Summary
Experiencing dog sledding in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains of the Canadian North is an essential Canadian adventure. If you visit Banff National Park during winter, ensure this activity is a priority on your itinerary for winter excursions in Alberta.
Great Divide Trailhead – Best Dogsledding in Banff
We encountered our team of Alaskan huskies eagerly awaiting us in the parking area of the 16 Best Banff Hikes To Discover, the Great Divide trail that ventures deep into the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Their enthusiastic barks signaled their readiness to embark on an adventure, eagerly anticipating the moment they could run free in the wild.
KingMik Dogsled Tours is recognized as the premier destination for dog sledding in Banff National Park, being the sole outfitter authorized to operate within the park, and they orchestrate an exceptional experience. Discover other remarkable national parks featured in the most beautiful national parks in Canada.
Dogsledding Banff
Our prior experiences with pure Siberian Huskies have shown us their beauty, but these mixed-breed Alaskan Huskies possess greater stamina and strength.
These Alaskan Huskies sprang from the starting line with extraordinary vigor. It is challenging to find a place in Canada that can rival the scenic beauty, adventurous spirit, and outdoor pursuits available here.
This location draws individuals from across the globe who seek to live and work in the area, and many Canadians are starting to discover its charm. For insights into dog sledding hesitations, consult our article, The Misconceptions of Dog Sledding.
Dogsledding Guides
Our guide, Kylie, has dedicated numerous years to KingMik, tending to the dogs during the off-season, which equipped her with extensive knowledge about our team of eight.
Two of the dogs, Lexi and Hamish, belong to the racing team and accompanied us for a relaxed training session positioned at the forefront of the sled.
The others – Snapper, Tuzu, Ginger, and Blackie followed our two strong lead dogs, Two Step and Bronte. This experience is a memorable addition to our click here for the Most Unforgettable Things to do in Banff.
Comfortable Ride in the Sled
Wrapped in a cozy, thick blanket, Dave and I spent the initial portion of the 16km excursion comfortably nestled in the insulated sled, shielded from the wind. We remained warm as Kylie navigated the dogs through the fresh snow, sharing insights about each dog’s unique characteristics.
While some dogs were young and inexperienced, others were seasoned veterans reluctant to retire. Whenever Kylie paused the sled to examine tracks from lynx or porcupines, the dogs appeared disappointed, puzzled as to why their run had been interrupted. “Doesn’t she realize all they desire is to run?”
The Great Divide
The view in the Rocky Mountain region is one of the most awe-inspiring sights globally, and at the Great Divide, one can fully appreciate its grandeur.
The Great Divide Trail from Banff was originally part of the Trans Canada Highway, an endeavor that presented significant challenges for drivers crossing Canada. The twists and narrow turns present on this high mountain trail are memorable.
What is the Great Divide?
The Great Divide represents the point in the Rocky Mountains where the East meets the West. It marks the apex of the Rocky Mountain Range, determining the direction of water flow—toward the West on one side and toward the East on the other.
We have been fortunate to visit two such distinctive watershed locations. The first instance was during a winter traverse of 100km to the Arctic Watershed in Northern Ontario.
Here, we observed the transition of water flow as it no longer flowed south to the Atlantic Ocean, but instead headed north toward the Arctic Ocean. Such places fill me with admiration.
The significance of these locations seems profound, for it is here that water emanates, sustaining life in all directions—north, south, east, and west.
Dogsledding into British Columbia
The Great Divide is also where we temporarily crossed into British Columbia. If this is your inaugural visit to Canada, this presents an opportunity to experience two provinces in a single excursion! Although our stay was brief, it was exhilarating to enter BC in such a remote location. For further reading, refer to: Dog Sledding Ontario – Your Ticket to Adventure.
Our Turn to Mush
After a short interval for the dogs, we turned around, and on the return journey, Dave and I had the opportunity to accompany Kylie and assist in guiding the dogs. They required minimal encouragement, as their energy remained abundant; all we needed to do was hold on and appreciate the experience.
The scenery during our return trip proved even more stunning than the outward journey, revealing the majestic rocky peaks of Banff National Park welcoming us back.
Treats for the Dogs
Upon completing our adventure, we treated the dogs to a well-deserved reward of frozen chicken. Each dog caught their portion with agility, consuming it with great joy as we showered them with affection and praise for their hard work.
The dogs alternate in running, so after their outing, they relax in their kennels while the next group takes their place. I was impressed by their enthusiasm for their kennels after experiencing dogsledding with WinterDance and witnessing their excitement upon seeing the trucks.
These dogs exhibited the same eagerness. For the moment, their stomachs were filled with chicken, water, and dog food. They enjoyed affectionate interactions with the mushers and guests before it was time to rest in their snug kennels. Indeed, it is a good life for a dog.
For additional details on dog sledding in Banff, consult KingMik Dogsled Tours. For more on exploring Banff, refer to Banff Lake Louise Tourism for insights and accommodations. During our time at KingMik, we were hosted at Storm Mountain Lodge.
Tips for Dog Sledding in Banff
- Utilize goggles instead of sunglasses (or both) to keep your face warmer and prevent fogging.
- Dress in mittens, a neck warmer, and a warm hat, in addition to a winter coat and waterproof pants. (Even while snug, you will need to exit the sled periodically.)
- Wear appropriate winter boots, as inadequate footwear could hinder your ability to drive the sled.
- Consider hand and toe warmers, as reduced physical activity may leave your extremities chilly.
- Show affection to the dogs; the more attention you offer, the more joy you’ll receive in return!
