Dog sledding in Canada is truly an exciting adventure. Originating approximately 4,000 years ago, before snowmobiles and airplanes, dog sleds were the primary mode of transportation in northern Canada. Sled dogs were used to transport everything from mail to food and medicine. Today, dog sledding is enjoyed more as a sport than out of necessity and has recently gained popularity. A true Canadian dog sledding experience is found in the far north. However, there are also many dog sledding adventures that can be enjoyed in other parts of Canada.
Herschel Island, Yukon
Hershel Island is located off the northern coast of the Yukon Territory in the Beaufort Sea. To the north is the Arctic Ocean and, nearby, the permanent ice block. To the south is the mainland, where you can see the British Mountains. When visiting this beautiful part of the world, one will see mountains and valleys and lakes amidst spectacular scenery.
Here, the weather conditions can be extreme. It is not uncommon for temperatures to be as cold as -25 degrees Celsius and the coastal winds are legendary. Dog sledding expeditions in these parts are demanding and you have to be prepared to wait for coastal storms to pass in a tent for at least 24 hours. Multi-day dog sledding adventures include sleeping in Arctic tents, which are built specifically for these weather conditions. Small stoves raise the temperature inside the tent up to 25 degrees Celsius for a few hours in the morning and at night.
Despite the wind and cold, quite a bit of wildlife can be seen: arctic foxes, ringed seals, polar bears, musk oxen, caribou, and even brown bears. Smaller mammals include arctic shrews, tundra voles, and lemmings.
Kluane National Park, Yukon
The Kluane National Park and Preserve of Canada is located in the southwestern corner of the Yukon Territory and borders Alaska and British Columbia. It is a large park and covers an area of 21,980 square kilometers. Kluane Park is a land of high rugged mountains, massive ice fields, and lush valleys that result in a diverse group of wildlife species and plants. Mount Logan (5959 m / 19,545 ft), Canada’s highest peak is also located here. Dog sledding adventures in Kluane National Park typically last several days and include accommodation in heated Arctic tents or log cabins. Views of the beautiful San Elias Mountains and wildlife such as elk, wolves, and lynx can be seen. At night, the Northern Lights are absolutely spectacular.
Banff, Alberta
Travel further south to the Rocky Mountains and glide through forests of towering black spruce and drink in the fresh, clean mountain air of unspoiled wilderness. You can see magnificent views of the mountains and aquamarine lakes, as well as spot wildlife from white-tailed or mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, caribou, wolves, and coyotes. Smaller creatures can also be seen, such as: gray marmots, pikas, bald eagles and the endangered harlequin ducks.
Whistler, British Columbia
Most of the dog sledding expeditions take place through the great ancient forest of the Callaghan Valley, 15 km south of the village of Whistler. This rolling subalpine terrain receives 40% more snow than Whistler Mountain during the winter season. The valley offers phenomenal scenery and more than 100 km of trails that lead to three mountain peaks and three frozen lakes.
Wildlife within the Callaghan Valley includes: cougars, bobcats, minks, coyotes, Douglas squirrels, weasels, and wolves.
Sun Peaks, British Columbia
Dog sled tours at Sun Peaks explore the countryside of the resort area between three main mountains: Tod and Sundance Mountains and Tod Mountain. Stroll the forest trails and local lakes and observe wildlife such as: Canadian Lynx, Cougars, Coyotes, Marmots, Elk, Mule Deer, Raccoon, Red Fox, Bald Eagle, Chickadee, Hairy Woodpecker, Great Horned Owl, Gray Jay , red-tailed hawk, grouse and peregrine falcon.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Algonquin Provincial Park is located within the Canadian Shield and is the oldest and best-known park in Ontario. There are two dog sled trails: Sunday Lake Trail and North Algonquin Trail. Walking these trails is not allowed as the deep paths can cause injury to sled dogs. Any skier or snowshoe must give way to dog sledding.
The essence of Algonquin Park is the rugged Canadian Shield with maple and pine covered hills, rocky ridges and thousands of interconnected lakes, rivers and streams. This park offers a huge number of rich and diverse animal and plant species.
It is home to more than 40 mammals, more than 30 types of amphibians and reptiles, and more than 130 breeding birds. The wildlife that can be seen includes: elk, white-tailed deer, wolves, and beavers, to name just a few. The park is one of the last places to find Ontario’s original forests of hemlock, sugar maple, and yellow birch. Trees up to 430 years old using growth ring counts and up to 610 years old using estimation techniques are found in Algonquin primary forests.