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

2026 Triathalons

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

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

Incredible Swimming in Ontario

12 best destinations to take a summer dip.

Visit Killbear Provincial Park

Everything you need to know to plan a trip to this idyllic park.

Natural Highs

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

Canoeing in Toronto

Locals share best places to paddle in the GTA.

Guide to Grundy Lake Provincial Park

Find out how to plan a backcountry or frontcountry camping trip to this incredible park in Northern Muskoka.

Dogs Welcome!

Top dog-friendly resorts.

Insider’s Guide to Sleeping Giant

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

Free Day Use at Ontario Parks

Find out how to get into parks for free this year.

SUP in the city

The top 6 places to paddleboard in Toronto.

Pancake Bay: Ontario’s Ultimate Beach Escape

Discover the shores of an inland sea.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park Guide

Escape to an island where cars are not allowed.

Algonquin Park Guide

Everything you need to know to plan a trip to this world-class destination.

Attention Detroit

A short drive gets you a lot of vacation fun in Ontario, Canada

Go Foraging in Ontario

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

Ray mears on wabakimi

Canadian canoe journeys are always special.

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

Beach Camping in Ontario

14 sandy places to pitch your tent and swim to your heart’s content.

What You Need to Know about Ticks in Ontario

With the proper precautions, you don't have to let these creepy crawlies ruin your summer fun.