Kelowna 
Mail yourselves a “Carried by Dog Team” letter or participate in the Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run, where a timeless Canadian tradition comes alive in the heart of British Columbia as dog teams, mushers, and outdoor enthusiasts gather to traverse the historic Gold Rush Trail.
Barkerville Dash/Credit: Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run
The 33rd Annual Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run is set to take place from February 7 to 9, 2025, traversing the snowy trails of Quesnel, Wells, and Barkerville in British Columbia’s Cariboo region.
The non-competitive event, rooted in Canadian tradition, involves mushers and their dog teams transporting Canada Post mail along the historic Gold Rush Trail. Participants are sworn in as honorary mail carriers and tasked with delivering specially marked mail to Barkerville, where it enters the global postal system.
How It All Began
In 1993, volunteers staged the first mail run as part of the BC Northern Winter Games, carrying Canada Post mail hand-canceled in Quesnel, Wells, and Barkerville. The event quickly gained attention, drawing participants from across North America and Europe. Between 1996 and 1999, it served as a 200-mile qualifier for the prestigious Iditarod and Yukon Quest races. Volunteers carved out extensive trails, including the route to Kruger Lake, expanding the event’s reach.
After reverting to its non-competitive roots in 2000, the mail run evolved into a community-centered celebration of tradition. Despite a challenging year with only three teams in 2000, it has since grown, now welcoming around 25 teams annually.
Event Highlights – A Journey Through Snowy Trails
Over three days, participants will traverse looped trails tailored for sled dog teams, skijorers, and other self-propelled modes of travel.
- Day 1 (February 7): The first stage kicks off at Troll Ski Resort with a 20 km loop, followed by a banquet and auction.
- Day 2 (February 8): The trail shifts to Wells, where participants can choose between a 12 km or 45 km route. The day concludes with musher sports and an informal social.
- Day 3 (February 9): The final stage spans a 20 km loop from Barkerville to Wells and back, culminating with the delivery of mail. The Barkerville Dash, an 8 km timed race, and an awards ceremony at Jack O’ Clubs Pub wrap up the event.
Trip Planning: How to Be Part of the Tradition
Credit: Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run
Participants can join as mushers, skijorers, snowshoers, or runners, with options to complete all three stages or individual ones. Special commemorative envelopes featuring artwork by local artists are available for purchase, offering a unique way to send mail worldwide. Spectators are welcome to cheer on teams, explore historic Barkerville, and enjoy local accommodations and attractions.
- Join as a Participant: The Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run invites a diverse range of participants, including dog teams, skijorers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, kick-sledders, and runners. Participants can join the full three-day event or select specific stages. Those carrying official Canada Post mail to Barkerville must complete all three stages and be sworn in as honorary mail carriers. While primarily a sled dog event, the run is open to any self-propelled method capable of navigating snow-packed trails.
- Send a Special Letter: Send your mail on a unique journey with the Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run. Purchase specially designed envelopes online or at designated outlets and drop them in sled mailboxes by February 2, 2025, or at the Main Post Office by February 5. Your letter, marked with the stamp “Carried by Dog Team,” can travel anywhere in the world!
- You can order 2025 envelopes online, and the organisers will address them for you and add special messages! It’s $5.25 per envelope (including postage for Canada/USA) or $6.75 internationally.
- Experience the Event: You can participate in the Barkerville Dash, cheer on mushers, explore the trails, and enjoy the hospitality of Wells and Barkerville. Accommodations are available in Barkerville’s historic cottages or the Wells Hotel.
