My girlfriend and I headed up to Northern Saskatchewan last Christmas with hopes of doing some cross country skiing and some dog sledding. The skiing was great, but unfortunately there wasn’t enough snow to go dog sledding. This year we decided to try again. Although the temperature was frigid, there was plenty of snow, so we were off to the races.
Exit to the dog sledding.
Last summer, I had the opportunity to head north in Saskatchewan and go on a canoe trip with some friends. It truly is a fantastic place with lots to offer to the outdoor enthusiast. However, I’m not sure if I prefer heading up there in the summer or winter as both offer great opportunities. Anyways, I guess that is irrelevant… back to the dog sledding.
Talk about a unique experience. We organized our half day trip with Sundogs Sled Excursions and the owner of the operation, Brad Muir. When you pull into the Sundogs ‘office’ you are welcomed by the sounded of 34 Alaskan Huskies barking up a storm. They seemed to know that some of them were going to go out running that day. They were hopping around and doing circles with great anticipation. Brad took about 40 minutes to get the dogs ready and attached eight to the sled. The incessant barking continued until Brad gave the command to start running. Once they started, all you could hear was the sounds of the dogs paws hitting the trail.
Preparing the sled for take off.
We ran, well, I guess the dogs ran for about an hour. We both had a chance to drive the sled for a bit which was great. We then stopped for a bison sandwich on the frozen shores of Anglin Lake. Brad has a tent set up there for overnight trips complete with a wood burning fire place. After we polished off the lunch, it was back to the trails. We cross the frozen lake and then headed back to camp. All in all, the trip was about 4 hours. It was a fantastic way to spend New Years Eve day.
Crossing the lake.
If you have the opportunity, definitely take advantage of the chance to go dog sledding (preferably with Sundogs in Saskatchewan). If you need to pick up some travel insurance before your trip to Canada, check out kanetix.ca.
The dogs are eager to hit the trail.
Looks like a great experience. Dog sledding is one of those things that I’d really love to do.
Great reporting, sir. I am heading to Christopher Lake next week and Brad is doing a dog-sled demo with my class. Sorry I missed you on your way through Saskatoon.
That’s funny, I was asking him if you took your class there. That’s a great opportunity for them.
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This is amazing……especially the picture crossing the lake.