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Mad Dogs & Englishmen

Hands-on, intimate, authentic, true canadian experiences.

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Outdoor life, the good life

Outdoor life, the good life

We love the outdoors! We especially love being out on the trails with our beautiful huskies surrounded by the glorious Rocky Mountains. We couldn't ask for a better life then being able to share this love with you. We believe in providing an authentic dog sledding experience, with small group sizes, where you get to see and experience what mushing is really like.

Dedicated to excellence

Being family-owned and operated we are involved with our buisness on every level. From the office, to the kennel, to the trails, we are dedicated to providing the best experience possible for our clients, guides, and most importantly, our dogs. Come see what true love looks like.

Small groups. Big fun!

We offer small group sizes and a more intimate hands-on approach to our tours. This, along with our love for our dogs, combine to give our clients an experience they will never forget.We encourage as much interaction with our dogs as you are comfortable with. Learn how to harness, set up the teams and drive them down the trail or sit back and just enjoy the ride and views. Either way, we have the tour for you.

The Dogsled season for 2023/2024 is open! Make sure you don't miss out! Use discount code: EARLYBIRD4U23 to receive a 10% discount available until Oct 31, 2023.

  Gift Certificates make great gifts!

Tours and Clinics

Year round excitment and utter joy! Our activities range from private and intimate to small groups and corporate events.

There are so many ways to get out and connect with our dogs. From dog sledding adventures, ski-joring clinics and tours, kennel tours, multi-day adventures and much more. Come experience winter from a dogs-eye-view!

Whether you are interested in either experiencing dogsledding from the warm confines of the sled while taking in the views or prefer to ride the back of the sled where you can experience dogsledding like a real musher , we have a tour for you.

Combining dog sledding with skiing, recreational ski-jöring is becoming more and more popular and is ideally suited to the long Alberta winters.

Get away from the crowds and join us for an intimate and personal visit of our kennel site and interpretive trails! Meet all our huskies and take some time to play and have some fun with them!

Mad Dogs Englishmen - Dog Sledding Kennels Skijor home

Winter 

Dog sledding tours, ski-jöring clinics and tours, winter kennel tours, multi-day adventures, summer , kennel tours, dog carting - coming soon, corporate , corporate incentive packages, corporate team building, military programs, mobile presentations.

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Our Dogs Our true love

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The truth is, we wouldn't be here providing tours for you if it wasn't for our dogs. They are the true stars of our show and deserve the very best we can give them. Taking good care of them is a round the clock endeavor and one we do not take lightly. We are not in this business to make money, we are in it to give the very best care back to the ones that make our lives so meaningul.

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Dog health & safety is important!

We believe that good dog care must be proactive not just reactive. This means that setting up a system that requires regular and thorough checking and care of each dog is important. We work closely with our vet to ensure the health and safety of each and every dog in our kennel and when out on the trail. This takes alot of love, time, money and dedication but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Sled weight & sled loading

Sled weight & sled loading

Our dogs are not only strong in body but also in mind. It has been said that a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. This means that in many cases, they will try and do whatever you ask them, even it it is not safe for them. We must take responsibility for them and only ask them to do what it is safe and reasonable. With this in mind, we have set weight limits on our sleds and ask that all people booking and heading out on a tour with us adhere to these limits. They are there for a reason.

Puppies!

Each year we blessed with new additions to our family. Most of our puppies we keep to train and intigrate into our family and teams. Occationally we will put some up for adoption. We have rigid requirements for families that want to adapt our huskies as we want to ensure that both the dog and family are happy. Please contact us if you think you might be able to give one of our puppies a good home. We would be happy to talk with you about what is required to ensure a good fit.

Safe haven for retirees!

Safe Haven for Retirees

Our dogs are our family. We don't stop loving them just because they don't work for us anymore. Our retiree's have worked hard throughout their carear and deserve to be well cared for in their later years. Some of these retiree's are good candidates for adoption into good homes. Some are not as they would be lost without the rest of the pack. In either case, we are committed to ensuring that they remain happy and healthy at any cost.

Adventure Partners

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Useful Links

Dog sledding.

  • Husky Dreamcatcher
  • Mountain Musher
  • Mt. Nestor Viewpoint
  • Spray Lakes Quest
  • Dogsled under the Stars
  • 2 Day / 1 Night
  • Skijör Clinic
  • Skijör Private Lesson
  • Skijöring Tours

Kennels & More

  • Winter Kennel Tour
  • Summer Kennel Tour
  • Groups & Corporate
  • Mobile (School) Presentations
  • Mad Dogs Cafe & Market
  • Our History

Contact & More

  • Maps: Adventure Trailheads
  • Ask Us Questions
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1-877-662-3364

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Winter

  • Corporate Groups
  • Contact & Directions

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Kingmik Dogsled Tours

Kingmik Dog Sled Tours

  • Most Popular
  • Clock 1.5 hours

Great Divide Tour

Our longest and most popular tour! Often described by our guests as the highlight of their trip to Canada.

  • Clock 30 minutes

Narnia Tour

This is our short introductory tour that covers the “sweet spot” of the Lake Louise scenery.

We offer dog sledding tours in beautiful Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a treasured lifetime memory, come mushing with our happy and hard-working Alaskan huskies. Kingmik guides have many years of experience “on the runners” in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alaska, B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and the lower 48. They know and love dogs and are dedicated and caring dog drivers. Each holds first aid certifications and most have had extensive wilderness experiences.

Why Choose Kingmik

  • We never put strangers together. Our sleds comfortably accommodate 2 adults. When you and yours book a tour, it will be only the 2 of you.
  • We run on average, only 4 teams per tour time. With the longest tour trail in the valley, there’s plenty of space for each team to truly experience the quiet beauty of travel by dog team.
  • Our guides have years of combined mushing experience, both on the tour trail and racing, that spans countries and continents. This means we have great stories and a perfect safety record.
  • Our dog care is simply unparalleled. Each dog is a treasured individual and member of our family.

The Only Dogsledding Tours in Banff National Park!

Dog Sled

A very well organized dog sledding tour company who take incredible care of their dogs. 
Having experienced all 3 dog sledding companies around Canmore and Banff, this one is by far the best as far as views and a true dog sledding experience goes.

Highlight of our trip! My wife and I took our two daughters dog sledding. It was an incredible experience. Megan and Catherine -- our guides -- were friendly and knowledgeable. Experiencing such an important part of Canadian heritage opened our eyes to life before cars and snowmobiles.

AWESOME!!! FULL OF AWESOMENESS!! A tried and true dog lover celebrating her 60th for a week in the Canadian Rockies. The dog sled tour with @Kingmik was the highlight of the week! Megan, the owner and our guide, is a super human who cares incredibly for each of her 46 working dogs and 9 retirees. Every dog has their own personality and it comes out when they are mushing. I have a fondness for all of them but Polaris and I had a special bond. If you want to enjoy a special treat in a stunning setting and have a memory that lasts a lifetime - go dog sledding with Kingmik!

This is by far the most amazing thing I have done. I have traveled to many places, seen many unique places, but this dogsledding experience is at the top of my list. If you love dogs, love the beauty of nature, then you MUST put this on your to-do list. In April, we stayed at Chateau Lake Louise. The pick-up spot is 2 minutes from the Chateau. Our 1.5 hour tour was not only informative, but fun! Once the dogs knew the mushers were getting ready, they barked and barked. These dogs are bred for this, it's in their blood, and makes them beyond happy. It is definitely worth the ticket price, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again in the future. Thank you Kingmik for such an amazing experience!

If only we could give them 10,000 stars! This was a fantastic experience for the whole family!!

We learned a lot about the trail, mountains and glacier in addition to about all 65+ dogs. This was “the best day ever,” according to my daughter!!!

We did the Great Divide Tour… absolutely fantastic!!!

A wonderful experience. As a dog owner, I was very impressed with how healthy and well trained the dogs were. The guides were very happy to tell us all about their selection processes, care of their dogs, and adoption process when they retire. It was clear the dogs were very happy and well loved. The tour itself was picturesque and very enjoyable. Worth the price, for sure.

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Our family of four went dog sledding with Guide’s, Jared and Rob over spring break and this was the highlight of our trip! The guys were incredibly friendly and informative along with the entire tour. They even let our children try mushing. We were very pleased with how friendly the guides and pups were. I would definitely go again!

This was one of the most memorable winter activities EVER! (And we actually came for 10 days of skiing ;-) Interaction w/ the dogs, musher, the entire dog sledding tour. Epic! 5 star experience of the Canadian Winter Wonder Land. Would give it 10 stars, if possible. Go for the 1 ½ hour tour. Time will fly, worth every penny and then some.

It's hard to know what to mention first! The amazing personalities of the dogs? (even in the span of a couple hours you start to see their uniqueness - it's hard not to fall in love! :) ) The infectious passion of the guides? (Megan was awesome, and shared with us her love for the dogs, the land, and her sport) The beautiful scenery? (what better way to take in the mountains and forest in true Canadian winter) We left feeling inspired, and with smiles on our faces all day! For us it was an amazing "once-in-a-lifetime" experience, but we may just have to go back again ;) THANK YOU Megan & Kingmik & Lily (our team leader)

OMG! This was by far the best event of the week! The dogs are amazing and well trained. We were so impressed by the guides and how well they took care of the dogs. And not only did they take such good care of them, but they knew each and every one of their personalities. ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! And I fell in love with one of the dogs that were up for adoption. We get to pick him up in April. So excited! And our guide Kylie was super awesome!

Search no farther, it's time to book your dog sledding tour with Kingmik. My wife and I recently visited Lake Louise three weekends ago (right before COVID-19 started) to have an adventurous weekends in the Canadian Rockies. Needless to say we were blown away by the adventure, skiing, and scenery!

Did you have an amazing time but forget to tip? Leave a tip for your guide here!

All You NEED To Know About Dog Sledding in Canmore

Dog Sledding in Canmore

When thinking of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the main things that come to mind are towering mountains, turquoise lakes, majestic wildlife, and many adventures. After having the pleasure of visiting Howling Dog Tours, a new experience has taken over my central view of the Rocky Mountains in the winter, and that is dog sledding in Canmore!

Dog Sledding in Canmore with Howling Dog Tours is a Canadian Rockies experience that everyone should have the pleasure of trying when visiting Canmore in the winter.

Dog sledding in Canmore

A dog sledding experience in the Rockies offers so much more than just the dog sledding itself. Visitors will receive an interpretive tour of the area on your shuttle drive to the site and learn about the company’s history and of the dogs themselves from the knowledgeable employees.

This is a way to experience the beauty of the Alberta mountains in a brand-new way, and at the same time, develop a bond with a team of dogs that will leave visitors wanting more.  

If you visit the Canadian Rockies during the winter season , you will not regret adding dog sledding in Canmore to your bucket list. Continue reading to hear about my ‘ Unleash the Musher ’ experience!

Dog Sledding in Canmore: All You Need to Know

This article recap s our 2-hour ‘ Unleash the Musher ’ dog sledding tour with Howling Dog Tours. This is the shorter rendition of the two tours offered by this company.  

Unleash the Musher Tour

dog sledding in canmore

Getting to the Howling Dog Tours Office

The Howling Dog Tours office is located in the heart of the town of Canmore . Canmore is a central location whether you are visiting from Calgary, Banff, or Lake Louise. With their office just a single turn off the Trans-Canada Highway, this experience is easy to access during any Rocky Mountain visit.

Pulling off the highway and into the Howling Dog Tours parking lot, we knew we were in the right place, thanks to the large shuttle vans painted with adorable Husky faces. 

The parking lot is shared with other businesses, so parking is typically paid; however, guests get free parking with any Howling Dog Tour (just tell them inside the office).

The Howling Dog Tours shuttle vans in their office parking lot

Our tour began at 12:00pm, so we were told to arrive at the office at 11:00am. After bundling up in our various layers, packing our day bag, and lacing up our winter boots, we headed into the front office to check in. The employee was super friendly and gave us the low-down, our van number and shuttle driver’s name, and to meet at the van in 15 minutes. 

This 15-minute wait gave us the chance to get some tips from the helpful employees on what to wear and what to bring, and it allowed a bit of leeway for any guests running behind schedule.

At 11:15am sharp, our welcoming and knowledgeable shuttle driver, Dusty, greeted us at our van. Dusty ran through a quick attendance, went over a few general expectations, and passed out waiver forms to be filled out during the drive.  

After loading into the van amongst the other adventure seekers of the day, our experience with Howling Dog Tours began!  

Shuttle Ride to the Main Location

Beautiful Spray Valley Provincial Park in winter

The shuttle ride from the Howling Dog Tours office to the leading site, where we would unite with our trusty team of dogs and mushers for the day, was about A 20-25 minute Drive from Downtown Canmore. This drive is scenic, passing by Ha Ling Peak and entering the stunning Spray Valley Provincial Park .  

This 20-minute shuttle drive flew by thanks to our informative and energetic driver, Dusty. Dusty pointed out  popular trailheads  and mountain peaks, discussed the area’s history, and even pointed out site locations of famous movies. Did you know that 90% of The Revenant was filmed in the Rocky Mountains? Your shuttle driver will be able to point out where some of Leonardo DiCaprio’s most famous scenes were filmed! 

We arrived at the Howling Dog Tours launch site after a beautiful and informative drive into Spray Valley Provincial Park, with towering mountain peaks and crystal-clear rivers. As soon as the van doors opened, we were blasted with the excited, powerful howls of the dozens of sled dogs who awaited our arrival.

Meet the Dog Sledding Canmore Team!

Dog sledding in Canmore

The shuttle vans dropped us at the Howling Dog Tours leading site: a wide-open area beneath the mountains, with a few outhouses and the trailers that bring the dogs in each day. Upon arrival, an enthusiastic employee provided us a brief rundown of how the day will work and a short history of the company’s dedicated owners, Dana and Rich Bittner. 

On the day of our tour, we were lucky enough to then be greeted by Dana herself! A rad woman with years of dog sled racing experience now pours her heart into dog sledding Canmore tours as the co-owner. Dana gave us a detailed story of their company and their dogs, mainly ex-race dogs who love to run. The dog’s love of running sure was evident, as they used their loud howls to prompt their humans to get the day moving.

Without further ado, Dana introduced each group to their musher for the day. On our tour, there were 5 other groups of adventure seekers, a total of 6 sleds of dogs, mushers, and participants for the day.  

We met our musher with excitement and eagerness – an experienced, strong, and friendly woman named Tanya. From what I could tell, all the mushers here are highly trained, professional, and as kind to their guests, as they are to their pups.  

Dog sledding in Canmore

After a quick intro to get to know each other, Tanya led us to meet the rest of the team: 7 gorgeous, sassy, and loving sled dogs. We took the chance to meet each dog, learn their names, and give each one a good scratch before their big run.  

