Snowy Owl Tours FAQs
You’ll find the Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours (and White Wolf Rafting) office in downtown Canmore, just steps from Main Street. Our office address is 829 10 St, Canmore, AB T1W 0C3.
Snowy Owl is owned by Jereme and Caitlin Arsenault. Snowy Owl was founded in Canmore, Alberta, by Connie and Charles Arsenault–Jereme’s parents–in 1983. In 2016, Connie proudly passed the reins to Jereme, entrusting him to carry on the Snowy Owl legacy, which he does to this day alongside his wife, Caitlin.
In the winter, we offer a range of dog sledding tours in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Our winter tours include a 2-hour tour, 4-hour tour, full-day tour, and overnight tour. Meanwhile, in the summer, we’re one of the only places in Western Canada where you can experience the thrill and excitement of dryland Adventure Dog Carting. Our dog carting tours are a unique and unforgettable way to experience dog sledding without the cold. In addition, we offer Kennel Tours, where you can meet and interact with hundreds of loveable huskies from our pack. The summer also brings the opportunity to book combo packages that combine our summer tours and white water rafting tours with our sister company, White Wolf Rafting.
All of our tours take place in the gorgeous and iconic Kananaskis Country. When you book your tour, you’ll receive information about where to meet, what time to arrive, and other need-to-know information. Some of our tours meet on-site, and others at our office. Be sure to review your pre-tour information so you’re in the know and ready to go.
Our general rule of thumb is that our tours will operate if it is possible and safe to do so. Winter tours will be in full operation unless the ambient temperatures are colder than -26°C or +10°C at the trailhead. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™ also reserves the right to cancel their tours if they deem the elements to be unsafe for their sled dogs, staff and guests. This includes but is not limited to extreme cold, unsafe trail conditions and poor road conditions. Guests will be issued a full refund or given the option to reschedule their tour at Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™ earliest available date.
In the summer, Dog Carting Tours will only operate when temperatures are below 25 degrees Celsius. Luckily, the trail at Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis Country is in the trees and very shaded. We also make a few stops along the way for the dogs to have a breather. Our tours only operate in the morning, when temperatures are cooler. On really hot days, we only run an early morning tour.
All tours can be easily booked online via our website. If you have specific requirements or questions, please feel free to call or email our office. If you’re looking to make a large group booking, we encourage you to reach out.
Yes. In fact, the welfare of our pack is a foundational element of our entire business. We couldn’t do what we do without them, and we ensure they are treated with the utmost love, respect, and individualized care. In an industry that is unregulated, we have taken it upon ourselves to put in place rigorous requirements surrounding care, hygiene, housing, nutrition, training, and more. Visit our Sled Dog Welfare page to learn more about our policies and procedures.
Dog Carting FAQs
Our summer adventure dog cart tours are located at Boundary Ranch in iconic Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Canada, a short drive from Canmore. The shaded trail is nestled between vast mountain ranges and towering forests. Your tour includes entry into Boundary Ranch’s Guinn Wildlife Family Museum. We also have an office and retail store located in downtown Canmore.
Our Adventure Dog Carting tours begin at Boundary Ranch, where you will meet us. The ranch’s address is AB-40, Kananaskis, AB T0L 2H0. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need support finding your way.
Our Dog Carting tours allow for four people per cart and a total of 12 people per tour, utilizing up to four carts. Beyond the maximum number of participants, it’s important to be aware of our weight restriction. Our dryland carts are designed to hold up to 4 participants with a maximum weight of 800lbs.
Your tour includes entry into Boundary Ranch’s Guinn Wildlife Family Museum, this is included in your total tour cost and cannot be waived. That said, it is absolutely up to you if you’d like to take advantage of this additional tour benefit or not. If you do opt to check it out, it’s a self-guided museum tour, so you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like.
No, that’s not necessary. The tour is only an hour and a half, and the times are 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., so you have plenty of time to grab lunch afterward. You’re more than welcome if you have kids who will need snacks or if you’d like to bring something along for the car ride. We ask that guests don’t bring food on the tours as it can be distracting for the dogs.
Yes! Same-day bookings are not available. We arrange staff, transportation, sleds, carts, and dogs based on our reservations. Therefore, we need to know the numbers in advance. In addition, tours tend to book up quickly, so it’s advised to book as soon as possible to ensure you can secure your spot.
We don’t offer self-driven dog carts; they are driven solely by our guides. However, we do offer self-driven dog sleds in the winter, in which you can command your own team of sled dogs.
One thing to keep in mind is that it can get pretty muddy and Rocky Mountain weather is known to change at the drop of a hat. Be sure to dress for the weather, layer up, and be prepared for mud and dirt if it’s rained recently. The tours are only an hour and a half total, so you don’t need to pack much at all, as long as you’re dressed for the weather you’re set!
While nothing is required for Dog Carting, it’s a good idea to pack a small bag with bug spray, sunscreen, a rain jacket, a water bottle if you’d like, and a change of clothes if you’re going somewhere afterward. Please don’t bring any food or treats for the dogs. We have treats you can give them.
As is the case with any Snowy Owl tour, If we can go safely, we’ll go. Rain doesn’t stop us unless it’s not safe for our dogs and guests. If conditions are unsafe, we’ll contact you. Otherwise, assume your tour is going ahead.
No, but you’re more than welcome to take as many photos and videos as you like. Feel free to bring your camera or phone. We do not allow drones. See our social media policies for more information.
Our dogs’ well-being is our number one priority! Tours will only operate when temperatures are below 25 degrees Celsius. Luckily, the trail at Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis Country is in the trees and very shaded. We also make a few stops along the way for the dogs to have a breather. Our tours only operate in the morning, when temperatures are cooler. On really hot days, we only run an early morning tour.
If you feel you’ve received exceptional service, our guides, drivers and/or reservations agents welcome tips. Gratuities are at your own discretion and are certainly appreciated.
Our dryland tours are designed to cruise at a mellow pace. Since dogs are living beings and are not constant, speed can differ. Our teams are structured every day based on the weight they are pulling, the trail conditions and their run/rest schedule. These custom teams are designed with your safety and enjoyment in mind. Guests can expect to see teams from 8-12 husky heroes.
Of course! Most of our dogs LOVE to visit with our guests. However, we do have some shy dogs who have been rescued from kennels and neglected. These dogs wear special collars so that our guests can easily identify them and give them space. There will also be some of our pack members wearing special coloured collars – these husky heroes are over-the-top friendly and love to chew on our guests’ clothing and will even grab your hand with their mouth when you go to leave because they want you to stay and pet them! Our staff will walk you through the colour system.
We ask that our guests do not bring any food for our pack, given their very specific diets. Our dogs receive 3 cups of high-calorie broth mixed with kibble and canned food after every tour, followed by a cube of beef/bison meat as a nice tasty treat! Our two-legged team will be feeding our husky heroes to ensure they are receiving all necessary nutrition and hydration requirements.
Yes, some of our husky heroes are big. However, many people have a misconception that all sled dogs are huge and fluffy—this is mostly because of the many movies featuring the “show-style” Siberian husky and Alaskan Malamute. However, there are many sled dog breeds that exist that are smaller than the Arctic breeds. We use the Canadian Indian Husky, Seppala Siberian Sled Dog, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Alaskan Husky, and Alaskan Racing Husky. Click here to meet our pack!
Dog sledding should be mutually enjoyed between both our guests and our pack. We never intend to take advantage of our husky heroes’ desire to run and pull. Our dryland carts are designed to hold up to 4 participants with a maximum weight of 800lbs.
Yes! We always recommend that a medical professional is consulted prior to making a reservation to ensure dog carting is an appropriate activity to participate in and any restrictions noted can then be passed on to our team. We have had the pleasure of taking many visitors with mobility restrictions, terminal illnesses, pregnant women, as well as hearing-impaired and visually-impaired guests. At the time of reservation, our team will discuss options to ensure anyone with any restrictions/conditions is comfortable and supported.
