Chena Outdoor Collective- Reindeer & Sled Dogs — Attraction in Alaska

We got here on Saturday and booked the Chena Outdoor Collective’s Reindeer walk. We got there for our appointment and Boon and Charlotte- two beautiful huskies welcomed us along with Tucker, our guide, who was so nice and exuding warmth on that sunny but cold chilly day. He explained to us about the different reindeer and caribou in the region, how they’ve migrated and historic data about these animals. He let us touch and feel all the reindeer antlers and fur. We learnt about the males and females, the way they develop antlers and their varying sizes. It was amazing! Then Tucker- our amazing guide lead the way along with Charlotte, the husky as we headed towards the reindeer and that’s where we met Pilot, Iyke and Jonsie- the very first reindeer we would be meeting in our lives. And it was absolutely wonderful. They were so gentle and playful at the same time, nibbling away at the lichen that we were feeding them. Tucker handed over the reins of the reindeer so we could take them out on a walk while we learnt about each of these reindeer and their journeys, while charlottes sprinted around us playing with the reindeer. It was such a warm sunny day with the warmest people and reindeer and husky! The animals look like they’ve been treated very well and Tucker answered all our questions about them. We got back and met Kaitlyn who also shared details about the reindeer and they both additionally gave us recommendations about where to see the northern lights. Folks here are really so friendly! Also, our guide Tucker doubled up as our photographer and captured some of the best photographs of our trip! And he offered to do it. We didn’t have to worry about that at all. We simply loved our experience and we would highly recommend this experience to anyone who’d come to Fairbanks/Chena region. It is so worth the price and more! What I particularly like is how they are enjoying doing their job and how they are trying their best to make this experience great for us. It is absolutely worth the money. Definitely would recommend. Thank you Tucker!! And double thumbs up for Chena Outdoor collective....

One of the highlights of our trip to Fairbanks! Kalyn (human) and Boone (canine companion) took us on a metaphorical walk through the history of caribou and reindeer before taking us on an actual walk through the forest with Sailor and Pilot (reindeer whose names I kept getting wrong but hopefully got right in this review). I’m a nerdy academic type who loves learning cultural and natural history as it gives context and meaning to present-day events and practices, so I really enjoyed the educational piece!

One thing that I highly value is knowing that animals are treated respectfully and humanely. It was easy to see that Chena Outdoor Collective takes great care with their animal husbandry. There were zero signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. On the contrary, it was very clear that the pup and the reindeer were all happy and healthy creatures!

The gift shop inside of the yurt had a lovely variety of hand-crafted items made by local artists, many of whom are Alaska Native. This was also important to me; to be able to buy from Indigenous and local creators with local materials (like bone, antler and wood), instead of imported, machined, plastic stuff.

Things to know before you go: Book your tour in advance. It’s super easy to do on the website and we were able to book only a couple of days in advance. Layer up as it’s warm in the yurt but chilly outside. Also: reindeer are sorta like chubby, fluffy deer with huge antlers (they’re about 350lbs each), so, be careful and aware while you’re walking them, but have fun! (And depending on when you go, they may or may not have their antlers.)

We had a great time on our private tour. It’s something I’d definitely do again. I highly recommend Chena...

I was looking for dog mushing and came across Chena Outdoor Co. The reviews I read were stellar and decided to give it a shot because it was a smaller company. I'm glad I chose Chena Outdoor Co. because I had ample time to bond with the huskies before going on the dog mushing. Our guide was very knowledgeable, social and enthusiastic. The huskies were also very friendly and would even jump up to try and hug you once you approach them. The huskies (Bonnie, Clyde, Beasley, Tuna, Spit, Fox, King Louie, Bowser, Fly, and Cheddar) were well trained, mannered, friendly and overall excited to run. The dogs looked really healthy and well fed. One of the reason they are so healthy is because these huskies are the owners' own puppies and are treated as family.

After the dog mushing, we went in the yurt to warm up and play with both Cartel and Boone. For 8/9 year old dogs, they were really active and alert.

After warming up in the yurt with Cartel and Boone, we learned about the difference between reindeer and caribou with Kalyn. After a knowledgeable explanation, we went to walk the reindeers through a snowy forest (Boone wanted to join us). Sappho and Pilot, the reindeers were both cute and had a huge appetite. Throughout the walk Kalyn took amazing photos of us and talked more about the reindeers that she owned.

Overall, this was the highlight of my trip to Fairbanks and if given the option I would 100% book with them again. If I could I would give Chena Outdoor Collective more than 5 stars for the amazing hospitality and...