Running with the Pack, 5km Husky Ride and a Kennel Tour

Running with the Pack: 5km Husky Ride and Kennel Tour in Lapland

Imagine gliding through snowy forests behind a team of eager huskies, with the crisp Arctic air filling your lungs and the sound of paws pounding in perfect harmony beneath you. That’s what this tour promises—a blend of exhilarating sled rides and authentic kennel insights, all within the stunning backdrop of Lapland. Offered by Bearhill Husky, this experience combines the thrill of a 5km husky sled ride with a behind-the-scenes look at a modern dog kennel, topped off with warm refreshments.

What really makes this experience shine is the chance to sit in a sled and enjoy a smooth ride driven by an experienced musher. The safety, comfort, and authentic connection with the dogs are highlights we love. However, a potential consideration is that winter clothing isn’t included, so we’ll need to come prepared for the cold. This tour is perfect for families, dog lovers, or anyone craving a taste of the Arctic wilderness without the intense physical effort of a longer, more demanding safari.

In the end, if you’re after a balanced mix of adventure and education, with a touch of cozy comfort, this experience fits the bill. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate well-organized excursions that highlight the spirit of Lapland’s dog sledding culture, all while offering good value for the memorable moments you’ll take home.

Key Points

• Authentic Husky Experience: Ride a 5km sled driven by a professional musher, not just a cart ride.
• Educational Component: Learn about the huskies’ lives and training during a guided kennel tour.
• Comfortable & Cozy: Post-ride, warm up with hot juice and cookies, perfect for chilly days.
• All-Inclusive Transfer: Convenient pickup and drop-off from key locations like Santa Claus Village.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for travelers of all ages looking for a fun, low-threshold sledding experience.
• Value for Money: At $194, this tour offers a lively balance of adventure, education, and comfort.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour is structured to maximize both fun and learning, starting with a convenient pickup from your chosen location—options include the Hostel Café Koti, Santa’s Husky Rides, or K-Market Sinettä. From there, it’s about a 40-minute bus ride to Bearhill Husky’s modern facilities. That journey alone offers a sneak peek into the snowy landscape and the chance to brace yourself for the upcoming adventure.

Once at the kennel, you’re greeted by a team of passionate husky mushers and their lively pack of dogs. The visit includes an informative guided tour, where you’ll get to see the dogs’ living conditions, learn about their training routines, and hear stories about life at the kennel. Guests often mention that the guides are friendly and eager to share their knowledge, making the experience both fun and educational.

The highlight is the 5km sled ride, where you get to sit in a sled and be pulled through the pristine forests of Lapland. The sled is driven by an experienced musher who will explain the basics of dog sledding, making it perfect for beginners or those who simply want a relaxed yet authentic experience. Reviewers note that the ride is “a fun way to enjoy a dog sledding tour on a low threshold,” meaning it’s accessible for most, including families with children.

Following the ride, there’s a cozy stop for hot juice and cookies, allowing guests to relax, warm up, and swap stories about the ride. This small but appreciated touch adds a social element and makes the whole experience feel personal rather than rushed.

What Sets It Apart

Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the team at Bearhill Husky, with guides like Tom and Mark often praised for their friendliness and extensive knowledge. The modern kennel facilities are also a standout, emphasizing the care and training standards for the dogs, which is reassuring for dog lovers wary of less transparent operators.

Guests appreciate that the seating arrangements on the sled are well thought out, with only single travelers sharing with others outside their party, creating a comfortable and personalized experience. Plus, the fact that warm blankets are provided on the sled ensures that even the coldest days are manageable.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour lasts about 135 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity without feeling rushed. The duration includes transportation, kennel visit, and the ride itself. The pickup and drop-off service from central locations like Santa Claus Village or the city center simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying in Rovaniemi.

Since winter clothing isn’t included, travelers should dress warmly—think thermal layers, waterproof pants, gloves, and hats. Snow goggles aren’t provided either, so if you’re sensitive to wind or snow, bringing your own might be wise.

The tour costs $194 per person, which covers the kennel visit, the sled ride, hot beverages, and transfers. Compared to other Arctic experiences, this is a reasonable price considering the quality of the interaction and the personalized attention from guides.

What It’s Like in Practice

From the moment you arrive at Bearhill Husky, the atmosphere is welcoming. You’ll quickly notice the well-kept kennels and the energetic huskies eager to meet new friends. The guides are passionate, eager to share stories about the dogs’ personalities, their training routines, and how the team prepares for winter adventures.

The 5km sled ride feels almost meditative—gliding silently through snow-laden trees, with your musher occasionally sharing insights about sledding techniques or pointing out wildlife tracks. The dogs are clearly well-trained and happy, which makes a huge difference in how authentic and joyful the experience feels.

Many visitors comment on how the guides go out of their way to make everyone feel at ease, whether by giving clear instructions or adjusting the pace for younger children. Some reviews mention that the dogs are surprisingly gentle and affectionate despite their working dog reputation, which adds a layer of emotional connection to the ride.

Afterward, the communal warmth of hot juice and cookies turns the experience into a cozy social occasion. Guests often mention how the guides’ stories made the dogs’ lives come alive, adding a personal touch to the day.

Additional Details & Insights

• Group size: Usually small to medium groups, ensuring a personal touch.
• Accessibility: Suitable for most age groups, but dressing warmly is a must.
• Weather considerations: Cold weather gear isn’t provided, so come prepared for potentially freezing temperatures.
• Drones: Not allowed, maintaining a peaceful environment for the dogs and other guests.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience offers a beautiful blend of adventure, education, and comfort. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an introduction to husky sledding without the physical challenge of longer expeditions. The guided kennel tour ensures you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the dogs’ lives and training routines, making it more than just a ride.

Families with children, dog enthusiasts, or those new to Arctic activities will appreciate the low-threshold, friendly approach. The inclusion of hot drinks and a relaxed, guided environment makes it especially appealing for those wanting a memorable yet manageable Arctic adventure.

If you’re after a fun, engaging, and well-organized experience, this tour delivers on all fronts—offering a genuine taste of Lapland’s dog sledding culture, wrapped in warmth and friendly expertise.

FAQ

Is the husky ride suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be accessible for most ages. Many reviews mention that children enjoy the ride, and the guides tailor the experience to ensure everyone feels comfortable.

Are winter clothes included?
No, winter clothing isn’t part of the package, so you should dress warmly in layers, waterproof gear, and thermal accessories.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided kennel visit, a 3km husky ride with carts or a 5km sled ride, hot juice, cookies, and transfer services from designated pickup points.

How long does the whole experience last?
Approximately 135 minutes from pickup to drop-off, including transportation, the kennel visit, and the sled ride.

Can I share the sled with strangers?
Only single travelers are expected to share the sled with people outside their party, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Are drones permitted?
No, drones are not allowed, helping to maintain a peaceful environment for the dogs and guests.

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Lapland's husky culture, perfect for those seeking a joyful, educational Arctic outing with the bonus of cozy refreshments.