Dog sledding
While ice fishing offers stillness and reflection, other winter traditions emphasize movement and partnership.
Long before snowmobiles and winter highways, dog teams were the lifeline of northern Canada.
Dog sledding is a traditional Canadian form of winter travel in which a team of dogs pulls a sled across snow-covered terrain. It has evolved into a way for visitors to experience winter landscapes much as earlier generations did.
For Jacob Betker, an Ontario-based dog sledding operator, that history remains central to the experience.
"Dog sledding is closely connected to the history of Canada's north," he said. "For generations, dog teams were essential for transportation, mail delivery, medical travel and the development of remote communities."
Traveling by dog team today, he said, offers something increasingly rare.
"When people travel by dog team today, they are experiencing a form of travel that helped shape the country.
"Moving quietly through snow-covered forest, guided by a team of dogs working together, creates a strong connection to both the land and the past that is difficult to find in modern life," Betker said.
Cold temperatures, often seen as a barrier for winter travel, are treated as part of the experience rather than an obstacle.
"Cold is part of the northern winter, but with proper preparation it can be comfortable and even enjoyable," Betker said. Visitors receive clear guidance on clothing and layering, while tours are designed with regular opportunities to warm up.
"Depending on the tour or event, this can include hot chocolate, warming fires or heated tents with wood stoves," he said, adding that guides closely monitor weather conditions and adjust plans when needed.
For travelers considering a quieter way to spend Spring Festival, Betker said the appeal lies in simplicity.
"Away from busy cities and daily routines, visitors can enjoy simple moments such as sharing warm food and drinks, watching the dogs rest between runs, and sitting together by the fire," he said.
At the center of the experience are the dogs themselves.
"Our dogs are athletes and partners, and their well-being always comes first," Betker said. "On the trail, the dogs work as a team and make many decisions themselves, while the musher guides and supports them."
Guests, he said, often leave most impressed not by the speed or distance, but by the relationship they witness.
"The bond between dogs and handlers is built on trust, routine and respect," Betker said. "Guests often say this relationship is one of the most meaningful parts of what they experience here."
