a run.

The Sled Ride: The main event lasts about 45 minutes. As you glide through the snow-blanketed trails, expect serene forest scenery. The guides often share interesting tidbits about Alaska’s land and the history of dog sledding, making this more than just a ride — it’s an educational moment too.

Post-ride Interaction: After the ride, you’ll have time to thank and pet the dogs. Many reviews mention how friendly and affectionate the dogs are, and the opportunity to take photos with puppies is a popular highlight. This part is relaxed — a chance for genuine interaction rather than a hurried photo op.

Warm-up and Reflection: Your experience concludes in the geodesic dome with hot cocoa, chatting with guides, and enjoying the moment. It’s a simple but effective way to end on a cozy note.

Duration and Group Size: The entire activity lasts between 1 to 2 hours, with most of that time dedicated to the ride and interaction. The tour is private, capped at six guests, which means personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Real Deal According to Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, especially Tabitha and Kate, who are described as caring and well-informed. Many mention how the experience feels authentic and intimate, unlike larger commercial tours. As one reviewer put it, “This is a small operation, but I prefer to support a small business,” highlighting the value of personal interaction.

The dogs themselves are repeatedly described as friendly, beautiful, and happy, clearly well-loved by their caretakers. Visitors especially enjoy getting to pet and play with the puppies, making this a memorable highlight for animal lovers.

The scenic trail is another point of praise. Reviewers note the beautiful forest scenery, which adds to the sense of adventure and makes the ride feel truly special.

Most travelers find the price of $168 per person to be reasonable for the personalized, high-quality experience. It’s definitely an activity worth considering if you’re looking to combine outdoor adventure with a cultural lesson, especially since most reviews suggest it exceeds expectations.

Practical Considerations

While the experience is tailored to be enjoyable and safe, keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable. If snow or ice conditions aren’t ideal, the tour might be canceled for safety reasons, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, given the limited spots and popularity.

The activity is suitable for most travelers who are comfortable outdoors and can handle a winter environment. It’s a family-friendly outing, especially since children seem to love petting the puppies and meeting the dogs — but always consider your child’s comfort in cold weather and outdoor conditions.

The Sum Up

If you’re seeking a meaningful, personalized glimpse into Alaska’s dog sledding culture, this tour with Howling Bay Kennel delivers. It’s a mix of adventure, education, and animal interaction that feels genuine and heartfelt. The guides’ knowledge and the friendly dogs create an experience that’s both fun and memorable, making it a standout among outdoor excursions in Fairbanks.

This tour will suit travelers who value small, intimate groups, love animals, and are eager to learn about a true Alaskan tradition. It’s an activity that balances outdoor excitement with authentic storytelling, leaving you with a sense of connection — to the land, the dogs, and the history that makes this experience truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most reviews highlight how much kids, including toddlers, love petting the dogs and meeting the puppies, it’s best to consider your child’s comfort in outdoor cold weather. The experience is friendly and interactive, making it a good choice for families, provided they’re prepared for the winter environment.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour covers a scenic dog sled ride through Alaska’s forests, interaction time with the dogs and puppies, and a warm cup of hot cocoa afterward. The price also includes the gear and gear-up process.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 1 to 2 hours in total. The sled ride itself takes approximately 45 minutes, with additional time for gearing up, petting the dogs, and warming up.

What is the group size?
This is a private tour with a maximum of six travelers, which means a more intimate, personalized experience compared to larger commercial outings.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t safe, it may be canceled, but you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 54 days in advance. Since the experience is popular and limited to small groups, early booking is advisable to secure your preferred time slot.

If you’re after a genuine, heartfelt dog sledding experience in Alaska that combines scenic beauty, animal interaction, and expert storytelling, this tour checks all those boxes. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure — and maybe some warm layers!