Dog sledding is more than just a ride; It’s a dive into the very essence of the Quebec winter. Imagine yourself gliding across a white expanse, wrapped in furs, with only the steady breath of a pack of dogs and the crunching of snow under the sled’s runners as a melody… This is an experience that seems to come straight out of a polar adventure novel. Chicoutimi, this jewel of the Saguenay, is the perfect epicentre to immerse yourself in this ancestral tradition. In this article, we will guide you step by step in organizing your winter dog sledding ride and show you the subtleties of this fascinating mode of transport.
Book at the Château Cran Chaud and enjoy an ideal location to explore Chicoutimi and its surroundings
Preparation and equipment
First and foremost, properly equipping yourself is crucial to fully enjoying your adventure. Temperatures can be daunting; So you’ll need warm clothes (think of the three layers: thermal, insulating and windproof), not to mention gloves, hat and insulated boots. Once you’ve dressed to brave the cold, it’s time to choose your provider. Many offer their services around Chicoutimi: look for those who make animal welfare a point of honor and who have good customer feedback.
When you contact the local mushers… Ask questions! Find out about the duration of the proposed walks; They can vary from a short initiation to a multi-day expedition. Also ask what type of interaction with dogs will be possible before or after the walk. Some organizers even allow participants to get involved in the preparation of the teams or in the care of the animals.
Meet the mushers
Mushers are much more than guides; They are the true soulmates of their dogs. Interaction with them is often rich in lessons… They will share with you their passion for racing, dressage and the unique bond that unites them to their pack. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions about their daily life (training, dog nutrition, etc.) and about the history of dog sledding in the region.
During your walk, carefully observe the way the musher communicates with his dogs: each voice command (“Go”, “Right”, “Stop”…) is important and reflects a deep complicity between humans and animals. These exchanges are fascinating and testify to the mutual respect necessary for the smooth running of the sled.
Winter immersion
Once you’re comfortably seated in the sled or standing on the skates if you choose to drive, let yourself be swept up in the winter magic… The landscape passes by; Snow-capped forests, frozen rivers and majestic mountains make up a living picture where every detail counts: the quivering of a fir tree under the weight of the snow, the crystalline glare of a ray of sunshine on an ice bank…
This experience is not only visual; it appeals to all your senses. The bitter cold on your skin; the fresh, pure smell of snow; the icy taste of the air you breathe… Not to mention the touch when you pet the dogs or hold the reins of the sled firmly.
Respecting nature
In this almost unreal environment, it is essential to remember our responsibility towards nature… The spaces crossed are fragile and must be respected (do not leave any trace behind). Local mushers are usually very involved in the preservation of these wild territories and will be happy to share their ecological practices with you.
It is also important to be attentive to the well-being of the dogs throughout the adventure. These canine athletes are incredibly resilient but deserve care and attention (give them a few comforting strokes during breaks). Their health comes before any personal pleasure.
After the adventure
Your journey over… There is still a lot to do! Take the time to chat with your musher around a fire or during a typical Quebec meal (tourtière, pea soup…). It is often during these convivial moments that unforgettable anecdotes are born.
Also, don’t forget to thank your canine companions for their hard work – a simple but meaningful gesture for them and their owner. Finally, share your experience! Your photos and stories will help raise awareness of this exceptional activity and perhaps inspire other adventurers to organize their own dog sledding ride from Chicoutimi.
Make your visit to Chicoutimi an unforgettable one by staying at the Château Cran Chaud.
