Dog Sleigh Banff: A Guide to Dog Sledding in Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a winter wonderland, and one of the most iconic ways to experience it is by dog sledding. The park offers a range of dog sledding tours, from gentle beginner trips to more intense adventures.

You can choose from a variety of dog sledding tour operators in Banff, each with their own team of experienced mushers and happy huskies. Some popular options include Canadian Rockies Dog Sled Adventures and Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours.

Dog sledding in Banff typically takes place on snow-covered trails, with the stunning Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. You'll have the chance to learn about the history and technique of dog sledding, as well as get up close and personal with the friendly sled dogs.

The idea of banning dog sleighs in Banff might seem cruel to some, but is it really? In Banff National Park, dog sleighs are a popular tourist attraction, but they're also a source of controversy.

Dog sleighs have been a part of Banff's history and culture, with the first dog sleds introduced by Indigenous peoples over 1,000 years ago.

However, the reality is that dog sleighs can be stressful for the dogs, who are often forced to work long hours in harsh conditions.

Some dog sleigh operators in Banff have been known to prioritize profits over animal welfare, with dogs being overworked and underfed.

In contrast, responsible dog sleigh operators in Banff prioritize the dogs' well-being and safety, providing them with proper care and rest.

The park's regulations require dog sleigh operators to obtain a permit and meet certain animal welfare standards, but enforcement can be inconsistent.

The dogs used for dog sledding are mostly huskies, or very similar breeds to huskies, and they're born to mush. They're strong work animals that crave exercise and can run for days without stopping.

You'll be assigned to a sled with the people you booked the trip with, which is a great way to make new friends. The tour guides will give you a rundown of the tour, including the route, features, and safety tips.

The sleds are designed to be pulled by teams of 4, 5, 6 or even more dogs, depending on the number of people riding in the sled. This is because the added weight of the sleds is easier to handle once the sled is moving.

Kingmik is the only dog sled outfitter that operates in Banff, and they have a great reputation for providing a personal and intimate experience. Each sled holds a guest to guide ratio of 2:1, which ensures you get plenty of attention and guidance.

The Great Divide Tour is a popular option that runs almost 10 miles in 1.5 hours of sled time. You'll get to experience a variety of landscapes, including cascading glaciers and dramatic mountain ranges.

If you're looking for dog sledding companies in Banff, there are several reputable options to choose from. Kingmik Dog Sledding Tours is the only one operating within park boundaries.

You can also consider Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, Howling Dog Tours, and Discover Banff Tours, all of which are located in neighboring areas like Canmore and Spray Lakes.

The prices for dog sledding tours in Banff can vary greatly, with an average cost per person ranging from $150 to $250.

If you're looking for a reputable dog sledding tour company in Banff, there are several options to consider. Kingmik Dog Sledding Tours is the only company operating within park boundaries, making it a convenient choice for those who want to experience dog sledding within the park.

The other companies listed, Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, Howling Dog Tours, and Discover Banff Tours, are all located in neighboring areas like Canmore and Spray Lakes. These companies offer a range of features and tour lengths, so be sure to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Here are some of the dog sledding tour companies in and around Banff National Park:

Prices can range from $125 to $1500 per person, depending on the length and features of the tour.

A 30-minute "Narnia" tour by Banff Tours costs $125 per person.

Expect to pay between $150-$250 per person for an average dog sledding tour.

Some tours, like the multi-day adventure by Snowy Owl Dog Sled Tour, can be quite pricey at $1500 per person.

It's up to you and your budget to decide how much you're willing to spend on a dog sledding tour.

If you're looking to book the Great Divide Tour, Kingmik Dog Sled Tours is the only outfitter that operates in Banff.

Reservations for the tour cost 530 CAD (approximately $386 USD) for two people per sled as of Spring 2023.

The tour departs daily from the staging area at 9:30, 12:00, and 2:00pm, giving you multiple time slots to choose from.

Each sled holds a guest to guide ratio of 2:1, ensuring an intimate and personal experience as you glide through the Canadian wilderness.

The Great Divide Tour runs almost 10 miles in 1.5 hours of sled time, transporting you to the Continental Divide.

