Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, the famous forerunners in sled dog touring and racing in the Bow Valley, created the first dog sledding tours over a quarter of a century ago. With over 27 years of experience and expertise in touring, racing and conservation; we are extremely proud of our Canadian and Albertan roots and look forward to sharing our exceptional experiences with you.

Snowy Owl Sled Dog Kennel was created in 1983 by Connie and Charles Arsenault whose passion for the sport has created this family legacy.  Regrettably, on October 7th, 2006, Charles Arsenault passed away unexpectedly leaving Connie and their two children Jereme (25 years) and Carlin (23 years) to carry on this legacy.  Proudly, both Jereme and Carlin have a vested interest in the ownership and operation of Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours Inc. If you would like to read more about the beginning of Snowy Owl click here

"Over the last 27 years we have seen many dogs come and go, new friends made, small paths have become well traveled trails and challenges have been overcome. The one thing that will always be constant is the love and support of our four-legged family for which we will always be grateful!"

"The 170 huskies of Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours are the engines of our company.  Without these incredible dogs we wouldn't be able to take part in this amazing lifestyle!  We consider our huskies colleagues and they are adored members of our big family.  They have such amazing personalities (all different of course!) Each and every dog shows us so much compassion and love; they make this job worth every challenge!" Mentions Carlin.
View our gallery of dogs here.

Snowy Owl Tours is different from other sled dog companies in one respect - but it is a huge respect - it's all about respect. The organization has gone to the dogs! "The dogs rule!" says Director Carlin Arsenault who has been running dog teams since childhood. "We have 170 of the most loving, intelligent and athletic dogs in the world. We don't just treat them as the most valuable assets - they are family."

"We know each one and treat them as individuals, and yes, cater to their needs."

"Why does this become important for our visitors? A pampered husky is inevitably going to be a more reliable, a more enjoyable and a safer companion out on the trail."

"We have happy dogs, and it shows. We wouldn't want it any other way", muses Carlin, whose entire life revolves around keeping her four legged friends in good shape and eager to perform. Carlin regards her position as a director as the perfect opportunity to be the spokesperson for their dogs. She and Connie are working on developing an improved standard for ethical treatment for all working dogs for the dog sledding sport in Canada.

"We want our visitors to know how much we care, we hope they are aware we are the only dog sledding operation in Canada devoted to keeping the five original bloodlines intact. We go to great lengths to see the dogs are given the best life possible even after retiring."

Financially it costs Snowy Owl a lot more to operate in the manner they do. For example, the cost of dog food alone for their 170 huskies is often twice as much as other kennels of 200 or more dogs. For the Arsenault family it has never been about the money. For them it's always been about two things - dedication and educating the public about the proper, honest care of these incredible working dogs, and doing it in a manner that involves the highest integrity and devotion.

The huskies of Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours are cared for with the utmost respect and love. They receive the highest quality feed, veterinary care, grooming and housing. In this kennel the huskies always come first and their health and happiness are never compromised. The majority of guests joining Snowy Owl always comment on just how well looked after each and every four-legged team mate is.

Read more about the care of our huskies here!

The unique adventure of running a dog sled team is a very complex process under the surface. As the operations director, Jereme Arsenault's life is dedicated to seeing that his carefully selected dog teams run on time. "As anyone who will read enough of our story will see," offers Jereme, "we are busy 24/7, 365 days a year."

"As long as there is decent snow conditions, we will be offering guests the opportunity to "Harness their Dreams"! We employ over a dozen guides, four to five van drivers, three dog care professionals and four reservations personnel to provide the best customer care. Our entire team must undergo a significant amount of training, even though we expect them to come to us with a lot of expertise."

The dog operation is huge - literally and figuratively. It takes a couple of Kennel Managers working twelve hours a day to provide for the needs of the kennel alone.

"We take great pride in everything, including the food that we serveour important guests, the authentic interpretation that we offer, and in making the visitors' experience as perfect as it can possibly be. Our staff have to get up hours before dawn and hustle all day to achieve our highly set standards." adds Jereme.

"We are experts in building teams based on age, gender, personality and nationality. On any average winter day we send out over a dozen teams across a wide area of the Spray Lakes valley providing a once in a lifetime experience for our guests."

"Our mission is to educate, entertain and provide our guests with a “once in a lifetime” experience; employing the most qualified instructors, safest tour offerings, friendliest and most beautiful, authentic huskies, all with the utmost comfort and superior attention to customer service and detail. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours excels in its commitment to offer the most genuine dog sledding experience in the Canadian Rockies."

We hope to see you on our beautiful programs but until then "Happy Dreaming"...from all of us two and four legged who represent Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours!