Imagine the rush of feeling like you are flying across the snow, your heart pounding to the excited barking of a team of dogs as they pull your sled through the Northeastern Ontario wilderness. It’s a feeling that Gail Palmer and Brent Kramer know well. Both have been involved in dogsledding for a number of years, and as owner-operators of Ravens Adventures Dogsled Tours in Cochrane, their love of their dogs and their love of the sport is contagious. Once you’ve tried it, you’re bound to get hooked too!
You can be a passenger in one of their sleds or drive your own team of dogs. While trips vary in length, each Ravens Adventures tour begins with an orientation and instructional session to introduce you to the amazing dogs that will make up your team.
You will learn the basics such as how to harness and hook up the dogs, along with tips on how to handle the sled. Remember—there’s no steering wheel here—you’ll need the commands “Gee!” and “Haw” to direct your team. To fully enjoy your experience, Gail recommends that you, “Dress warm, bring your sense of adventure, and if you’re going to drive a sled . . . NEVER LET GO!”
Once you’re familiar with the basics, all of Greenwater Provincial Park becomes your playground. Plan a weekend trip and get your introductory session in early, because on Day Two your possibilities for adventure only grow! Spend your entire morning travelling across a pristine northern landscape, or make it an afternoon of ice fishing.
Custom overnight trips are available for dedicated outdoor adventurers. To give you an idea of what the Custom Couples Overnight Package has to offer, this preplanned tour-for-two leaves the staging area in the early afternoon. You and your experienced guides will spend the day travelling through the exquisite boreal forest in the best of furry company.
By the time you make camp in the evening (Don’t worry, the tent is heated!) and have taken care of the dogs, you’ll be good and ready for a home-cooked meal prepared especially for you. Then it’s time to strap on some snowshoes as you and your guides make your way to the top of Calhoon Mountain, where—if you’re really lucky—you will witness the dazzling lightshow of the Aurora Borealis and hear the mournful howl of the timber wolves.
Once you’ve returned to camp, it’s time to get warmed up by the fire, give your favourite dog a belly rub, and then turn in for the night so you can be well rested for the trip home in the morning.Â
