A stay in our cozy Alaskan yurt offers excellent Aurora Viewing opportunities away from city lights
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Just Short of Magic Sled Dog Tours Fairbanks

4.8
·134 reviews·Fairbanks, United States

Experience the thrill of authentic Alaskan dog sledding with Eleanor and her beloved canine team. Learn to mush and connect with nature.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Crisp air, fresh snow

CrowdLow
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A stay in our cozy Alaskan yurt offers excellent Aurora Viewing opportunities away from city lights

Just Short of Magic Sled Dog Tours Fairbanks

Best Time

Winter mornings

Crisp air, fresh snow

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the thrill of authentic Alaskan dog sledding with Eleanor and her beloved canine team. Learn to mush and connect with nature.

4.8
(134 reviews)

"This is one of the best experiences you can have in Fairbanks. Eleanor is amazing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Borrow Winter Gear

Don't stress about packing! Eleanor has extra jackets & shoes if you arrive underdressed. :coat:

💰 Mushing Training Worth It

Splurge on the mushing training course; it's an unforgettable, hands-on experience. :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Dog Sledding Ride

Authentic Dog Sledding Ride

On the trails surrounding the tour base

Experience the thrill of being pulled by a team of energetic sled dogs through snowy landscapes. Feel the crisp air and the power of the canine athletes.

Mushing Training Course

Mushing Training Course

At the tour base and on the trails

Go beyond a simple ride and learn the basics of mushing from an expert. Harness dogs, drive the sled, and understand the sport's nuances.

Meet the Sled Dogs

Meet the Sled Dogs

At the kennel and tour base

Spend quality time with the adorable and friendly sled dogs. Get to know their unique personalities and shower them with affection.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Alaskan Winter

Fairbanks winters are serious business! Pack layers, including thermal base layers, waterproof outer gear, warm hats, and insulated gloves. Many visitors underestimate the cold, but Eleanor at Just Short of Magic Sled Dog Tours provides extra winter gear if needed. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for the mushing training course. Reddit

Connect with the Canine Crew

The heart of this experience is the dogs! They're incredibly friendly and eager. Learn their names and personalities; many reviewers highlight specific dogs like Bob Barker and Flair. Eleanor treats them like family, and their well-being is paramount. Be prepared for lots of happy licks and wagging tails! Reddit

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Crisp air, fresh snow
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Sunlight on snow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Introducing Chena Hot Spring🥰 #ChenaHotSpring #Fairbanks #Alaska #fyp
@auestrera
11.4K likes • 550.9K views

🧥 Borrow Winter Gear

Don't stress about packing! Eleanor has extra jackets & shoes if you arrive underdressed. Reddit :coat:

💰 Mushing Training Worth It

Splurge on the mushing training course; it's an unforgettable, hands-on experience. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Aurora Chasing season is getting started! the best place in the world to see the Aurora Borealis is Fairbanks, Alaska... and the best time to be here IS WHENEVER YOU CAN BE HERE! Come see the Northern Lights, and stay for all of the other cool things we do.. like dog sledding, snow machining, ice fishing and so on... just get here #tourfairbanks #alaska #auroraborealis #northernlights #viralvideo
@travelmotivated
8.1K likes • 104.2K views
this aurora was absolutely ridiculous 🥹 #northernlights #auroraborealis #fairbanksalaska #auroralights #aurorahunting #auroratour
@wewerethetide_
8.1K likes • 63.8K views

🐶 Play with the Pups

Spend time with the dogs before and after your ride. They love attention and are super cute! Reddit 🐕

📸 Photo Ops Galore

The trails offer stunning scenery. Stop for great photo opportunities during your ride. Reddit 📷

#ezrocism #alaska #fairbanks #ak #fypシ
@ezrocism
7.2K likes • 56.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Borrow Winter Gear

Don't stress about packing! Eleanor has extra jackets & shoes if you arrive underdressed. Reddit :coat:

💰 Mushing Training Worth It

Splurge on the mushing training course; it's an unforgettable, hands-on experience. Reddit :moneywithwings:

🐶 Play with the Pups

Spend time with the dogs before and after your ride. They love attention and are super cute! Reddit 🐕

📸 Photo Ops Galore

The trails offer stunning scenery. Stop for great photo opportunities during your ride. Reddit 📷

❄️ Dress in Layers

Even with borrowed gear, layering is key for comfort in Fairbanks' cold. Reddit :snowflake:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(134 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the authentic and heartwarming experience at Just Short of Magic Sled Dog Tours. Eleanor's passion for her dogs and her knowledge of mushing shine through, making for an unforgettable adventure. While the cold requires preparation, the joy of interacting with the friendly sled dogs and the thrill of the ride are consistently highlighted as major positives.

