Dog Sledding Programme
2009-2010 Winter Programs
PROGRAM / RATES INFO NAVIGATOR
- The Chocpaw Day Trip
- Algonquin Multi-Day Trips
- General Package Rates
- Accommodations
- March Break / Reading Week Programs
- James Bay Dog Sled Expeditions
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
Dog Sledding Adventures
A dog sled expedition is a complete winter program.
We provide the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to enjoy the Canadian winter and develop a working relationship with your team of sled Dogs as you travel through the Algonquin wilderness.
You must be able to work with other people and be willing to participate in all aspects of the expedition. From the beginning of the program, you are required to assume responsibility for your dog team; from safety on the trail to their care and maintenance at camp.
We take time to be sure you have adequately prepared for your trip in all respects and provide you with an information package including a clothing and equipment check-list well in advance of the trip. We supply all necessary sledding equipment and an abundance of food, making allowances for dietary preferences or restrictions.
All our programs begin with a thorough instruction in dog sledding and winter trekking skills at our shop in South River.
For most groups who opt for the accommodation in the local area, we can arrange to do the orientation presentation the evening before your adventure. This allows for an earlier start the next day.
Prior to booking a expedition it is advised to check the Booking Information and Full Dates page in order to select dates where spaces are available.
Prices include all food, sledding equipment and park fees, but are subject to 5% Federal Goods and Sales Tax
back to top The Chocpaw Day Trip
The day trip begins at our shop in South River at 8:30 a.m. where your guide gives an orientation session about the dogs, sleds, trails and safety issues. Following this, we move out to the staging area and everyone gets involved in harnessing the dogs and hooking up the teams.
The excitement of the dogs is contagious and when all is set to go, the dogs pull and lunge against their harnesses waiting for your command “Ready! Let’s Go!”
Ready to Depart From Dog Yard - Ready, Set, Go
The scenery along the trails is awesome and there is excellent opportunity for sightings of the many animals and birds that make the Algonquin their home. Expeditions follow prepared trails averaging 25 to 30 miles a day and the trails are planned carefully to highlight the beauty and diversity of the area.
Stops are made throughout the trip to take pictures or simply to marvel at the scenery. A hearty lunch is provided on trail,; a brief rest for dogs and man before continuing the day’s journey. The experience concludes with the return to the kennel around 3:00 p.m.
1 Day Dog Sledding $190.00 per person
back to top Algonquin Multi-Day Trips
In the Northwest region of Algonquin Park we have developed a system of trails used almost exclusively by us. Each year in the fall, we set 2 camps inside the Park and 3 on adjacent crown land. Our camps are an average of 30km distant from the staging area.
After a full instruction session given by your guide, most trips run from the kennel. Everyone is involved in harnessing the dogs, hooking up teams and packing the sleds.
Depending on the group and trail conditions, travel time is 2½ hours to 5 hours. We stop often to observe the beauty around us or to take pictures and a lunch stop is made on route.
The camps are preset with prospector tents that have raised plywood sleeping platforms. The tents are heated with wood burning stoves that provide warmth and a place to dry clothing. Each camp has a large tent capable of sleeping 12 people comfortably and 2 smaller tents with a capacity of 6 each. All the camps have been set beside lakes or river.
At camp everyone participates in chores – gathering and cutting fire wood; hauling and heating water; feeding and watering the dogs; food preparation and clean-up. Tasty and abundant meals are designed to provide nutritional needs for winter activity.
Evening activities are generated to the interest of the group ranging from quiet times around a campfire to dazzling displays of northern lights and stars to night hikes or wolf howls, a rousing group game or an evening of story telling and poetry reading.
The next day brings a new trail and a new adventure. If you are out for more than one night, your group has the option of traveling on to a new camp.
On the final day a hot lunch is served at the shop giving everyone time to reflect on the experience and prepare for the trip home.
back to top General Package Rates
» 2 Days / 1 Night Bush $410.00
» 3 Days / 2 Nights Bush $565.00
» 4 Days / 3 Nights Bush $720.00
» 5 Days / 4 Nights Bush $902.00
» 6 Days / 5 Nights Bush $1059.00
» 7 Days / 6 Nights Bush $1225.00
plus 5% GST
All rates are per person.
