Dogsledding with Whirlwind Acres
Writing and Photography by Nathan and Chelsey Friedt, Lemon Social
Experience the rush of dogsledding at Whirlwind Acres as a team of powerful, yet gentle, huskies glide you quietly over smooth, snow-packed trails. It’s one of North America’s oldest forms of winter travel, and it’s still one of the most thrilling.
Experience the rush of dogsledding at Whirlwind Acres as a team of powerful, yet gentle, huskies glide you quietly over smooth, snow-packed trails. It’s one of North America’s oldest forms of winter travel, and it’s still one of the most thrilling.
“We’ve had all ages experience sledding with us. We’ve even had a 94-year-old recently. It was a bucket list item for them,” said Owner Trudy Ouimet.
Whirlwind Acres is owned and operated by Hannah Fletcher as well as the mother/daughter duo, Trudy and Dawn Ouimet. Husband/father Kevan Ouimet is the caretaker.
In 2020, the Ouimets started renting a large plot of land northeast of Berwyn. With a history in dog training and mushing, this expanded space helped them continue their passion of breeding, training and sledding with their beloved purebred Siberian Huskies.
“We began in the middle of the pandemic. Luckily, we were able to operate within the guidelines as we only took private bookings, and we remained outside,” said Dawn.
For years previous, Dawn had plenty of experience working with dogs. She was a trainer specializing in obedience and managing aggressive dogs. However, Whirlwind Acres began quite serendipitously.
“We would go to local pet stores to buy large amounts of dog food, toys and supplies, and people would ask why we needed so much. When I’d tell them my passion is dogsledding, most people would ask for a ride,” said Dawn.
Within months, private rides turned into a year-round business for the Ouimets.
“We are probably the world’s first accidental dogsledding company,” said Trudy.
While dogsledding with Whirlwind Acres, customers can experience speeds up to 12 kilometres per hour, depending on the trail. Rides last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. And, it doesn’t take long for customers to fall in love with the dogs, all eight of them.
“All of the dogs are all purebred Siberian Huskies. They are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club,” said Dawn. “They are all happy-go-lucky, friendly dogs. Anybody can walk up and pet them.”
The Ouimets breed some of the dogs, while others are imported from across Canada and even from other countries.
If they wish, customers can help with the preparation of the ride by harnessing up the dogs.
“We pride ourselves on raising friendly, non-aggressive huskies. This allows small children to get close,” said Trudy.
After gliding over the trails, customers can warm up with a campfire and hot chocolate.
And, the fun isn’t only reserved for the winter months. The Ouimets invite customers to experience a dog-powered adventure with carts in the spring and summer months.
In addition, Whirlwind Acres is a boarding facility for pets.
“We have 18 kennel runs for dogs and an independent cathouse,” said Dawn.
Whirlwind Acres looks forward to having more people from the Peace Region experience the excitement their dogs offer.
For Dawn, this company is another step toward her ultimate dream. She has plans to one day race with her dogs in the grueling Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race—a 1,770 km route from Anchorage all the way to Nome, Alaska, USA.
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