Dog sledding

Dog Sledding in Explorers’ Edge: The Great Canadian Winter Tradition

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Dog sledding is as quintessentially Canadian as it gets, so there’s no reason to head to the North Pole to try this adrenaline-filled winter activity.

Just two hours from Toronto you’ll find many fine dog sled operators, including one of Canada’s largest companies Chocpaw Expeditions, located in South River, Ontario. Dog sled outfits will introduce you to working with these incredible animals, or take you out on a guided expedition. Some accommodations in the region are getting in on the mushing as well, offering on-site instruction and mini trips on the trails.

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Want to see dog sledding up close but not interested in the mushing? Then check out the 20th Annual Kearney Dog Sled Races  from February 7-9 in the beautiful Almaguin Highlands just north of Muskoka. Kearney is the only Ontario race event featuring a 120 mile overnight trek, which will take the mushers through the stunning wilderness on the western edge of Algonquin Park.

With a big purse to be divided among the winners, professional mushers are coming to compete from across Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec and from as far away as Alaska. The Kearney Dog Sled Races will also feature 4 mile, 6 mile, 35 mile ski-joring, and “Kid & Mutt” races.

In addition to the races, visitors to Kearney can enjoy skating, bonfires, fine food, and fun entertainment, making it a super family adventure in the heart of winter. The entire weekend has a carnival atmosphere in this charming town of 800 residents, and it’s a unique way to enjoy Ontario’s great outdoors in the snowy season. And just try not to be as excited as the dog teams that are raring to go—their enthusiasm is infectious.

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Just about everybody has dog sledding on his or her bucket list. Cross it off yours with a dog sled expedition in Explorers’ Edge this winter. Here is just a partial list of companies offering this iconic Canadian adventure in the region:

Algonquin Park

Call of the Wild Adventure Consultants Couples Resort Dogsledding Package
Snow Forest Adventures
Stouffer Mill Dogsledding Adventure Package
Voyageur Quest
Wilderness Adventures

Almaguin Highlands

Ahmic Lake Resort, Ahmic Harbour
Chocpaw Expeditions,
South River
Fern Glen Inn Chili-Dog Getaway, Emsdale
The Great Canadian Dogsledding Experience, Sundridge
Sugarbush Kennel, Magnetawan
Woodland Echoes Resort Cottages

Muskoka

Adventure Seeker Tours, Huntsville
Blue Water Acres Resort, Huntsville
Bondi Village Resort, Dwight
Deerhurst Resort,
Huntsville
North Ridge Ranch,
Huntsville
Tulip Inn Dogsledding Package, Huntsville

Enter to Win:

The “Go Fish Muskoka Summer 2014” Contest from Explorers’ Edge

Can’t get away this winter? Then ENTER TO WIN a trip to Muskoka in Summer 2014 for 2 adults. Featuring accommodation at the Residence Inn By Marriott on the Gravenhurst Wharf and a 1/2 day guided fishing tour of Lake Muskoka with ReelPro Fishing Guides. Total Prize Value: $900!  CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN.