The Seven Valleys Dog Sledding Expedition – 11 Days

We’ll start by building your mushing skills over the course of two day-trips (20-30 km each) into the mountains surrounding the ranch. Relaxed evenings are a chance to rest, sample local beer and wild foods, observe northern lights* and learn more about the culture and history of dog sledding. At night enjoy our quiet comfy log cabin. By Day 2, you’ll have a feel for the unique Yukon dog sledding experience and should be well prepared for the expedition ahead.

The next three days will bring us through the valleys of Fish Lake, Mud Lake and Rose creek, a wide and elevated corridor that is a prime habitat for woodland caribou. This glacier-sculpted plateau produces its own high-pressure micro-climate, which typically means clear skies and a good chance of seeing northern lights. A pack of wolves live here through the winter and we often hear them howling in the night, though seeing one is a rare treat.

At the end of the day, you’ll work with your guide to make a comfortable winter camp for people and dogs. Our home at night is a warm, wood-heated tent with top-of-the-line camping equipment to ensure your comfort. Your group of dogs will be yours to care for during your stay with us. We’ll show you our dog care camp routine (preparing dog food, feeding, making straw bedding, and putting on dog coats), and help you to do it, in order to deepen your bond with your team.

On Day 5, we’ll travel over a mountain pass to reach lower elevations and the alpine forest of the Watson river valley. On the way you’ll learn about the glacial past of this unique area and how to identify different northern vegetation types. After 5 days living and traveling with your dogs, you’ll start to feel a true connection arising.

For the next two days, we will travel in the boreal forest into a typical glacial “U” shaped valley to reach the beautiful valley of Annie Lake surrounded by peaks towering 1200m above the lake. On the trail, you’ll get to learn more about the sled dog metabolism and discover what makes them such great athletes. On Day 7 we’ll arrive at a cozy log cabin, our comfortable headquarters for two nights and our day off. Don’t miss the chance to jump into the sauna and relax.

Well rested, our route will now take us through the high elevation valleys of Alligator Lake and Coal Lake. This diversified mountainous environment with its sparse boreal forest and alpine tundra is a natural habitat for caribou, ptarmigan, moose, lynx, ermine and wolverine, so keep an eye out for wildlife. Your guide will also teach you how to identify various animal tracks. In the evening, be ready for stunning sunsets as these sceneries are some of the greatest around. Keep your camera nearby later on because as well because northern lights could be seen again tonight. The warm tent will be our home for two nights

Enjoy a last relaxed breakfast by a camp fire and get ready to tackle the last day travelling with your dogs. We’ll travel up to higher elevations and then go down a smooth mountain notch toward our original valley, Fish Lake. On what we call the Fish Lake plateau, the stunning view will for sure trigger a feeling of accomplishment: you and your dogs made it, a real 250 km dog sled expedition in the Yukon! Back at the ranch, we’ll take care of the dogs and reward them, then head to town for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner!