I am sure the staff at Coldfire Creek Dogsledding saw the flicker of surprise on my face when they told me I would be driving the dogsled. We wandered around the sled teams, petting as many of the dogs as we could get our hands on, familiarizing ourselves with their personalities. They barked excitedly and brushed their bodies against us, receptive to our attention.

After a comprehensive lesson on how to drive the teams, the girls climbed into the sled. I wrapped them up in the cozy blankets provided and their faces beamed with excitement and awe. I wandered to the back of the sled full of excitement and nervousness and prepared myself for the trail.

We were told that the dogs want to go- that they love to run. This was an understatement. As soon as they heard me shout the “hike” command they were off. We were barreling down the path with only the sound of the drag of the sled and the excited “yips” of the dogs. The girls were laughing at the snow being kicked up from the pups and I started to grow comfortable with handling the sled.

Once I had confidence in my driving skills, I pulled out my camera. Juggling a camera and a dogsled at the same time is easier than you would think, but still a complicated task. We followed the creek deeper into the valley, chasing the hint of sunlight peaking through the clouds. Even though we were in the depths of winter, the wind was warm against my exposed skin.

As we approached a long straight stretch we stopped to switch drivers. The girls were thrilled when they were offered the chance to drive. Gaia stepped onto the back with me and I prepared myself to pay full attention. Contrary to my assumption, she was a natural and I was able to concentrate on taking photos while she led the team. She kept exclaiming to her friend that it was easy and “so fun!”

As the girls switched out and allowed each other to drive I saw the gleam of pride spread across their face. We turned a final corner and reached the lunch spot. Nestled in a protected tree space with stunning views of the mountains and a beautiful custom fireplace, it was the perfect place for lunch. The girls wouldn’t stop raving about the baked goods and enjoyed some cider while we waited for the main course.

After lunch, we all packed back onto the sleds and raced back to the staging area. The views on the way back were just as exceptional as on the way in. Once we were at staging we thanked our dog team and guides then hopped into my truck to excitedly talk about our fun day.

Coldfire Creek Dogsledding offers a variety of tour lengths. For those pressed for time there is the “60 minute musher”, for those who want the full experience, there is the “Moonshiners of Whiskey Creek” or “Ghost of Coldfire Creek”. We luckily were invited to tag along for the Moonshiners tour. The valley that Coldfire Creek Dogsledding operates from is just northwest of Valemount. They also have a shuttle that brings customers from Jasper. More information can be found on their website, www.dogsleddinginjasper.com.

Pairing stunning views with close proximity to the village centre Cranberry Marsh (also known as the Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary) is Valemount’s natural outdoor activity centre.

Early season, before the marsh is frozen enough to skate, we love to take advantage of the warm weather and walk along the 6-km loop. Sometimes we make it the whole way around and other times when I sense little feet dragging along, we opt for a short stroll and then turn back. If you’re adventurous, you can strap on a pair of snowshoes, but the Cranberry Marsh loop trail is usually packed down enough that snowshoes aren’t necessary.

As the chill of winter creeps in and the marsh starts to freeze, it transforms into a playground for a truly Canadian experience: outdoor skating. On any given Sunday, you can find the local kids shooting a puck back and forth, trying to score on mom and dad. Cheers and laughter escaping everyone’s mouths as the puck sails past the net. On the other side of the game, you’ll find figure skaters practicing their twirls, weaving in and out of the natural paths the reeds create.

Since the weather varies when skating outdoors our feet always cool down quickly so warm socks are a must. Sometimes we’ll pack “Hot Hands” hand/toe warmers for cold toes, but a sure way to warm up is a cup of steaming hot cocoa. As we hit the ice again, I take a moment to breathe in the beauty of the surrounding mountain peaks. Canoe Mountain is standing tall in front of us- a giant in our presence.

The marsh is not maintained, so after the first big dump of snow you may come upon a few kind folks shoveling the snow off the ice, or you may find that you need a snow shovel yourself. But no matter, even when covered in snow there are many ways to enjoy this space.

The settled ice is a pleasure to wander across by foot and while there is no set track, we often see people shuffling through the snow on cross-country skis or snowshoes. They wear smiles plastered across their faces, enjoying the chance to create their own trail through the snow.

The marsh has multiple access points, the main one being from beside the Best Western parking lot just 2 km south from the Valemount Visitor Information Centre. This is the optimal starting point for a beautiful walk or cross-country ski around the 6-km loop. A lovely way to wrap up your brisk walk is with an appetizer or a warm drink in the Cranberry Lounge located just inside the Best Western. The fireplace will have you feeling warm again in no time.

There is a secondary access point from McKirdy Road, just off of 13th Avenue/Aspen Road. From this parking lot you can walk down to the marsh and strap on a pair of skates to revel in the glory of being surrounded by gorgeous mountain peaks.

Valemount currently doesn’t have a facility that rents skates for outdoor skating or snowshoes, so don’t forget to bring your own.

As with any outdoor activity, safety should be a top priority. Do not attempt to cross the ice early season, in warm weather, or as spring approaches. Enjoy your time in this natural playground.