Seward, AK Ididaride Dog Mushing Tour Chosen as one of Alaska's top 20 attractions, a must do for all Alaska visitors.
Your Seward Dog Sled adventure begins with a two-mile dog sled ride. Feel the power, excitement, and energy of sled dogs as they are harnessed to the comfortable wheeled dog sled. Upon returning to the kennel you'll tour the Seavey's family kennel facilities, laugh as a guest is dressed up as an Iditarod musher, and cuddle adorable husky puppies. Your guides are all Iditarod racers, and offer a delightfully humorous, behind-the-scenes look at the Seavey family's training for the most demanding dog mushing race on earth, the Iditarod.
The Real Alaska Tour
Seward, Alaska
This Seward tour package features all the attractions that truly make Alaska the Greatland. First, your guide shows you the sights of Seward. Learn why Seward was known as "the Gateway to Alaska" and "Mile 0" of the Iditarod Trail. See first-hand the effects of the 1964 Earthquake. Then, head out to Exit Glacier and enjoy a short walk along the nature trail that takes you to the face of the glacial ice. Watch for mountain goats, moose and bears. A hearty lunch will be served before you travel to the Seavey homestead and experience IdidaRide's Sled Dog tour. At the end your driver will return you to your hotel, cruise ship or the Alaska Railroad depot. All local transportation and lunch are included in this package.
Skagway, Alaska (SKAG-way)
Recommend Activities and Tours • Lodging • Recommend Reading
Current Population: 8,833 (2006) Borough Located In: Municipality of Skagway Taxes: 4% Sales Sales; 8% Bed
Location and Climate Skagway is located 90 miles northeast of Juneau at the northernmost end of Lynn Canal, at the head of Taiya Inlet. It lies 108 road miles south of Whitehorse, just west of the Canadian border at British Columbia.It lies at approximately 59.458330° North Latitude and -135.313890° West Longitude (Sec. 11, T028S, R059E, Copper River Meridian). The area encompasses 452.4 sq. miles of land and 11.9 sq. miles of water. Skagway experiences a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 45 to 67; winter temperatures average 18 to 37. Within the shadow of the mountains, Skagway receives less rain than is typical of Southeast Alaska, averaging 26 inches of precipitation per year, and 39 inches of snow.
History, Culture and Demographics
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Skaqua Traditional Council. The population of the community consists of 5.1% Alaska Native or part Native. Skagway is predominantly a tourist community, with historical Tlingit influences. Downtown buildings have been colorfully restored to reflect the history of the gold rush through the Chilkoot Pass. During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 502, and vacant housing units numbered 101. Vacant housing units used only seasonally numbered 47. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 478 residents as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 14.1 percent, although 32.2 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $49,375, per capita income was $27,700, and 3.69 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.
Economy and Transportation
The tourist industry flourishes in Skagway, as a port of call for cruise ships and a transfer site for rail and interior bus tours. Approximately 1 million cruise ship passengers, RV traffic, and numerous State ferry travelers visit Skagway each year. The Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park and White Pass and Yukon Railroad are major attractions. An Economic Impact Study conducted by the City of Skagway in 1999 found that 51% of the owners of visitor-related businesses are not year-round residents. Trans-shipment of lead/zinc ore, fuel and freight occurs via the Port and Klondike Hwy. to and from Canada. Four residents hold commercial fishing permits.
The Klondike Highway and Alaska Highway provide a connection through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory, Canada, to the lower 48 states or north to Interior Alaska. Skagway is accessed by air, road, water, and rail services. The State owns the 3,550' long by 75' wide paved runway and a seaplane base at the boat harbor, with scheduled air taxis. Skagway receives regular State ferry and barge services. A breakwater, ferry terminal, cruise ship dock, small boat harbor, boat launch, and boat haul-out are available. The White Pass and Yukon Route Company owns two deep draft docks for cargo loading and storage. Freight arrives by barge, ferry and truck.
Skagway Visitor Information and Recommend Activities and Tours
Skagway Lodging, Hotels and Bed & Breakfast
Recommend Reading
Backcountry Safaris P.O. Box 1397 • Seward, Alaska USA 99664 1-907-222-1632 or toll-free 1-877-812-2159
Backcountry Safaris is a member of the following trade and travel organizations:
Three national parks, Denali, Katmai and Kenai Fjords. Brown bears, whales, wildlife, calving tidewater glaciers, Mt. McKinley, fall colors, hot springs and much more. (more…)
Alaska- just the name conjures up visions of the wild, wonderful creatures of the North Country, brown bears… wolves… Dall sheep… caribou… moose… (more…)
Winter Adventure It's all about fun!
Drive your own snowmobile
Alaska Snowmobiling Snowmobile in the best possible place. The Chugach Mountains will surround you as you navigate your own snowmachine through trails, open fields of powder, beaver ponds, frozen waterfalls.
Alaska
Rafting
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Kongakut River – 10-day Arctic National Wildlife Refuge rafting safari.