Dog Sledding Ottawa Tours: Explore the Great Outdoors

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Pack of Dogs in Sled Harness Resting in a Park
Credit: pexels.com, Pack of Dogs in Sled Harness Resting in a Park

Dog sledding in Ottawa is an exhilarating experience that lets you connect with nature and get your adrenaline pumping. The city's proximity to the Canadian wilderness makes it an ideal destination for dog sledding tours.

You can expect to traverse through scenic trails and frozen lakes, taking in the breathtaking views of the Ottawa Valley. Dog sledding tours typically range from 1 to 3 hours in length, allowing you to experience the thrill of mushing without feeling overwhelmed.

Some dog sledding tours in Ottawa offer the opportunity to drive your own sled, giving you a sense of accomplishment and control over your team of happy huskies.

On a similar theme: Dog Sledding Trips

Dog Sledding Experience

Dog sledding in Ottawa is a unique winter experience that immerses you in the heart of the season. You'll be transported into a winter wonderland as you stand on the sled's runners and guide your team of energetic dogs.

The crisp air, the sound of the sled gliding over the snow, and the sight of the landscape passing by create an atmosphere that's hard to replicate with any other activity. This kind of experience is authentic and gives you a genuine connection to both the natural surroundings and the cultural history of the region.

Credit: youtube.com, Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience

The sensation of being pulled by a team of well-trained dogs adds to the uniqueness of the experience. The dogs' enthusiasm and synchronized efforts create a feeling of harmony between humans and animals, offering a glimpse into a tradition that dates back centuries.

If you're interested in trying dog sledding in Ottawa, consider the following itinerary:

  • 1 hour of dog sledding in the beautiful Petite-Nation region with a professional guide
  • Time spent with the dogs at Chien à traîneau Gatineau
  • 3km snowshoeing adventure with your guide (all equipment provided)
  • A typical Quebec meal served in between activities

Tour Details

For a dog sledding adventure in Ottawa, you'll want to consider the details of the tour to ensure it suits your needs. The Half-Day Adventure is a great option for those looking for a shorter experience, covering a distance of 15 km in about 1.5 hours.

The tour requires a minimum of 2 people and includes instructions from a musher, active participation in harnessing the dogs, and an unforgettable ride through the woods. You'll also receive a hot beverage and a snack after the ride. Children must be at least 5 years old to participate and must be accompanied by an adult.

The pricing for the Half-Day Adventure is $199 CAD plus taxes per adult or child over 13 years old or 100 lbs, while children between 5 and 12 years old and under 100 lbs pay $99 CAD plus taxes.

Tour Itinerary

View of a Dog Sled amid Snowcapped Mountains
Credit: pexels.com, View of a Dog Sled amid Snowcapped Mountains

The tour itinerary is packed with exciting activities that will get you immersed in the beautiful Quebec winter landscape.

You'll have the chance to enjoy 1 hour of dog sledding in the picturesque Petite-Nation region, accompanied by a professional guide who will share their expertise and ensure your safety.

A 3km snowshoeing adventure is also on the agenda, where you'll explore the serene winter scenery with your guide, who will provide all the necessary equipment.

In between these activities, you'll be treated to a hearty Quebec meal that will keep you warm and energized throughout the tour.

Here's a breakdown of the tour's schedule:

  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Location: Thurso

Half-Day Adventure

The Half-Day Adventure is a thrilling outdoor experience that's perfect for those who want to try dog sledding. It's a 15 km ride that takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

You'll need to plan for about 3 to 4 hours in total to account for preparation and a hot beverage and snack after the ride. Children must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by an adult to participate.

An Aerial Shot of Dogs Pulling Sleds on a Snow Covered Field
Credit: pexels.com, An Aerial Shot of Dogs Pulling Sleds on a Snow Covered Field

Adults and children 13 years or older can drive the sled, and you'll receive instructions from a musher on how to do it. The package includes active participation in harnessing the dogs, an unforgettable 15 km ride, and a hot beverage and snack afterwards.

Here are the different combinations of participants that are allowed for this activity:

The pricing for this activity is as follows: $199 CAD plus taxes per adult or child 13 years old or older and over 100 lbs, and $99 CAD plus taxes per child from 5 to 12 years old and under 100 lbs.

24h Excursion (2P Min)

The 24h Excursion is a fantastic option for those who want to experience the thrill of dog sledding. This package extends over a period of 24 hours from noon the day of arrival, to noon the next day.

You'll get to spend two days exploring the beautiful winter landscape, covering a total distance of 30 km. The excursion includes two rides, one at noon and the other at 8 am the next day, each lasting 15 km.

Old Town and River in Ottawa in Summer
Credit: pexels.com, Old Town and River in Ottawa in Summer

You'll have the opportunity to learn how to drive a dog sled from a seasoned musher and participate in the harnessing of the dogs. This hands-on experience will give you a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into dog sledding.

A fondue meal with an appetizer and dessert is included in the package, giving you a chance to refuel and recharge. You'll also get to feed the dogs in the evening, which is a unique and memorable experience.

The package includes access to the private indoor spa and recreation room, perfect for relaxing after a day of dog sledding. You'll also enjoy an overnight stay in one of the three rooms located in the four-star Lodge.

Here's a breakdown of the package details:

Pricing for the 24h Excursion varies depending on age and weight, with adults and children over 100 lbs paying $499 CAD plus taxes, and children from 5 to 12 years old and under 100 lbs paying $299 CAD plus taxes.

Family-Friendly Activity

A street scene in Ottawa with a large haulage truck amidst historic buildings and modern architecture.
Credit: pexels.com, A street scene in Ottawa with a large haulage truck amidst historic buildings and modern architecture.

Dog sledding in Ottawa is an exceptional opportunity for families to share a remarkable adventure and create lasting memories. Children as young as 5 years old can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

The minimum age requirement for children is 5 years old, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Children 13 years or older can drive the sled, and adults can also drive with a child as a passenger.

The activity is designed to be inclusive for all family members, from the youngest to the oldest. Children are fascinated by the sled dogs' energy and playfulness, and they'll be delighted to learn about these remarkable animals and witness their teamwork firsthand.

The chance to interact with the dogs, help harness them, and even try mushing under the guidance of professionals is an adventure that brings the family closer together. This is especially true for the 24-hour excursion package, where families can spend a day and a night in a four-star Lodge and enjoy activities like snowshoeing and sliding.

Dog sleding in a glacier
Credit: pexels.com, Dog sleding in a glacier

Here's a breakdown of the pricing for the dog sledding packages:

You'll also get a 50% discount on snowshoeing, sliding, and the spa, including the recreation room, when booking one of the dog sledding packages.

Activity Overview

Dog sledding in Ottawa is a thrilling experience that combines adventure, nature, and teamwork. You'll be mushing through the snowy trails with a team of happy huskies.

The activity typically lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on the package you choose. You'll have the chance to learn about the history and techniques of dog sledding.

You'll be paired with an experienced musher who will teach you how to handle the sled and care for the dogs. They'll also share stories about the sport and the dogs' unique personalities.

The trails take you through Ottawa's beautiful winter landscapes, offering breathtaking views of frozen lakes and snow-covered forests. You might even spot some wildlife like deer or rabbits.

Some dog sledding operators in Ottawa offer packages that include a hot chocolate or snack break at the end of the tour. This is a great way to warm up and refuel after your adventure.

Saroja Tandon

Lead Writer

Saroja Tandon is a skilled wordsmith with a passion for weaving engaging narratives. As a writer, she has honed her craft through years of dedicated practice and study. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human emotions, Saroja crafts stories that captivate and inspire readers.

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