Aaron Campbell (second from right) has 25 years experience with sled dogs and is now offering rides in the northeast. (Submitted/Aaron Campbell)

By Mat Barrett

New Winter Activity

Local sled dog racer sees opportunity, offering tours in northeast

Feb 17, 2021 | 3:00 PM

A new winter activity has arrived in the northeast region.

Aaron Campbell, of Campbell’s Racing Sled Dogs is now offering sled dog tours in the region. Campbell has been involved in sled dog racing for 25 years and would normally be participating in races at this time of year, but the circuit has been almost completely cancelled for the season. Campbell said he knew people, especially families in the area were looking for new activities to do and saw an opportunity.

“I love running dogs,” he said. “Everybody that I’ve given a ride to in the past, whether it was family or friends, just loved it. I can remember the feeling, how I felt giving rides, and seeing how much people really enjoyed it like I did.”

The tours will go through old trails that farmers would use, but have since been grown over. Campbell said he’s spent a lot of time clearing those trails and making them ready for rides. He said it’s very scenic and sometimes they see wildlife on their journeys. The trail head is located 25 minutes southwest of Melfort.

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Campbell said for those going on a ride, it will include an introduction to the sport of sled dog racing, as well as an introduction to the dogs themselves.

“I’m encouraging them to be involved as much as they’re comfortable doing,” Campbell said. “So, they are welcome to help harness the dogs and help hook up and get set up. Then they’ll go in the sled and we’ll go for the ride.”

He said rides are already filling up into the second week of March. You can book your spot by contacting Campbell at 306-920-7844 or by contacting Campbell’s Racing Sled Dogs on Facebook.

Campbell said he hopes they do rides as long as the weather allows for it and hope to do it next winter as well. He also gave a huge credit to his sister-in-law who is running the social media side, and the community for their support in participating and wanting to try the rides.

The first rides are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6