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For as far back as the 10th century BC, dogs have had their place with humanity, and for over a thousand years, dogs have been used for hunting and travel. Dog sledding has been traditionally done in Greenland and the eastern Canadian Arctic by the Inuit, as well as in other parts of the Arctic.

But visitors don't need to go to the Arctic and Alaska to experience the thrill of dog sledding. There are plenty of places in the Lower 48 where one can go dog sledding. One of the best places in the Contiguous United States to go dog sledding is in the northern state of Maine. For looking for the ultimate dog sledding in Canada should consider visiting the Yukon Territory (and see the northern lights while there).

Dog Sledding In Maine & Maine's Dog Sledding Races

Go on a dog sledding tour in the winter in Maine and be pulled by the dogs along wooded trails, across frozen lakes, and over snow-covered meadows. Visitors should be flexible when planning a dog sledding excursion, as changes in weather and the health of the dogs can affect the schedules.

Are plenty of dog sledding companies in Maine; some of them are:

  • Maine Lakes And Mountains Region: Dogsled Maine, Mahoosuc Guide Service, Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience
  • Maine Highlands Region: Lone Wolf Guiding Service, Maine Dogsledding Adventures

Come at the right time and attend the Wilderness Sled Dog Race in Greenville and the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races in Fort Kent.

  • Next Can-Am Dog Race: March 4, 2023

The next Wilderness Sled Dog Race is to be held on February 4, 2023, and the rules and entry forms have been available since November 1, 2022. One of the races is some 70 miles long.

Related: Get A Front Row Seat To The Northern Lights At These Stunning Hotels

Mahoosuc Guide Service's Multiday Dog Sledding Tours

Mahoosuc Guide Service offers multiday dog sledding tours, including two- and three-day weekend trips in the Umbagog Lake and Mahoosuc Mountain areas. They also offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing winter activities.

4 Day Umbagog Lake Dog Sledding/Cross-Country Skiing Trip

This four-day dog sledding tour combines the experience with cross-country skiing on Umbagog Lake or the Mahoosuc Mountains area. The trip starts at 7 pm with an origination meeting where visitors will be outfitted with the winter equipment, the itinerary is reviewed, and questions answered. After that, head out for three days with the huskies on the trail.

  • Price: $1,300 Per Person
  • Accommodation: Canvas Wall Tents

During the tour, everyone gets a chance to dog sled twice and cross-country ski twice throughout the weekend. The tour returns at around 4.00 pm on the last days.

Accommodation for the first night is not included (but guests can book into their Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge). All visitors need to bring is a sense of adventure and warm clothing. That being said, guests will be outdoors in the winter, so the fitter one is, the better. Participants need to be able to ski or snowshoe for four miles with a light pack.

Enjoy the thrill of sleeping outside in tents and wood stoves in the winter wilderness of Maine.

Related: This Is When Visitors Can Expect To Go Dog Sledding In Alaska (And Which Tours To Take)

Dogsled Maine Half-Day Tours

Not everyone has the energy to head out into the wilderness for three or four days camping in the snow. Dogsled Maine offers more manageable four-hour tours. They are a small family-run kennel. All of their dogs come from Arctic breed rescues or from retired teams.

  • Address: 819 Middle RD, New Portland ME
  • Duration: 1 Hour
  • Cost: $320.00 For Up To Four People

Their tours are for one hour and for up to four people. It costs $320 for a tour, but this can be split between up to 4 people. A short one-hour dog sledding tour like this can be a fun part of any winter Maine road trip. It can be a fun family winter experience while in Maine.

Reservations are required for these tours.

Maine is a fantastic winter destination - go skiing, snowshoeing, and more in the winter. Arcadia National Park may be a superb place for hiking in the summer, return in the winter and see how it changes into a snowshoeing winter wonderland.