
Imagine mushing through the Canadian wilderness, the crisp air whipping through your face as you're pulled by a team of energetic sled dogs. The Yukon is a paradise for dog sledders, with its vast, snow-covered landscapes and rich history of sled dog culture.
The Yukon's dog sledding season typically runs from December to April, with the best conditions found in January and February when the snow is at its deepest.
You'll have the chance to explore the vast wilderness of the Yukon, covering distances of up to 50 miles per day.
Day-by-Day Adventures
On a dog sled tour in Whitehorse Yukon, you'll start getting introduced to the dog team before taking off for your ride.
The "Sit in the sled" Dog sled tour offers a unique experience where you'll fly over frozen lakes and boreal forest in the hands of a local and experienced guide.
With a weight limit of 100 kg / 220 lb max, you can enjoy the ride in comfort.
You can choose from 3 rides/day available, allowing you to plan your day accordingly.
The groups are very small, with only 2 to 4 participants, ensuring an immersive experience.
Day 1

On Day 1, you'll meet your guide at your hotel in Whitehorse and drive to the base in Carcross.
You'll meet your team of huskies and learn the methods of dog sled driving from your guide.
Your guide will provide lunch and snacks for the dogs as you drive through amazing landscapes.
As you get more comfortable driving the sled, you'll experience the thrills of dog mushing in the frozen north.
You'll travel deeper into the wilderness to reach your camp, where you can enjoy a good meal and warm up by the campfire.
The night may bring a chance to see the northern lights or hear wolves howling in the distance.
Day 2
Day 2 is a dog sledding adventure in every sense of the word. You'll be mushing all day, navigating through the Southern Lakes and Coastal Mountains, where wolf tracks and moose on the trail are common sightings.
You'll be stopping for lunch, snacks, and of course, plenty of photo opportunities to capture the breathtaking scenery. With a little luck, you might even catch a glimpse of a moose or some woodland caribou.
The night at camp will be your last night of winter camping, and you'll have another chance to see the northern lights.
Day 2 – First Adventure

On Day 2, you'll be back out on the trails, mushing through the Southern Lakes and Coastal Mountains. This region offers incredibly beautiful scenery and unique dog sledding terrain.
Your guide will have lunch made for you and snacks for the dogs, so you can refuel and keep going. You might even catch a glimpse of a moose or some woodland caribou.
Wolf tracks and moose on the trail are common, so keep your eyes peeled for these amazing creatures. The day will be filled with excitement and adventure as you explore the wilderness.
You'll be stopping for pictures, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery. The Northern Lights might make an appearance that night, so try to stay up and enjoy the show.
Back to Whitehorse
Back to Whitehorse is a great destination for adventure seekers. Multi-day dogsledding trips are available from late November to early April and vary in length starting from three days.
If you're planning to take on the challenge of dogsledding, be prepared for a unique and exhilarating experience.
Late November to early April is the ideal time to visit Whitehorse for dogsledding, as the weather is typically cold and snowy, perfect for this winter activity.
Dog Sledding Essentials
As you prepare for your Yukon dog sledding adventure, there are a few essentials you'll want to bring along.
A good pair of warm and waterproof boots is crucial for dog sledding, as you'll be standing on the runners and potentially walking through snowy conditions.
Pack layers of breathable clothing to stay warm and dry, as the temperature can drop significantly during your trip.
A waterproof jacket and pants will help keep you dry in case of snow or rain.
A good pair of gloves or mittens is also essential for keeping your hands warm and dry.
In case of an emergency, it's a good idea to bring a basic first aid kit with you.
A small backpack or daypack with essentials like snacks, water, and a map can be a lifesaver if you get separated from your team.
Your sled will come equipped with a harness and tow line, but it's a good idea to bring a spare set of these in case of an emergency.
Don't forget to pack a small supply of treats for your dog team – they'll appreciate the extra snack!
Recommended read: Small Hunting Dogs Breeds
Canada Tips
If you're planning a dog sledding adventure in Yukon, do your research and choose a company that's committed to the ethical treatment of animals and doesn't overwork their dogs.
It's going to be cold in the Yukon during winter, so make sure you bring lots of warm clothes with you, including merino wool thermals, fleece pants, and a jumper.
Don't let the pretty pictures fool you; dog sledding is quite a tiring activity, requiring an appropriate amount of fitness.
If dog sledding in Canada has always been on your bucket list, don't just go for a one-hour excursion. Sign up for a multi-day tour and get the full experience.
To keep your extremities warm, consider bringing hand and toe warmers. These little pads heat up when exposed to oxygen and can be a lifesaver in cold conditions.
To get the most out of your dog sledding experience, don't be scared of the dogs. They're big, energetic, and will probably jump up on you to give you a kiss, but they won't hurt you.
Winter Wonderland
A winter wonderland awaits you in the Yukon, where you can explore the snow-covered landscape on a multi-day dogsledding trip. This is a real hands-on experience where you’ll master the technical aspects of dog mushing and learn how to care for the animals.
You'll have the opportunity to venture out on new trails and explore the snowy winter wonderland, reveling in the camaraderie with your team on the open trail, crossing a sweeping wild landscape. Along the way, you'll meet accomplished dog mushers and great Yukon characters, and hear their stories from the trail.
Dog mushing has long played an important role in the history of the Yukon and is still an integral part of the modern Yukon lifestyle. Tonight, away from any hint of artificial light, the stars appear even brighter as they wait to be joined by magical northern lights.
Dog Sled Tour
A dog sled tour is an exhilarating experience that lets you explore the beautiful Yukon terrain. The tour typically lasts around 2-3 hours and covers a distance of 5-10 kilometers.
You'll be pulled by a team of energetic dogs, who are carefully selected and trained for their strength and endurance. The dogs are fed a high-calorie diet to ensure they have the energy to pull the sled.
The sled is designed to be comfortable and safe, with a sturdy frame and a soft, insulated seat. You'll be provided with warm clothing and gloves to keep you cozy during the tour.
The tour guide will teach you how to harness and care for the dogs, giving you a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals. You'll also learn about the history and culture of dog sledding in the Yukon.
As you glide through the snowy landscape, you'll have the chance to take in the stunning scenery and spot local wildlife, such as moose and bears.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Yukon Quest dog sled race?
The Yukon Quest dog sled race is approximately 1,000 miles long, with variations between the northern and southern routes. The exact distance can fluctuate from year to year, but 1,000 miles is the commonly cited length.
Where is the dog sledding capital of the world?
The dog sledding capital of the world is Willow, Alaska, a renowned destination for mushing enthusiasts. Located in Alaska, Willow is a hub for dog sledding and offers exciting experiences for visitors.
Sources
Featured Images: pexels.com