Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

About Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

You get behind a dogsled team yourself here, not just riding along watching someone else drive. Snowy Owl takes you into the backcountry around Canmore with a pack of working sled dogs, and you'll share the actual driving duties. This isn't a tourist theme park version of mushing. You're learning from people who run these dogs seriously, and you'll feel the difference in how the team responds to real commands.

Expect to spend a few hours in the snow learning to control the sled, manage the team, and read what the dogs need from you. The tours vary by season and snow conditions, so winter is your obvious window. The outfit pairs you with a guide who's patient about teaching proper technique without making you feel rushed. You'll handle the reins, navigate terrain, and experience the actual physicality of the sport rather than just observing it.

Book ahead, especially if you're visiting between January and March when snow is reliable. The trade-off is that this requires real physical effort and coordination. If you want a passive sleigh ride with hot cocoa afterward, go somewhere else. This works best for people who actually want to participate in the work, not just take a photo.