When you see Canmore today, it’s hard to believe it was once a sleepy coal mining town. Much has changed, but one thing remains: this is a town of dreamers. The breathtaking Canadian Rockies have attracted visitors for decades, and some adventurous souls decided to make a life here. From athletes with dreams of exploration to artists drawn to mountain muses, folks don’t end up here by accident. The Snowy Owl story began with a dream, and since 1983, we’ve been chasing it.
Connie Arsenault founded Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™ in 1983 when Canmore was more grit than glamour. With just one sled and ten dogs, she embarked on a journey that’s lasted 40 years and counting.
Connie’s upbringing in the wild of the Canadian Rockies was extraordinary. Raised by her father, an Alberta Provincial Parks ranger, and her mother on an organic farm, Connie learned survival and respect for nature early on. Their self-sufficient lifestyle, surrounded by animals, instilled in Connie a deep connection to the land and a passion for exploration. Guiding park visitors and sharing secret wilderness spots with friends fuelled Connie’s desire to share this place with others.
During a life-changing encounter with a seasoned sled dog team, Connie’s path shifted. Meeting a man trekking from Alaska to Montana by dog team, Connie was captivated by the power of the dogs as she rode through William Switzer Provincial Park. The experience ignited a passion for dog sledding that would shape her future. With just three dogs, Connie began her journey into dog sled racing at the Canmore Nordic Centre, driven by her unwavering determination and love for the sport.
As Connie’s husband Charles worked at Lafarge Cement Plant, she realized the need to turn her passion for dog sledding into a career to support her family. In 1983, Connie founded Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™ to share the thrill of the wilderness. What started modestly grew into a thriving business, attracting attention from locals and visitors alike. Snowy Owl became synonymous with adventure and connection to nature. Charles worked full-time with Lafarge Canada until 1996 when he joined her to work at Snowy Owl.
Despite facing personal tragedy with the loss of her husband a decade after he joined Snowy Owl full-time, Connie remained steadfast in maintaining the family legacy at the core of her business. Raising her children, Jereme and Carlin, amidst the beauty of the wild, Connie instilled in them respect for nature’s creatures.
Next to raising her children, starting Snowy Owl was one of the most rewarding experiences and adventures of Connie’s life. Naturally, since they were tiny, the kids had been surrounded by energetic huskies and hopping on sleds. As Jereme and Carlin got older, Connie gradually retired. Her family was the reason she started Snowy Owl, and she wanted them to have a hand in the legacy she’d built and was preparing to pass along.
In 2016, Connie proudly passed the reins to her son Jereme, entrusting him to carry on the Snowy Owl legacy. Jereme’s journey intersected with fate when he met Caitlin, a Michigan native, on a Snowy Owl tour. Their shared passion for the wilderness and adventure blossomed into love, and together, they now lead Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™. Their story, intertwined with the spirit of the Canadian Rockies, reflects the essence of Snowy Owl – a celebration of connection, nature, and community.
Now, forty years since its inception, Snowy Owl stands as a beacon of adventure in the Canadian Rockies. With thousands of dog sled tours and an energetic pack of nearly 200 sled dogs, Snowy Owl upholds its founding principles. The legacy of Connie and Charles lives on in every sled run, every howl of excitement, and every unforgettable moment in the wild.
Snowy Owl has expanded its horizons, launching its sister company, White Wolf Rafting, in 2019. Founded by Jereme Arsenault, born and raised in Canmore, White Wolf Rafting brings the same passion for nature and adventure found in Snowy Owl’s sled dog tours to thrilling rafting adventures in the Bow Valley backcountry.
In addition to White Wolf Rafting, Snowy Owl has introduced a brand-new summer experience: Summer Adventure Dog Carting. As the first tour company in the region to offer this, Snowy Owl continues to innovate and provide unique opportunities for adventure seekers.
At Snowy Owl, we stand out in the industry for several reasons. We are staunch advocates for the humane treatment of sled dogs, ensuring they are happy and healthy companions. With over 40 years of experience, we offer an authentic Canadian dog sledding experience amidst the breathtaking Rockies. As a small, family-owned business, our devotion to every aspect of our operations ensures a personalized and unforgettable adventure for our guests. Our commitment to fair pricing, safety, and exceptional customer service sets us apart, making Snowy Owl the premier choice for those seeking an unparalleled wilderness experience. So, what are you waiting for? Book a tour now! Check out our Winter Tours, Summer Tours, or head over to White Wolf to learn more about rafting with us.
