Photo courtesy Kearney Dog Sled Races

With just 800 residents, the Ontario town of Kearney will become a hot bed of visitor activity Feb. 13-14, when more than 75 dog sled teams from around the world converge for the annual Kearney Dog Sled Races. Designated a World Cup Event by the International Federation of Sled Dog Sport (IFSS), the Kearney Dog Sled Races are Ontario's largest annual dog sled competition.

Signature events for 2016 include a 4-Dog Sprint, a 6-Dog Sprint and Ontario's longest mid-distance race, the 10-dog, 50-mile stage race. Also sure to wow audiences is Ski-joring, a winter sport that originated in Scandinavia, where cross-country skiers attempt to stay upright while pulled through a pre-determined route by one- and two-dog teams. The popular "Kid and Mutt Race," where children ages 6-12, including dog-racing amateurs, navigate their own one-dog team down Main Street is an annual favorite.

Spectator events add to the festive air, including the opening night family skate and bonfire with free hot dogs and hot chocolate. Other activities include the Kearney Trailside Cookhouse, live music, local artisans and merchants, winter snowshoeing and igloo building.

Kearney, located in the scenic Almaguin Highlands on the western edge of Algonquin Park, is located just two hours north of Toronto.

For more information, visit www.kearneydogsledraces.ca.

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