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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on November 2, 2024
Growing up in Northern Alberta, we had Husky and German Shepherd dogs that would drag us around town on our toboggan and had so much fun. Little did we know that it would foreshadow how much we would love actual dogsledding. We’ve done it in numerous places around the world, but there are few spots more beautiful than in Canmore.
There’s just something magical about gliding across a frozen lake and valley in the heart of the Rocky Mountains as the cold winter air hits your face and a team of dogs pulls you on a sled. It’s the reason dog sledding in Canmore is such a popular winter activity in Alberta, and this is how you can do it.
Everything You Need to Know about Canmore Dog Sledding
Top Tips for Planning Your Dog Sledding Adventure
There are a few important things to consider before booking a dog sledding tour in Canmore! Firstly, it’s crucial to consider the time of year and the weather conditions for your tour.
Peak dog sledding season in Alberta is from December to April when there is a significant amount of snow on the ground. The price of your tour may change depending on the day of the week/certain holidays, which is also something to consider (some companies charge more for weekend bookings, for example).
Next, you’ll want to research the different tour companies and options available (more on some of those companies below). Make sure to check the tour company’s requirements, such as age and weight restrictions, as well as what kinds of tours they offer and available refund/cancellation policies.
Some companies offer short trips – a two-hour tour, for example – while some trips take up an entire day. YOu should also consider the number of people in your group and the weight limit of the sled. Finally, read reviews of previous customers to ensure you’re getting a reputable and safe experience.
Once you’ve chosen your tour operator, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible! Dog sledding in Canmore is an incredible experience, which means it’s very popular. Booking ahead of time is a great way to ensure you join the tour of your choice.
Dog Sledding Operations in Canmore
These are just a few of the reputable dog sledding tours recommended in Canmore and the surrounding area.
Howling Dog Tours
Location: Unit 105, 712 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore
Howling Dog Tours is one of the most famous dog sledding companies in Canmore, and they have a great reputation with past customers. With 27 years in the business, they prioritize the safety of their customers and their sled dogs, and they are dedicated to enhancing the care and treatment of sled dogs in their traditional and modern uses. They also provide pickup in Canmore or Banff.
As for their dog sledding tours, you can choose from Unleash the Musher, a two-hour tour, or Dog Day Afternoon, a half-day tour that allows for more personalized time with your dog team and guide. All of their tours come with the guarantee of “sled exclusivity” – meaning no strangers on your sled – as well as your own personal guide per sled. All tours take place in beautiful Spray Lakes Provincial Park, approximately 30 km southeast of Banff on the Smith-Dorian Highway.
Both tours come with a snack and a hot beverage, and the Dog Day Afternoon tour includes the option for lunch (for an additional fee). If you’re dog sledding with small children, the Unleash the Musher tour is available for children aged 2 and up, making it a great family-friendly experience.
Howling Dog Tours provides a dog sledding experience that is not only safe and comfortable but so much fun! We highly recommend them when it comes to dog sledding in Canmore.
Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours
Location: 829 10 St, Canmore
Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours is one of the best-known and most reputable sled dog companies in Canmore. With over 40 years of dog sledding expertise, Snowy Owl Tours aims to provide a personalized and unforgettable adventure for guests, all the while advocating for the humane treatment of sled dogs. We highly recommend their tours.
Snowy Owl Tours offers four winter dog sled tours. These include Powder Hound Express (a two-hour introductory tour), Sunfeather Winterlude (a four-hour tour that covers 24 kilometres of Rocky Mountain trails), Spirit of the Dog Society (an eight-hour tour), or Ghost of Fortune Mountain (a bucket list adventure trip that takes you across 80 kilometres over two days and one overnight). There are also multiple summer tours available that include dog carting, kennel tours, and more.
One thing that makes Snowy Owl Tours stand out is its sled options. You can choose from driving your own sled or opt for an instructor-driven sled. It all depends on what kind of experience you want to have! Either way, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and get to experience the adrenaline rush of dog sledding.
Snowy Owl launched its sister company, White Wolf Rafting, in 2019. If you’re looking for thrilling white water rafting adventures in the Bow Valley backcountry, make sure to check them out!
