FAQ:
Who is our guide ?
Your guide Doug Hannah, the original founder of Kingmik Dog Sled Tours, has been guiding wilderness mushing expeditions for over 20 years in the Banff National Park area. He is one of the most extensively traveled dog musher in the southern Canadian Rocky Mountains. Established in the Yukon for the last 3 years, Doug is eager to share his passion for dog team travel in the true wilderness of the Far North.
Where is Lynx Paw Farm?
The kennel is located in a secluded wilderness setting 12km
outside the Town of Faro. Faro is a full service northern
community with a population of 350. Services include a resident
physician and a nursing station, two groceries stores/gift
shops, a deli/bakery, restaurant & lounge, liquor store,
gas station.
What are the weather conditions?
Faro has a continental semi-desert climate and is located
at an altitude of 800m. This means cold, dry, sunny winters
and usually a snow cover of about 2 to 3 feet (40cm). During
the coldest part of the year, mostly around January, temperatures
can drop below -40 celcius (-40 Fahrenheit) for a short period. The average temperature ranges from -10 to -30 Celsius (-15 to -20 Fahrenheit) but can warm up significantly during the day when the sun is out. With the proper gear guests should feel comfortable during the whole tour.
How should I dress?
There is a saying "There is no such thing as bad weather,
just bad clothing" and this is particularly true for
the Yukon. There is nothing so exhilarating as the nip of
Yukon air on the cheek, but less enjoyable is the feeling
of cold feet. You must be prepared for cold temperatures
in the range of – 30 degrees Celsius or minus 20 Fahrenheit.
If you are not familiar with dressing for these temperatures
we highly recommend renting a winter clothing package in
Whitehorse prior to the trip.
What are the physical requirements to participate
to this expedition?
Are there age restrictions?
This program requires a reasonable level of fitness. There
are a few fairly steep hills to climb and participants will
have to help their dog team by pedaling or even walking
quickly or running beside their team. Mushing your own team
on some sections of the wilderness trails requires balancing
the sled in curves and using the brake. In short, mushing
is a sporty activity. To safely enjoy our expedition, participants
should be at least 16 years old.
How many people on the trip?
There will be no more than 2 guests on each trip, with a 2:2 guest guide ratio. Doug personally guides each tour and is accompanied by a French and German speaking guide. This better enables us to ensure that you have the most memorable tour possible. In particular, we can avoid the use of a snowmachine during the trip and there are less dogs to look after. These elements are important to ensure a serene trip and allow participant to experience what traditional mushing in a remote wilderness is truly about.
How comfortable are the camps?
Simple but comfortable! There is a carpet floored Arctic Oven tent for the guests. The tent is heated with a wood stove, has raised beds with foamies and a hot water tank with a wash basin. Firewood will be stacked and ready to go. Warm, clean sleeping bags will be provided and the temperature in the sleeping tent is very cozy once the stove is going. Meals will be served in a traditional woodheated Wall Tent. There is an outhouse at the camp.
What will we eat?
We provide homemade, hearty and tasty meals partly produced in our own organic garden (you will never forget the taste of Yukon grown potatoes). Lunches will be taken on the trail. Vegetarian and other special diets can be accommodated.
And the dogs?
Our dogs are a mixed breed called Alaskan husky. Many of
our dogs have run the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest and come
from outstanding bloodlines. All our dogs are extremely
friendly and safe to handle. The two things that our
dogs love most is to run and be cuddled. You will be driving a
team of 6 enthusiastic and well trained dogs that will
soon become your best friends.
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