Tanya taught me how to suit up one of the dogs, Sundance, into his harness. Then, she effortlessly got all 7 dogs hooked up to the sled and ready for our adventure. One by one, we watched the 5 other teams of dogs take off past us, and soon enough, on Tanya’s command, we were off to the races.  

Dog sledding in Canmore

The Adventure Begins

Sitting in the front of the sled, with Jac behind Tanya and my firm on the back of the rig, our robust team of dogs took off running at the sound of “Hike!”. In seconds we were into the trees, following the 5-kilometer dog sledding path.  

Dog sledding in Canmore

After the first couple minutes of sledding, a photographer was waiting along the trail to take a high-quality action shot. Our musher gave us a heads up for when to expect him so that we could be ready and smiling at the camera.

This perfect action shot can be purchased at the end of the tour, in both a printed copy and a digital copy. We were so happy to take this piece of our experience home with us – I recommend the purchase.

Dog sledding in Canmore

Our tour continued past the photographer, going around bends, up and down hills, and through the trees. The surroundings could not be more perfect, with the beautiful Spray Lake down below us and massive mountains all around us.  

The dogs and the musher worked hard throughout the whole tour. They made an incredible team with the dogs listening to every command (sometimes requiring a few extra prompts!) and the musher helping to push the sled during the uphill sections. Their hard work allows you to sit back and take in this incomparable experience.

Dog sledding in Canmore

As if the stunning surroundings and the dog sledding itself weren’t enough, Tanya kept us engaged with exciting facts, stories, and history of dog sledding. We learned so much during our tour: the importance of the dog placement, the famous 1925 serum run story (check out the movie Togo if you’re curious about this one – also filmed in the Rockies!), the diets and lifestyle of the dogs, and so many cool facts that we’ll always keep with us.  

Dog sledding in Canmore

Visiting during the 2020-2021 season, with the pandemic still in full force, the Howling Dog Tours team made us feel safe and comfortable. They have adjusted their tours to function safely – mainly requiring facemasks and encouraging social distancing during the briefings and shuttle rides. The most significant difference this season is that we could not join the musher on the back of the sled.  

In a regular season, each participant has the chance to stand on the back of the sled with the musher. This allows you to help control the sled and the dogs and gives you a new viewpoint of the incredible team of dogs in action.

Snack Break in the Forest

Dog sledding in Canmore

After completing the 5-kilometer trail, we stopped for our snack break at the Spray Lake West Campground. Each musher secured their team of dogs in place, and we hopped out of the sled to get to know our team a bit more.

Dog sledding in Canmore

Though the hot chocolate and cookies were a tasty way to warm up mid-trip, the best part of this snack break was getting to know the pups. We spent the whole snack break petting, snuggling, and giving the dogs our love. 

It was fun meeting the dogs from the other teams, too. The dogs are so friendly with unique personalities, and they love meeting new people.  

Dog sledding in Canmore

Racing to the Finish Line

After about a half-hour snack break, we hopped back in the sled for our trip home. The trip around follows the same route as the way in, so Jac and I swapped spots to ensure we both got a chance at the front of the sled!  

Dog sledding in Canmore

Even though we were on the same trail, we took on the way in, the trip back was just as riveting the second time! Being pulled through the mountains by a team of adorable, strong dogs sure was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

One of my favorite parts of our trip was hearing our musher control the dogs with her various commands, getting them to slow down, speed up, stop, and ensuring the lead dogs kept their team in line!  

Dog sledding in Canmore

Wrapping Up Our Epic Dog Sledding Canmore Tour

After completing the 5-kilometer trail back, totaling a 10-kilometer round trip, we arrived again at the take off site. Finishing the tour was bittersweet as we knew our time with these incredible dogs was nearly finished. Our musher secured the dogs and sled, and we congratulated our team with pets and scratches.  

Wrapping Up Our Epic Dog Sledding Canmore Tour

Much to our excitement, we then got to reward the dogs with their end-of-run treats! Giving each dog a treat and a bowl of chicken water was the perfect way to thank you for your hard work. After eating, the employees loaded the dogs back into their trailers to drive back to the kennel.  

Dog sledding in Canmore

Though some regular pups may not like being caged up, Howling Dog Tours ensures their dogs are comfortable on the way home. Allowing each dog to share a crate with their racing partner gives the dogs comfort, not to mention these dogs are happy to lie down after a big day’s work. 

With the dogs loaded into the trailer, we said our goodbyes to our wonderful musher, Tanya. We thought Tanya did an incredible job, so we grabbed her email address to send her a gratuity via e-transfer. If you are satisfied with your mushers’ hard work, a bonus is always welcome in a service industry like dog sledding.  

Dog sledding in Canmore

Finally, we purchased our action shot and loaded back into our shuttle van. The trip back was definitely quieter than the drive there, as everyone reminisced on their incredible experience of dog sledding in Canmore.

Common Questions About Dog Sledding in Canmore

Why choose howling dog tours.

Around the Canmore area, there are a couple different dog sledding companies to choose from. I have nothing but positive things to say about our experience with Howling Dog Tours, and I 10/10 recommend booking your dog sledding experience with this long-standing company.  

dog sled tours canmore

Here are some of the main reasons Howling Dog Tours stands out amongst other dog sledding companies: 

The Dogs Themselves

  • 70% of the company’s dogs are adopted:  Most of their dogs are retired race-dogs or dogs who did not quite make the cut for racing teams. Howling Dog Tours recognizes that there are many dogs out there who need a home, and they are more than willing to take these dogs in and find a place for them. 
  • The company has a healthy number of dogs:  They have enough dogs to ensure the dogs are not overworked and that they receive as much rest time as needed, but not too many dogs that they do not get enough running time.  
  • Each dog loves to run : The teams are made up of Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies, and Seppala Siberian Huskies, who are quite literally born to be sled dogs. These breeds have lots of energy and love to run.
  • The dogs are well taken care of:  With the owners having such an extensive dog sledding history, they know exactly what is required to run a healthy and happy kennel. The dogs are well fed, the kennel is well kept, they have plenty of free-run time, and the dogs even have their own treadmill to keep them busy when it’s too warm to run outside. 

dog sled tours canmore

Dog Sledding Tours On Offer

  • Howling Dog Tours guarantees one guide per sled : Every sled will have an experienced, well-trained musher to ensure the safety of their guests and their dogs!  
  • Anyone 2 years old and up can enjoy these tours!  It’s a great family-friendly activity in the Rockies. If you are visiting around Christmas , dog sledding Canmore is a must do.
  • You are provided with a complimentary shuttle ride to and from the site : This makes it super easy to access Howling Dog Tours, with the main office and meeting point located right downtown Canmore. You can leave your rental car parked safely in town, avoiding the potholes and winter difficulties of mountain roads.
  • The surroundings are stunning : Located in the Spray Valley Provincial Park, it feels as though you are the only people for miles, with nothing but the remarkable mountains around you. 
  • The owner’s lengthy experience dog sledding in Canmore is well reflected in their tours: Everything about the tours, from the professionalism of the guides to the friendliness of the dogs and the all-inclusive nature of the tour, is well thought out and excellently executed. It is obvious that this company knows their guests as well as they know their dogs! 
  • You get your own sled : If you have a group of two you get your own sled. Depending on the size/age/height of the participants, they sometimes allow 3 people per sled – I.e., two adults with one toddler. 
  • The area has an exciting history:  The employees here are knowledgeable in the history of the area. You will learn of the many different movies and TV shows filmed in the same area that you are dog sledding in. Some ones you may know are The Revenant, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Planet Earth: Mountains, Togo, and Snow Dogs, to name a few.  

