Following Jack London - Dog-Sledding


If since childhood you are dreaming about Jack London’s stories, we now invite you to live your own adventure in the exact same area that inspired the famous writer. Welcome in the Great North. Please note that it wouldn’t be useless to read again the Call of the Wild before doing this adventure!

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Whitehorse - Sky High Valley

    Whitehorse - Sky High Valley Departure at 10h00 from your hotel in Whitehorse for the Sky High Wilderness Lodge which is located 20 km south of the city. Upon arrival, we will outfit you with your expedition clothing and you will then have the opportunity to relax in your cozy cabin. Later on, we’ll show you how to harness the dogs and give you an instruction on how to ride the sled. Depending on the weather and time of the day we hook up the dogs and go for a short first run. You might finally want to take a sauna or just relax on the couch beside the stove, and of course listen to the dogs howling outside. (L, D)

    Accommodation : Ranch

  • Day 2 Sky High Valley

    Sky High Valley While the morning sun slowly lifts over the horizon we prepare for our daytrip after breakfast. We feed and water the dogs and harness them up at around 11h00. Today we cover approx 35km in distance driving towards secluded Jackson Lake. Just the slight sound of the working dogs and runners in the snow will be with us for that day. You get to know your dogs and start to form a personal relationship. With every stop, and praise for the dogs, they learn to trust you and you to trust them. In the evening, relax in our sod roof sauna before retiring for the night. (B, L, D)

    Accommodation : Ranch

  • Day 3 Sky High Valley

    Sky High Valley Today your team will pull you east of the ranch. As we climb in elevation we are heading onto an old abandoned mining road on McIntyre Mountain. Enjoy the rugged landscapes of the coastal mountains nestling Fish Lake in it’s valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you never know what you might see! Upon return at the lodge, you’ll have the opportunity to take care of the dogs then curl up by the fire or sit around the dinner table recounting your adventures with others. (B, L, D)

    Accommodation : Ranch

  • Day 4 Sky High Valley

    Sky High Valley This day takes us towards beautiful Bonneville Lakes, west of the ranch. The trails are narrower here with some challenging ups and downs. The scenery is breathtaking and the coastal mountains are always in view to the south and west. Part of the trip we are above tree line and easily cover 20-30 km. In harmony with the running rhythm of your team you will enjoy nature like you have never experienced it before. There is a gravity fed shower and sauna waiting for you in the lodge. (B, L, D)

    Accommodation : Ranch

  • Day 5 Sky High Valley

    Sky High Valley Imagine yourself years ago when only dogsled was used for transportation. Head out into the untouched wilderness for 3 days of winter camping at our wall tent camp at Dry Creek. A surge of new life creeps into your soul as you journey farther into the amazing landscape surrounding the Fish Lake Area. The trail on this day follows the shores of Fish Lake, climbs and heads into the coastal mountain range to the south. Enjoy the crisp freshness of this day and don't forget to take photos! Curl up at night by the woodstove for a cozy sleep in our wall tents. (B, L, D)

    Accommodation : Tent

  • Day 6 Sky High Valley

    Sky High Valley At dawn enjoy a hearty camp breakfast in our wall tent kitchen. From our camp, weather permitting we will make a run to the top of the mountain above the tree line to Ptarmigan Flats. Keep your eyes open for this beautiful white bird, while sledding on miles of wind blown hill tops. Over night at Wall tent Camp. (B, L, D)

    Accommodation : Tent

  • Day 7 Sky High Valley

    Sky High Valley After a last musher’s breakfast, we will start for our final day of mushing. The dogs pull us steady southbound with the Coastal Mountains in plain view ahead of us. Way to early we return to civilization and most of all, you have to leave your new friends, the dogs, behind. In the late afternoon we drive you to Whitehorse where you spend your last night in a downtown Hotel. Once we arrive in Whitehorse, you will receive your musher diploma. You will then have the opportunity, to spend the evening in an authentic saloon, just like the trappers used to. (B, L)

    Accommodation : Hotel

  • Day 8 Whitehorse

    Whitehorse Some free time to do some last minute shopping then The hotel van brings you to the airport for your return flight.

Dates & prices

Departures for French-speaking groups:

No departure for now

Trip code: HIVER-05

Included

  • R/T transfer from the airport with the public hotel shuttle
  • R/T transfer from Whitehorse hotel to the lodge
  • Services of a musher-guide
  • 1 dog-sled per person for 6 days
  • "Extreme cold" clothing : snow-suit and gloves
  • Expedition grade sleeping bag
  • 7 nights accommodation (including 2 or 3 in a heated prospector tent)
  • Musher diploma
  • 19 meals (see abbreviations)
  • Applicable taxes

Not included

  • Air travel
  • Drinks (excluding coffee and tea with meals included)
  • Boots
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide 

Notes

Depending on the dynamics of the group, it is possible that this package includes a 3rd night in the tent and that the itinerary will change significantly. Other packages from 5 to 15 days available on request. 
Pre and post nights available in Whitehorse (highly recommended) or Vancouver on request.

