The warming campfire at the end
Picture postcard stuff
Getting to know your dog team is important
The local operator recommended Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, who own over 200 dogs and have over 30 years of experience and expertise in touring, racing and conservation. The kennel was created in 1983 by Connie and Charles Arsenault, whose passion for the sport has created this family legacy. Today their two children, Jereme and Carlin, have followed in their father's footsteps to carry on this legacy. To visit the incomparable beauty of the Canadian Rockies is a remarkable adventure alone. But having the opportunity to take part in the ancient art of travelling by dog sled is another experience altogether.
The Canadian Indian and Inuit were the first to use huskies in a working dog relationship. Unlike the iconic western horse, a Spanish import of only 400 years, the dog has been the "beast of burden" 10 times longer in North America, and most likely all around the Arctic regions. When I was down in Antarctica, New Zealand still maintained the traditional sled dogs as a working means of getting over the ice. Sadly, political decisions saw the end of this activity and it was the end of the line of a bloodstock of dogs which could withstand temperatures down to -70˚ Celsius.
The vast Canadian frontier was explored and charted using huskies originally belonging to the indigenous Canadians. By 1873, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were using sled dogs for transportation and patrols. Clearly, human habitation in the vast Canadian north may not have been possible without canine assistance.
"Hike" and we are away
Snowy Owl's sled dog operation is huge, literally and figuratively. With over 200 dogs, all known by name and respected and treated as being an extended family, two kennel managers work 12 hours a day to provide for the needs of the dogs alone. These dogs are so friendly and obedient they actually teach the tourists a thing or two when it comes to transiting the trails. The main reason that this northern huskies breed was chosen for pulling sleds was that other breeds could not withstand the harsh climate and terrain. There emerged several dog breeds specifically adapted to snow conditions and sub-degree temperatures.
The Canadian eskimo dogs, for example, have distinct, inherent characteristics differing from other huskies relating to their sense of wildlife detection and ice conditions. Snowy Owl is still breeding and using these bloodlines, based on the dogs' unique abilities.
The trail was so surreal 32 Professional Skipper March/April 2012
When you meet your dog team for the first time, the power and stamina of the true "powder hounds" of the Rockies soon becomes evident. After the traditional briefing on the do's and dont's, safety and how to operate the sled and dog team, it was time to meet the canines. With a team of six, some had a natural ability to lead, while the younger, more enthusiastic dogs were still learning and had to take second place. The power house specimens followed up the rear as the last pair.
The number of dogs in the team depends on the weight of the