Which Dog Sled Canmore Tour is Best for Me?

dog sled tours canmore

When dog sledding with Howling Dog Tours, you have two tour options:  Unleash the Musher  or  Dog Day Afternoon . Both tours have their pros and cons, so be sure to find a suitable time for you! 

The Unleash the Musher tour is 2-hour long, plus one hour of transportation. This tour follows a 5-kilometer out and back trail, totaling 10-kilometers of dog sledding! 

On this tour, you learn to harness a dog, a photographer snaps an epic action shot, you are treated to a snack and hot chocolate at the halfway point, and you get the chance to guide alongside the musher*! Not to mention you spend 2 total hours with these adorable pups. 

The Unleash the Musher tour is an excellent introduction to dog sledding. After 2 hours with the dogs, you will already feel a special bond with them. I definitely left this tour wanting more, but it was the perfect taste of dog sledding without feeling too short! 

The Unleash the Musher tour cost is reasonably family-friendly compared to other dog sledding companies as they adjust the price based on age. The costs for this season are below, but always check the website for the most accurate pricing. 

  • Adult : $270 per person, low season, $279 high season*
  • Youth (6-9 ): $137.50  per person 
  • Child (2-5) : $70 per person 

*There is a minimum of 2 adult prices per sled.

dog sled tours canmore

Dog Day Afternoon Tour

The Dog Day Afternoon tour is the most involved, offering 3.5 to 4 hours of “howling good times,” plus 1 hour of travel time. The length of this tour allows you to build an even stronger bond with your team and musher! 

On this tour, you learn to harness a dog, a photographer snaps an epic action shot, you are treated to a bonfire with snacks and lunch, and you get the chance to guide alongside the musher! Not to mention you spend 4 total hours with these adorable pups. 

The Dog Day Afternoon offers the following opportunities that are not provided in the shorter tour: 

  • A bonfire during snack break!  
  • The chance to bring your own lunch, or to purchase the lunch add on option for $20.  
  • Weather dependent, you get to dog sled across Spray Lake! This is the biggest difference between the tours, as it offers a whole new, unparalleled experience in the vastness of this stunning place. 
  • Your time with the dogs is doubled! 

The Dog Day Afternoon tour only runs on select days and operates in a shorter season than the Unleash the Musher tour. If you are set on this tour option, be sure to check the availability on the website! This tour is also limited to participants 10 years old and up and costs $525.00 per person.

How Many People Can I Bring?

dog sled tours canmore

Each sled can comfortably fit two people. It is best to book in groups of two to ensure that you get your own sled! If they have two single books, they may group you into one sled together, which could be a little too cozy with a stranger.  

In some situations, depending on the size and height of the participants, they are willing to fit three people in one sled. For example, if a family of 5 books with three young kids, the kids can likely go together in one sled with the parents in a separate sled. Remember, you are paying per person! Not per sled. 

When is the Best Time to Go Dog Sledding in Canmore?

Three-Sisters-Canmore

Depending on the weather, the Unleash the Musher tour runs from December to April and the Dog Day Afternoon tour runs from January to March.  

I think that each month would have its own benefits when booking a tour. December would make for a magical Christmas adventure. While January and February will have plenty of snow. We loved our warm  March tour, with a bright sunny day and still tons of snow on the path.  

Some things to keep in mind: January and February are typically the coldest months, so if you are bringing young kids, you may want to avoid these months. Scheduling a tour in April could also be risky, as it is sometimes uncertain whether or not the snow will last.  

What Should I Wear Dog Sledding in Canmore?

dog sled tours canmore

After booking our dog sledding experience with Howling Dog Tours, our next question was, “what do we wear?!”. Since we were visiting in mid-March, when the weather had already started to warm up, we knew layers were crucial. We didn’t think about how slobbery our clothes would get when getting to know the pups…  

Here are my suggestions of what to wear:

  • Thermal layer 
  • Comfortable mid-layer: track pants, hiking pants, etc. 
  • Snow pants 
  • Fleece/favorite sweater 
  • Jacket: Winter jacket in the heart of winter, mid-weight jacket in the warmer months (March/April) 
  • Mittens 
  • Beanie 
  • Eye protection: sunglasses on sunny days, snow goggles on snowy days 

It is better to overdress than to be underprepared – you never know what to expect with the mountain weather. We could leave our snow pants and jackets in the front of the sled as the weather was warm and sunny on our visit! For the colder days, the sleds have warm, cozy blankets for you to bundle up in as well. 

Should I Bring Anything With Me?

There was lots of room in the front of our sled to leave our day packs. Both Jac and I brought a small day pack with us with the following items: 

  • Water bottle 
  • Extra layers 
  • Wallets (to purchase our action shot!) 
  • GoPro, of course! 
  • Extra snack, just in case 
  • A keen sense of adventure, always!

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About Regan

Hey, I’m Regan – an outdoor enthusiast living in the beautiful Bow Valley! I have always been eager to make the most of nature’s playground, mainly through hiking, skiing, and camping, and feel lucky to now be doing so in one of the most beautiful places on this planet. I believe that the Canadian Rockies have something to offer everyone, and I want to do my part in helping you explore the area and all its beauty! Follow my adventures: @regan.mahoney

2 thoughts on “All You NEED To Know About Dog Sledding in Canmore”

Having been to the Rockies five times, we’re going for our first winter experience. While I’ve been dog sledding in Alaska, I like the fact I don’t need to pay for an expensive helicopter to reach the snow and ice. USD 550 Vs. CAD 240, it’s a no-brainer to go dog sledding in my own country. Do the runs still go if it’s snowing a blizzard?

Yes, the only reason they would likely cancel is if the risk of avalanche is too high. Tours are around the Spray lakes, and the Smith Dorrien road does close when the avalanche risk is high until they can get a helicopter up to bomb potential slide paths. This happens a handful of times a year, but not too often.

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Dogsledding Tours Kananaskis Country, Canmore & surrounding area

Find dog sledding tour information, packages and rates for dogsled tours in the Canmore, Kananaskis, Banff Area. Our Dog Sledding Directory includes companies and outfitters offering dog sled and ski-joring tours in the Canadian Rockies.

Banff Adventures Unlimited - Dogsledding

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{ setTruncate($el) })"> Experience the thrill and excitement of driving a team of Canadian Huskies in our majestic Rocky Mountain wilderness. Choose from a variety of tours and learn how to drive your own sled! It’s the classic Canadian experience! Tours include transport from Banff!

211 Bear Street, Bison Courtyard, Banff, Alberta

403.762.4554

Howling Dog Tours Ltd.

Home Feature Romantic 4Aeb339Aba40D997E9F6Bf9995E5E935

{ setTruncate($el) })"> Adventures by Dogsled - 2 Hour and 4 Hour options available. Our all-inclusive packages provide return transportation from all major hotels in Banff and Canmore, traditional mushing snacks and hot beverage, and personalized service with one guide per sled! Teams of 5 to 7 friendly Alaskan Racing Huskies take you through the Canadian wilderness of the Spray Lakes Provincial Park for the experience of a lifetime! Come howl with us and meet experienced Iditarod and Yukon Quest dogs!

#105, 712 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, Alberta

403.678.9588

Mad Dogs & Englishmen Dogsled Expeditions Inc

{ setTruncate($el) })"> Experience authentic, hands on and intimate Dog Sledding and Skijoring Adventures in the Canadian Rockies. We are a small family-operated Sled Dog Touring Kennel offering tours on trails within Kananaskis Country just outside Banff National Park during the winters and fun family-oriented Sled dog kennel adventures during the summers. Our trips range from 1 1/2 Hour to Multi-day upon request. We believe in providing an authentic dog sledding experience, with small group sizes, where you get to see and feel what mushing is really like. Small group sizes and our more intimate hands-on approach, combine with our love for our dogs to give our clients an experience they will never forget!