Our summer season takes place from June to the end of September. Of course, all of our seasons are weather dependent and will be reflected on our online booking system.
Yes, of course! Please feel invited to take as many photos or videos you like with your phone or camera. We don’t allow drones on our tours. See our social media policies for more information.
Our dryland dog cart tours are suitable for participants aged five and older.
Kennel Tours FAQs
Our happy pack (also lovingly referred to as our “husky heroes”) represents over 40+ years of ethical sled dog care, selective breeding and raising exceptional touring sled dogs. Our unique pack is a blend of several different sled dog breeds, including The Seppala Siberian Sled Dog,
The Siberian Husky, The Canadian Indian Husky, The Alaskan Malamute, The Alaskan Husky, The Alaskan Racing Husky, and more. Our pack has a wide range of dogs that look vastly different from one litter to the next.
Our four-acre Kennel Facility is located just outside the town of Canmore. For our Kennel Tours, guests meet us at our downtown Canmore office and either follow a Snowy Owl vehicle to the Kennel or be transported if transportation was arranged beforehand (available for large groups upon request and pending availability).
You will meet us at the Snowy Owl office in downtown Canmore, just steps away from Main Street. Our office address is 829 10 St, Canmore, AB T1W 0C3. After you meet us at the office, you’ll follow a Snowy Owl guide in a company vehicle to the Kennel for your tour. If you have a large group, you can inquire with our office about transportation.
Our sled dogs are super friendly but can be overwhelming due to their high energy and excitement around new people. There are around 100 loose dogs during our free run program, so it’s crucial for guests to be comfortable with dogs. This tour is not suitable for anyone with even a minor fear of dogs, as there is no alternative once at the kennel. Children must stay with their parents at all times and should avoid behaviours that may attract extra attention from the dogs. Our tours are designed for those who love dogs and have no concerns about being approached or jumped on. If you have any questions, please contact our reservation team.
Yes! Everyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian present.
No. We ask that our guests do not bring any food for our pack, given their very specific diets. The dogs are extra energetic during Kennel Tours and it’s essential that food isn’t added into an already very stimulating experience for them.
Pending availability, our Kennel Tour can accommodate groups of up to 25 people. If you have a large group, we urge you to book with as much notice as possible to ensure you’re able to secure your desired date and time. If you would like to discuss a large group booking with us, feel free to reach out to our reservations team.
Our Kennel Tours are not suitable for babies, toddlers, or small children. We allow kids aged eight and up to join us at the Kennel. Anyone 18 and under needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Tours will always operate as planned unless it is unsafe for our guests, staff, or dogs. Kennel Tours will operate unless there are extreme storms and lightening. If changes due to weather will be in effect, we will get in touch with all guests who have bookings. If you don’t hear from us, assume your tour is going ahead as planned.
While there’s no specific dress code for our Kennel Tours, there are some things to consider. Our dogs will likely jump up on you, so don’t dress in your best and most expensive clothing. Also, you may want to avoid shorts or short dresses in case they jump up on your bare skin. It’s also a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes as you may get stepped on by a couple of paws. You’re welcome to bring a small bag if you want to change clothes. You can also consider bringing sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a camera or phone if you want to take pictures. We ask that guests do not bring any food to the Kennel. Please note that it is your responsibility to keep your personal belongings safe during your tour, so pack light and pack mindfully.
We don’t provide photos for Kennel Tours, but you’re welcome to take as many photos or videos as you like with your personal camera or phone. No drones are allowed at our Kennel. For more information, see our social media policies.
winter tours FAQs
Yes. Our 2-hour tours are open to guests of all ages, but our 4-hour and 8-hour tours are only available to guests aged ten and above. Our overnight tour, Ghost of Fortune Mountain, is available to guests aged 16 and older.
In Canada, it’s acceptable to tip your guide and/or reservations agent if you feel they did an exceptional job. Gratuities are at your own discretion and are certainly appreciated.
