One great advantage of being Canadian is the ability to go dog sled. This method of winter transportation was invented by Aboriginal peoples as a way of transporting goods across Canada. Dog sledding is very old, but is it still used in our days today? Absolutely, not only is it still used, but it has also been turned into a sport and a form of tourist attraction.
http://dallasseavey.com/alaska-sled-dog-tours?view=custom-sled-dog-adventures
When dog sledding originally started with the Aboriginal peoples, they started by traveling with domesticated wolves that were trained to dog sled, however, over the years it evolved to Canadian Inuit Eskimo Dogs, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes. The formation of transportation involved 2 to 12 or more dogs tied in two towlines attached to a sled. Each dog works together using their strength to pull the sled. Working together, dog sleds can travel up to 20 mph. This method of transportation is still used all across Canada, especially provinces like Nunavut, Yukon, and more Northern Provinces.
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/alexbazhan/%D1%85-canadian-eskimo-dog-exquimaux-husky/
This sport and form of transportation, although expensive, has many benefits. One obvious benefit includes the effect it has on the economy. This is a non-pollutive way of transportation. Another fantastic benefit of dog sledding is it offers a healthy dose of adventure for children dealing with cancer. According to doctors, they suggest that cancer children do not have the energy and alertness to take part in sports. This gives sick kids a chance to experience life in a way that suits their illness.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150728092057.htm
If you are ever in Northern Canada, or you are given the chance to experience dog sledding, I definitely recommend it as it is an experience of a lifetime!
- Emily
