If you’re planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies this winter, dog sledding is probably already on your itinerary. If not, it should be! This historic winter sport offers the ultimate Canadian experience. As a visitor, it can be tricky to decide which company to book with. Read on to discover why Snowy Owl Tours is the BEST dog sledding company in the Canadian Rockies…

Authentic Winter Tour Experiences

As Canmore’s original dog sled company, we’ve been offering dog sledding tours since 1983! Still owned and operated by the same family who founded Snowy Owl Tours, our expertise in the sport of sled dog touring is unsurpassed. We’ve been refining our dog sledding experience for over a quarter of a century and we’re proud to offer an incredible, authentic winter tour experience that delivers great value.

Our winter tour trail head is nestled between frozen lakes, frosty streams, glaciers, and magnificent mountain ranges in Kananaskis Country, Alberta. On our tours, you’re immersed in a magical frozen landscape, with beautiful, traditional sled dog breeds. You’ll have an opportunity to have a real, hands on Canadian dog sledding experience.

Our signature self-driven sled option allows friends and family to truly embrace their inner musher! After our comprehensive introduction and instruction, your pack of husky heroes will lead you down the trail as you follow behind one of our professional instructors. Or, you can sit back and relax with our instructor-driven sleds, or share the driving with the instructor.

Superior Sled Dog Ethics & Care

We are strong advocates for the humane and ethical treatment of sled dogs. Did you know that dog sledding is not a regulated sport in Canada? Unfortunately, this means that some sled dogs are at risk of exploitation. At Snowy Owl Tours we treat and care for our sled dogs as “working pets” rather than “working dogs”. This ensures our pack is personable, happy, healthy, and trustworthy companions!

Our team is constantly thinking of new ways to improve the well being of our beloved pack. In the spring of 2022, we carried out extensive renovations to our kennel facility in Canmore, Alberta. We also started offering kennel tours again, allowing guests to come and see how our dogs live and learn more about their care and well being. Not only are we always open, honest, and transparent about our practices, we pride ourselves on being a role model and advocating for better standards.

Best Team of Guides and Staff

The best thing about taking pride in your work is that you attract people who also care. We have the best crew of guides and staff because we’re the best dog sledding company in the Canadian Rockies. While hospitality and tourism businesses notoriously struggle to find staff and often experience high turnover, we’re super proud of our ability to attract and retain quality, long-term employees.

Our professional photographer has been working with Snowy Owl Tours for over 24 years, and one of our transportation drivers has been with us for over 14 years! Many winter guides also return to work with us for multiple seasons. We offer extensive training opportunities, and our compensation is above average, with added bonuses and perks. The Snowy Owl team is like extended family.

Our Husky Heroes are Movie Stars

Did you know that our husky heroes were stars in the Disney+ movie Togo? Filmed in 2018 and “…starring Willem Dafoe and Julianne Nicholson, “Togo” is the untold true story set in the winter of 1925 that treks across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra for an exhilarating and uplifting adventure that will test the strength, courage and determination of one man, Leonhard Seppala, and his lead sled dog, Togo.”(Disney)

Family Oriented Company

As a family run business, we’re fully involved in every aspect of the company. We take pride in everything we do. The Arsenault family, who still owned the business, still guide and instruct tours, manage the kennel, take reservations and supervise every part of Snowy Owl Tours.

Kids love our winter dog sled tour! If you’re looking for a family friendly winter tour, our Powder Hound Express is a 2-hour tour that is suitable for any age. And our 4-hour tour, Sunfeather Winterlude, is suitable for kids aged 10+.

As the Best Dog Sledding Company, We Prioritize Guest Safety!

Last, but certainly not least, we take the safety of every individual, both human and canine very seriously. This is why our gear and husky heroes are examined several times throughout the day to ensure everything and everyone is in seamless working order. Our trails are expertly groomed, surveyed, and maintained to always ensure safe travel for all of our guests and sled dogs.

But don’t just take our word for it, discover for yourself why Snowy Owl Tours is the BEST Dog Sledding Company in the Canadian Rockies! Just take a look at our incredible 5-star Google Reviews…