We usually run anywhere between 5 – 8 dogs per team depending on the conditions and size of customers.
On average we run the dogs at about a 15km/hr pace although their top speed is over 30kms an hour.
Yes, some are a little timid of strangers, but the majority love to be pet.
2 customers/sled, one person riding and 1 person driving the sled. A guide is on their own sled in front of the group. If there is a odd numbered group, someone can ride on the guide sled as a passenger.
If children are involved the number of passengers may vary as we can sometimes double them up.
We DO NOT offer a solo sled option.
One Hour – approximately 10 kms
Half Day – approximatey 20 kms
On average, 4 guest sleds and one guide sled leading. This number can vary depending on demand and requirements.
Not likely. While we are fortunate to share the wilderness with Moose, Fox, Deer, Wolves, Bear and numerous smaller animals and birds we don’t often see them. We do frequently see their tracks however so we know they are there!
We predominately have access to 100's of acres of private mixed bush trails that have some gorgeous towering pines, hills, flats, and turns. The scenery is wonderful. There is no ice travel on our tours.
About a 2.5 hour drive
In order to receive a full refund, cancellations need to be made more than 30 days prior to your scheduled tour.
If for any reason you need to cancel less than 30 days prior to your reserved date and the spots are not filled, there will be no refund. If the spots are filled by a new reservation there will be a 90% refund issued (10% administration fee).
If North Ridge Ranch needs to cancel at any time due to unsafe conditions we offer 3 options: 1/ try to reschedule 2/ issue a gift certificate that can be used at a later date 3/ issue a full refund.
Yes! However children 17 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult and parents need to be able to answer yes to the following 3 questions:
Generally no. If the guide permits a child to drive, the child would need to be at least 16 years old, mature and over 100lb. The final decision is always at the guides’ discretion.
Yes, children 12 and under receive a discount off the adult rate.
Children 3 and under are free.
You certainly don’t need to be a marathon runner, but you need to be willing and able to help out your team on the hills by walking behind the sled or pedalling along (similar to a skateboarding motion). Dogsledding is an active team sport and having a good amount of coordination and balance is key to driving a dogsled safely.
If you have concerns about physical abilities and/or weight limits for the sled, please email us at info@northridgeranch.ca
We certainly are willing to do what we can to accommodate a variety of needs. Please contact us directly if you feel you require any accommodations and we will be happy to work with you.
We do not allow pregnant women on our tours as passengers or drivers. The potential risks are just not worth it. Please come dogsledding once your baby has been born.
Alcohol and cannabis are prohibited on all tours. We also reserve the right to prohibit anyone from participating on a tour if they have been consuming Alcohol or cannabis prior to the tour. No refunds will be issued.
As with all adventure sports inherent risks are involved when dogsledding. We do not provide or require helmets on our tours, but you are welcome to bring helmets for yourself or your children.
Yes they sure do. Dogsledding would not be a sport without the forward drive of the dogs. If you have ever experienced the excitement and energy of the dogs before they leave on a tour, you will know that pulling is something they want to do.
Our sled dogs eat Canadian made Inukshuk Professional Dog Food. In the winter they eat the 32/32 formula and in the "off" season they eat the 30/25 formula. Inukshuk is a high grade kibble that is made to meet the protein and fat needs of working dogs. https://www.inukshukpro.com
In the winter our dogs also get a warm soup to help with hydration. It is hot water that is baited/mixed with meat for flavour and extra fat.
In the summer our dogs get lots of fresh, cold water to keep them hydrated and cool.
Yes. They each have their own doghouse that they call home when they are not on tour or free – running. The houses provide shelter from the wind, rain, snow and sun. They are bedded with straw in the winter to keep them warm and wood shavings in the summer to keep them comfortable. Alaskan huskies are bred for their adaptability to the outdoors so they acclimatize well with the different seasons.
No, all tour pricing is per person.
No. Our dogs have a strong pack mentality and any outside animal in their space creates excitement and curiosity that takes away from their focus. Having another animal on tour that is not a part of North Ridge Ranch is unsafe for that animal and our dogs. Please leave your pets at home or contact us in advance to make arrangements for your pet to stay in our home while you are on tour.
No. We do not offer a solo sled option. All customer sleds have at least 2 people - a driver and a passenger.
A strong ability to understand and communicate in English is essential for all those hoping to participate as a driver on our dogsled tours. We offer a detailed lesson at the beginning of the tour so everyone knows what they need to do to safely drive a dog team. The guide reserves the right to deny anyone the opportunity to drive a dogsled if they are not confident that a person has understood the instructions or is capable of safely driving one of our teams. You do not need to speak or understand English to be a passenger on a dogsled. If you have any concerns please contact us prior to your tour to discuss alternatives and options if you are unsure about your conversational English.
Welcome to North Ridge Ranch. We are very happy you stopped by and hope that we can share the magic and adventure of dog sledding with you in Muskoka. Huntsville, Ontario is where we call home and have had our kennel for over 20 years. Owners and Operators Brad & Leah Fetterley and over 60 amazing Alaskan Huskies make up a dynamic team that are excited to take you on an unforgettable dog sled tour through the wilds of Muskoka.
North Ridge Ranch | Huntsville, Muskoka, Ontario | 705-788-2828
Huntsville, Muskoka, On | 705-788-2828