No, of course not! Our tours are set up so that all self-driven sleds are accompanied by one of our instructor-driven sleds. They will be showing you the way the whole time!
Absolutely! If you are on one of our instructor-driven sleds, you are able to drive in tandem with our guide throughout the tour. If you have chosen one of our self-driven sleds, at the halfway point, you are able to switch drivers if you wish!
Our tours operate in Spray Lakes Provincial Park. Just a short drive from Canmore, Alberta this is a beautiful alpine setting that you won’t soon forget.
We ask that our guests make their way to our office in downtown Canmore. From there, we will transport them to our dog sledding site.
Of course! Most of our dogs LOVE to visit with our guests. However, we do have some shy dogs who have been rescued from kennels and neglected. These dogs wear special collars so that our guests can easily identify them and give them space. There will also be some of our pack members wearing special coloured collars – these husky heroes are over-the-top friendly and love to chew on our guests’ clothing and will even grab your hand with their mouth when you go to leave because they want you to stay and pet them! Our staff will walk you through the colour system.
We believe that dog sledding should be mutually enjoyed by both our guests and our pack. Our intention is never to take advantage of our husky heroes’ desire to run and pull.
We ask you to wear a warm insulated winter jacket, boots, and snow pants, layer according to the weather, and wear a warm toque and gloves. You can bring goggles or sunglasses and a small bag with water, snacks, and extra warm layers. Check out our What to Wear page for additional information on what to wear and what not to wear.
Our winter tours are designed to offer a thrilling, adventurous experience. Since dogs are living beings and are not a constant, speed can differ. Our teams are structured every day based on the weight they are pulling, the trail conditions and their run/rest schedule. These custom teams are designed with your safety and enjoyment in mind. Based on the information stated above, our sled teams are made up of 6-8 husky heroes and can run up to an average of 8-11km per hour.
We ask that our guests do not bring any food for our pack, given their very specific diets. Our dogs receive 3 cups of high-calorie broth mixed with kibble and canned food after every tour, followed by a cube of beef/bison meat as a nice tasty treat! Our two-legged team will be feeding our husky heroes to ensure they are receiving all necessary nutrition and hydration requirements.
Yes, some of our husky heroes are big. However, many people have a misconception that all sled dogs are huge and fluffy—this is mostly because of the many movies featuring the “show-style” Siberian husky and Alaskan Malamute. However, there are many sled dog breeds that exist that are smaller than the Arctic breeds. We use the Seppala Siberian Sled Dog, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Alaskan Husky, and Alaskan Racing Husky. Meet our pack here!
Tours will be in full operation unless the temperatures are colder than -26°C, taking the wind-chill factor into consideration, or +10°C at the trailhead. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™ also reserves the right to cancel their tours if they deem the elements to be unsafe for their sled dogs, staff, and guests. This includes but is not limited to extreme cold, unsafe trail conditions and poor road conditions. Guests will be issued a full refund or given the option to reschedule their tour at Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™ earliest available date.
Yes! We always recommend that a medical professional is consulted prior to making a reservation to ensure dog sledding is an appropriate activity to participate in and any restrictions noted can then be passed on to our team. We have had the pleasure of taking many visitors with mobility restrictions, terminal illnesses, pregnant women, as well as hearing-impaired and visually impaired guests. At the time of reservation, our team will discuss options to ensure anyone with any restrictions/conditions are comfortable and supported.
We will start running our 2-hour Powder Hound Express tour in December; however, it is pending snow conditions. We can start running our longer tours in January. Our tours are available until April with snow conditions pending.
Yes, of course! You are welcome to take as many photos and videos as you like on your personal phone or camera. We do not allow drones. For more information, check out our Social Media Policies.
For your tour, pack any necessary medications (such as an inhaler or EpiPen) and water if desired, although we do provide hot apple cider at the end. You can bring a small backpack with anything you think you might need, but if you don’t need it, it’s best to leave it behind. We provide blankets and cushions in the sleds, so be sure to dress in layers and bring extra mitts and hats for kids. If you’re unsure about what to bring, our office staff can help you decide. The most important thing is to dress for the weather and be sure to layer up.
