Dog Sledding in the Yukon: An Authentic Canadian Winter Adventure
- Martin Hesp
- Dec 31, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Few places capture the spirit of winter quite like Canada's Yukon. With endless forests, frozen lakes and snow-covered mountains, this vast northern wilderness offers the perfect setting for one of the world's most unforgettable adventures—travelling by traditional dog sled. It's an experience that combines exhilarating outdoor adventure with a fascinating glimpse into the region's pioneering history and Indigenous heritage.
Did You Know?
The Yukon covers almost 500,000 square kilometres.
Whitehorse is the territory's capital and largest community.
Dog sledding has been an essential means of transport in northern Canada for generations.
Winter temperatures regularly fall below -20°C, creating ideal sledding conditions.
Why Go Dog Sledding in the Yukon?
Sledging was winter-occupation number one for children who grew up in the UK’s mainly warmish damp West Country. In the Exmoor area, that meant a brief 20-second ride down a short sharp hill - which was exhilarating enough, but we kids used to dream of what it would be like to go for a real sledge ride across what used to be called The Frozen North. A sledge-ride like the one we’d read about - one towed by dogs through vast landscapes where the snow lay deeper than a house.
And then one day I was enjoying such a sledge-ride in Canada’s vast empty north-east quarter where winter is writ very big indeed.
Just being there, in a place where temperatures can dip to minus 50, is an adventure. Looking out of your hotel window at the all-embracing deep-freeze is a thrill. And travelling around in a place that is as big as Western Europe but which only has a population half that of a medium sized British market town is, somehow, breathtaking and astonishing.
The immensity of the empty white-zone doesn’t necessarily mean void and silence. There are people and they do some thrilling things - like, for example, stage an annual 1000-mile long race in which extremely tough men and women take on the elements with the help of a handful of dogs.
The Yukon Quest, held every February, is the longest such race in the world and what it demands of the “mushers” - who drive their dog-sled teams the equivalent of travelling from London to North Africa - is simply beyond imagination.
The racers are allowed just one named helper who can give aid at a few stops along the way, but for the most part the mushers are alone out there in the wilderness that lies between Whitehorse in the Yukon and Fairbanks in Alaska.
Apart from driving the dogs the mushers must look after them by arranging hay bedding at night and taking off the little Day-Glo booties each wears to protect its paws from ice crystals. Indeed, each dog paw has to be massaged and oiled after the rigours of a long stage.
Imagine… it is cold enough to freeze the tears in your eyes; it is dark and snowing and you strike camp; put up your tent… And then you must see to 56 canine feet. You will already have started to boil the dog’s meat-stew on board the sled before you come to a halt - but only after you’ve seen to the bedding, feeding and foot-work can you grab a bite for yourself. This is followed by two hours sleep, and then you’re off in the appalling conditions again. And you will be doing this for nine or ten days!
I attended the Yukon Quest and watched the mushers during their preparations and followed them for half the race - and I can only assume they must be made from a different grade of genetic material.
I know this because I had a go at dog-sledding. An hour’s drive out of Whitehorse in the mountains around beautiful Fish Lake there are several businesses which provide the mushing experience for tourists. I’ve seen it on TV and vaguely thought it might be a bit of fun. But only a bit. It’s never been close to the top of my must-do list.
But it is thrilling, exciting and, somehow, just slightly life-changing. There is something ancient and primeval about being towed through a vast white wilderness by a gang of man’s best friends.
And, believe me, the dogs really do become your best friend out there in the freezer. For a start, you cannot believe how strong they are. First-time visitors are given just four dogs for a day out in the mountains – I weigh 13-stone but my team never ceased running, nor showed any signs of wanting to slow down. The most difficult part is the very start when the team will pull away like a bolting horse unless you put all your weight on the brake. For an hour I stabbed steel teeth into the ice, but it did little to slow the dogs down. That gave me even more respect for the professional mushers who race the Quest with 14 dogs.
I loved every minute of my fortnight in the Yukon and will put more articles about my adventures up on the website soon.
FAQ section
Where is the Yukon?
The Yukon is Canada's westernmost territory, bordering Alaska. Its capital, Whitehorse, is the main gateway for visitors exploring the region.
Is dog sledding in the Yukon suitable for beginners?
Yes. Most operators provide full instruction, making dog sledding suitable for first-time visitors as well as experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
When is the best time to go dog sledding in the Yukon?
The main season runs from December to March, when deep snow and cold temperatures create ideal conditions.
What should I wear for dog sledding?
Wear insulated winter boots, thermal layers, waterproof outer clothing, warm gloves and a hat. Temperatures can fall well below freezing.
Can you see the Northern Lights in the Yukon?
Yes. During the winter months, the Yukon is one of Canada's best places to experience the aurora borealis on clear nights.
Is dog sledding safe?
Yes. Reputable guides provide safety briefings and experienced sled dogs are trained to work as a team, making the activity safe for most visitors.
