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 dogs. A guide is on their own sled in front of the group and can take a person if there is a odd number.  If children are involved the number of passengers may vary. We DO NOT offer a solo sled option.

One Hour – approximately 10 kms

Half Day – approximatey 20 kms

On average, 5 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 refund cancellations must be made 30 days or more prior to your scheduled tour.  Cancellations made less then 30 days before your tour will not receive a refund.

Layers is always best in winter, with good winter boots, and a winter wind/water proof outer shell, hat & mitts and you will be set!

Dress for the outdoor temperature being 10 degrees colder then actual temperature to account for wind chill while on the dogsled.

Ski googles or sunglasses to protect your eyes are strongly advised.

If you wish to bring a blanket for the passenger this is strongly advised.

2 sets of Hot pockets/hand warmers are a good idea to keep your fingers and toes warm during the ride.

North Ridge Ranch does not provide any blankets or winter clothing.

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:

 1.  Is my child able to tolerate sitting in a sled for the duration of the tour and keep warm and comfortable in the winter?

2. Am I comfortable with the risk factor involved in dogsledding?

3.  Am I able to properly dress and care for my child before and during the dogsled tour regardless of the temperature and conditions of the day?

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 also can’t be really overweight. Dogsledding is an active team sport, so you need to be willing and able to help out your team on the hills by pedalling or walking behind the sled.

Having a good amount of coordination and balance is key to driving a dogsled.

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 is prohibited on all tours.  We also reserve the right to prohibit anyone from participating on a tour if they have been consuming alcohol 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.

 In the winter our dogs are fed a specialized diet that is created just for them.  It is a mixture of frozen meats that are blended with a cereal grain and fortified vitamins and minerals so their nutritional needs are met.

In the off season the dogs eat a regular dog kibble with a good fat & protein ratio that helps them maintain a healthy weight.

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.

We tether our dogs to keep them safe and organized.  It is important to know the “ins & outs” of each dog. When they are tethered you know how much they have drank, ate and the quality and quantity of their poop.  We do free run our dogs when we are in the kennel and able to supervise them so they are not tethered all the time.  It would be unsafe and irresponsible to leave a large number of dogs free running all the time though as fights can easily be started and escalate quickly if not supervised.  We recognize that chains/tethers are not appealing to the human eye, but for the dogs it allows a visual-barrier free environment for them in which to live safely with their pack.

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.  If your group has an odd number or you are coming by yourself, you will be the passenger on the guides sled.

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.