Volunteering with white huskies in Canada's far north

  • Huskies - sled dogs
  • Canada's far north Inuvik
  • 18 - 35 years
  • Language: English (intermediate level)
  • From 4 weeks, all year round
  • Rates: €1,898 for 8 weeks


Volunteer with white huskies in Canada's far north. Join a ranch that specializes in dog sledding in Canada's far north. An adventure for husky lovers and lovers of the great outdoors. All programs in Canada here

Lodge offering sightseeing dog sled rides

Discover Canada's far north, a mythical and remote region on the frontiers of wilderness. Our partner Fronteering will place you in a family-run dog-sledding lodge in the Canadian Arctic. You'll take care of white huskies, participate in daily lodge activities and sled dog outings. 

The adventure of the far north!

This program is for adventurers, dog lovers and those who love the great outdoors. There's plenty to do in winter and summer. This sled dog and tourist ranch needs help all year round, and there's plenty to do! It's located 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 contemplate the magnificent Northern Lights.

Siberian huskies

The Siberian white husky originated in the Kolyma River region over 2,000 years ago. This intelligent, docile and affectionate dog is known for both its social skills and its physical abilities. They are renowned for their strength and kindness. They are ideal for pulling sledges in the far north. Siberian Huskies need wide open spaces for exercise. They generally live in packs.

Volunteers take part in all activities on the family ranch

This family-run ranch is a popular volunteer project, especially for discovering the Canadian Arctic. You'll have plenty of opportunities to go dogsledding during the winter and, of course, to play and look after the huskies! This project offers excellent opportunities in winter, but also in summer, with its long, warm days and many possibilities 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 rental cars

Remember, you won't spend all day working with the dogs. You'll work a few hours a day with the dogs, and the rest of your time will be spent helping out with activities related to the lodge. You'll have many tasks to perform, some of them less interesting. It's worth bearing in mind that this project is great because it allows you to live affordably in the Arctic, while volunteering with huskies and having the opportunity to dog sled!

One day off per week

Dates

  • From 4 to 12 weeks. It is recommended to stay longer than 4 weeks.

Rates

  • 8 weeks: $1995 (approx. €1898)
  • 10 weeks: $2195 (approx. €2087)
  • 12 weeks: $2495 (approx. €2373)

Included in price

  • Arctic Husky Ranch accommodation (provided by Fronteering)
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • Airport pick-up and transfer
  • Mail service: you can use the Fronteering office as a reliable address for mail delivery.
  • In the event of a problem with your volunteering project, Fronteering will mediate between you and the organization.
  • Through Fronteering, you can book tours in Canada after completing your volunteer project.
  • 24/7 emergency contact (provided by Fronteering)

Not included in price

  • Airline tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Minimum 4 weeks
  • 18 - 35 years
  • English (intermediate)
  • Physically resistant
  • Living in an isolated environment
  • No smoking or drinking on the property.
  • Smoking near dogs and leaving cigarettes on the ground are absolutely forbidden, as they are toxic for dogs.
  • Bush and forest fires are a major concern during hot, dry summers!
  • A strong work ethic is required: reliability, responsibility, honesty, good sense of humor, dependability, physical and mental fitness. 
  • Never shout at dogs, except to break up a fight.
  • A working vacation visa is required (Fronteering can help you apply).
  • Don't leave anything dangerous or personal near dogs. Out of curiosity, they could consume something toxic or harmful. Safety is our top priority!
  • Say so if you don't feel comfortable performing a task.
  • Keep personal belongings out of guest areas.
  • No pet allergies
  • Discover life in Canada's far north
  • Learn to sled with Siberian huskies
  • Take care of Siberian white huskies
  • Live close to everything in a simple but comfortable lodge!
  • Watch the northern lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer!

Housing

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's more likely that you'll have your own room. 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'll be expected to do your own shopping in town once a week and prepare your own meals at the lodge. At the end of your volunteering period, the project will give you a food allowance for each week of volunteering. However, if you leave the project prematurely, this allowance will not be paid.

Takeaway

Clothes for cold weather and summer clothes for hot weather. Don't forget to bring gloves, a hat and warm socks. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as well as a raincoat and sunscreen.

Location and arrival

The project is located in Inuvik, in the northernmost part of the Northwest Territories. A small border town lies close to the project. This is also where you'll be picked up from the airport, but first you'll need to book an international flight to Whitehorse, Yukon. From there, you'll take a domestic flight (the round-trip ticket costs around 700 Canadian dollars, but the flight is extraordinary). 

Limited internet access

  • Travel opportunities to other Arctic communities.
  • Travel sections of the famous Dempster Highway and discover the Canadian Arctic by dogsled!
  • You can enjoy a number of activities on your days off. In winter, you can go skiing, snowshoeing and hiking on beautiful trails right from the ski resort.

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About the partner organization

Fronteering is a Canadian organization founded in 2010, specializing in overseas volunteer projects aimed at preserving the environment, wildlife and indigenous populations. It has trips all over the world, but thanks to its Canadian base, it offers many positive-impact experiences in North America. It also focuses on the least-visited places on the planet. Places that still have a rich biodiversity and where you can experience a world that is still wild. Fronteering strives to offer volunteer experiences off the beaten track. Adventure is the order of the day! All missions with Fronteering

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Laurence