"Great experience. Eleanor was really friendly and provided us with clear instructions beforehand so that we can be comfortable if she is not around (she was out on the trail with another dog sledding trip when we arrived). Once she returned we got to play with the dogs and get ready for our trip. It was a very unique experience, the dogs are super cute and very excited to take you on the most amazing ride 😊
Special love for Bob Barker ❤️❤️"

Surabhi Chouhan

"This is one of the best experiences you can have in Fairbanks.
Eleanor can seem a little intimidating at first but she is a sweetheart.
She handles all her dogs like her kids and makes sure they are well taken care of .

We were a group of 4 and did not seem to carry the right outfits but she made sure she directed us to the right stack of jackets and shoes she had at her cabin.

The dogs are adorable and will fill you with all the joy in the world . The sledding experience was a beautiful experience as well and the stories and information shared by Eleanor made our ride even more exciting .

I highly recommend this place if you are looking for dog sledding experience in Fairbanks!!

Eleanor , if you are reading this , please give a lot of hugs from us to all your babies and special kisses to Flair !!🙂"

Gaurav Hegde

"This mushing experience was more than what we were expecting. Eleanor is amazing! We signed up for the mushing training course and I recommend spending the extra money to do this course. Eleanor was patient with all of our questions and debunked some of our Hollywood stereotypes of mushing. She taught us how to harness the dogs and line them up. We were given a chance to drive the sled and learn all the working parts of sled. We stopped occasionally for some great photo opportunities. The dogs are adorable sweethearts with plenty of kisses to give. If you arrive underdressed, she has extra winter gear to borrow so you can focus on just having fun. I'd give this place 10 stars if possible!"

Alex K

What People Like

Incredible dog interactions
Authentic mushing experience
Knowledgeable and kind guide

What People Dislike

Cold weather requires preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The tours are located in Fairbanks, Alaska. While specific directions are best obtained upon booking, most visitors will likely need a car or taxi service to reach the tour base from their accommodation. It's recommended to confirm the exact meeting point with Eleanor when you book your tour. Reddit

Transportation is typically not provided. Visitors are expected to arrange their own transport to the tour location. Renting a car or using local taxi services are common options for getting around Fairbanks. Reddit

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Fairbanks and reaching various tour operators. However, taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. Always check with your tour provider for the most convenient meeting point. Reddit

The tours operate in the snowy outskirts of Fairbanks, offering a true Alaskan wilderness experience. It's best to rely on the specific address provided by Eleanor rather than general landmarks. Reddit

Yes, GPS is generally reliable for finding tour locations in Fairbanks. Ensure your GPS device or app is up-to-date and confirm the exact address with Eleanor before your departure. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Booking is essential and can typically be done directly through their website or by contacting Eleanor. Reviewers highly recommend booking the mushing training course for a more immersive experience. Reddit

Tours are generally available during daylight hours in the winter season. It's best to check their specific schedule and availability when booking, as operations are weather-dependent. Reddit

Pricing varies depending on the tour duration and type (e.g., standard ride vs. mushing training). Reviewers suggest the mushing training course is worth the extra cost for a deeper understanding of the sport. Reddit

Specific age or weight limits are not explicitly mentioned in reviews, but it's advisable to inquire directly with Eleanor when booking, especially for younger children or larger individuals. Reddit

As with many outdoor activities in Alaska, tours can be weather-dependent. It's crucial to understand the cancellation and rebooking policy when you make your reservation. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Dress in warm, waterproof layers, including thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell. Don't forget a warm hat, insulated gloves, and waterproof boots. Eleanor also provides extra winter gear if needed. Reddit :coat:

Absolutely! You'll have plenty of opportunities to play with, pet, and learn about the dogs. They are very friendly and love attention. Reddit 🐕

The training course is highly recommended. You'll learn how to harness dogs, line them up, drive the sled, and understand the mechanics of mushing. It's an in-depth, hands-on experience. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at the tour base. It's always a good idea to use the facilities before heading out on the trail. Reddit

Expect beautiful, snowy Alaskan landscapes. The trails wind through wooded areas, offering a serene and picturesque experience. There are also great photo opportunities along the way. Reddit 📷

📸 📸 Photography

The entire experience is photogenic! Capture moments with the dogs, the team harnessing, the scenic trails, and your own exhilaration. Eleanor often stops for great photo ops. Reddit 📷

Keep your camera warm by storing it in an insulated bag close to your body when not in use. Batteries drain faster in the cold, so bring spares and keep them warm too. TikTok

The trails themselves offer stunning natural viewpoints. Eleanor is knowledgeable about the area and may point out particularly scenic spots during your ride. Reddit

It's possible, but challenging to get steady shots while actively riding. If you're taking the mushing training, you'll have more control. Otherwise, focus on enjoying the ride and capture moments during stops. Reddit

People often share photos of themselves with the dogs, action shots of the sled in motion, and the beautiful snowy Alaskan scenery. TikTokInstagram