Send your letter by dog sled as the Gold Rush Trail mail run returns

The 33^rd annual Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run sees dog teams and their mushers become official letter carriers as they transport Canada Post mail in their sleds from Quesnel to Barkerville on Feb. 7, 8 and 9.

This celebration of historically significant Canadiana honours the heritage and resilience of the region while showcasing the role dog-sledding played in the country’s cultural and economic development.

It's one of the only mail-run events carrying official Canada Post mail, which is marked with a stamp reading “Carried by Dog Team” to signify its journey once delivered to Barkerville, where it enters the regular mail system for delivery anywhere in the world.

Along the route from Quesnel to Barkerville, spectators are invited to join in on the camaraderie, cheer on the mushers as they navigate the snowy terrain and learn about the pivotal role dog-sledding once played in connecting isolated communities.

Visitors to the region can also book stays in Historic Barkerville or Wells to watch the mushers and mail arrive.

The mail carried by dog sled will be in specially designed envelopes featuring artwork from local artists, which can be bought locally or online for $3.

Purchase an envelope, enclose a personal note, address the envelope to anywhere in the world, put on the proper Canada Post postage, then place the envelope in the special Dog Sled mail box at one of the outlets before noon on Sunday, Feb. 2.

Here’s a list of purchase and drop off outlet locations:

• Books & Co., 1685 3rd Ave., Prince George
• Canada Post, downtown Quesnel
• Shoppers Drug Mart, Quesnel
• Total Pet, Quesnel
• Bosleys, Quesnel
• Little Red Pony, Quesnel
• Four Rivers Co-op, Quesnel
• Rocky's, Bouchie Lake
• BNC  Mercantile, Wells
• Jack O' Clubs, Wells

For more information and to purchase envelopes online visit sleddogmailrun.ca/Mailrunenvelopes.

For the latest information about the event visit www.facebook.com/SledDogMailRun/.