2007-2008 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 huskies 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 groups who opt for the accommodation at the motel the night before we can arrange to do the presentation in the evening allowing for an early start the next day.
Prices include all food, sledding equipment and park fees, but are subject to 6% Federal Sales Tax
back to topThe Chocpaw Day Trip
The day trip begins at our shop in South River at 8:30am 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!"
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 3:00pm.
1 Day Dog Sledding $190.00
back to topAlgonquin 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 3 camps inside the Park and 2 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 right out 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 tranquil lakes.
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 topGeneral 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
Call and ask about our Last Minute Specials and our Weekday Discounts!
(does not apply to winter holidays or Febryary reading week)We offer very attractive group rates and special discounts to student and youth groups.
back to topAccommodations
Accommodations can be arranged 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 8:30am the first day.
We put the majority of our guests at the Algonquin Motel located here in South River. The atmosphere is fun and unique, rooms comfortable and warm, and Tim & Martha serve up a breakfast that is absolutely scrumptious. Many of our returning groups have come to feel that their stay at the Algonquin Motel is a vital part of the whole experience.
back to topMarch Break / Reading Week Programs
We offer special discounts to student/youth groups and family groups. These are very popular programs. March is a great time to sled with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours.
back to topJames 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 an 8 dog team 225 miles along the voyageur route up to James Bay. Very demanding physically. All equipment included.
Departs South River Saturday or Monday morning.
*Prerequisite: 5 days Algonquin dog sledding...........$2995.00
15 days -- 8 dog team. 225 mile.
Depart from South River Saturday morning. Returns 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. You will have the option of testing your sledding skills in competitions with local mushers.
Return from Moosonee to Cochrane via the Polar Bear Express.
*Prerequisite: 5 days Algonquin sledding..........$3695.00
7 Day Fraserdale to Moosonee
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...........$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
SILVER AWARD TRIPS
Jan. 02-04
Mar. 10-12
Cost: $395.00 Pretrip Accommodation $40.00. Includes evening snack & breakfast. Does not include taxes.
GOLD AWARD EXPEDITIONS
Jan. 02-05
Mar. 10-13
Cost: $504.00 Pretrip Accommodation $40.00 Does not include taxes.
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.
Chocpaw Expeditions