Prime Dog Sledding Destinations Across the Globe

Some destinations can be more fun than others

Dog sledding will only be possible in the parts of the world that experience extreme winters, in sub-zero temperature conditions. So, to travel on these, you will need to be covered in the right clothing to keep you warm as cold winds will be blowing against you as you move at a good speed. You will also need to be good with dogs so that they understand your command. This sport has faced the wrath of some who consider dog sledding to be cruel to these animals, but the dogs are looked after well, so they pull the sled with good energy and this activity doesn’t take place quite often, so the animals are well rested. Here we suggest some destinations where you will find tour operators who will help you get this very different experience.

Canmore, Alberta in Canada

Canada is credited with inventing dog sledding, where the natives used the dogs for transport, much before this part of the world came to be known as the New World. Canmore is in a valley of the Rocky Mountains and there are more than a few tour operators who will arrange everything for you. You will be given some instructions at the time of booking, which you can do online, and following these will be good for your health and safety. You can go dog sledding all year round, and they will pick the right spots to start for you. If you are confident enough you can drive the sled yourself or else there will be someone to assist you. This town is close to Calgary, which has an international airport to welcome flights from around the world.

Matanuska Valley, Alaska in the USA

This valley has a few rivers that freeze in the winter and you can ride your dog sled over them. Riding a vehicle pulled by dogs can be a very different experience for most people used to standard vehicles. These are good reminders of how people lived with animals in the old world. This experience can thrill you or scare you, so choose the length of the distance you will be traveling over according to your comfort levels. As you go dog sledding in this valley, you will have some beautiful views around to admire apart from the ice and snow that you will be driving over. In winter you will find trees covered with snow for miles. In summer you can book a helicopter to get to the right spot for this sport. This valley is close to Anchorage, where your flights will land and Anchorage is also famous as being the starting spot for Iditarod dog sled races.

Disko Bay, Ilulissat in Greenland

It always helps to get to know the dogs before you ride with them, so in Disko Bay, the tour operators will allow you to meet their dogs and hold their puppies. The dogs know the route well and even if the sled gets stuck anywhere, they are strong enough to pull it out. At Disko Bay, you will have the frozen sea to ride over at most months of the year and you can admire the swimming whales and other creatures. For beginners, there will be some lessons and the dogs can even pull you to the right spot for fishing. You can even capture your photos with icebergs in the background. The Ilulissat airport will be ideal for you to fly to get to this destination.

Blue Mountains, Reykjavik, Iceland

This is a small mountain range close to the capital of this large island country, Reykjavik and it is covered with snow throughout the year. In this country, a variety of breeds of dogs are used to pull the dog sled. Though in one team you will find dogs of a single breed. The rides will usually last about an hour, so you must come prepared for an hour in the cold. There will be options of a sled with you and your partner or there will be more than one dog sled depending on the number of people in your group. The Reykjavik international airport will be the right airport for those planning to get here.

Tromso, Norway

If you haven’t brought the right dresses with you, don’t worry most tour operators will have these ready for you. The winters in this part of the world are much longer than the summers, so the conditions will be right for dog sledding throughout the year. This ride will be perfect for those who wish to get away from the crowds and the noise. Most sleds will have space for a driver standing and for one person to lie down, so you will have the option of what role you wish to play. If you are a dog lover, this sport will give you the opportunity to form a strong bond with these animals. Tromso has its own airport for those interested in coming here.

Final thoughts

You may think that this sport is not right because of the animals involved but once you ride the dog sled you will feel the new relationship you build with them. Most tour operators will show you how they look after these dogs. Here we have listed some destinations if you want to gain this unique feeling of riding a dog sled.