Glide Through Snowy Landscapes on an Authentic Dogsled Adventure
I’m pretty sure the staff at Coldfire Creek Dogsledding noticed the flicker of surprise on my face when they told me I would be driving the sled myself. We wandered among the teams, stopping to pet as many dogs as we could, learning their personalities one sniff and wag at a time. They barked excitedly, brushed against us, and seemed as eager for attention as they were for the trail ahead.
After a thorough lesson on driving the sled, the girls climbed in, bundled up in the cozy blankets provided. Their faces lit up with excitement and awe, and I felt a mix of nerves and anticipation as I made my way to the back of the sled, ready to take the reins.
We were told the dogs love to run—and that was no exaggeration. The moment I shouted the command “hike!”, they surged forward, barreling down the snow-covered trail. The only sounds were the drag of the sled and the chorus of yips and barks from the dogs. Snow sprayed up around us as the girls laughed, and with each turn, I grew more confident in handling the sled.
Once I felt comfortable, I pulled out my camera. Juggling a camera and driving a dogsled might seem impossible, but it was manageable—just a little exhilarating. We followed the creek deeper into the valley, chasing shafts of sunlight peeking through the clouds. Even in the heart of winter, the wind on my face was oddly warm, carrying with it the crisp scent of snow and the sheer joy of motion.
By the time we returned, exhilarated and smiling, I realized that dogsledding is more than a winter adventure—it’s a moment of connection: with the dogs, with the land, and with the sheer thrill of running wild through the Canadian wilderness.
As we approached a long, straight stretch of trail, we paused to switch drivers. The girls were thrilled at the chance to take the reins. Gaia stepped onto the back with me, and I braced myself to pay full attention. To my surprise, she was a natural—confidently guiding the team while I finally had a moment to lift my camera and capture the action. She couldn’t stop exclaiming to her friend how easy and “so fun!” it was.
As the girls took turns leading the team, I watched pride light up their faces. Every shout of excitement, every laugh, felt contagious. Soon we turned the final corner and arrived at our lunch spot: a sheltered nook framed by trees, with breathtaking mountain views and a custom fireplace that added a cozy touch to the scene. The girls raved about the baked treats and sipped cider eagerly while we waited for the main course.
After lunch, we climbed back onto the sleds and raced through the valley on the return journey. The scenery felt just as magical as before, the crisp winter air carrying the same sense of exhilaration. Back at the staging area, we thanked our dog team and guides, and then piled into the truck to excitedly relive every moment of our adventure.
Coldfire Creek Dogsledding offers tours for every kind of adventurer. For those short on time, the “60-Minute Musher” is perfect, while longer excursions like the “Moonshiners of Whiskey Creek” or “Ghost of Coldfire Creek” deliver the full wilderness experience. We were lucky enough to join the Moonshiners tour, which winds through the stunning valley just northwest of Valemount. For those coming from farther afield, a shuttle service is available from Jasper. For full details and bookings, visit www.dogsleddinginjasper.com.
