“Are you both okay driving?”
This was my first husky safari experience in Finland and, before our briefing, I had no idea that I’d be required to drive.
In fact, I didn’t even know that there would be any driving to be done.
Despite having undertaken many road trips – including solo ones – driving a husky sled was completely out of my comfort zone.
In the end, though, it was one of my highlights of all my Finland travels.
And you know what? “Driving” turned out to be my favourite part of the whole experience!
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Is husky sledding ethical?
Before we jump into the how, where and why of dog sledding, let’s address the question you probably – hopefully! – have.
Is dog sledding even ethical?
When it comes to any travel experience involving animals, it’s natural for this question to spring to mind.
And, if you don’t know what you’re getting in to, it might put you off even considering. Oftentimes, that’s the best way to go.
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Of course, I always do my research – both online and on the ground – before partaking in any animal activity. The views I share are from my own experience, and only you can decide what feels right and wrong.
One thing I will emphasis is this: please always choose wisely if you do decide to participate in any animal encounters, no matter where they are.
That means doing due diligence and making the best educated decision that you can based on the information available to you. If in doubt, leave it out.
And now we have that little disclaimer aside, I can say that my own husky safari experience in Finland was pure MAGIC.
First of all, Finland is a country that takes responsible travel seriously. Very seriously.
That doesn’t mean that all providers prioritise ethics and sustainability, of course, but it does mean that responsible practices are more common than uncommon.
One easy spot check to do is to see whether an organisation has the “Sustainable Travel Finland” certification.
Another way to judge an activity provider before your Finland trip is to read as many reviews as possible. And, if you can, book with someone who comes recommend from a trusted source.
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My husky safari experience at Syötteen Eräpalvelut
In all my years of travel, I’d never had the chance to go on husky safari before this particular trip to Finland.
A husky sled in the snow is a pretty iconic image, but I had no idea what the experience would actually be like.
It turned out to be even better than I could have imagined…
Stepping off the bus at Syötteen Eräpalvelut, we were greeted by the sound of excited howls. Lots of them!
Emerged in the depths of the snowy forests, it was almost a little bit eerie.
It was clear that the dogs were eager to get moving. Those who weren’t were allowed to rest if they wished.
For this reason, we were sternly (yet kindly) requested to be as fast as possible so that the dogs wouldn’t be kept waiting.
Learning to drive a dog sled
We could only be so fast, however, because dog sledding requires a short safety briefing and driving lesson.
The safety lesson covered everything to keep both dogs and humans safe.
The driving lesson taught us how to steer to the sled left or right, tips for braking in different scenarios and when to help the dogs with a little kick (for example, when going up small inclines).
My friend and I decided to switch driver halfway through the husky safari so we could both get the full experience and have turns at taking photos.
I really recommend doing both if you can because you’ll have a completely different experience as both driver and passenger!
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The husky safari experience
Once we’d finished the safety briefing, we were quickly shown to our designated sled.
I quickly hopped into the passenger seat and my friend jumped on the back of the sled.
And then we were off!
As the dogs pulled away, I was amazed at how fast we could move. Don’t worry, though – the driver can always slow things down by lightly pressing on the break at any time.
The safari took us deep into the forests, where we were completely alone in nature.
Just the two of us and our team of five dogs, surrounded by tall trees and towering snow.
It was one of those moments where you just feel a little overcome by awe.
The kind of moment that makes travel so special and reminded me why I love this so much. A moment that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
The staff were nearby at all times to help out if we needed (and luckily we didn’t) and also to check on the dogs.
They were strict about the dogs and following the rules, but that’s exactly how they should be.
They also helped us stop and change drivers halfway – quickly, so that we wouldn’t keep the huskies eagerly waiting to go.
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Even after an hour or so of riding, the experience didn’t begin to lose any of its magic.
In fact, it may have become more magical with time because, as the sun set, we were treated to something incredibly rare: a sky full of vibrant polar stratospheric clouds.
Rarer than the Northern Lights, the “Mother of Pearl” clouds were saw were so bright and lasted so long that they made the national news in Finland.
How to choose an ethical husky safari in Finland
If you are heading to the Syöte region of Finland, I can personally recommend Syötteen eräpalvelut after the fabulous experienced I had there.
Not only did they clearly put the dogs first and have a personal connection to each, but they also take on rescues and ensure retired dogs are cared for.
If you’re heading to other parts of Finland, such as Kuopio, Koli, Lapland or other places where dog sledding is possible, here are some things to consider:
- Always check reviews online before you go. Don’t just look at the ratings – look at what people are saying. It would quickly be obvious whether this is a provider you can trust.
- This isn’t a time to be cheap. If you want to have an authentic and responsible experience, please be prepared to pay for it. A two-hour experience (which should be the shortest available!) should be around €100 per person.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good provider will only be happy that you care for the dogs’ wellbeing and not be annoyed by it.
- Find out what happens to out of work dogs. If retired dogs are looked after, you can be more confident that the working dogs are treated equally well.
- It’s okay to speak up if you have concerns. If you sense that a dog doesn’t want to run or you feel unsure about anything, a good husky farm will only be happy that you say something.
