HAL Dog sledding Juneau tours

[js4rq]

Hi, I notice HAL has two dog sledding tours for Juneau, with a price difference of $10pp. Has anyone been on either tour? What were your experiences?

Cheers

 

SLED DOG DISCOVERY & MUSHER'S CAMP
Visit a musher's camp to experience a true Alaskan adventure and support the state sport of dog mushing. You will have a blast on an authentic dog sled ride, meeting and learning from knowledgeable mushers and dog handlers, and playing with the husky puppies.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive deep into the Tongass National Rain Forest on Douglas Island. At the camp, you will be greeted by a musher and a team of Alaskan huskies who seem like they're about to burst with excitement because they know that, once you board the custom-designed wheeled summertime training sled, they get to run. Feel the thrill of being pulled by these strong huskies, and soak in the inspiring beauty as you race down a one-mile trail surrounded by giant spruce and hemlock trees.

After your ride, meet up with a knowledgeable dog handler and a retired sled dog. Together they will demonstrate the impeccable care sled dogs receive from their mushers and veterinarians.

Walk across the suspension bridge overlooking Fish Creek and step into Alaska's wilderness.

Enjoy an interactive presentation about the adventurous races and the equipment required for dog sledding. And last, but certainly not least, meet the adorable husky puppies. The attention you give them is important because it helps to socialize them, and this is essential to their future athletic success.

 

DOG SLED SUMMER CAMP
Learn what it takes to be a musher in the great Iditarod dog sled race with a trip to a dog sled camp. See an exact replica of an Iditarod Race checkpoint, enjoy a thrilling ride behind a team of highly trained Alaskan huskies, then meet and pet adorable camp puppies.

Your adventure begins as you embark on a breathtaking motor coach ride into the remote and scenic Sheep Creek Valley, and to the home of some of the state’s most famous athletes - the huskies that run in the Iditarod. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a real Iditarod musher and his dog team. You’ll tour the camp, visit the replica of an Iditarod Race checkpoint, and go through the steps each musher performs, as if you’re traveling the route with him. Then you’ll climb aboard a comfortable wheeled sled and relax as your husky team whisks you along the 1.5-mile trail through the beautiful landscape. Returning to camp, you’ll get to visit with the dogs, pet the puppies and learn what it's like to live amid 120 happy huskies.

Edited January 21, 2019 by js4rq

[ski ww]

Only we did it out of Skagway, even in the rain it was an interesting tour, would highly recommend it.

[js4rq]

Lovely photos!!

 

Unfortunately our cruise does not go to Skagway, otherwise we would consider doing the dog sledding tour there instead

Edited January 21, 2019 by js4rq

[RuthC]

I took  the first tour you listed and loved every minute of it.
If I had the choice, however, I would take the second tour. I love sports, and would love to have the hands on experience of talking to a musher, and seeing exactly what they go through. It sounds like a much more in-depth tour.

Whichever one you choose, bring along some dog biscuits for the dogs and older puppies (ask permission before giving them out). The dogs will love you, and want to spend their time with you. It's loads of fun.

Have a great time in The Great Land!

[wyobean]

We did one at Denali...we were the only ones there...great time, very informative. Can’t remember who we booked through.

[js4rq]

Thanks for the replies so far. We are doing an one week cruise from Seattle. We are set on going to the glacier for the walks an sights. It looks like Mendenhall Glacier is open until late. But apparently it can take up to an hour one way if you are travelling during the 5-6 rush hour. Dog sledding isn't a must but thought if we have time to do both, we could but it seems we would be pushing it. Thoughts?