Tugáh Northern Experiences

Dear Guest,

At My Backyard Tours, we believe in partnering with people who share our passion for the North. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Tugáh Northern Experiences. We chose them because they offer an exceptional product, but more importantly, because you can truly feel the love they have for their dogs.

They run retired race dogs that have spent their youth running and winning races, not unlike the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. The dogs might not have the stamina in their golden years to continue to race but their hearts are still just as full. Seeing how excited they are when they get chosen to run definitely fills your own heart and transforms a simple tour into a deeply emotional experience.

Tugáh Northern Experiences is an Indigenous-owned, family-run business that has been operating since the mid-1990s. Passed down through generations, the McQueen family is dedicated to sharing Indigenous cultural teachings and providing a window into a time when dog-pulled sleds wasn’t a luxury, it was the only mode of survival and transportation.

Bundled up for a family adventure!

When my family and I ventured out, it was a crisp -25°C. Bundled up against the cold, I couldn't help but reflect on the past. While we were out for the pleasure and excitement of the ride, I thought about the ancestors and their long, frozen journeys across the land. Thankfully for us that day, the McQueens provided plenty of heavy furs and blankets to keep the chill away. Our family of four huddled together in the sled, keeping each other toasty as we glided across the ice. It was a moment of deep connection, experiencing such a rugged adventure while feeling completely safe and warm with the people I love most.

At one point, a WestJet plane soared overhead. Seeing that modern aircraft and our traditional dog team in the same frame was a powerful moment. It was the perfect visual of the past and present crossing paths. In the "old days," teams of 2 or 3 dogs would pull critical supplies across the land. Today, we have packs of 8 to 10 dogs pulling us for the sheer thrill of the moment. 

The past crossing paths with the present.

One of my favourite highlights was watching the dynamic between our musher/guide, Wynter, and the lead dog, Ruby. Ruby is new to the position of lead dog and needed a few gentle reminders to stay focused and keep the team straight. Witnessing that interaction helped me understand the immense work and care that goes into this experience. It’s clear at Tugáh, heart and quality of life for the dogs comes first.

Seeing my daughters interact with the dogs was another highlight of the tour and my youngest just might have found herself a new career path, helping retired race dogs find their joy again!

Our new blue-eyed beauty BFF!

The maple butter is a must-try!

Located in the heart of the Kam Lake “mushing district”, and unlike large-scale commercial tours, a visit to 185 Curry Drive, feels like visiting a family home. After a cold run around the lake, we were welcomed into their cozy log cabin for hot beverages and fresh heart-shaped bannock, served with yummy maple butter. A special treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Inside, you’ll find memories adorning the walls, a beautiful visual history of their operation and the many dogs that have helped them to realize their mission: to keep thier traditions alive!

In case you are wondering, "Tugáh" translates to "by the lake" or "by the water" in their Chipewyan language. A perfect name for their location.

If this experience sparks your curiosity, I highly recommend visiting the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. They have an incredible display on the history of the RCMP in the North and how they relied on dogsleds to reach remote destinations. It truly makes you appreciate the devotion required to keep Northern communities safe in the early days.

Dear Guest, if you are visiting the North, a journey with the McQueens and their incredible dogs is more than a tour, it’s the thrill of a lifetime, a connection to the land and a must-do experience!

When you book this experience through My Backyard Tours, we will pick you up and include a mini-city tour as part of the experience!