Snow is coming: It's time to check this off the bucket list

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Tuesday, February 23, 2016, 4:16 PM - There are many excellent dogsledding outfitters to choose from in Ontario. 

They are passionate about their dogs and the natural world. It is not just a job, it's their way of life.

They offer trips ranging from one hour to 10 days. Don't worry if you have never tried it; the outfitters will teach you the basics and introduce you to one of the finest ways to enjoy a winter day.

You can also try dogsledding at many of Ontario's Resorts or experience the excitement of a dogsled race. 

Find outfitters, resorts and races on the map below then scroll down to read more about the outfitters and accommodation packages offered.

Getting Started: Choose The Adventure That Is Right For You!

BOREAL JOURNEYS SLED DOG KENNEL - Kaministiquia (near Thunder Bay) 

Boreal Journeys strives to foster the development of strong relationships between the guests and the dogs. This small kennel offers a very personal experience that allows participants to have an enriched adventure.  

BOREALIS DOGSLED TOURS Borealis Dogsled Tours - Vermilion Bay

Join Borealis for a dogsled excursion through spectacular Northwestern Ontario. Your trek, along ancient routes used by Ojibway hunters and trappers, will take you through some of the most pristine and rugged wilderness in Canada. Nights on the trail are spent at a log outpost cabin and in heated wall tents. These camps have a traditional rustic appeal and provide a warm place to enjoy an evening meal of moose, grouse or fish.

CHOCPAW EXPEDITIONS - South River

On a Chocpaw dogsledding adventure, you will learn the skills necessary to enjoy the Canadian winter and develop a working relationship with your team of dogs as you travel through the Algonquin wilderness. Choose from day trips to multi-day expeditions.  

ÉVASION NORDIK - Hearst

Évasion Nordik is a small family-run dogsledding company that provides excellent personal attention. The 2 km or a 5 km dog sled ride is perfect for families and groups of friends. You can also had a "real mushing experience" driving a dog sled team on your own or try skijoring.    

HALIBURTON FOREST DOGSLEDDING - Haliburton Highlands

Introduction to dogsledding.  Experienced guides lead an excursion into Haliburton Forest's winter wonderland on dogsled, going through snow covered forests, across lakes and wetlands. Come along for the ride of a lifetime!

HIGHLANDS WILDERNESS TOURS - Maynooth

Highlands Wilderness Tours is a small family-run business that caters to your needs. All tours are scheduled individually so you and your group have the privacy to learn at a pace that suits your skill level. You will pilot an enthusiastic team of dogs on a "closed loop" totally private wilderness trail set up to safely teach you the art of mushing.   

NORTH RIDGE RANCH - Huntsville  

A dog sledding adventure at North Ridge Ranch with Brad Fetterley is an excellent introduction to this spectacular sport. This is a very interactive trip - you will help harness your dogs, hook them up to the sleds and learn how to issue the commands. You will travel 2 per sled, pulled by a 6 dog team. Half, full and multi-day adventures are available.  

DOGSLEDDING PACKAGE: Chili-Dog Getaway at Fern Glen Inn Bed & Breakfast  

Enjoy 2 nights comfortable accommodation, use of Fern Glen Inn trails, snowshoes and toboggans, 1 hearty chill dinner, 2 breakfasts plus a half day guided dog sledding adventure at North Ridge Ranch.  

SNOW FOREST ADVENTURES - Algonquin Provincial Park and Temagami

Snow Forest Adventures offers world class dogsledding adventures in Algonquin Park, Temagami and Canada's far north. Trips range in length from two to ten day wilderness expeditions. Drive your own team of lovable Alaskan Huskies and stay in the comfort of heated prospector tents, while enjoying wholesome, homemade meals. All trips owner guided.

WILDERNESS ADVENTURES - Algonquin Provincial Park

Mush along with Algonquin Dog Sled Adventures on this one to five day Algonquin Park wilderness dogsled adventure, led by experienced guides and support staff! Drive your sled thirty to fifty kilometres a day to remote wilderness camps and overnight in cozy woodstove heated tents on the 2 to 5 day trips. Round trip transportation from Toronto may be available, please call. 

WINDDRIFT ADVENTURES– Orillia

Learn all about the sport of dogsledding during a half hour, half day or full day experience.  There is no other way to enjoy what nature has to offer than mushing down the trail with a dog team!  

WINTERDANCE DOGSLED TOURS - Haliburton 

Discover the thrill of driving a team of purebred Siberian Huskies! Explore Haliburton's breathtaking winter wilderness while dogsledding in magical silence. This is the perfect adventure for those wanting to lose themselves in time to the magic and beauty of remote wilderness and the dogs. Choose from 2 hour, half day, full day, moonlit run or multi-day tours. 

Dogsledding Package: Highland Dogsled Adventure at Sir Sam's Inn & WaterSpa includes 2 nights accommodation, a gourmet dinner and 2 country style breakfasts, use of all facilities plus a 2 hour dog sled adventure with Winterdance. 

Other Dogsledding Packages 

CALL OF THE WILD - Algonquin Provincial Park near Maynooth/Bancroft

Call of the Wild offers a variety of dogsledding adventures with accommodations at the Algonquin Ecolodge. Choose a 3 or 4 day dogsledding adventure or a 3 day multi-adventure (including dogsledding, cross country skin and snowshoeing). 

VOYAGEUR QUEST - Algonquin Provincial Park near South River

Voyageur Quest offers a variety of dogsledding adventures. Choose from day trips, weekend trips, 3 day adventure and winter sampler packages. 

"Many people think they have to go to Alberta, the Yukon or even Quebec for dogsledding," write Dave & Deb, one of the world's most successful travelling couples. "But in Ontario's Haliburton Highlands, there is an amazing tour that anyone can take, where they can drive their own dog sleds and have the adventure of a lifetime."