This unique experience allows you to see a variety of landscapes, including cascading glaciers and dramatic mountain ranges.

For more insights, see: Two Dog Names

Dog sleighs have a rich history in Banff, dating back to the early 20th century.

The first dog sleighs in Banff were used for transportation and recreation, with many hotels and resorts offering dog sleigh rides as a popular winter activity.

Dog sleighs are typically pulled by a team of happy and energetic huskies, who are well-suited to the cold climate and rugged terrain of the Canadian Rockies.

The history of dog sledding is a fascinating story. The Inuit, indigenous people of North America, valued durable, strong and well-coated dogs and were one of the first people to harness them in prolonged polar bear hunting expeditions.

These journeys took place over harsh ice and through thick snow, and the Inuit built sleds from driftwood and leather straps. They didn't have a leader or specific roles in their teams.

The dogs could withstand the biting cold and lack of food, and would go on long-distance expeditions in the most difficult conditions. They were often left alone on isolated islands for the summer months and had to fend for themselves.

Siberian Huskies are fast, focused, and relatively easy to train, making them a popular choice for dog sledding.

Historically, Russians bred Siberian Huskies specifically for dog sledding. Meanwhile, North American Arctic regions, including Alaska, favored Malamutes, strong and hardy animals who can survive the harshest conditions.

The Alaskan Husky is a popular cross breed, a mix of various Northern breeds like the Siberian Husky, Greyhound, and German Shorthaired-Pointer. They're bred specifically for dog sledding and are still considered one of the best types of dogs for sledding today.

Malamutes were in high demand during Canada's Gold Rush, and their prices rose to unbelievable heights.

Choosing Sleds is a crucial part of the dog sledding experience. You'll be assigned to a sled with the people you booked the trip with.

The tour guides will give you a rundown of the tour, including the route and notable features along the way, such as lakes and the Continental Divide.

You'll also receive general safety tips for riding in the dog sled, so be sure to listen up and take note.

The briefing process is a great opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of what to expect on the tour.

Alaskan Huskies of Kingmik are not purebred dogs, according to the AKC.

These dogs are bred for their incredible athletic abilities, making them faster and leaner than Siberian Huskies.

Historically, Alaskan Huskies were used for tasks like mail delivery and emergency medical transport in Alaskan villages.

The Kingmik dogs were born and raised at the kennel, located about 45 minutes away from Lake Louise, or were rescued from other parts of the country.

When dogs reach their retirement age or their temperament becomes too calm for the sled, they are assessed for potential adoption.

The Kingmik team conducts a questionnaire to determine if one's lifestyle would meet the needs of a former sled dog.

Alaskan Huskies are bred for endurance and speed, making them well-suited for dog sledding.

These dogs are strong work animals, and given the opportunity, they will run for days without stop, craving exercise.

In the Kingmik dog sledding tour, we were introduced to each of the dogs and got acquainted with their unique personalities.

One of the dogs, Gwyneth, stood out with her big brown eyes and love of butt scratches, reminding me of my little puppers back home.

The Kingmik crew has a deep passion for their Huskies and the sport of mushing, evident in the way they care for and interact with the dogs.

Canada is a winter wonderland, and dog sledding is a must-try activity when visiting. You can explore Canada's vast snowscapes just like indigenous peoples have done for eons.

The history of dog sledding is fascinating, and its advent changed the course of human history in the North. For the first time, remote corners of the ice-covered Canadian Arctic were open to hunters and explorers, who could now cross vast expanses in a significantly shorter amount of time.

Dog sledding tours are a highlight of any northbound expedition. You can experience the thrill of mushing through Canada's snowscapes with a team of energetic and hardworking dogs.

A typical dog sledding tour starts with bundling up into winter gear and packing some light snacks with a hot thermos of tea. The meet-up location is usually conveniently located, and the team is hard to miss due to their energetic barking.

You'll get to know each of the dogs and their unique personalities, just like the author of the article did on their Kingmik dog sledding tour. They were particularly fond of sweet little Gwyneth with her big brown eyes and love of butt scratches!

Here's a list of some of the activities you can expect on a dog sledding tour: