Sled Dog Adventure & Musher's Camp® in Skagway Alaska — Local services in Alaska

Let me start by saying that up until the end, my family had a great time at Sled Dog Musher’s camp. Meeting the dogs and speaking with the mushers would have been a highlight of our entire trip, so far. However in addition to dog sledding, our package included S’more Roasting and Gold Panning. The kids enjoyed the s’mores and thought it was fun to roast marshmallows with actual sticks. The gold panning was super fun for our 10-yr old.

The problem came as we were leaving the property. Our group was loaded on to our bus at which time the manager, Robert, boarded our bus to angrily inform us that a pan was missing from the gold panning station. He asked if any of us had it or knew where it was. We did not. So then, he proceeded to use scare tactics to tell us he would search our bags and report us to the ship and that the last time this happened the person was banned from the cruise line, banned from all cruise lines that travel to Skagway and from Skagway itself— for life. My kids were very upset. He proceeded to march through the bus searching everyone’s bags, and when he DID NOT find the pan he took out his small notebook and announced he was reporting our entire group to the cruise line.

We were not the only group in that area. There were many many groups on the mountain and around that gold panning site other than our group. It seemed extreme and soured the entire experience. We had 5 additional hours to spend in Skagway, and we tried to make the most of our afternoon but ultimately our kids and myself were so upset by the treatment and experience, we skipped spending time in the town and went back to the ship. We would never recommend or return to a place that treated us with such disrespect especially over a $20 pan we did not take. I understand it was missing and needed to be addressed, but the WAY in which it was done was demeaning and frightening for myself and children. I’ve included photos of the fun part of the day. So, IF you go, stick with the pups and...

This was the excursion we were most looking forward to and they did not disappoint! Hilary, our bus driver and our initial tour guide, is fantastic! She shared great facts, details and stories about Skagway and our drive seemed like it was only 2 minutes. She filled the time nicely. Not that she needed to... The drive was probably the most beautiful bus ride we've ever taken! Saw golden eagles, bald eagles, and a little black bear!! At the camp, the Unimog was a highlight of the trip! Felt like a fabulous off road adventure getting up the mountain. Views were stunning! And we learned a lot during our travel up to the mushers. Our musher, Hannah, and her team of excited and enthusiastic hopping pooches were our favorite part of the trip! It's amazing to hear the dogs all revved up and ready to go! And once they get the ok, they go! We made several laps, while also taking breaks for the dogs to catch their breath. While they're happy to work, they're not used to it in the 76 degree weather we had while we were there. After our laps, we spent some time greeting the dogs, while allowing the shy ones to have their space. After we spent time with the puppies! We met Sam Sailor, who was adorable but a very dramatic yelper. We had a great presentation from a musher, who really gave me a new appreciation for what they do. This excursion was our Alaska highlight! Would do it again if ever given the...

This was a once in a lifetime, amazing experience that I highly, highly recommend! We were on a Silversea cruise and the Sled Dog Adventure & Musher’s Camp was an excursion offered in Skagway. It was PHENOMENAL!

We had Maggie as our guide to the camp, and she entertained us on the bus ride there and back with pointing out local landmarks, fun facts about Alaska, and of course - the puppies! Maggie did such a fantastic job answering our questions and taking the time to show us the sights around the camp. She really made the experience special.

Getting to ride on the cart with the dogs in training was amazing! The dogs were so excited to see us and to mush, mush, mush! We got to say hello to them and learn things about how they train and the commands used. It was really fun and it was very clear the mushers and staff really care for the dogs. I also really loved how they take care of the retired dogs and how they get adopted out. These are real dog lovers taking the very best care of them. We even got to meet a musher that won the Iditarod!

Towards the end, we were able to visit the puppies and cuddle with them, and see some of their training equipment at “Dogwarts!” Socializing with the puppies was just the best!

This experience is a must see and do in Skagway. Thanks to AlaskaX and to Maggie for an...