If you’re nervous or scared of dogs, please note that our dogs are friendly but energetic and can be overwhelming. They are already hooked up in their teams when you arrive and are not loose, so you can choose how much you want to interact with them. However, they get very loud and excited when it’s time to depart. If you are sensitive to noise or get easily overstimulated, be aware that the beginning of the tour is very high energy, though it becomes quieter once out on the trail. Consider bringing ear plugs if you’re concerned about the noise.
Yes, the dogs are friendly, but they do get excited. We use coloured collars to indicate different temperaments: shy, overly excited, and females in heat. The guide will explain these to help you understand their behaviour. While they are all friendly, their energy levels can be high, so be prepared for some enthusiastic greetings.
Yes, photos of your tour are available for purchase. We work with a professional photographer who captures memorable moments throughout your experience. These photos are not included in the price of the tour and can be viewed and purchased separately. Our photographer ensures high-quality images that you can cherish as a keepsake of your adventure.
No, there isn’t a place to go inside if you get cold. Therefore, it’s essential to dress warmly and bring layers. Once you’re on the tour, you’ll be out in the wild of Kananaskis until we return to the office. Make sure to wear appropriate winter clothing, including thermal layers, a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots to stay comfortable during the tour.
No, you cannot drive yourself to the tour location. You will meet us at our office in downtown Canmore, and we will provide transportation to the tour site. This ensures everyone arrives safely and on time, and allows us to give you any necessary information or equipment before the tour begins.
Yes, booking in advance is required. We plan guides, dogs, sleds, and staff based on the number of bookings, so it’s important to secure your spot ahead of time. Same-day bookings are not available, so please make your reservation in advance to ensure we can accommodate you.
adoption FAQs
We don’t force our dogs to participate in our sled dog tours. They have the freedom to choose when to hang up their harness. Each dog in our pack is unique and individual. No matter how old, if they don’t want to be sled dogs anymore, we re-home them. If for some reason we cannot find a certain dog a new home, they stay with us for the duration of their lives. Retirees often become resident cabin dogs, moving around staff homes for sleepovers or heading out on day trip adventures. We believe that our dogs earn a wonderful retirement.
We retire our beloved husky heroes between ages 8-9 years of age. Although this is considered young within the sled dog sport, we believe it’s the best choice for our pack. Many of our sled dogs live between 14-16 years of age. On average, our dogs work for 8 years and enjoy retirement for approximately 6 years. This life plan provides our sled dogs with a nice balance of working (which they love) and the opportunity to enjoy other new activities (like sleeping all day) after their working career.
Absolutely! Our husky heroes are working pets. This means they can easily transition from working pet life to house pet life. This does not mean that welcoming a retired sled dog into your family is always easy. Sled dogs, even at ages 8-13 years of age, are incredibly active and require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They love hiking, adventuring, and most of all, running.
No, we take care of everything you need. Our sled dogs are all neutered or spayed, vetted, vaccinated, and dewormed. The only medical care you may want to consider is a microchip, preventive care, and any ongoing medications that apply.
The adoption is free!
We’re seeking friendly, mature, and experienced dog people who have the TIME, PATIENCE, and IDEAL LIFESTYLE needed to own a former sled dog. Our adoption process is a lengthy one since our dogs are adored members of our family. We don’t take lightly this important part of providing a happy retirement for each husky hero.
The adoption process involves a minimum of 10 visits to our Snowy Owl Kennel, with additional visits if necessary. This ensures that both the adopter and the dog are well-suited for each other and comfortable with the new arrangement.
Yes, you can express interest in specific dogs, but the final match is based on compatibility and lifestyle. We work closely with you to find the best fit for both you and the dog.
Yes, potential adopters spend a lot of time getting to know the dogs. The adoption process includes multiple visits to ensure a good match, including walks, kennel visits, and trial sleepovers.
