There was a time when a dogsled was the preferred mode of winter travel in some parts of Canada. Long before there were roads, early explorers discovered the advantages of this form of travel and created trading routes across the frozen wilderness. Today, you can still experience the thrill of mushing a sled dog team across a snowy landscape.
For those who want to experience the rush of driving a real dogsled team, Western Canada is definitely a destination to consider. Whether your clients are mushing through the heart-stopping scenery of the Canadian Rockies or gliding silently along the edge of the boreal forest, they will experience a primal connection with a wild heritage. Just remember to warn them not to actually say “mush.”
Quesnel, British Columbia
Quesnel is a gold rush town, an ideal setting for a traditional dogsled adventure. NorthernStar Kennels is a family-run dogsled touring company located just north of Quesnel that offers a variety of different tours starting from 90-minute excursions to multi-day trips featuring campfire menus and tenting in the wild. Guests get to care for, feed and run Alaskan huskies under the watchful eye of some of the best mushers in the business.
www.northernstarkennels.com
Canmore, Alberta
It’s hard to top the thrill of driving a sled team through the magnificent scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Located just outside the borders of Banff National Park, Mad Dogs and Englishmen Expeditions is a family-run sled dog touring company that runs winter survival programs with the British Army. Their tours can combine both sledding and ski-joring and they can create unique programs for individuals or corporate groups.
www.maddogsexpeditions.com
Anglin Lake, Saskatchewan
Dogsledding is still a preferred mode of transportation in some parts of Saskatchewan and that lends a special kind of authenticity to a sledding experience here. Sundogs Sled Excursions operates an award-winning dogsled operation near Prince Alberta National Park and Anglin Lake. Guests enjoy a true wilderness sledding adventure with a guide who has 25 years of experience as a nature interpreter with Parks Canada. Short tours or multi-day expeditions are available. Mush-and-stay packages are available with accommodations at Elk Ridge Resort.
www.sundogs.sk.ca