Dog Sledding Operations Near Canmore
Kingmik Dog Sled Tours
Location: 101 Village Rd, Lake Louise
If you’re in the Lake Louise area, Kingmik Dog Sled Tours is another dog sledding option. The only dog sledding company in Banff National Park, it’s a fantastic way to experience the activity deep in the Rocky Mountains.
While they usually have a few tour options every winter, the only available tour for winter 2024/25 is the Canadian Heritage Tour. Following in the tracks of the legendary Ike Mills and his huskies, who used to resupply backcountry lodges in the mountains more than 100 years ago, you’ll get to see mountains, valleys, and glaciers along the way.
Preparing for Your Dog Sledding Tour
If you’ve never been on a dog sled before, you’re in for such an amazing time! Making sure that you’re properly prepared with everything you’ll need is a great way to make sure you feel safe and comfortable.
First things first, you’ll need to dress warmly! While the sleds will have blankets, it’s crucial that you wear layers of warm clothing such as wool, fleece, or flannel. You’ll also need a warm winter jacket, snow pants, winter boots, and winter accessories such as a hat, scarf, neck tube, and mittens. We recommend investing in high-quality winter gear, because spending hours outside in the Canadian winter is no joke. Another tip? Bring extra wool socks and winter accessories just in case something gets lost on the trail! You can also bring warming packets for your hands or feet.
Along with your extra clothing, make sure to bring a few snacks, some water, and, of course, your phone/camera… trust us, you’ll want to take a lot of photos along the way!
What to Expect on Your Dog Sled Tour in Canmore
Dog sledding in Canmore is extremely thrilling! If you’ve never taken a dog sled tour, the experience can be a bit intimidating, but it’s sure to be a memorable and fun day. It’s an incredibly unique way to see the scenic views of the Canadian Rockies while also enjoying a rush of adrenaline.
Depending on which tour company you choose, you’ll most likely meet at their head office in downtown Canmore and then take a shuttle van into the mountains to meet the sled dogs and begin your musher tour.
Typically, you’ll start your tour by learning about the sled dogs, their training, and the history of dog sledding in Canmore. You’ll also get to interact with the dogs, but only do so once permission is given by the guides.
Next, it’s time to mush! Depending on what kind of tour you’ve chosen, you’ll head to the sleds and get oriented. Make sure to ask any questions so that you feel totally comfortable on the tour. Your sled will have warm blankets and perhaps a sleeping bag or sled bag, so get nice and cozy to prepare for your tour through the Canadian wilderness.
Now it’s time for the real fun! Sled on pristine mountain trails through the Canadian Rockies as you relax, take in the sights, and experience this one-of-a-kind activity. You’ll also get to interact with the dogs on breaks or after the tour, which is often the highlight of any dog lovers trip! Get ready for an amazing experience and a day you’ll never forget.
Safety and Precautions
As with any adrenaline-packed experience, dog sled tours require special attention to safety measures. This ensures safety not only for you but also for the guides and the sled dogs.
Firstly, consider the physical demands of dog sledding and any health restrictions you may have. Dog sledding is not recommended for people with serious health issues or pregnant people. If you are scared of dogs, you don’t have to interact with them; however, the dogs do get very energetic and excited before sledding, which means lots of noise. If you get overstimulated by loud sounds, you may want to bring earplugs.
And again: dress warmly! This is the first step in ensuring a successful and fun day. Most tour companies do not run their dogs in weather colder than -25°C (-13°F).
Once your day of dog sledding begins, make sure to follow all instructions from the tour guides and mushers. They’re there to make sure you have fun, but also to keep you safe.
Sled Dog Ethics
It’s important to consider the ethics of any activity that involves animal tourism. We encourage everyone to research the dog sledding company of their choosing and read about their ethics before booking. Howling Dog Tours has a great overview of their sled dog ethics, while Snowy Owl Tours openly discusses their dedication to their sled dogs’ welfare.
Exploring Canmore and the Surrounding Area
There are tons of things to do in Canmore! It’s a charming town that is a perfect base for exploring nearby Kananaskis Country, Banff National Park, and more. There’s also the annual Canmore Winter Carnival that can tie in nicely with your dog sledding experience. Make sure to check out our articles on where to stay in Canmore as well as the best restaurants in Canmore.
Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing, co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.
