Another one of my big goals while in Whitehorse, Yukon was dog sledding. And, that’s right, I did it!

We booked with a family-run business called Yukon Horsepacking Adventures, which is at the south end of Fox Lake, 43 kilometres north of Whitehorse. According to their website, “Yukon Horsepacking Adventures was established in the spring of 2000 … and is also a member of both the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon and the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon.”

The entire experience lasts about an hour and a half. You start by meeting the dogs, attaching their collars and leads to the sleds.

After that was complete, our teacher, Armin Johnson (who owns/operates the company with his wife), taught us the basics about the sled, like how to stop and how to use the floor pad for additional breakage.

To start, my cousin took the back sled, and I stayed in front with Armin.

We took the trail around Fox Lake, a variety of mixed forest and lakeside. Halfway through, we switch, and I hopped on the back of the sled. On the way back, I got to control the second sled – from steering to stopping. It was pretty neat, and I don’t think I did too bad for my first try!

My outerwear for this trip is proudly sponsored by SAIL. Follow my adventures on sail.ca.

After driving around Ontario, chasing the Northern Lights for months and coming up short, I FINALLY found them right here in Whitehorse, Yukon.

My dad and I went out with the tour group Northern Tales on Thursday evening for an INCREDIBLE aurora borealis viewing party. And guess what? We had beginner’s luck; our first night out, and we spotted them.

Our tour guide, Wolfe, picked us up around 10:45 p.m., drove us about 30 minutes north of the city near Mayo Rd. Once we arrived on site, there were two cabins, a bon fire, warm drinks, and snacks — making our experience comfortable. We also met tourists from all over the world (about 65 were there in total), some who camped out for numerous evenings waiting for the dancing colours.

I am so happy to have witnessed this! It’s rare for a Toronto-area girl. I am also blessed to have seen them with my dad. A memorable, wonderful experience.

My outerwear for this trip is proudly sponsored by SAIL. Follow my adventures on sail.ca.

After a day of flying, I’ve finally arrived in Whitehorse, Yukon: Canada’s Great White North. I am staying in the city for the next five days to experience everything from dog-sledding to hair-freezing.

But to ease myself into the action, I spent day one getting acquainted with Whitehorse’s downtown. To begin the morning, I woke up at 6 a.m., and hiked along Range Road  – just before it connects with Mountain View Drive, for an incredible view of the waking community.

8:17 a.m.

The trek is about 50 minutes from downtown, and is slightly steep, but worth the photo opportunity!

By lunch time, I was venturing out in the heart of Whitehorse. The city has over 700km of trails, suitable for hiking, biking, walking, cross-country skiing, ATV-ing and are world-renowned and are an integral part of Whitehorse’s lifestyle. For day one, I picked the Millennium Trail along the Yukon River, across from the city centre. Right now, it’s fully frozen over, blanketed in a layer of snow. But after a morning of overcast, it was nice to see and enjoy the sun. I’d also like to thank SAIL for sponsoring my outerwear for this trip! I am super cozy in my North Face Women’s Arctic Parka,  Helly Hanson Garibaldi tan boots, and North Face Montana Mitten/Gloves.

I also visited the Healing Totem pole on Main St., which was erected only a few years ago in 2012 by the Northern Cultural Expressions Society.

And to finish off my day, we drove up to Long Lake Rd., and hiked the hill just past the hospital, and viewed the incredible Whitehorse sunset.

You can also follow my adventures on sail.ca.