International flights

On request, ask your advisor at canada@altaibasecamp.com

Insurance

On request, ask your advisor at canada@altaibasecamp.com

Practical info

Food

All meals are not included in your stay. You can go to the restaurant in the evening. Enjoy all the restaurants and snacks you will come across during your stay.

Budget & exchange

Canadian currency is the Dollar ($) which is divided in 100 cents. You can find 5$, 10$, 20$, 50$, 100$ and 1000$ bills. Although they are still in circulation, 1$ and 2$ bills have been replaced by coins of .05$, .10$ and 0.25$.  

To benefit from the best exchange rate, we advise you the exchange your currency in a Canadian bank. Generally, these institutions are open between 10 AM and 3 PM from Monday to Friday (except statutory holiday). You can also exchange your currency in exchange offices. Although the office schedule might be more flexible, exchange rate and service fees could vary considerably from office to office.

Traveler’s check in Canadian dollar are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. You can also exchange euros: 1 Euro = 1,57$CAN (04/04/2018). 

Before your arrival in Canada, make sure your credit card is programmed to be used in ATMs. They are open at any time in banks, airports, stations and malls. The most accepted credit cards are Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Tips

Aux États-Unis et au Canada, le service n'est jamais compris dans les prix. Dans les bars, restaurants et tous les endroits où un service vous est fourni, il est attendu que vous laissiez un pourboire compris entre 15 et 20% du montant global. Sachez que beaucoup d'employés dans les métiers de service ne se rémunèrent qu'avec les pourboires (tips). Il serait très mal perçu de ne rien donner, ou de ne pas donner assez. Même lors de paiement par cartes bancaires, vous indiquerez le montant du pourboire que vous souhaitez laisser. Sur ce type de voyage, il est coutume de laisser 6$ par personne par jour pour le guide chauffeur et 20$ par groupe pour les guides de ville. 

Vital equipment

  • A pair of warm shoes or a pair of padded boots
  • Slippers or light sneakers for the chalet
  • Pair of wool socks
  • Anorak
  • Warm trousers
  • Warm sweaters or fleece furs
  • Underwear made of fine technical fibres
  • Bathing suit
  • Gloves, hat, scarf (depending on the season)

Material

  • Toilet bag
  • Pair of sunglasses
  • Sun protection cream (face and lip)
  • Pocket knife
  • Flashlight or front light with spare batteries
  • 1.5 litre minimum flask, light and isothermal.
You can also provide a 2-litre water bag. The latter has the advantage of allowing direct consumption thanks to its pipette. So you don't have to drop the backpack to grab the canteen. This way you drink more regularly and in small quantities, which is recommended for a good hydration. Tip: having two containers allows you to consume one while the other is being processed.

Helpful equipment

  • Waterproof pocket for your passport and/or identity card
  • Your driver's license
  • Your vaccination record
  • Your travel insurance brochure
  • Your currencies
  • Your credit card and personal papers
  • Plastic bags to guarantee the waterproofness of your belongings
  • Clothing
  • Dirty laundry bag
  • Earplugs
  • Notepad and pen Book, card game....
  • Walking sticks (optional). They are a precious help to save your knees during the descent (up to 30% of your weight + that of your bag are supported by the poles) and support your effort during the ascent (the arms help in addition to the legs)
  • Pair of binoculars
  • Camera and battery charger
  • Adapter for electrical plug

Luggage

A flexible travel bag with side zipper giving easier access to its contents than a sailor bag, it will contain the things you will not use during the day a small backpack (capacity about 40L) for your daily stuff such as sweaters, spare tee shirts, water bottles, glasses, lunch picnic etc.
In case of delay in your checked baggage (toothbrush, t-shirt, walking shoes, etc.), please bring something to the cabin to survive the first few days.

Passport

Consular formalities for Europeans and Swiss nationals: 

Upon your registration, please transmit your passport information (name, first name, passport number, date of issues and expiration). Currently, to stay as a tourist for less than six months, a visa is not mandatory and a valid passport is sufficient with a validity exceeding by one day your stay in Canada.

Travelers must imperatively have an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. You will have to fill the form online and individually (one application per person) on http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/ave.aspIt is essential that you have a valid email address. The 7 CAD fees are payable by Visa, Mastercard or American Express credit cards. The eTA is granted in just a few minutes but we advise you to apply for it as soon as your trip is confirmed. The eTA is an electronic document linked to your passport and stays valid for 5 years or until the expiration of the passport, depending on the first of these eventualities to occur. You must then travel with the passport used to apply for it. 

CAREFUL: for French women, the eTA must be filled with your maiden name. Hence, to facilitate the check-in at the airport, we ask travelers in Canada to indicate their maiden name for the booking of their tickets.

You travel with children:
Children and adults are submitted to the same obligations regarding passports and visa described above. Registration of minors on parents’ passports is now impossible; children must hold an individual passport. It is compulsory to apply for an eTA for each child individually. 

