By 1994, Penny had the urge to move faster, so she moved on to
the Alaskan Husky, a dog genetically engineered to RUN!   
In 1994 & 95 she began racing in Ontario & Michigan, competing
on the Ontario Federation of Sled Dog Sports mid-distance
race circuit.  Mid-Distance races average twenty to sixty miles in length,
and are run straight through without stopping.  After a very successful
racing career, she retired from racing, and in 2000 began outfitting
for the public, by dogteam and on horseback. Matt (*pictured above)
took up dogsledding when he and Penny married in 1999 - and he's
suddenly been bitten by the 'racing bug' Watch for Matt at the Bancroft
races in 2009 - he's competing with 'outfitting' dogs so it's going to
be anybody's guess as to how well he does in the 20 mile 6 dog race!

Penny jokes that she has aged (and spread) a bit,
but back then, she was the 1997 OFSS Gold Medalist

in the 60 mile race division.   And although she still
grins when she speaks of it, back in 'the day' her peers
dubbed her 'The First Lady of Mushing', & 'Queen of
the Trail'   It was her time to shine, AND SHE LOVED IT! 
 Matt has lots to live up to (*I'm sure she reminds him)
but dogsled racing is FUN!! and that's the whole idea.

The 1997 Marmora Sled Dog Championships
- our team placed third in a huge field!

When we run our dogsledding tours from the farm,
we always keep in mind that very first run that WE had
with a new team of Alaskans - it was THRILLING to say
the least!  Having a nice mixture of dog talent here in
our dogyard, we're very good at judging the size & strength
of team for each individual.  WeI teach the driving lessons
not just in the yard, but throughout the tour.  We take breaks,
and while stopped along the trail weI will give you techniques
needed to handle everything you'll encounter on our trails.
The goal is to thrill you & give you a great run to encourage
newcomers to our great sport.  The welfare of our sled dogs is
of paramount importance, and the care they receive is obvious.
From their well bedded, 2" thick wooden doghouses to their
picturesque view of the wilderness - our dogs are our best
buddies, and we take great pride in caring for them every day.

OUR DOGSLEDDING PACKAGES

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

Our dogsledding trip package means

*more quality time on the sleds/with the dogs 
* a chance to try 'more power in the tank'
* DRIVE YOUR OWN TEAM!

All of the fun, none of the frigid!

TRY OUR TWO HOUR
"HIT THE TRAILS DOGSLEDDING TOUR"

After we sign you in, it's off to the dogyard
to get some in depth instruction on how to
drive your sled and learn the in's and outs
of harnessing a team. It's important to know
because it helps you learn about the dogs.
Then it's off to our 8 km of onsite trails
to take a ride and enjoy what driving a
dogteam is all about!

Approx driving time = 1 hr 20 min

We get rave reviews on this one!

This tour introduces you gently to dogsledding - and teaches you to drive a team. 
Perhaps you enjoy speed, and are a thrill seeker?   Or are you timid and not sure?
This tour allows for flexibility in team sizes - here's something for everyone.
We've taken everyone from 8 year olds right up to grandma and grandpa
(well, really fit ones that is) and everyone agrees, it's LOADS of FUN.

There is no greater joy than flying down a fast trail, powering around
corners and scooting down straightaways, with the wind in your face and
the snow flying from sixteen galloping paws! This package is geared for everyone
- two hours is JUST right, because it's more work than you think, just hanging on!

Our business prides itself on providing a program
that TEACHES the ART of being a good musher. 
There is so much more to dogsledding than
sightseeing. Our friendly and talented dogs are
chosen for their ability, so they are no slouches
- they have some real 'zoom' and LOVE their SPORT
and they love to put their energy to good use! 
Our groomed forest trails have plenty of curves
and thrills and 'interesting' corners to keep new
drivers on their toes!  But with the help of your
instructor, everyone can do it - it's a MUST do!

You'll be amazed at the speed, strength and stamina of  the Alaskan Husky
- born and bred to run!  When you've completed this adventure, you'll have a
much better understanding of what it takes to be a musher, and you will have
a new respect for the awesome Alaskan Sled dog!   Dogsledding here means friendly,
one on one instruction ~ you and your group will be treated to an exhilarating
dogsledding adventure without a lineup of people behind you, waiting to try it! 
Best of all, you stay outdoors for a comfortable amount of time, for an
exciting adventure ~ yet you're working in your comfort zone.  There's no danger
of getting stuck on a trip too long for you to enjoy, too far from your
car, and too far from comfort!  All the winter fun, without the frigid!





Our trail system is a fantastic set of groomed loops, hills and straightaways
through the forest surrounding our wilderness farm property near Algonquin.
The trail system we have developed is PERFECT for your run & very popular!

Safety is very important, so your package
MUST include the 'hands on' hookup of dogs.
This is mandatory, because learning to control
a four dog team of Alaskans is more difficult
than you think, and helping to hook up is a
sensible stepping stone and gives you a better
idea of the strength of these small but strong
sled dogs. You'll be amazed at just HOW strong!
And, to be a good musher, you have to learn
to drive properly.   Good sled dogs deserve
a good driver who isn't going to make their
job too difficult!  So don't worry - you'll
have plenty of instruction time, and we'll
match you up with a sled and a team that
will suit you to the best of our ability.

*if you have some dogsledding experience already, let me know,
and we can work out a modified package for you*

Of course, the best part about this dogsledding tour is getting to know the dogs. 
Our dogs are happy, very enthusiastic love sponges, that lap up the excitement
and will prove to you once and for all, the Alaskan Husky was born and bred
to run!  Friendly characters, you'll have the time to enjoy visiting with them
- learning how to harness them up for their run - and experiencing the fun
of working with man's best friend while you enjoy this winter season.

Best of all, this package is great for kids!  
All kids love dogs!  (and the dogs love kids!) 
Children excel at the sport of dogsledding -
the key is giving them lots of encouragement,
and giving them a team size they can handle
with ease.  For some reason, good balance
comes naturally to the young, and the
children usually put us adults to shame!
With youngsters, we start with two dogs,
but we bring along some extras on our
a guide team, to boost the power later.
  Dogsledding here in Ontario is a great way
to get out and enjoy the day with your
children, your partner or spouse, or with
your whole darn family.  While children ten
and up can usually manage their own team,
children from 4 & up can enjoy a ride in the
guide's basket, learning what 'gee' and 'haw'
mean, and watching firsthand how leaders work.
A great experience you won't find just anywhere!