Adopting a retired sled dog requires experience with dogs due to their unique needs and high energy levels. If you’ve never owned a dog before, we may require additional assurance that you have the necessary knowledge and support to care for one of our huskies.
Yes, but we will need to assess compatibility with your current pets. This involves bringing your pets to the kennel to meet the potential adoptee and ensure they can coexist peacefully.
Families with young children must have prior experience with dogs and demonstrate proper child-dog interaction skills. Our dogs are friendly, but they require understanding and respectful handling.
The adoption process requires a commitment to visiting our kennel at least 10 times. This is essential to ensure you and the dog are a good match. If you cannot commit to these visits, adoption may not be suitable at this time.
Yes, we offer a trial period that includes a sleepover and an extended week-long visit. This helps ensure the dog is a good fit for your home before finalizing the adoption. If it’s not a good fit, we will take the dog back and continue searching for the right home.
Our retired sled dogs are typically between 8-9 years old when they retire. While they are older, they still have many active years ahead and enjoy physical and mental activities.
Adopting a retired sled dog requires time and commitment. These dogs need regular exercise and attention. If you have a busy schedule that prevents you from spending adequate time with a dog, adoption may not be ideal for you.
sled dog welfare FAQs
Yes, we breed ethically. We maintain a healthy number of working sled dogs for our tours by only breeding when necessary. Our selective breeding program ensures that we produce dogs with excellent disposition, build, genetic integrity, work ethic, warm coats, tough feet, and a desire to run and pull.
Yes, our dogs are happy. Each dog is treated as a unique individual, and we provide them with the best possible care, love, and attention. Our dogs are well-socialized, enjoy their work, and have ample opportunities for play and relaxation. Their happiness is evident in their behaviour and enthusiasm both on and off the trail.
Yes, we adhere to high standards of sled dog care, even though there are no official regulations in the sled dog sport. Our practices exceed the basic requirements for animal welfare, ensuring our dogs receive exceptional care.
Inspections by the SPCA are typically complaint-driven. While the SPCA does not conduct regular inspections, our high standards of care would ensure we pass any welfare checks. Our transparent practices and excellent care record speak to our commitment to animal welfare.
Our dogs receive custom meals tailored to their individual needs. Their diet is carefully managed based on their work, body condition, and environmental factors. Each dog has two bowl holders attached to their houses for easy access to their food and water.
Our dogs sleep in hand-built, high-quality pine dog houses designed for all seasons. These houses provide excellent insulation, keeping the dogs cool in summer and warm in winter, ensuring they have comfortable and restful sleep regardless of the weather.
Yes, it is ethical when done correctly. Sled dogs are purpose-bred for running and pulling, and they thrive on the physical and mental stimulation that work provides. Our dogs enjoy their work, which is a natural extension of their instincts and training.
Our dogs’ work varies seasonally. In autumn, they start with easy runs to maintain fitness, gradually increasing distance as winter approaches. By winter, they can run 20-30 kilometers in a day. This balance ensures they stay healthy and happy.
Yes, our dogs have regular veterinary care. They are all neutered or spayed, vetted, vaccinated, and dewormed. We ensure they receive preventive care, ongoing medications if needed, and any other necessary medical attention.
Our dog’s houses are made of high-quality pine, which naturally insulates them against extreme temperatures. The houses are designed to keep the dogs warm in winter and cool in summer, ensuring they remain comfortable year-round.
Our staff are extensively trained in sled dog care, handling, and welfare. They build trust and strong bonds with the dogs through real-life scenarios, training the dogs in trail etiquette and safe handling. Our training program ensures both dogs and handlers are well-prepared for their roles.
If a husky no longer wishes to work, we respect their choice. We re-home our retired huskies through a careful adoption process, ensuring they find loving homes where they can enjoy their retirement.
Our transparency in operations, detailed welfare program, and long-standing reputation for excellent sled dog care attest to our ethics. We invite prospective adopters and clients to visit our kennels and see firsthand the high standards of care we maintain. Our commitment to animal welfare is evident in every aspect of our operations.