CAREFUL, from January 15th 2017 onwards, for all French minors traveling abroad alone, an authorization to leave the country is compulsory.
The child will have to submit the three following documents:
- The minor’s valid passport
- A photocopy of the signatory’s identity card, valid or expired for less than 5 years and the birth certificate
- The form, signed by one of the legal guardians, available online on https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1359 

Concerning other nationalities, seek the Canadian consular authority of your country.

ARRIVAL IN CANADA VIA A TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNITED STATES :
CAREFUL, we can exceptionally use American airlines for travels bound for the American continent (North and South). 
They stop over in the US: you must possess an electronic or biometric passport which is still valid 6 months after your departure from the US (under ‘’passport’’, a rectangle under a circle meaning a secure symbol). 

You must also apply for an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) on the official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Valid for a duration of two years or until the expiration of the passport, this authorization must be requested at the latest 72h before your departure: we advise you to apply to it as soon as your trip is confirmed. It has to be paid for (14 USD online by credit card). The name you put on the form must be the same as the one that figures on your plane tickets and must of course appears on your passport. If the name used on the ESTA form is different from the one on your tickets, the airline can deny your boarding. Minors must also fill out an ESTA authorization. 

The Visa Waiver Program allows French nationals to enter the American territory without a visa, either via transit or for a stay of 90 days to the maximum. A visa is nevertheless necessary if you only have an emergency passport. Furthermore, travelers who went to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Yemen or Soudan since March 11th 2011 and people who are national of Iran, Iraq, Syria or Soudan cannot benefit from the Visa Waiver program anymore: more information on http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/etats-unis/

ARRIVAL IN THE US OR TRANSIT THROUGHT THE US :
Upon your arrival, the immigration service will take your photo and fingerprints. You’ll have to wait behind the yellow line and not cross it unless you’re told to, it can take some time. Customs controls will take place at the first access point to the territory (in case of a transit through a Canadian airport, it will be considered as a first access point to the US and the following process must be applied). Once you’ve been through the immigration service, you’ll get your luggage back from the conveyer belt and go to the customs. In case of a continuation of your trip, you’ll have to get your luggage back and bring them the baggage conveyer which serves.

Health information & recommendations

It is recommended that participants bring their own medication:
  • Aspirin
  • Intestinal antiseptic
  • Small scissors
  • Tricosteril
  • Protective cream
  • Sun face and lips
  • Mosquito repellent cream or lotion
Also think about your feet: elastoplast, eosin etc.
No vaccination required.
Hygiene Tap water is safe to drink.

Weather

Electricity

As everywhere in the US, voltage runs at 110 Volts/60 cycles. New electric devices can be adapted o the current. It’s preferable to check whether or not your device is equipped with a current transformer. In general, it is a black box located between the electric plug and your device. If your device isn’t compatible with the 110-volt current, you’ll need to get a current transformer sold separately. As electrical plugs are flat, you’ll also need an adaptor to plug your device in. you’ll find it easily on the spot or before departure in a shop specialized in travels. A waterproof Zip Lock bag is a good way to keep your equipment in a dry place.

Sustainable tourism

Since the outset, Altai works for an eco-tourism and an organization of trips that respects equitable and sustainable principles.  

The harmonization of practices assures:
  •  A fair economical repartition
  • The improvement of local teams’ working conditions and their awareness of the protection of the environment
  • The information of travelers about respecting the local population and environment and the collection of their feelings at their return. 

You can also act in favor of an eco-tourism by adopting simple green gestures during your trips:
  • Avoid letting waste out, throw it in the trash can or bring it with you
  • Use potable water sparingly (take a shower instead of a bath and report any leaks) and avoid wasting it (use biodegradable soap to wash yourself)
  • Avoid damaging cultural sites: don’t touch the statues, don’t move the stones and objects
  • Exchange instead of giving (too Important gifts can destabilize the local economic stability of the country depending on their living standards)
  • When taking a walk, especially in some fragile ecosystems, observe the fauna from afar, do not go beyond beaten roads, limit stamping and do not bring any souvenirs: give up picking rare flowers picking fossils...
  • In some hotels, you can have  individual air conditioning. It is advised to systematically switching it off when you’re out of the room to avoid energetical overconsumption and greenhouse gas emission.
Request a quote
Max

My local agent
Max

  • Passionate about the great outdoors
  • Sportsman
  • Like to discover new cultures
  • Always looking for new challenges
Request a quote
Region
Northern Canada
Activity
Nature - Adventure Winter
Duration
8 days
Group
2 to 10 people
Code
HIVER-05
Price
From C$2,719
Level
3/5
Comfort
2/5
Language(s)
French

Strengths

  • Breathtaking northern landscape
  • Nature adventure in its purest form
  • A memorable stay

Required level

Accessible to all people in good physical condition and who enjoy life in the great outdoors.
Changing snow and terrain.
Steps of 5-6 hours of activity per day.

Download trip details

Request a quote