Natty Gann's wolfdog Jed also appeared in The Thing (1982) and White Fang (1991). He would appear in cinematic productions filmed in Alaska or western Canada, especially British Columbia.
Only two steam locomotives were used in the filming of this movie. Both steam locomotives are owned by the Province of British Columbia. The first engine which appears in most of the scenes is ex CP #3716. It had its number changed in a few scenes to give the illusion of more locomotives. It is now operational at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland, BC. The other steam locomotive is ex MB #1077 which is now operational at Fort Steele Heritage Town near Cranbrook, BC. #1077 also appeared in Shanghai Noon (2000) starring Jackie Chan. Both #3716 and #1077 also appeared together in the movie The Grey Fox (1982) about gentleman train robber Bill Miner.
The movie's screenwriter Jeanne Rosenberg specializes in animal movies and has penned or co-written screenplays for such pictures as Bambi II (2006), White Fang (1991), Running Free (1999), The Black Stallion (1979), The Young Black Stallion (2003) and China: The Panda Adventure (2001).
The film's original theatrical trailer appeared on almost every Disney home video released in late 1985 and early 1986, to promote the film's theatrical and video releases.