We offer very attractive group rates and special discounts to student and youth groups.
back to top Accommodations
Accommodations at area establishments are available for either the evening before your trip or for the night you return from the bush. If travelling from a distance away this is a €wise option as participants are expected to be at the shop at 8:30 a.m the first day.
We have provided a listing of accommodation close to our operations base on the Area Accommodation and Dining Optionspage on this web site. There are a variety available ranging from the Northridge Inn and Resort, which provides a special rate for Chocpaw clients, to the Algonquin Motel and Bed and Breakfast establishments.
We prefer you to make your own accommodation arrangements and then advise the office.
back to top March Break / Reading Week Programs
These are very popular weeks as March is a great time to sled with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Consult full dates summary to determine available dates.
back to top James Bay Dog Sled Expeditions
These trips are very physically demanding. Therefore, participants must be in GOOD physical condition. The route provides for exciting challenge offered by varying terrain. Excellent group and team skills are required.
We ask for a prerequisite of 5 days Algonquin dog sledding with us. Opportunity to trip with other potential expedition members will allow for assessment of group compatibility.
Cochrane to Moosonee
11 days — mush a dog team 225 miles along the voyageur route to James Bay, Ontario saltwater coast. Very demanding physically. All equipment included.
Departs South River.
*Prerequisite: 5 days Algonquin dog sledding………..$2995.00
15 days — 8 dog team. 225 mile
Depart from South River Saturday morning. Return 15 days later to South River Saturday night. Allows 4 days to explore the historical trading post of Moose Factory and to interact with the aboriginal community of Moosonee.
Return from Moosonee to Cochrane via the Polar Bear Express.
*Prerequisite: 5 days Algonquin sledding……….$3695.00
7 Day Fraserdale to Moosonee – Monday, January 18 to Sunday, January 24, 2010
175 miles following the voyageur route along the Abitibi River. Drive your own 6-8 dog team. We use a combination of tents and cabin accommodation along the route. Includes meal & accommodation in Moosonee. There will be time to explore the northern Cree village of Moosonee.
*Recommended prerequisite: 3 days Algonquin sledding
Cost per person………..$2395.00
Otter Rapids to Moosonee
6 Day Package
The route covers 90 miles along the Abitibi River. With good trail conditions this can be run in 3 days allowing a full day for exploring the native community or Moosonee & the historic trading post of Moose Factory. Return to Cochrane is on the Polar Bear Express.
Includes 1 night accommodation pre-trip in South River; transport to Otter Rapids and return to South River; 1 night accommodation in Moosonee; Polar Bear Express fare; all meals & equipment except sleeping bags & clothing.
Cost per person…………$2395.00
back to topDuke of Edinburgh Dog Sled Trips
December 2009
Practice and Training — December 26 and 27, 2009
Silver Award Trip – December 28 to 30 2009
Gold Award Trip – December 28 to 31, 2009
FEBRUARY 2010
Practice and Training — February 13 and 14, 2010
Silver Award Trip – February 15 to 17, 2010
Gold Award Trip – February 15 to 18, 2010
MARCH 2010
Practice and Training – March 13 and 14, 2010
Silver Award Trip – March 15 to 17, 2010
Gold Award Trip – March 15 to 18, 2010
Cost: Silver Award Trips – $395.00
Gold Award Trips – $ 504.00
Pretrip Accommodation $40.00. Includes breakfast.
All prices are plus 5% GST
.Custom Silver or Gold trips can be arranged.
Click HERE for more information on The Duke of Edinburgh Award
Chocpaw Expeditions reserves the right to cancel, delay or reschedule any program due to lack of snow or unsafe travelling conditions, or in event an expedition does not have sufficient number of participants.
If we cancel for any reason a full refund will be issued.
Contacting Chocpaw Expeditions