120 - 1 Ave, Dead Man's Flats, Alberta

403.609.3670

Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

{ setTruncate($el) })"> Offering a unique dog sledding experience in the Canadian Rockies since 1983… Glide down pristine mountain trails in hand-made oak sleds, led by our highly trained guides. Snuggle into blankets and enjoy the ride, or drive your own team of home-bred pure Canadian Huskies! Tours vary in length from 2 hours to 2 days. If that’s not enough variety, consider a combined activity package. Possibilities include snowshoeing & tobogganing, and a helicopter flight. We also offer Summer Kennel Tours.

109 - 829 10th Street, Canmore, Alberta

403.678.4369

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Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

Photo of Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours - Canmore, AB, CA. Us with our dog team at the halfway mark (on the frozen lake)

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Review Highlights

snowy-owl-sled-dog-tours-canmore photo 15ynym7Lx5-o5yLMPDR5-g

“ Everyone who works for this company are helpful and knowledgeable about the dogs, trails, and dog sledding . ” in 8 reviews

Angie K.

“ They also have a sweet treat we had brownies and nice hot apple cider after the tour to be enjoyed by the fire. ” in 7 reviews

snowy-owl-sled-dog-tours-canmore photo hWkzwwGqR9OxSzyEjenUpQ

“ After a while we turn a corner and the landscape changes and the view opens up as we begin to cross a frozen lake . ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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829 10 Street

Canmore, AB T1W 0C3

Serving Canmore Area

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About the business.

We are the forerunners of dog sled touring in the Bow Valley! With over 35 years of experience, our 5 star tours are one of a kind. …

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Photo of Brooks W.

I'll just start with this was the HIGHLIGHT of our trip. My wife and I booked the self driven sled. And it was incredible. For arriving, make sure you are there AT LEAST 45 minutes early. At the 45 min mark they were calling and asking where I was (fortunately we were almost there). Parking is street parking (and you pay online or at the pay stations). Service from the group was incredible. They normally charge for warmer boots but because it was so cold they gave us them for FREE. (Even if they don't offer them for free you should upgrade for the warmer boots). And then my main guide Will was so helpful and personable. When I mentioned my fingertips were kind of cold, he gave me a pair of his mittens that he said would work better (and they did). There was a total of 11 sleds with us. Every 3rd sled had a guide on it, and throughout the journey they stop and give us instructions or tips to make it through the next section. The views were incredible. The experience was awesome - truly a once in a lifetime type experience. The halfway mark of our trip was a path we drove on the frozen lake. This is where we stopped, got pictures, played with the dogs. Will even took some photos for us on our phones. The halfway mark was also where you could switch who was driving if both people wanted to drive. If you are nervous about driving a sled, don't be worried. The dogs are pros and do most of the work. But if you can make a few calls (which they will teach you) and help run a bit when going uphill, then you will do great. Thanks to Will and the entire Snowy Owl team for making this experience great. If I could recommend one activity to do, it would be this! (Side note - this crew filmed and was in the Disney+ movie Togo. So we're going to watch it as soon as we get home.)

dog sled tours canmore

Experience of a life time! From beginning to end, we had a great experience. Matthew was our sled guide and he help us maneuver the beautiful scenic route. We opted for guided sled since we didn't know what to expect and had no idea how fast the sled were. I would definitely recommend Snowy Owl Sled tour. I checked off one of my bucket list today. You need to make sure to appropriately dress or it will be uncomfortably cold. All the staff was so pleasant and the hot apple cider was a nice ending. They also give option to purchase the photos they take, just get it! The memories will last forever! Thank you

dog sled tours canmore

See all photos from Christina L. for Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

Photo of Stephanie S.

Awesome is an understatement! This was the highlight of my trip to Banff! All of the employees were very pleasant and communicative. Everyone from the front desk ladies to the hilarious bus driver to the guides. You purchase a dog sled either with a guide or you can choose self guided. My husband and I took a self guided sled because that was the last available on the day we needed. Upon arriving to their office in Canmore, we were given the waiver papers to sign and the option to rent snow boots and pants. Then we loaded up onto the bus and were driven to the Spray Valley area for our sled tour. The guides were very friendly and informative. We were allowed to go meet the dogs and take pictures. They were already harnessed and excited to go! We then were given safety instructions and for those who were doing self guided, instructions on how to drive the sled were also explained. Everyone was assigned a sled and we were off! The guides are always nearby in case you need help. We had one who was two sleds ahead and she would stop to give us a warning about sharp turns ahead. The dogs get a small break halfway through the tour and you can switch out driving with your partner if you like. After arriving back at the starting point, you can help feed the dogs after their run. Then you get to gather around a fire, have a snack, and apple cider. Hop back on the bus to return to Canmore and that is everything! It's about 3 hours in total if you arrive early to start the paperwork. This also includes bus travel time. Amazing winter experience and I won't forget it! 10/10

One of the sled dogs

One of the sled dogs

Sled Dogs :)

Sled Dogs :)

Photo of Adam J.

It was a wonderful afternoon learning about sled dogs, how to mush, and interacting with the guides and the pups. It was amazing to see how well-trained the animals were, and how much they loved working. The instructions on how to mush/drive the sled were thorough and easy to understand, and the views in Spray Valley were gorgeous. Our guide/musher Dan made the experience even more special. We've raved about the day to our friends and family and hope to be back someday.

dog sled tours canmore

Just make sure you don't get sick or injured before your trip, because there is zero chance the owner will refund you (even partially).

Photo of Casey S.

Snowy Owl Sled Dog tours was some of the most fun we've had on our short visit in Canada. The instructors were amazing, informative and very patient with everyone. Before our ride we had a moment where we could walk up and pet all the dogs, after we were instructed on how to operate the sleds. From there we had some super excited and charismatic pups pull us through the snowy hills and you could tell they had a blast doing it. Every time we would pause the dogs grew impatient and wanted to roll, tugging at the anchored sleds. They loved it, and you could tell these pups were very well taken care of. When they're ready for retirement they are put up for adoption! My wife and I got to take turns directing the pups with our awesome instructor. It was a very laid back and exiting adventure. Afterwards we were able to sit around a fire, drink hot cider and purchase some printed pictures with an accompanying USB flash drive. We would recommend this adventure to anyone looking for something different to do in the winter! Lastly, 66 of their dogs were used in Disney's TOGO!!

dog sled tours canmore

Wow! Snowy Owl is a splendid organization with top-notch management. We were visiting Banff and surrounding areas and wanted to do something memorable. Dog sledding quickly rose up on our list and we found several companies in the area that offered this. We were so glad we chose Snowy Owl! We ran into issues but Jodi, the office manager, quickly took care of things for us to resolve them. When we emailed and called, Caitlyn and Hannah answered all of our questions. This just shows that Snowy Owl is a customer-first company. Our experience here was nothing short of delightful. We highly recommend this company. When we come back to Alberta, we will book a tour with Snowy Owl without hesitation!

Photo of Angie K.

