Tis the season to be dog sledding.

I would like to say a few words in honour of dog sledding,  “Hike, Mush and All Right” (terms for get moving);  “Gee” (turn right);  “Haw” (turn left);  “Easy” (slow down);  “Whoa” (stop) and “On By” (pass distraction). Some of the dog sled slang I picked up interviewing the dogs.

For you non winterites out there – listen up. Dog sledding is an adventure you should all take seriously and learn to appreciate. Not only was it once a mode of transportation in Canada for winter months – it is part of our history. There is no physical effort required on your part so all can enjoy – young and old, fit or not.  And… you are always the centre of attention… um, ok maybe the dogs are the centre of attention. You know what I mean.

Let us put it this way. If you like sightseeing, beautiful scenery and bonding with nature during the summer months while you are out enjoying a whale watching tour, horseback riding, hiking trails, boat charter, bus tour, etc then you will love dog sledding! So… what is holding you back? Is it bad information, preconceived impressions…. what?

Time to clear the air! Lets address some of the myths out there.

Myth: It is too cold. Hog wash! You are not cold. Most dog sledding outfitters provide you with warm blankets to bundle up in and some even provide electric blankets. Plus some will have hot chocolate or coffee on hand for the tummy warmth. It is like any activity in summer or winter you have to prepare so dress for warmth.

Myth: You get wet. Look if you show up in jeans and a t-shirt ya will get wet. Dress as if you are going skiing and you are as dry as a hot summer day. Enjoying anything in every season is all to do with preparation – summer or winter.

Myth: Dogs are barking all the time. In the beginning maybe as they are so excited to get going. Wouldn’t you be if you were a dog? Once on the trail and after running around in the snow, they can get pretty tired and quiet after a while especially when you are at the end of your run.

Myth: No scenery. Give me a break. Dog sledding provides the best opportunity for all ages and fitness levels to view postcard like winter landscapes. If anything the scenery is epic and silent as the snow muffles sounds. Believe me when I say it is very therapeutic.

Myth: Expensive. What is expensive to you? Is $1600 a weekend skiing expensive for two people. Is $3000 heli skiing expensive per person? Is a $200 dinner for 4 in your hotel expensive? Is renting 2 snowmobiles for $1000 a day expensive. Dog sledding varies, but you can average out $250 for two for a dogsled adventure. Expensive is relative to your adventure whims.

So we say to all of you our there. Do not judge an adventure until you have tried it once. From my own experience it is one of the worst things you can do in life is pre judge people, places and adventures. Judging adventures with bad information leads to missed opportunities. Go dog sledding and if you do not enjoy it then send me a nasty email.

So in closing, I would like to say a few words in honour of dog sledding,  “Hike, Mush and All Right” (terms for get moving);  “Gee” (turn right);  “Haw” (turn left);  “Easy” (slow down);  “Whoa” (stop) and “On By” (pass distraction). Just some dog sledding slang I picked up on the trail.

Book a dog sledding adventure on ehCanadaTravel.com and see what we mean.