“Dashing through the snow, in a five dog open sleigh
O’er the fields with go, laughing all the way”
It was just me, Maggie, Thomas, Boreal, Tuklu, Henri and our guide that set off through the woods of Duchesnay, just 30 minutes north of Quebec City, for a breath-taking dash through the snow. Bundled up in blankets and cozily ensconced, we set off for a ride of a lifetime. Thanks to the expert training of the guide and the liveliness of the dogs (Maggie, Thomas, Boreal, Tuklu and Henri), it was a fabulous experience.
Snow is a curious thing. We delight in the individuality of each flake and moan when several hundred thousand congregate on our driveways and sidewalks. But spread the snow before you in a pristine wilderness setting and it becomes magical.
Within minutes of setting off, one is transported into a land of Zhivago-esque fantasy of sleigh rides across the tundra or imagining oneself as gold rush pioneer in the frozen north of the Yukon or Alaska.
The high spirits of the sled dogs are incredibly infectious. Their delight at running across the snow soon allows you to become caught up in the experience. The sled driver does his best to keep negotiate you away from embankments, and most times succeeds, but the dogs have their own path in mind and dodging the odd branch is just part of the fun.
The dashes across the flat areas are exhilarating, the twists and turns through the wooded areas will have you trying to catch your breath, and watching the sheer strength and willpower of the sled dogs as they attack a hill is astonishing.
All too soon it was time to bid adieu to Maggie and the boys, warm up with hot chocolate at the camp and swap lies about the near misses and speed of our individual team with other sleigh riders. Our dogs, of course, were the leaders of the packs.
If You Go:
Dog sled rides range anywhere from 20 minutes to expeditions of 2,3,4 or 5 days. An average day trip is usually around 90 minutes and will generally include a tour of the dog kennel, training session and ride.
Prices vary depending on the location, company and length of time and can be as low as CDN $40 or range up to CDN$700-800.
For more information on sledding in Duchesnay contact Aventure Inukshuk
For information about sledding in northern Quebec, click here
And for more about Quebec's attractions, visit Sepaq or Quebec Region websites.
