Dogsled ride in Fairbanks: Sled through boreal forest

A morning run on the runners behind a team of sled dogs

A dogsled tour in Fairbanks takes you on a 45-minute ride through snow-covered boreal forest with a guide from Howling Bay Kennel, a small family operation that runs only two departures daily. You'll meet the dogs before and after the run, pet the puppies, and finish with hot chocolate in a heated dome. Small groups and solo travelers are welcome. The kennel accommodates families and can arrange double bookings for guests over the weight limit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dogsled ride and dog interaction

• Arrive and get outfitted in gear
• Enjoy 45-minute dogsled ride
• Thank and take pictures with dogs
• Pet dogs and puppies
• Warm up with hot chocolate

The experience

You arrive at the kennel and get outfitted in cold-weather gear. The dogs are already harnessed and restless. This is what they were bred for. Once you're settled in the sled, the team takes off into the forest, and for the next 45 minutes you're moving through the landscape the way Alaskans did for generations. The boreal forest closes in around you, quiet except for the runners and the dogs' breathing. Your guide travels with you and shares the history of Chatanika and the role these dogs played in building the towns and villages around Fairbanks.

Back at the kennel, you spend time with the team: thanking them, taking photos, petting the adults and the puppies. The guides are owners here, not staff cycling through, so they know each dog individually and can tell you about them. After you've warmed up with hot chocolate in the geodesic dome, you're done. The whole experience runs between one and two hours from arrival to departure.

What’s included

• Guided dogsled ride through boreal forest.
• cold-weather gear.
• time with the sled dogs and puppies before and after the run.
• photographs.
• hot chocolate in the geodesic dome.

Options for this experience

2 options

Dogsled adventure starting at 11 amGuide in English · Available from 15 Nov · 11:00Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. The total tour lasts 1.5 to hours, with approximately 45 minutes on the dog sled and plenty of time to meet the friendly four-legged family. Hot chocolate and other hot drinks are included.

Dogsled Adventure 11amGuide in English · Available from 15 Nov · 11:00Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. The total tour lasts 1.5 to hours, with approximately 40 minutes on the dog sled and plenty of time to meet the friendly four-legged family. Hot chocolate and other hot drinks are included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 11:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Howling Bay Kennel

Is this one for you?Book the 11am departure if you're arriving in Fairbanks in the morning and want to spend your first afternoon on the runners rather than adjusting to the cold from inside. The small group size and owner-led format mean you get the dogs' full attention and the kennel's own knowledge of the forest and the history behind it, not a scripted route.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual dogsled ride?

The sled ride itself is approximately 45 minutes through the boreal forest. The full visit, including gear setup, time with the dogs before and after, photos, and hot chocolate, runs between one and two hours total.

What's included in the dogsled tour?

The tour includes the guided sled ride, all cold-weather gear, time to pet and photograph the dogs, and a cup of hot chocolate in the heated geodesic dome afterward.

Can I bring my family or go solo?

The kennel welcomes families with children, large groups, and single travelers. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, or sit on an adult's lap. For groups over six people, contact Howling Bay Kennel directly through their website to arrange your booking.

What's the weight limit for the dogsled?

The standard weight limit is 225 pounds clothed per guest. If you exceed that but meet the physical requirements and can participate comfortably, the kennel may accommodate you as a single rider for a double booking fee. Contact them directly to discuss your situation.

What time do the tours depart?

The kennel offers two tour slots per day to keep groups small and give everyone ample time. Contact the kennel directly for your exact start time and to confirm availability for your preferred departure.

Is this tour suitable if I have mobility concerns?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries due to the motion of the sled. If you have specific concerns about your mobility or health, contact the kennel before booking.