If you are ever in Banff, please do a dog sled tour. It is one experience you do not want to miss. This experience was one of the more costly adventures that we planned but I felt it was way worth it. First off, dress comfortably. Read the the disclaimer, go on the website, look at the FAQs. There is a lot of information there so that you and your crew will be prepared. You check in, take about a 30 min bus ride up and get to see some amazing and breath taking views. After unloading you get to meet the dogs and the mushers give you instructions. It was our first time so we did the instructor led sled. The staff are all very attentive, funny, friendly, and educated on not just the dogs, but the environment and sledding. We were so impressed that they knew the names of all the dogs and they have well over 180 of them. We had 7 pups working hard to pull our sled and got to know them all. Though I did forget some of their names... These dogs are amazing and all have their own special characteristics and personalities. You can play and feed them and of course take pictures. The views you get from the sledding are the best part. We visited in March so the sun was out and I'm the cold was doable and not too harsh (either that or we were dressed properly). They also have a sweet treat we had brownies and nice hot apple cider after the tour to be enjoyed by the fire. Loved being a passenger and also a musher. This is one experience I will never forget! Thank you all!!

dog sled tours canmore

This was the highlight of our trip! Everyone from beginning to end was so helpful and knowledgeable and made us feel so comfortable. We were a party of 3, so we did the self driven sled. I recommend booking ahead of time. We almost didn't get in but found a slot the day before we left. My 20 year old son guided us. They give proper instructions prior to the journey. It was so breathtaking especially going across the frozen lake. The dogs were so sweet and love their job. They got lots of love and attention from us. You can't come to Banff without doing this, at least once. At the end we had brownies, hot cider and a bonfire. A photographer takes a picture as you depart and arrive in case you just want to be in the moment. Highly recommend as it was our favorite activity while here.

dog sled tours canmore

Top notch. Booking a tour on the phone went well. Abby assisted me and it wasn't like pulling teeth as some bookings are for companies over the phone. The electronic paperwork was easy to fill out and submit to secure the reservation. I booked round trip transportation from Banff to Snowy Owl's location and it went smoothly from pick up to drop off. In hindsight, we could have driven ourselves to Canmore because we have a rental car but it was stress-free doing it the way we did. We wore our own winter gear, but cold weather clothing was available to rent. Their office facilities were clean and nice. Bathrooms are available. The bus ride up to where we met the dogs was pleasant and without issue. The dogs were the stars of the show but the guides deserve props as well. The guides were friendly and well-spoken. They communicated instructions thoroughly and efficiently. The landscape we rode through was majestic and breathtaking, absolutely gorgeous all snow-covered. If you have the opportunity to go dogsledding, I highly recommend Snowy Owl tours. Did I say how much we loved the dogs?!

dog sled tours canmore

Business owner information

Photo of Lead D.

Business Owner

Feb 14, 2020

Thanks, Tamara! We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us!

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Endless Wonder

Your guide to travel and exploring the endless wonders of life

ALBERTA , CANADA , CANADIAN ROCKIES , EXPERIENCES , NORTH AMERICA , TRAVEL DESTINATIONS · February 6, 2022 updated on April 21, 2024

Dog Sledding in Canmore: Your Complete Guide!

Dog sledding in Canmore is an amazing winter activity and a bucket list adventure for a lot of travelers! Most tour companies in the Canmore/Kananaskis/Banff region are based in Canmore , which is why this is the perfect spot to plan your tour from. If you’re thinking about dog sledding while you’re in Canmore or the surrounding area, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Dog Sledding in Canmore –

doglsedding in canmore in the mountains during winter

First, Choose a Tour Company –

Like I just mentioned, most tour companies are based in Canmore and not Banff National Park . So, where you’re staying may influence the tour company you choose, as each of them has different policies.

Companies you can dog sled Canmore with

There are a couple of companies that offer dog sledding in Canmore. They are:

  • Snowy Owl Dog Sledding
  • Howling Dog Tours
  • Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions

I chose Howling Dog Tours to dogsled with!

Things to think about while choosing a tour company to take you dogsledding include

  • Price – a lot of tours have very similar pricing, but some can be considered cheaper than others
  • Shuttle/transportation – Most tours run in Spray Lakes Provincial Park, some companies require you to drive there yourself (4 wheel drive recommended), some companies have a shuttle that will pick you up from their tour office in Canmore, some will even pick you up from your hotel in Banff (for an extra charge). Keep this in mind when choosing your dogsledding tour company.
  • Length of tour – Different companies offer different tours. Most offer a 2 hour experience, some offer a 30 minute experience, some offer two day experiences! It depends what you want to do and how much you want to spend.
  • Availability – Some tour companies might be booked on the date you want. Make sure to book in advance to get your desired company!
  • Self Driving vs Guided Sled – Some tour companies let you completely self drive the sled while your partner rides in the front. Other companies may let you ride on the back with a guide, while the other rides in the sled and you can switch off during the tour. It depends if you want complete independence or if you want to be a little more relaxed and enjoy the ride!
  • Tour size – This may or may not be important to you, but some companies only run a small number of sleds per tour, some run a lot per tour

Boy and girl posing with 4 sled dogs while dog sledding in Canmore Alberta in winter

About Howling Dog Tours

I chose Howling Dog Tours for a couple of reasons. I booked a little last minute and they had space during the day and time I wanted. They also weren’t the most expensive option, I wanted a guide on my sled with me, and they offer a shuttle from Canmore to the tour site! I did not want to worry about driving to the actual site, and just felt like this would make the overall experience stress free 🙂

Booking Process

Booking with Howling Dog Tours was super simple. They have an online form you can fill out to book, or you can call the office and reserve your sled over the phone. I called as I thought it would be quicker and easier (and I was booking last minute), which turned out to be super simple!

Caring for the Dogs

Howling Dog Tours really cares for their sled dogs, and it shows! The dogs are all so happy and excited to run, they look healthy and are super athletic and well trained. They also exceed the standards set by Mush With Pride, which is an organization that sets requirements for the humane treatment of dogs.

Howling Dog Tours Shuttle van

Transportation

One of the reasons I chose Howling Dog Tours to dogsled in Canmore is because of their shuttle from Canmore. Our hotel was a 5 minute walk from the tour office, which made it really easy to get to our tour in the morning. I also hate winter driving, and the road into Spray Lakes/Kananaskis Country (where most tours start) can be nerve-wracking for people who don’t like winter driving! The shuttle was perfect for all of these reasons.

Tour Options

Howling Dog Tours has two options:

Unleash the Musher – a two hour tour starting at $240 per person. This tour is a great introduction to dogsledding, running a 10 km track through Spray Lakes with some nice views along the way. Unleash the Musher leaves at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm between December and April, depending on snow and weather. I went on the 10 am tour and I loved it!

Dog Day Afternoon – a 4 hour tour starting at $525 per person. This tour will give you a lot more time with the dogs and offers amazing views of the Canadian Rockies. Dog Day Afternoon leaves only at noon and only runs on certain days between January and March.

snow covered mountain with a lake in front - a canmore winter activity

How much does it cost to go dog sledding in Canmore?

Prices vary slightly depending on the tour company you choose and the length of the tour. Some tours differ in price depending on the number of people in your group as well.

The following prices are based on a 2 person adult sled, for a two hour tour option:

  • Snowy Owl Dogsledding: Starting at $262.50 per adult
  • Howling Dog Tours: Starting at $240 per adult
  • This company is the only one that offers a tour for less than 2 hours, which starts at $158.33 per person

When to go Dog Sledding –

Most tour companies operate from December through April, when the snow is on the ground and the lakes are frozen. Weather can vary, it can be -20 C in January one week and +2 C the next. The weather will definitely start to warm up in March, but nothing is guaranteed. My advice is to go when you can get the time off from work, and just be prepared for the weather! It’s so hard to predict and changes so much in the mountains (even throughout the day).

girl posing with two sled dogs

What to Wear Dog Sledding –

Layer up! Dog sledding in Alberta’s mountains can be cold so it’s important to be prepared! You can always take layers off and put them back on if you feel hot or cold during your tour (there’s space to keep an extra sweater in the dog sled).

