Summer Dog Sled Ride and Kennel Tour

A Unique Taste of Alaska’s Sled Dog Spirit in Summer

When thinking about dog sledding, images of snowy landscapes and winter adventures often come to mind. But in Talkeetna, Alaska, you can enjoy the thrill of a summer dog sled ride and kennel tour—a rare opportunity to see these incredible dogs in action when there’s no snow. This experience offers a blend of education, hands-on fun, and stunning scenery that’s perfect for families, animal lovers, or anyone curious about the artistry of mushing.

What we love about this tour is how approachable it makes the sport of mushing. You’ll learn directly from guides about the dogs’ history and purpose, pet adorable puppies, and even get a quick, scenic ride—without the winter chill. The small group size guarantees personalized attention, and the chance to cuddle puppies is a definite highlight. A potential consideration? The activity involves outdoor time and weather-dependent conditions, so dressing appropriately is key. Overall, it’s an engaging, family-friendly experience ideal for those wanting an authentic connection to Alaska’s sled dog culture.

Good To Know

• Educational and fun: Learn about mushing and see the dogs in their element.
• Hands-on interaction: Pet puppies and enjoy a kennel tour.
• Scenic ride: Experience a summer dryland sled in a cozy vehicle with great photo ops.
• Small group: Limited to five participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Family friendly: Suitable for children over 2 years old, with cuddling opportunities (if available).
• Weather-dependent: Duration and route may vary based on conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect from the Summer Dog Sled Ride and Kennel Tour

Thinking about what makes this tour stand out? Let’s break down what each step involves, what you’ll see, and why it’s worthwhile.

Starting with Education: Learning About Mushing

Right at the beginning, your guides — experienced mushers from Susitna Sled Dog Adventures — will introduce you to the ins and outs of dog sledding, emphasizing why these dogs love to run and how they’re trained. This isn’t just a quick spiel; it’s a detailed look into the sport, perfect for understanding the deep connection between mushers and their canine teams. The guides are known for being approachable, making it easy to ask questions or share your admiration for these incredible animals.

The Summer Ride: A Unique Perspective

The main activity is a guided dryland sled ride in a cozy 5-passenger vehicle. Unlike winter sleds, this vehicle is powered by a powerful engine, helping the dogs navigate the terrain comfortably. Because it’s summer, the ride length ranges from 0.5 to 2 miles, keeping the pups cool and happy.

What’s particularly interesting about this part is the opportunity to see the dogs in harness, dressed in their winter gear—something you might only see during actual snow seasons. During the ride, you’ll get multiple photo stops and the chance to switch seats to enjoy different views, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling with a group or family. Reviewers have shared that the ride is fun and engaging, even if brief, and the scenery in Talkeetna is a charming backdrop to this activity.

The Kennel Tour and Puppy Cuddling

After the ride, the fun continues at the kennel. You’ll be invited to walk around and interact with the dogs as they frolic freely in the yard—an experience many guests find heartwarming. The kennel tour gives you a behind-the-scenes peek at the dogs’ daily routines.

One highlight is the dog demo, where a dog dressed in harness and winter gear demonstrates how sled dogs are prepared and what equipment is used. Reviewers mention how lively and friendly the dogs are, making it a perfect setting for animal lovers. If puppies are available, you’ll have the chance to cuddle the next generation of sled dogs—a moment that often leaves visitors with lasting memories.

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The Details That Matter

Duration and Group Size

This 2-hour tour strikes a good balance, providing enough time to enjoy all aspects without feeling rushed. The small group limit of 5 participants means you’ll get plenty of personal attention from guides, making the experience more interactive and tailored.

Price and Value

At $185 per person, the cost might seem steep for a short activity, but when you consider the in-depth learning, personal interactions, and the exclusive nature of small group experiences, it’s quite reasonable. Plus, the inclusion of photo opportunities and puppy cuddling adds extra value, especially for animal enthusiasts.

Weather and Clothing

Since this is an outdoor activity, dressing appropriately is essential. Guests are advised to wear warm clothing, closed-toe shoes, and clothes that can get dirty—a sensible suggestion considering the activity involves petting dogs and standing in an outdoor kennel. Weather can influence the ride length and route, so flexibility and a good attitude are recommended.

Accessibility and Suitability

Designed for travelers over 2 years old, this experience is family-friendly. However, very young children or those with mobility issues should check with the provider directly. Also, since it’s outdoor, the experience can be affected by rain or chilly weather, so packing extra layers is a good idea.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This summer dog sled ride and kennel tour offers a rare chance to connect with Alaska’s sled dog culture in a warm-weather setting. Unlike winter tours that focus solely on snow-covered trails, this experience emphasizes education, animal interaction, and scenic views. It’s ideal for families, animal lovers, or anyone curious about the sport of mushing without the winter chill.

The personalized nature of a small group, coupled with the chance to pet puppies and see the dogs in their harness, makes it both entertaining and meaningful. Plus, the opportunity to learn from guides who are passionate about dogs and mushing adds depth to the experience.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re traveling with children aged 2 or older, this is a fantastic family activity that combines fun, education, and adorable animals. It’s perfect for those who want a hands-on experience, not just a sightseeing tour. Animal enthusiasts and anyone interested in Alaska’s culture will find this tour engaging and authentic. Finally, if you enjoy scenic rides and close-up wildlife encounters, this experience offers plenty of both.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is transportation to the activity included?
No, transportation to and from the activity is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own or check if your accommodation offers transfers.

How long is the total activity?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, but the exact timing may vary depending on weather conditions.

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $185 per person, offering a good balance of education, interaction, and scenery for the price.

Can I participate if I’m not in good physical shape?
Yes, this tour is suitable for most people, as it involves being outdoors and in a vehicle. However, standing or walking at the kennel may require some mobility.

Are children under 2 years old allowed?
No, this experience is not suitable for children under 2 years old.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly, bring a camera for photos, and wear clothes that can get dirty. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Is there an opportunity to cuddle puppies?
Yes, if puppies are available, you will have a chance to cuddle them after the tour.

What languages are guides available in?
The activity is conducted in English.

What happens if weather cancels the activity?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so it’s flexible if weather doesn’t cooperate.

Is the experience suitable for large groups?
No, it is limited to small groups of up to five people, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.

To sum it up, the Summer Dog Sled Ride and Kennel Tour in Talkeetna provides a charming and authentic glimpse into Alaska’s sled dog culture, even in the warmer months. It’s an ideal choice for families, animal lovers, or anyone eager to learn about mushing beyond winter. With its combination of scenic rides, close animal interaction, and expert guides, it’s a memorable experience that blends education with fun—making it well worth considering for your Alaskan adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: