Dog-sledding at its Best!
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve Ltd consists of 80.000 acres of forested, rolling hills interspersed with more than 50 lakes and hundreds of wetlands. Winding through the forest are more than 300 kilometers of groomed trails making this a dogsledder's paradise. Hidden along the trails are a number of small camps and shelters providing scenic locations to have a snack, warm up or stay overnight.
The Dogs
One hundred and fifty Siberian Huskies, known for their exuberant friendliness, await your arrival. Docile and lovable, these dogs enjoy a run and work-out pulling sleighs. Once harnessed up and on the trail there is nothing that compares to experiencing winter with the sound of snow rustling under the runners of your sleigh and the panting of your dogs.
The Trails
Over the last 40 years Haliburton Forest has prided itself in creating one of the best trail systems in Canada - and our dogsled trails are no exception. With state-of-the-art grooming equipment, professional staff and a location on the Algonquin Dome, we can guarantee incredible winter conditions.
To participate in our tours, guests will not require prior dog sledding experience. Our professional guides will introduce you to the basics of dog sledding in order to ensure that you will have a safe and enjoyable dog sledding experience. While dog sledding does require physical participation, guests do not have to be in excellent physical condition, but should bring along an attitude of adventure
Equipment and Clothing
Haliburton Forest will supply all necessary equipment for your tour including snacks and meals where noted. You will be responsible for all appropriate warm clothing. Good winter boots, mitts and a hat are a must! Layering is essential in winter clothing!
The Tours
Prior to departing on your tour you will be introduced to your guides and dog team. After a brief, but intensive and comprehensive training session you can become involved in harnessing the dogs. Then, under the leadership of your guide, your tour departs. Take charge and drive your own team or sit back in the basket of the sleigh and enjoy the trails as the dogs pull you along. The choice is yours.
- INTRODUCTORY TOURS will introduce visitors to dog sledding basics. After instructions on dog sledding and an introduction to the 4-legged team, guests can expect to spend over one hour on the trails.
- HALF DAY TOURS will stop en-route for a warm up drink with opportunities for photographs and stories. The average distance covered in the 1/2 day tour is 20 km
- FULL DAY TOURS will stop en-route at one of the shelter cabins for a lunch before continuing down the trail and eventually back to the kennel. The average distance covered is approximately 40-50km depending on trail conditions.
Dog Sledding Rules
Please remember to dress for the weather - "Layers" are strongly recommended as are appropriate Winter Boots! Please do not forget to bring a camera and a good sense of Adventure, as you and the dogs will work as a team!
All tours include the "Introduction to Dog sledding" and a Kennel Tour to conclude the experience.
CLIENTS SHOULD ARRIVE 20 TO 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO TOUR DEPARTURE!
Dogsledding Pricing
Introductory Tours:
$115 per person, single sled; $165 adult with child as passenger; $200 two adults sharing a sled*
This is an excellent way for the first time musher to enjoy a new experience. Time is taken to enjoy the winter wonderland as you make your away through the scenic forest trails before heading back". The tours begin at 10am or 2pm and run up to an Hour and a half.
Half-Day Tours:
$175 per person, single sled; $245 adult with child as passenger; $300 Two adults sharing a sled*
This tour "will stop on route for a warm up drink with many opportunities for photographs and stories. The average distance covered in a Half-Day tour is about 15 kms." We do not allow children under the age of 6 years old. The tours begin at 9am or 1pm and run up to 3 hours.
Full-Day Tours:
$300 per person*; for this extraordinary experience, only single sleds will be used and participants must be 16 years of age or older.
This tour will stop half-way en-route at one of the shelter cabins or on the trail for lunch before continuing down the trail and eventually heading back to the kennel. The average distance covered on this tour is approximately 40 kms depending on trail conditions. These tours start at 9:30am and conclude at 4pm with over 6 hours spent on the snow.
We also offer Weekday Packages*:
1 night accommodation with a Half-Day tour for $235 per person
1 night accommodations with a Full Day tour for $335 per person
(both based on double occupancy)
*All Rates are subject to HST
Reservations are required, please phone or email us to book your spot. Upon reservation, we will ask for Non-Refundable Deposits with every booking of $50 per person for every tour.
If you want to save some time during reservation, you can download the required Waiver Form (in PDF Format) and bring it with you at your arrival.
The following 3 1/2 minute video provides a nice overview of dogsledding at Haliburton Forest:
