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Trail Breaker Kennel
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Trail Breaker Kennel

See all things to do
See all things to do
Trail Breaker Kennel
5
#5 of 122 Tours & Activities in Fairbanks
Sightseeing Tours
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
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About
Family-owned and operated since 1976, Trail Breaker Kennel is one of the longest operating kennels in Alaska. The kennel was founded in Eureka, Alaska, by the late Susan Butcher, a four-time Iditarod champion, and David Monson, her husband, and Yukon Quest champion. Built on a reputation of exemplary dog care and hard work, Trail Breaker Kennel became the premier racing kennel in the world. Today, David, his two daughters, and dedicated staff members provide visitors from around the world a look at the lives of mushers and Alaskan huskies in Interior Alaska. For over 20 years, Trail Breaker Kennel has been a favorite stop on the Riverboat Discovery tour. In the summer, join our mushers and huskies on a Dog Sled Cart Ride, Mushing Demo & Kennel Tour, or Historic Kennel Tour. In the winter, hop in a sled during an exhilarating Dog Sled Ride, or build a custom tour experience with our help. Learn more and book your once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan adventure on our website!
Fairbanks, Alaska
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Travelers talk about

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles200 reviews
Excellent
193
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Interesting
London, UK229 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Excellence
Mar 2020 • Family
Visited today with my mother who has always wanted to do dog sledging in Alaska and being her 65 bday this year we managed to visit Fairbanks.
This was the most amazing experience ever visiting such a brilliant well kept and maintained kennel.
The owner/s should be very proud of their staff their especially Katrina who took us out on the sledge.
She was really knowledgable and loved everything about her role and her job she had such a passion.
Katrina made it a memory of a life time and being so close to Fairbanks was perfect great location.
I would recommend these guys a million percent you will not be disappointed.