On my dog sledding tour, I wore:

  • Base layer top – a non-cotton long sleeve shirt
  • Base layer bottom – If you have a non-cotton pair of tighter pants that would be ideal. I wore a pair of fleece lined leggings because that is the best I had!
  • Mid layer top – some sort of fleece or warmer sweater
  • Mid layer bottom – I didn’t have any pants other than my leggings and jeans, so I put a second pair of leggings on and was okay!
  • Extra sweater – I wore a second larger sweater on top of my fleece (but I tend to get very cold)
  • Jacket – You need a good jacket! The air is cold and wind while sledding can get chilly. Have some sort of warm jacket on top.
  • Snowpants – Because I only had two pairs of leggings on, snowpants were my savior. They protected me from the wind, snow, and gave me a lot of extra warmth.

If you can prioritize clothing that is not cotton that would be best. Cotton does nothing for warmth and can actually make you feel cold faster! A great fabric to wear is merino wool (my favourite).

Accessories

  • Mittens/gloves -I wore smaller gloves inside of a larger pair of mittens, so I could still have a small layer on while taking photos
  • Toque – you have to keep those ears warm and the heat in!
  • Warm socks – I have merino wool socks that kept my toes warm the whole time (avoid cotton)
  • Scarf – I didn’t have a scarf and the weather was actually quite nice. Had it been colder, I would have taken a scarf with me (it can also double as a blanket 🙂 )
  • Boots – our tour operator would not let us sled without boots. They did have some to rent at their office, but it’s easier if you come prepared with your own
  • Sunglasses or ski goggles – it can be bright, especially with the sun reflecting off the snow
  • Hot packs for your hands or toes – great if it’s super cold out

Check the information sheet your tour operator send you after booking. Some companies won’t let you sled without snow pants and boots!

Sled dogs pulling dog sled - view from inside of the dog sled in winter

What Else to Bring Dosgledding in Canmore?

The only other thing I would recommend bringing with you is your camera or phone to take pictures and videos! There is a little room in the sled to bring a small backpack or extra sweater, so don’t be afraid to bring what you think you may need 🙂

My Experience Dog Sledding in Canmore –

Going dog sledding has always been on my bucket list, but the thing that held me back from booking was always the price. After a lot of research, it seems like the cost to go dog sledding is expensive no matter where you go (Alaska, Finland, Alberta…). I decided that dogsledding would be an amazing way to celebrate my birthday and I’ve wanted to do it for years, so why not 🙂

Unleash the Musher Tour

We went on the “Unleash the Musher” tour with Howling Dog Tours. We chose the 10 am tour, which meant we had to be at the tour office by 9 am. In the morning we checked out of our hotel around 8 am and walked 8 minutes to the Rocky Mountian Bagel Co. for breakfast. There is a location just 2 minutes from the Howling Dog Tour Office, which was perfect! We ate our breakfast, I drank some coffee, and we walked over to the office for 9 am.

At the office, we had to check in and sign waivers for the tour, as well as show proof of vaccination. They then let us know what shuttle we would be on for the ride to Spray Lakes and we had about 15 minutes before leaving!

The ride to Spray Lakes is around 25 minutes and is so so sooo stunning. If you can, grab a seat in the shuttle van by a window that doesn’t have any stickers blocking the view 🙂

When we arrived at the site of the tour, we were given a quick rundown of how the tour would run and then assigned a guide. All you can hear are the dogs howling because they are just so excited to get out on the trail! This is also the last opportunity before heading out on the trail to use the toilet (porta-potty).

hooking up the sled dogs with Howling Dog Tours.

Our guide let us harness one of the dogs, and then I sat in the sled to keep it steady while my boyfriend held the line and the guide hooked up the rest of the dogs. Then, we were off!

For most of the tour, one of us would ride on the back of the sled with the guide while the other would ride in the sled at the front. It was so much fun!!!! The run was 5km through the forest, with periodic mountain views that were amazing. Shortly into the tour, our photo was taken while sledding, which is available for purchase after the tour (in print and digital copy for $25).

man and woman dogsledding in Canmore in winter

We made it to our halfway stop where we had a chance to pet our sled dogs (and the other dogs on different sleds) and take photos with them. Howling dog tours also gave us some hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy at this point! There is also the opportunity to use the bathroom as well.

After our break, we got back into the sled and took the 5km trail back (so 10 km total).

Have your camera ready throughout the whole ride because the mountains are so pretty, and so is the forest!

When we got back, our guide unhooked the dogs from the sled and gave us treats for each dog to say thank you for the ride. We also gave each dog a bowl of chicken water to rehydrate after the run 🙂

Out guides then switched the dogs for the next tour (so that the dogs that just ran can take a break) and we had some downtime waiting for the shuttle to come back and pick us up. We were able to visit the other dogs and take some photos of the mountains around Spray Lakes.

All in all, the tour was amazing and so much fun!!!

white sled dog with two different colour eyes while dogsledding in canmore

Quick Summary of My Experience Dog Sledding –

Quick facts about my dog sledding experience in Canmore:

  • When did I go? My tour was on Sunday January 30, 2022 at 10 am
  • What company did I book with? I chose Howling Dog Tours
  • How much did it cost? We paid $240 per person ($480 total plus tax)
  • What did I wear? I wore a toque, gloves, merino wool long sleeve base layer, fleece sweater, second sweater (I get cold!), winter jacket, fleece leggings as a base layer, second pair of leggings on top, snow pants, merino wool socks, and boots.
  • Would you do it again? Yes!! Dogsledding on my birthday was so much fun, I would love to do it again.

Have you gone dog sledding in Canmore before? Or maybe somewhere else in the world? Let me know!

You might also like:

  • 12 Things to do in Canmore in Winter
  • 8 Things to do in Banff in Winter
  • 12 Places to Ice Skate in Banff and The Surrounding Area
  • Things to do in Jasper in Winter
  • The Maligne Canyon Ice Walk – A Beautiful Winter Hike in Jasper National Park

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dog sled tours canmore

13 Things to do in Canmore in Winter (2024)

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I'm Kat. Based in Alberta, I'm currently exploring and documenting my adventures in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. I'm also taking smaller international travel every now and then when I get the chance! Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Howling Dog Tours provides transportation to and from the Spray Lakes area and Canmore/Banff (some restrictions apply).Guests can meet us at a centrally located pick up spot in Canmore and take our shuttle from there. The dogsled site is closest to Canmore, just a 30 minute drive. Transportation may also be provided from one central location in Banff (surcharge and restrictions apply).Our company policy is to provide transportation for all guests to the site to minimize parking and traffic to the dogsled site.So sit back, relax, and let our professionals do the driving!Transportation is provided in a safe, comfortable passenger-hazard insured van. Please be ready on time and look for our vans with the dogs and paw prints on the side!*Please advise us if there are any children aged 2-5, as car seats are required.*

Unleash the Musher (Two Hour Tour)

Dog day afternoon (january through march) (half-day tour).

