Self-Drive vs. Sit-Back-and-Relax: What’s the Difference in Our Dog Sled Tours?
One of the questions we get asked all the time at Bearhill Husky is:
“What’s the difference between the tours where you sit in the sled and the ones where you get to drive it yourself?”
It’s a great question, and it’s not just about preference. Each type of tour offers a very different experience, and depending on what you’re after, one may suit you or your family better than the other. As someone who’s been driving and working with sled dogs for a long time, I can say both types of tours have their charm and their quirks. So let’s break it down.
Tours Where You Sit in the Sled (Guided Tours)
These are the classic, cozy experiences. You and your family get tucked into a sled, and one of our professional mushers takes the reins. These tours range from short scenic rides of a few hundred meters to longer adventures up to 15 kilometers or more.
Benefits of Sitting in the Sled:
- More power, more dogs.
- Smooth, professional ride.
- Great for all ages.
- Lower physical demand.
While you ride, the musher will often introduce you to the team; pointing out the lead dogs, explaining the structure, and sharing little insights about the personalities pulling your sled. It’s not just a ride, it’s a window into the world of working sled dogs.
Tours Where You Drive (Self-Drive Tours)
On these tours, we give you a crash course on how to drive a sled, assign you a team of dogs, and off you go — with our support, of course. You’ll stand on the runners, steer, brake, and be responsible for the team while your travel partner (and/or child) rides in the sled.
Why People Love Driving Their Own Team:
- It’s a real adventure.
- You become part of the team.
Driving a sled is a physical activity, and it’s not uncommon for people to be surprised by how much work it is!
Family Considerations: Who Can Sit Where?
This is important.
On self-drive tours at Bearhill:
- One adult drives the sled.
- One adult sits in the sled.
- Up to two small children (ages 4-12) can sit in the sled.
- Teenagers (ages 13–16) must sit with a guide.
- Families with more than two small children may need to have one child ride with a guide.
We get a lot of requests for multiple sleds for one family, but due to how we structure our tours (and for the welfare of our dogs), that’s usually not possible on our family-oriented rides.
How It Feels for the Dogs
Dogs love running, no matter who’s driving. But there are some key differences.
When a professional musher is driving, they can train the team as they go. They’ll notice small behavioral signs and ensure a smoother run. When guests drive, it’s still a great outing for the dogs — but it’s a bit more unpredictable. That’s why only fully trained dogs (over 24 months old) are driven by guests. No pups.
We’re always nearby with snowmobiles to ensure everything stays safe.
What We Offer at Bearhill Husky
At Santa Claus Village we offer guided, sit-in tours:
At our main kennel, we offer both self-drive and guided, sit-in tours.
Our guided, sit-in tours include:
- Running with the Pack (5 km)
- Campfire Tour (Spring)
Self-drive tours that are available at our main kennel include:
- Happy Trail (Family-Friendly)
- Call of the Wild (Adults and Teenagers)
- Northern Exposure (Adults-Only)
- Taiga Tour (Full-Day, Adults-Only)
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to sit back and soak in the scenery or take the reins and drive your own team, we’ve got something for you. Each experience offers something unique, and regardless of whichever you choose, our goal at Bearhill is to make it unforgettable.
If you’re unsure as to which tour is right for your family or group, just reach out and we’re happy to help you figure it out.
See you on the trail!
— The Bearhill Husky Team
