Behind the Handlebar: Drive a 10‑Dog Husky Team Into the Yukon Wild

WHITEHORSE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Behind the Handlebar: Drive a 10‑Dog Husky Team Into the Yukon Wild

A guided half‑day out of Whitehorse where you learn to mush your own team of Alaskan huskies with a professional musher standing ready for support.

Behind the Handlebar: Drive a 10‑Dog Husky Team Into the Yukon Wild.

Duration
3.5 hours
Location
Whitehorse
Operator
Elevation Sled Dogs
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Settle into the rhythm of paw and runners as you move through quiet Yukon winter landscape on a half‑day sledding adventure. This small‑group tour from Whitehorse is built around hands‑on mushing: you’ll meet and harness an elite team of Alaskan huskies, learn the fundamentals of driving a sled, and travel the trail with a professional Yukon musher close at hand for guidance and safety.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE TEAM

Run a full 10‑dog working team

Feel the power and cadence of a full 10‑dog team of Alaskan huskies—this experience puts a complete working team on the line so you can sense how they move together under load.

THE MUSHING

Drive your own sled with professional support

The outing is designed for authentic, hands‑on mushing: you guide the team while a professional Yukon musher stands behind you on a second handlebar to support and ensure safety.

THE BASE

Dog time, education and hot drinks

Beyond the trail ride you’ll spend time at base meeting dogs at every stage of life, hear an educational talk on Yukon dog‑sledding history, and relax afterward with hot chocolate, coffee or tea in the cozy lodge; there’s even a chance to meet puppies when available.

What the day feels like

What the half‑day feels like

The flow of the morning or afternoon tour is deliberate and unhurried: a welcome and short history lesson while you gear up, hands‑on time harnessing and meeting your huskies, then you take the runners with a professional musher directly behind you as you cover roughly an hour and a half on the trail before returning to base for un‑harnessing and conversation over hot drinks.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this experience suits—and why it’s accessible.

1
All Ages & FamiliesThe offering is promoted as appropriate for all ages, making it a family‑friendly way to introduce children and elders to mushing under guided supervision.
2
Active AdventurersAnyone wanting a tangible, active outdoor experience will appreciate the hands‑on nature of guiding a sled with a pro ready to assist.
3
Dog LoversVisitors who want meaningful interaction with working sled dogs—meeting adults, retired dogs and, seasonally, puppies—will find this particularly rewarding.
4
Small‑group TravelersThe program runs as a small‑group experience to keep the outing personal, relaxed and focused on connecting participants with the dogs and the musher.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The experience is a half‑day outing of roughly 3.5 hours total with approximately 1.5 hours spent mushing on the trail.

What’s Provided

All warm winter gear is provided on the day—parka, boots, mitts and snow pants—so guests only need to arrive dressed in base layers and warm clothing.

Logistics & Meeting Point

Pick‑up from Whitehorse hotels is scheduled for both morning and afternoon tours, and self‑drive guests should arrive at the base at 229 Takhini River Road by the posted arrival times.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the dog sledding experience?

The outing runs approximately 3.5 hours total, with about 1.5 hours on the trail mushing the dogs.

Where do I meet the group?

The operator’s base is at 229 Takhini River Road; there are scheduled hotel pick‑ups, or guests may self‑drive and arrive at the base by the stated arrival time for their tour.

Will I actually drive the sled?

Yes—participants are taught to mush and will guide their own team while a professional Yukon musher stands on a second handlebar behind you to provide support and ensure safety.

Is warm gear provided?

Yes—warm winter gear including parka, boots, mitts and snow pants is provided for the outing.

Can I meet puppies?

There is a chance to meet puppies when they are available; this is seasonal and depends on the kennel’s breeding cycle.

How many dogs will be on the team?

Participants run a full 10‑dog team for the trail portion of the experience.