IMAGES

  1. Dog Sledding in Canmore with Howling Dog Tours

    dog sled tours canmore

  2. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

    dog sled tours canmore

  3. Dog Sledding in Canmore with Howling Dog Tours

    dog sled tours canmore

  4. Dogsledding in Canmore, Alta with Snowy Owl DogSled Tour Co.

    dog sled tours canmore

  5. Canmore and Banff Dog Sledding with Howling Dog Tours

    dog sled tours canmore

  6. What's it Like to Go Dog Sledding in Canmore?

    dog sled tours canmore

VIDEO

  1. Dog sled

  2. Snow Owl Sled Dog Tours

  3. Dog sled fail? #dogsofyoutube #funnyanimals

  4. RigaTours lv Husky Dog Sledding 4K

COMMENTS

  1. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™

    Snowy Owl Dog Sled Tours - Canmore, Alberta. Located in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours ™ offers both winter and summer tour experiences. Summer tours include dryland adventure dog carting, educational kennel tours, and packages with white water rafting.

  2. Howling Dog Tours: Canmore & Banff Dog Sledding Adventures

    Experience a dog sledding adventure you will never forget! For those travelling Canmore, Banff or Kananaskis Country, Howling Dog Tours caters to the romantic, the adventurer, the thrill-seeker, the young and old alike. Our flexibility is unmatched because of our vast Western Canadian experience in both touring and dog sled racing.

  3. Dog Sledding Tours in Banff Canmore

    We believe in providing an authentic dog sledding experience, with small group sizes, where you get to see and experience what mushing is really like. The Dogsled season for 2023/2024 is open! Make sure you don't miss out!Use discount code: EARLYBIRD4U23 to receive a 10% discount available until Oct 31, 2023.

  4. Canmore and Banff Dog Sledding with Howling Dog Tours

    Tours are operated in the breathtaking Spray Lakes Provincial Park, just a 30 minute drive from Canmore, Alberta. Howling Dog Tours caters to the romantic, the adventurer, the thrill-seeker, the young and old alike. Our flexibility is unmatched in the Bow Valley because of our vast Western Canadian experience in both touring and sled dog racing.

  5. Dog Sled Tours

    Powder Hound Express (2-hour tour) Sunfeather Winterlude (4-hour tour) Spirit of Dog Society (8-hour tour) Ghost of Fortune Mountain (2-day overnight tour) Snowy Owl Tours. Snowy Owl Tours. Looking for dog sled tours in Canmore, Alberta? Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™ is Canmore's original dog sled tour company since 1983.

  6. Kingmik Dog Sled Tours

    Kingmik Dog Sled Tours offers dog sledding adventures in Canada. Experience the beauty of Lake Louise and Banff National Park on our tours. Book online now! ... Having experienced all 3 dog sledding companies around Canmore and Banff, this one is by far the best as far as views and a true dog sledding experience goes. - Emma Evans.

  7. Powder Hound Express

    Powder Hound Express is a 2 hour dog sled tour. The perfect introduction to dog sledding! Travel on a 10 km trail in a winter wonderland. ... Canmore, AB, Canada T1W 0C3. FOLLOW US! SNOWY OWL SLED DOG TOURS trademark is owned by Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours Inc. Page load link.

  8. Dog Day Afternoon Dog Sled Tour

    Our all-inclusive dog sled tours provide return transportation from Canmore, lunch*and hot beverage by the campfire, and personalized service with one guide per sled! ... Pick up Canmore TOUR Drop off Canmore Drop off Banff; n/a: 11:00am: 12:00pm - 4:00pm: 4:30pm: n/a: Pricing. 2022-23 prices (subject to change). Rates are per person, plus 5% ...

  9. Unleash the Musher Dog Sled Tour

    Transportation from Canmore. Total tour duration with travel time from Canmore 3 hours. Highlights. All tours include the option to help harness the dogs and hook up the team, and drive the sled with the help of your experienced and friendly guide. Relax in your cozy sled and enjoy the views while the dogs pull your sled on the mountain trails.

  10. Bucket List Tours: Dog Sledding in Canmore

    Canada's winter weather can be harsh, so it's important to dress appropriately for a dog sled tour in the Canadian Rockies. Our winter tours run from mid-December to mid-April, weather conditions depending. Temperatures can range from above zero to below -40c, although it isn't often that frigid. Add in the wind chill with the speed of ...

  11. Dogsledding in Canmore Tour

    This dogsledding in Canmore tour has the option to drive your own sled in Spray Lakes! Toll Free: +1 877-565-9372 or 403-760-5007, WhatsApp ... comfort and enjoyment, please dress appropriately for your dog sledding tour. All guests must wear snow pants, a winter jackets, warm winter boots, a warm toque/beanie/hat that covers your ears, warm ...

  12. Dog Sled Reservation Request

    Book a Tour. If you would like to make a booking you can use our online reservation booking request form below, or you can call us and we will make a reservation for you over the phone. Toll Free (N. America): 1-877-DOG-SLED (364-7533) Phone: (403) 678-9588. During the season (typically December to mid April), our office is open 8am to 8pm ...

  13. All You NEED To Know About Dog Sledding in Canmore

    Dog Sledding in Canmore with Howling Dog Tours is a Canadian Rockies experience that everyone should have the pleasure of trying when visiting Canmore in the winter. One of our sled dogs, Sundance, in front of the Howling Dog Tours shuttle van! A dog sledding experience in the Rockies offers so much more than just the dog sledding itself.

  14. Dogsledding Tours in Canmore, Kananaskis and Banff

    We also offer Summer Kennel Tours. Read more... 109 - 829 10th Street, Canmore, Alberta. 403.678.4369. You may also be interested in... Find dogsledding tour information, packages and rates for Dogsled Tours in the Canmore, Kananaskis, and Banff areas. Visit our Dogsledding Directory.

  15. Dogsledding in Banff: Explore Lake Louise & Canmore, Canada

    For the thrill of your life, come on a Banff dogsledding tour and mush the happy and hard working huskies in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Toll Free: +1 877-565-9372 or 403-760-5007 , WhatsApp: (1) 825 807 5007

  16. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

    Specialties: We are the forerunners of dog sled touring in the Bow Valley! With over 35 years of experience, our 5 star tours are one of a kind. Established in 1983. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™ was formed in Canmore, Alberta by Connie and Charles Arsenault in 1983 when Canmore was a quiet coal mining town. Surprisingly, sled dog tours were non-existent back in the early 1980's. The thrill of ...

  17. Dog Sledding in Canmore: Your Complete Guide!

    The following prices are based on a 2 person adult sled, for a two hour tour option: Snowy Owl Dogsledding: Starting at $262.50 per adult. Howling Dog Tours: Starting at $240 per adult. Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions: Starting at $208.33 per adult.

  18. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

    Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, Canmore, Alberta. 11,961 likes · 112 talking about this · 5,367 were here. Canmore's first and favourite sled dog tour company! Experience year-round adventure with our new...

  19. Howling Dog Tours

    The Howling Dog Tours office is located at Unit 105, 712 Bow Valley Trail in Canmore, Alberta. All tours take place in the beautiful Spray Lakes Provincial Park, approximately 30 km south east of Banff on the Smith-Dorian Hi-way. We pick up in Canmore or Banff. Out of town guests can meet at our centrally located Canmore office, where there is ...

  20. Howling Dog Tours

    Howling Dog Tours provides transportation to and from the Spray Lakes area and most major hotels in Banff and Canmore. ... Sled Dog Ethics; Our Tours; Our Dogs; Book a Tour; ... Pick up Canmore TOUR Drop off Canmore Drop off Banff; 9:00am: 9:00am: 10:00am - 12:00pm: 12:30pm: 1:00 pm: