Walking With Reindeer Experience Review

The Walking With Reindeer experience near Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a unique chance to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures. For $85, travelers can enjoy a hands-on encounter, feeding and petting the reindeer as they stroll along mild terrain. With a small group size, the tour provides an intimate setting amidst a picturesque landscape. However, participants should be aware of certain accessibility limitations and the need for punctuality, as latecomers cannot be accommodated. This experience promises to be a memorable outing for those seeking a delightful interaction with Alaska’s iconic reindeer.

Overview of the Reindeer Walking Experience

The Basecamp Adventures’ walking with reindeer experience takes visitors on a one-hour journey from Fairbanks to see and interact with these iconic arctic creatures.

For $85 per person, the tour offers coffee/tea, lunch, and all fees. It’s limited to 8 travelers and requires walking up to half a mile on mild terrain.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, and minors must have an adult guardian. Guests should arrive early, as the tour won’t wait for latecomers.

Though reviews praise the well-cared-for reindeer and scenic views, some note difficulties finding the remote location and shorter-than-expected walking duration.

Location and Getting There

Basecamp Adventures’ walking with reindeer experience takes place in a remote location just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska. To get there, visitors must meet at a designated pickup point and travel approximately 1 hour by 4WD vehicle to reach the basecamp. The remote setting means cell service may be spotty, so it’s recommended to screenshot route details ahead of time.

Travel Details	Information
Location	2640 Himalaya Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Travel Time	1 hour from Fairbanks
Vehicle Type	4WD recommended
Cell Service	Potential service loss
Arrival Time	Leave ample time, no refunds for lateness

The off-the-beaten-path setting promises beautiful natural scenery, but requires planning and preparation to guarantee a smooth arrival.

What to Expect During the Tour

Upon arriving at the remote basecamp, visitors can expect an intimate and hands-on experience with the resident reindeer.

After a brief introduction, guests are allowed to pet, feed, and walk alongside the docile creatures. The reindeer are well-cared for and accustomed to human interaction.

During the one-hour excursion, participants can take photos and soak in the picturesque Alaskan scenery.

However, some reviewers note the walking duration is quite short and there may only be a single reindeer present.

Amenities and Inclusions

Although the remote location of the basecamp may present some logistical challenges, the tour package includes several convenient amenities to enhance the overall experience.

The tour includes:

1. Coffee and/or tea
2. Lunch
3. All fees and taxes

Plus, the tour provides meeting and pickup at a designated location in Fairbanks, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.

These inclusions aim to make the experience more comfortable and accessible for participants, despite the remote nature of the activity.

Important Considerations

Travelers should be aware of several important considerations before booking the Walking with Reindeer Experience.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues may struggle. Minors must have an adult guardian. Participants will need to walk up to half a mile on mild terrain.

No refunds are offered for cancellations or lateness, so planners should leave ample time. Due to the remote location, 4WD vehicles are recommended, and travelers may lose cell service, so they should screenshot route details.

Ratings and Reviews

The Walking with Reindeer Experience has received mostly positive reviews, with an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor.

While reviewers praised the cute and well-cared-for reindeer and the beautiful views, some noted difficulties in finding the location and that there was only one reindeer present.

Plus, the short walking duration of just half a mile seemed to disappoint some participants.

The key review highlights include:

1. Positive: Cute and well-cared-for reindeer, beautiful views
2. Negative: Difficulty finding location, only one reindeer
3. Negative: Short walking duration of half a mile

Recommendations and Tips

Given the remote location of the activity, it’s essential for travelers to guarantee their vehicles are equipped with 4-wheel drive.

Visitors should also leave ample time to reach the meeting point, as there are no refunds offered for tardiness. Plus, it’s recommended to screenshot the route details beforehand due to potential loss of cell service in the area.

While the experience itself is short, lasting only about an hour, the scenic views and interaction with the well-cared-for reindeer make it a worthwhile activity for those interested in experiencing a slice of Alaskan wildlife up close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?

The activity has age restrictions – minors must have an adult guardian to participate. There are no other age limits specified, allowing both children and adults to enjoy the walking with reindeer experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Based on the information provided, participants can’t bring their own food and drinks. The experience includes coffee, tea, and lunch, so there’s no need to bring your own. All fees and taxes are also covered in the price.

Are There Any Additional Equipment Requirements?

The experience requires participants to walk up to half a mile on mild terrain. Proper footwear, such as hiking boots or sneakers, is recommended. No other specialized equipment is needed, but visitors should dress warmly for the outdoor activity.

Can I Reschedule or Cancel My Booking?

Unfortunately, the booking for this experience is non-refundable, and there are no options to reschedule. Guests who cancel or are late will not receive a refund, so it’s important to plan accordingly and arrive on time.

Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?

There’s no information provided about any COVID-19 safety protocols in place for this activity. It’s best to check with the tour operator directly to inquire about their current health and safety measures before booking.

The Sum Up

The Walking With Reindeer experience in Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a unique opportunity to interact with these gentle creatures in a picturesque setting. Despite some accessibility limitations and the need for punctuality, the tour provides a memorable outing with a delightful lunch and hot beverages. For those looking to connect with nature and experience reindeer up close, this tour is worth considering.