Thank you to Katrina and everyone else who works there.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
Thank you so much for this wonderful review. We are extremely lucky to have great staff members like Katrina who provide our guests with a memorable visit. It is great to hear you had an amazing experience with us, and one that you would recommend to others! Happy trails from the mushers and huskies at Trail Breaker Kennel!
Written March 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Discover679803
Tucson, AZ3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Best Deal — Most Fun
Aug 2021 • Couples
This Mushing Demo and Kennel Tour was one of the highlights of our month visiting Alaska. It was far more than we expected — very informative as well as entertaining.
Our host Joe was so knowledgeable and talked with us, not just to us. Susan Butcher’s youngest daughter was welcoming and a treat to talk to. Watching both young people interacting professionally but affectionately with the 30 plus dogs was a real privilege.
The kennel is in a beautiful location next to the family home. It was a dream fulfilled to watch the dogs pull (an ATV in summer) and even more so, to get to interact with some personally. Their joy is palpable and left me feeling joyous in return. We even got to hold adorable puppies!
This is the best value I have gotten and the most fun I have had in magnificent Alaska.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
We are thrilled that we could be a highlight of your Alaskan trip! We are privileged to have visitors who want to glimpse into what it is to be a musher. Of course, we know it helps have some puppies around too! Thank you, Trail Breaker Kennel
Written October 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martha M
Temecula, CA71 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fabulous Staff
Jul 2021
Mushing in Alaska with Ryan Redington was an eye-opening experience, These Dogs love what they do, once they have the harness put on them they start barking and jumping with excitement. You have to make sure the sleigh is very secure or they will leave without anyone on board. These dogs have Veterinarians and are constantly being monitored. I actually think they have better medical care than you and I. They have a fabulous diet that includes fresh fish and meat. Next time I will go back when it's snowing. Ryan Redington was very informative about the Iditarod and told stories of his grandfather, Joe Redington, Sr. "Father of the Iditarod" Who founded this sport in the late 1960s. A must-do when in Alaska.
Written November 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
What a lovely review, thank you! We take pride in all of our work with our Alaskan huskies. We love when we can share that joy with the folks who visit us in Fairbanks! We hope to see you again when it snows! Thanks Again, Trail Breaker Kennel
Written December 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sami C
Roanoke, VA5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fantastic!
Aug 2021
We did the Mushing Demo and Kennel Tour with our two adult children and one teenager - everyone loved it! It was interesting to hear how the sled dogs race and more about the history of the Iditarod Race. We did not feel rushed and felt as if we got our moneys worth out of the tour. The two guides treated the dogs well and appeared to really care about their well being. Playing with the puppies afterwards was a treat!!
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
We always hope to provide a fun and educational experience for all ages here at Trail Breaker Kennel. Thank you for letting us know that your whole family could find something to enjoy about mushing, sled dogs, and of course, husky puppies! Thank you for your review, Trail Breaker Kennel
Written October 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TSTBlondie
West Virginia229 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mushing in the summer sun - Who knew !!!!!!!
Jul 2021 • Solo
I first discovered this kennel during the Riverboat Discovery tour........ Decided to Google and see what they offered. I never imagined they would have any summer activities, but they still need to exercise the dogs and this is where the side by side comes into play !!!!! While powered lightly by a musher - who still gives commands - you get to see the dogs in full action during their 2 mile jaunt. In addition to the ride, you also get to meet and pet all the dogs in your team, watch them frolic in the river immediately following their hard work and then pet the up and coming puppies before wrapping up. I thought this was a very unique, fun and informative tour - I would highly recommend.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
Thank you for joining us for an Alaskan Summer Tour! We are glad to have visitors here year round, and the huskies are happy to get the exercise and attention too! Thanks Again, Trail Breaker Kennel
Written December 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris Blake
Woodbury, MN8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Friendly dogs, fantastic tour guide, and super cute puppies!
Aug 2021 • Family
This is the real thing! Being pulled by dogs that have finished and won the Iditarod is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you should not miss! And as if that wasn't enough, the dogs are beyond friendly, and LOVE to be pet and get attention. (And they are very well behaved, so not scary)
And if medium sized friendly dogs aren't your thing, they also have baby puppies they need your help socializing.
Yes please!
Honestly, the dogs are awesome, but the chance to see a real sled dog operation and talk to someone actively living the life and working to keep this beautiful sport/cultural/historical institution alive was my favorite part. Our guide (Riley @ darkhorsesleddogs) is a real musher who owns his own dog kennel, and has finished the Iditarod!). And he's the best kind of guide, super friendly and loves sharing his passion with everyone.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
No better compliment to us than" a once in a lifetime opportunity." We are so glad we could show you what it is like to train for the Iditarod in Alaska and that you could spend time with our huskies. Thank you, Trail Breaker Kennel
Written October 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly V
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A Happy Adventure
Sep 2021
This was such a fun experience. As an animal lover, one of the most important things to me on excursions like this is that the animals are happy and well taken care of. You can clearly tell how much these dogs are loved and cherished by the staff and owners. The summer side-by-side ride was a great way to see these beautiful dogs in action and learn about them. After the run they were so happy to jump in the nearby lake and swim, which was really fun ta watch. The staff was very knowledgeable and happily answered all of my questions then let us stay and pet the dogs as long as we wanted. Definitely a highlight of our trip!
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
Thank you for this lovely review, Kelly! We love all of our huskies here, and we are glad when people notice and are animal lovers too! We are delighted you could visit us in Fairbanks, Alaska, and have a little summer taste of the mushing lifestyle. Thanks Again, Trail Breaker Kennel
Written October 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RRG
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A great experience with wonderful staff
Feb 2020
We booked a sled trip last minute on a very cold day. After we booked online, they called to see if we would prefer to move our start time to later in the day when it was a bit warmer (ok, more like less cold). We were prepared for the low temps, but it was very considerate of them to contact us. We took them up on the later start time. We had a great time. The hosts were very friendly, and I love doing business with people who are so passionate and excited about what they do. Our guide Katrina (I hope I have her name right - I'm terrible at remembering such things) was excellent, and made our experience one of the best parts of our trip to Alaska. Truly a wonderful experience.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
Thank you for letting us know about your wonderful experience on your dog sled ride! We are extremely lucky to have great guides like Katrina who can give our guests an excellent tour. It's great to hear your time with us was one of the best parts of your trip to Alaska! A big thank you from the staff and dogs at Trail Breaker Kennel!
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bubbleheadout
Norfolk, VA129 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
What an Amazing Experience This Was!!
Jan 2023 • Family
This was the highlight of our trip to Fairbanks and we highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for the experience of a lifetime. We went on a 30 minute dog sled adventure with our daughter and granddaughter and had the best time ever! Our musher, Katrina, was absolutely amazing and we learned so much from her both before and during our dog sled adventure. We wish her the best of luck on her upcoming race and want her to know that she now has 4 new fans from the Outer Banks of NC and our 10 year old granddaughter hasnt stopped talking about her. Thanks for being a GREAT role model Katrina. We'd also like to thank Gabe for making us feel welcome and answering all of our questions, not to mention the delicious cookies that he made for us while we were there. You guys are the BEST!! We highly recommend this adventure and hopefully we will certainly be back again one day. Thank you Trail Breaker Kennel and GO KATRINA and crew!
Written February 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
We are so happy you had a pleasant experience with us! Our staff is so proud to hear your kinds words. Thank you for the positive review, please come back and visit us in Fairbanks soon! Thanks again, Trail Breaker Kennel
Written February 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ChristieD68
Southborough, MA3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Unique and wonderful
Aug 2023
Our time at Trail Breaker Kennel was fantastic, really a “can’t miss” tour. First off the staff are so polite and knowledgeable. The grounds are beautiful with a lake and outdoor kennel, right on a scenic river. And seeing the dogs close up and riding behind them was unforgettable! We did the summer cart ride. Clearly these smart and strong dogs are well-trained and well-cared for. We heard fascinating tales of how mushers and dogs deal with extremes of weather, temperature and exercise during training and racing. We also got a chance to play with sled dog puppies and they were adorable. Though I am still not tempted to become a sled dog musher myself, I loved my experience at Trail Breaker Kennel and recommend it to anyone who wants a truly unique and Alaskan experience.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBK
Thank you so much for your kind review, Christie! We are very pleased to hear you had a good experience with us and our dogs. Hearing reviews like this make us so happy to be in the dog sled business and be able to share our experiences with you. Please visit us again soon! Thanks again, Trail Breaker Kennel
Written August 15, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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