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Elite canine athletes are now in training for the world-famous Yukon Quest sled dog races in Canada’s Yukon Territory. On 11 February 2023, 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 ranging from 160 kilometres to 725 kilometres in length. The courses will run the traditional Quest trail through Braeburn, Carmacks, Pelly Crossing and Dawson City, with a combined prize purse of $52,500.

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 40 below zero temperatures in their pursuit of the Yukon Quest championship title.

A total of 18 mushers have confirmed their intention to run in the 2023 Yukon Quest, with Dr Kate Foster announced as the Head Veterinarian for the event.

“I love sled dogs and I love the Great (White) North,” Foster said. “I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and getting back to working with sled dogs.”

For Foster, excellence in dog care revolves around attention paid to each dog.

“The most important aspect of excellent dog care is the musher’s attention to each individual dog,” Foster said. “Providing quality nutrition, quality supplements, and watching for the earliest signs of injury and illness. Prevention is always the best medicine.”

Foster added that there are many examples of mushers diligently caring for and massaging their dogs on cold, dark and windy nights despite their own fatigue during races like the Quest.

The Yukon Quest was named for the Yukon River, known as the “highway of the north,” and the historical winter land routes travelled by prospectors, adventurers and supply carriers between Alaska and the gold fields of the Klondike in Canada’s Yukon Territory.

The Yukon Quest is powered by canines bred from stock that survived and thrived during the Gold Rush Era of 1898. No animal on earth can match them for endurance, dedication and their ability to perform in the extreme conditions of Canada’s far north.

These dogs are elite, marathon athletes and the mushers play coach, cook, cheerleader and companion to their dogs. The spirit of the Yukon Quest tests the strength of the ancient bond that exists between humans and canines.

Visitors from around the world will flock to the city of Whitehorse to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Quest, including live music and celebrations as the mushers and their sled dogs gather on the starting 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.