Adventuring with Revelstoke’s dogsledding family

For 14 years, musher Eric Marsden has operated Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures, offering unforgettable adventures through the local landscape. Alongside a team of skilled guides, his family and a team of racing dogs, he has built an experience that feels like going out for a ride with friends more than your typical tourist activity.

After many years overseas, Marsden resettled in Canada, establishing the company in 2009 to put down roots in Revelstoke and pursue an interest in the sledding world. His clientele is predominantly international, with guests from Australasia, the United States and Europe travelling to Revelstoke for the classic winter experience.

“Now the whole world comes to me,” he laughed.

The company offers individual and group dog sledding tours from December through April. Typically, adventures last two and a half to three and a half hours, with the option of morning, afternoon or night tours. Still, Marsden is always happy to customize the experience based on the group’s needs.

Experiencing dogsledding

Fortunate to partake in this bucket list experience, Marsden conveniently picked me up from the Revelstoke Visitors Centre alongside his guide Betty Mallia, with brief introductions to my furry friends for the day. Marsden was chatty, laid back and entertaining. I learned we would be tackling a 20 kilometer stretch on Frisby Mountain, one of the many trails he maintains for the business.

As with all their tours, Marsden provided an overview of the set-up, sled and equipment. I was then introduced to the stars of the shows: the dogs, who Marsden affectionately described as “the best employees you could ask for.”

Pulling the sled were Lester, Socks, Rocky, Raven, Chevy, Spade, Gillus and Elisie.

These are eight of the 39 Alaskan Huskies in Marsden and his family’s care. The dogs range from puppies to 14 years old, with some bred by the family and others rescued. Regardless of their backgrounds, they share one thing: they’re sled dogs at heart.

“Alaskan Huskies are born for running and pulling,” Marsden explained. “Just like you don’t need to train a Golden Retriever to catch a ball, you don’t need to train an Alaskan Husky to pull a sled!”

Marsden admitted he had never ridden with this combination of dogs before, and that it is constant trial and error.

“The team of dogs is a lot like a human workplace,” he said. “Some are born leaders, and others the drive and horsepower. Every dog has a place, a purpose and value.”

The dogs are athletes; they train from the start of September in the lead-up to the busy working winter months. The company offers guests the opportunity to see more of the dog’s lives and routine through kennel tours in the fall and summer and cart tours in the practice season ahead of snowfall.

Many of Marsden’s dogs also compete in mid-distance dog sled races across Canada and the United States. Marsden spoke of their successes with pride, and his love for his dogs was undeniable.

In turn, the dogs’ excitement for their sport was clear. As the preparation process unfolded, they
were full of energy and itching to get out onto the trail. All set to go, Marsden and Mahlia took their positions at the back, myself in the seat in front.

Being early in the season, with comparatively little snow, Marsden warned me we were in for a “spicy ride.” Contrastingly, at the peak of the season, the snow will be eight feet high, providing the experience of a true winter wonderland. 

Despite early-season conditions, for a first-time sled the ride was nothing short of magical. Speeding through the snow was thrilling while simultaneously intensely calming. The dogs fell silent, the only sounds were the tapping paws and gliding of the sled.

Initially, Marsden ran the dogs for a decent stretch to let off some much-needed steam. Throughout the route, usually after a tough incline, Marsden provided short breaks for the hard workers where cuddles and encouragement were welcomed. The stopping locations were picturesque, with 180-degree views over Lake Revelstoke.

Marsden prioritises an interactive experience, and guests are encouraged to put the harnesses on the dogs and stand on the back to control the sled. This hands-on approach is one of the reasons Marsden’s adventures are so special. His passion and experience mean every part of the process is streamlined, providing a controlled but exhilarating ride. His extensive knowledge makes the experience informative as well as practical.

Dogsledding in B.C.

Although an extraordinary experience, dog sledding – once a treasured Canadian tradition and rooted in Indigenous practices – has unfortunately declined in recent years. Decades ago, there were hundreds of dog sledding families in B.C., and now there are less than 40. Marsden attributes the reduction to the rise of alternative winter transportation, a wider variety of snow-related activities and more time spent indoors.

Despite this challenging landscape, Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures continues to thrive. Its family feel contrasts the larger more commercialised dog sledding operations in other parts of the province. Their unique approach, combined with being the sole Dog Sledding business in town, ensures their success year after year.

“We get people visiting Revelstoke who underestimate the intensity of the resort and are looking for alternative activities to fill their days off,” explained Marsden. “We hold an important place in the community enhancing the experience of newcomers.”