Brutal snowfall and a bitter cold can be par for the course in Alberta.
But when winter comes knocking, Albertans don’t lock themselves indoors.
Instead, we make the most of the snow and enjoy the great outdoors.
From tearing up the slopes at Banff to skating on Lake Louise, there is no shortage of winter activities to enjoy in the Rockies.
But one winter activity in particular is making a comeback: dog sledding.
Usually, you would need to be a professional athlete with a trained dog team to hop on a sled.
But thanks to guided dog sledding tours, you don’t have to worry about any of that.
If you’re still on the fence about going dog sledding, here are a few reasons why you should try it out.
Connect With The Outdoors
You can only see so much of our province’s snow-swept landscape from your car seat.
The true beauty of the outdoors can only be found offroad.
Sure, you could take your bush buggie out for a spin, but nothing beats the serene silence of dog sledding.
The crunch of snow under the sled’s runners and wind through the trees can’t be appreciated over the roar of an engine.
Dog sledding is a rugged journey away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the world.
We all need to reset sometimes, so why not do it in the company of adorable and happy dogs?
The Company
Speaking of adorable dogs, one of the highlights of dog sledding is the company you’ll have throughout the journey.
Some tours allow participants to learn about the ins and outs of dog sledding.
Howling Dog Tours in Canmore allows participants to help harness the dogs, assemble the team, and drive the sled.
Their Dog Day Afternoon tour lasts up to four hours and includes a team of five to seven Alaskan, Siberian, and Seppala huskies.
The tour also lets participants learn more about the sport of dog sledding from their guide over a fireside lunch.
Answer The Call Of The Wild
Usually, getting out in wild spaces isn’t easy, especially if you live in a city. But in Alberta, we are surrounded by nature.
Easy access to the outdoors means dog sledding is available just about anywhere.
In addition to Canmore, there are dog sledding operations in Grand Prairie, Banff, Lake Louise, Rocky Mountain House and Jasper.
Dog sledding is an incredible opportunity to experience Alberta’s stunning landscapes in an entirely different way.
If the cold isn’t for you, the excitement of dog sledding can be experienced in the summer with dog carting, where dogs pull a cart instead of a sled.
Many dog sledding tour operations also offer kennel tours for those interested in what goes on behind the scenes.
Alberta is all about pushing the needle and going off the beaten path.
Dog sledding is the perfect opportunity to go the distance, literally.
So what are you waiting for?
