This Story is Archived
Please note this page may no longer be up to date. For new stories about Northern Ontario visit us here.

Not just another pretty face

Discover the magic of dogsledding.

Some of you may be asking “what makes dogsledding so popular?”  The answer is simple and it has nothing to do with the landscape, the trails, the guides, the sleds you drive or the temperature  .  The magic of dogsledding comes down to one thing and that is the DOGS!!!!  While there are several different breeds of huskies that you will find pulling sleds on your tour, the large Malamute husky, the smaller Siberian Husky and most common today the mixed breed called the Alaskan Husky, they all have the same amazing desire to run and explore.  To see what great adventure awaits around the next bend in the trail.  The heart, spirit & passion of the husky is truly astounding, there is no greater athlete on the planet!

For anyone who is a dog lover how can you not be won over by a team of 3-8 huskies begging for your attention? Just waiting to lean in for a pat & hug or to give you a kiss, almost all huskies are big loveable teddy bears who adore attention!

Before you try your hand at dogsledding there are some Hollywood myths that should be dispelled:

  1. “Mush”, as neat as it sounds to say, you only hear this in movies.  If you dogsled you are a musher, but usually the command to start a team is “hike” or a special word or whistle that mushers use.
  2. You won’t go “flying” down the trail, most tours and huskies after the initial excitement of the start of the run settle down to a gentle trot that they can maintain all day.
  3. The term to stop a team of dogs is “whoa”, however on its own with most dogteams you can holler whoa on the back of the sled all day and the dogs will grin at you as they keep going.  Huskies love going, not stopping so you will need the brake on your sled in addition to your voice to get them to stop!

lunch-break-winterdance-dogsled-tours-full-day-tour

 

About Tanya McCready

Since 1999, Tanya and her husband Hank have shared their passion for dogsledding. Their race team competes in the Yukon Quest 1000-mile International Sled Dog Race & Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.  The couple, their four children and 150 Siberian Huskies love introducing worldwide guests to the amazing adventure of dogsledding and the beautiful Canadian wilderness.

Recommended Articles

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

2025 Triathalons

Swim, cycle and run your way to triathlete status at these Ontario events.

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario

Natural Highs

7 magnificent mountains in Ontario to climb, hike, ride, ski and more.

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multi-day hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

Go Foraging in Ontario

Learn the basics of how to harvest wild edibles found across the province.

Ontario Birding Checklist

Keep an eye on the skies for these 10 incredible species.

Ontario Trail Races

Find out where to test your limits and get out in the woods.

Hike the Lake Superior Coastal Trail

Discover beaches, lookouts, and sacred sites on this 65 km trail.

Incredible Swimming in Ontario

12 best destinations to take a summer dip.

Top of the Giant Trail

Get tips on this amazing Sleeping Giant hike.

Insider’s Guide to Sleeping Giant

Everything you need to plan a trip to this iconic provincial park.

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

Stargazing in Ontario

4 of the best places to see the night sky.

9 of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

And they’re all in Ontario.

Where to See Ontario's Coolest Wildlife

Get expert tips on how to spot these iconic species.

Ontario’s National Parks

Protected for posterity. And deservedly so.

Hike The Best Trails

Discover your next great adventure.

Outdoor Playgrounds

Discover the best Ontario Provincial Parks.

Feelin' the Vibe

Cycle touring on Manitoulin Island