Volunteer with white huskies in the Canadian Far North. Join a ranch specialising in dog sledding trips in the Canadian Far North. An adventure for lovers of huskies and the great outdoors. See all programmes in Canada here
A lodge offering dog-sledding tours
Discover Canada’s Far North, a legendary and remote region on the edge of the wilderness. Our partner, Fronteering, will arrange for you to stay at a family-run lodge in the Canadian Arctic that offers dog-sledding activities. You’ll look after white huskies, take part in the lodge’s daily activities and go on dog-sledding excursions.
An adventure in the far north!
This programme is designed for adventurers, dog lovers and those who love the great outdoors. There are activities in both winter and summer. This ranch, which specialises in dog sledding and welcoming tourists, needs help all year round and offers plenty of opportunities! It is situated in the most remote corner of northern mainland Canada, between the icy waters of the Beaufort Sea and the mighty Mackenzie River delta. In winter, you can marvel at the magnificent Northern Lights.
Siberian Huskies
The white Siberian Husky first appeared in the Kolyma River region over 2,000 years ago. This intelligent, docile and affectionate dog is known as much for its social qualities as for its physical abilities. It is renowned both for its strength and for its gentleness. It is the ideal dog for pulling sledges in the far north. The Siberian Husky needs plenty of space to run about. It usually lives in packs.
Volunteers take part in all the activities at the family ranch
This family-run ranch is a popular volunteering project, particularly for those wishing to explore the Canadian Arctic. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to go dog sledding in winter and, of course, to play with and look after the huskies! This project offers excellent opportunities in winter, but also in summer, with its long, warm days and plenty of opportunities for exploration.
You will be involved in one or more of the following tasks:
- Construction/maintenance/general works
- Working with dogs
- Gardening or maintenance work
- Cleaning of guest cabins and hire cars
Please bear in mind that you won’t be spending the whole day working with the dogs. You’ll work with the dogs for a few hours a day and spend the rest of your time helping out with activities related to the lodge. You’ll have plenty of tasks to carry out, some of which may be less interesting. It’s worth bearing in mind that this project is fantastic because it allows you to live affordably in the Arctic, whilst volunteering with huskies and having the chance to go dog sledding!
One day off a week
Dates
- From 4 to 12 weeks. It is recommended that you stay for more than 4 weeks
Prices
- 8 weeks: $1,995, or approximately €1,898
- 10 weeks: $2,195, or approximately €2,087
- 12 weeks: $2,495, or approximately €2,373
Included in the price
- Placement at the Arctic Husky Ranch (arranged by Fronteering)
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Airport meet and greet and transfer
- Postal service: you can use the Fronteering office as a trusted address for the delivery of your post.
- If you encounter any issues with your volunteering project, Fronteering will act as a mediator between you and the organisation.
- Through Fronteering, you can book tours in Canada once you have completed your volunteering project.
- 24/7 emergency contact (provided by Fronteering)
Not included in the price
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- At least 4 weeks
- 18–35 years old
- English (intermediate)
- Physically fit
- Living in a remote area
- Smoking and drinking are prohibited on the premises.
- Smoking in the vicinity of dogs and leaving cigarettes on the ground is strictly prohibited, as they are toxic to dogs.
- Bush and forest fires are a major concern during hot, dry summers!
- A strong work ethic is required: reliability, responsibility, honesty, a good sense of humour, and good physical and mental health.
- Never shout at dogs, except to break up a fight.
- A Working Holiday visa is required (Fronteering can help you apply for one).
- Do not leave anything dangerous or any personal belongings within reach of the dogs. Out of curiosity, they might eat something toxic or harmful. Safety is a top priority!
- Please let us know if you don’t feel comfortable carrying out a task.
- Please keep your personal belongings outside the customer areas.
- No allergies to animals
- Discover life in Canada’s Far North
- Learn how to go dog sledding with Siberian huskies
- Look after the white Siberian huskies
- Experience my world in a simple but comfortable lodge!
- Watch the Northern Lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer!
Accommodation
Volunteers will be accommodated in cabins or rooms with heating and electricity, but without running water. You may have to share accommodation with other volunteers, but it is more likely that you will have your own room. The toilets are in a bathroom located in a separate building. The kitchen is also separate from your room. Bedding and towels are provided.
Food
You will need to do your own shopping in town once a week and prepare your meals at the lodge. At the end of your volunteering period, the project will provide you with a food allowance for each week of volunteering. However, if you leave the project early, this allowance will not be paid to you.
Takeaway
Clothes for cold weather and summer clothes for warm weather. Don’t forget to bring gloves, a hat and warm socks. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as are a raincoat and sun cream.
Venue and arrival
The project is located in Inuvik, in the northernmost part of the Northwest Territories. There is a small border town near the project. This is also where you will be picked up at the airport, but you will first need to book an international flight to Whitehorse, in the Yukon. From there, you will take a domestic flight (a return ticket costs around 700 Canadian dollars, but the flight is extraordinary).
Limited internet access
- Opportunities to travel to other Arctic communities.
- Explore sections of the famous Dempster Highway and discover the Canadian Arctic by dog sledge!
- There are a number of activities you can enjoy during your days off. In winter, you can go skiing, snowshoeing and walking along beautiful trails directly from the ski resort.
Tous les avis sur les missions de Fronteering
About the partner organisation
Our partner is a Canadian organisation founded in 2010, specialising in overseas volunteering projects aimed at preserving the environment, wildlife and indigenous communities. It offers placements all over the world, but thanks to its Canadian base, it provides numerous experiences with a positive impact in North America. It also focuses on the least-visited places on the planet. Places that still boast rich biodiversity and where you can immerse yourself in a world that remains wild. Our partner strives to offer volunteering experiences off the beaten track. Adventure awaits!
