Elite canine athletes are now in training for the world-famous Yukon Quest sled dog races in Canada's Yukon Territory.

On 3 February 2024, the icy trails will awaken to the howls of more than 200 dogs as they begin their momentous journeys across the glistening, snow-drenched wilderness of the Yukon.

Starting in the capital city of Whitehorse, the event consists of three races: 160 kilometres to Braeburn, 400 kilometres to Pelly Crossing, and 720 kilometres to Dawson City, with a combined prize purse of more than $40,000.

As groups of 14 canines led by one human 'musher' race the treacherous journeys, one thing is certain: not every team will make it to the end as they battle 30 below zero temperatures in their pursuit of the Yukon Quest championship title.

The winner and frontrunners in the Yukon Quest take approximately 10 days to complete the journey, with mandatory rest periods at multiple check points to ensure the wellbeing of both canines and mushers.

The dogs themselves are cared for to ensure optimum health, including a well-balanced diet of protein, fat and vitamins, vaccinations, regular stretching and massage, as well as lots of love and affection.

The new Yukon Animal Protection and Control Act 2023 features provisions to ensure the care of sled dogs in the context of racing, touring and recreation.

“The Animal Protection and Control Act will modernise the Yukon's animal protection and control system and better protect Yukoners and animals in the territory,” says Nils Clarke, Minister of Environment.

“The new Act will strengthen animal enforcement, improve animal welfare standards and better regulate animal-related businesses.”

A total of 18 mushers have confirmed their intention to run in the 2024 Yukon Quest, with Dr Markus Barth announced as the Head Veterinarian for the event.

“I've been a vet for almost 30 years and have been part of the Yukon Quest off and on for 11 years,” says Barth. 

For Barth, excellence in dog care revolves around attention paid to each dog, watching for the earliest signs of injury and illness. The entire veterinary team know the trail and the challenges mushers and dog teams face as they compete in this historic race.

Dating back to 1984, the Yukon Quest was named for the Yukon River, known as the "highway of the north”. The race travels along trails used by First Nations people for thousands of years and by the first settlers who arrived in the Yukon from the 1870's.

The spirit of the Yukon Quest tests the strength of the ancient bond that exists between humans and canines, with the mushers playing coach, cook, cheerleader and companion to their dogs.

Visitors from around the world will flock to the city of Whitehorse, the starting point of the Quest, to enjoy live music and celebrations as the mushers and their sled dogs gather on the starting line. The villages of Braeburn, Carmacks, and Pelly Crossing also come alive as the teams race towards the finish line.  

GETTING THERE

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and direct flights between Brisbane and Vancouver four times per week. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada.

For more information about Yukon visit www.travelyukon.com.