Dogs, Horses, and Bikes

Godwin Glacier Dog Sled Tours (907/224-8239 or 888/989-8239, www.alaskadogsled.com [1], late May–late Aug.) has the only on-the-snow summertime dogsledding in Southcentral Alaska. The action begins from Seward Airport, where you climb aboard a helicopter for a 15-minute flight to a world of snow, ice, and rocky peaks on crevice-free Godwin Glacier. The base camp here has 90 dogs and their handlers.

Guests are given a tour of the operation, an introduction to mushing, and a fun ride behind a team of 12 dogs. The entire trip lasts two hours and costs $450 adults or $429 children. Another option is a helicopter ride to the glacier with a chance to learn about the dogs (without a sled ride); it’s $299 for two hours.

Combine a sled dog tour with a night in a heated WeatherPort tent (sleeping bag on a cot, no showers), dinner, light breakfast, and a snowmobile ride ($520 pp). This is a first-rate operation, and definitely recommended if you have the money.

Veteran musher—and 2004 Iditarod winner—Mitch Seavey operates IdidaRide Sled Dog Tours (907/224-8607 or 800/478-3139, www.ididaride.com [2]) from his home off Exit Glacier Road. Summertime visitors are pulled on a wheeled cart along a two-mile route. The cost of these 1.5-hour tours is $59 adults, $29 children, including an introduction to the Iditarod and a chance to play with husky puppies.

Bardy’s Trail Rides (907/224-7863, www.sewardhorses.com [3]) leads two-hour horseback rides ($85) twice daily throughout the summer. This is a fun way to explore the scenic country at the head of Resurrection Bay, with good chances to see bald eagles, moose, and spawning salmon.

Rent mountain bikes and baby joggers from Seward Bike Shop (907/224-2448, www.sewardbikeshop.com [4], Apr.–Oct.) in the collection of “Train Wreck” Alaska railcars (411 Port Ave.).