Winters throughout the Canadian Rockies in Alberta’s rugged wilderness are brutal, which is why dog sledding originated as a vital form of transportation for Inuit Peoples and other Indigenous Nations. These days, dog sledding is more of a recreational activity that is a thrilling experience offering insight into the early way of life in these remote mountainous regions.

Behind the gates of the Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours complex in Canmore, Alberta located about an hour outside of Calgary, there’s a calm stillness in the air. The backdrop of the panoramic, snow-capped mountains command respect for the nature, wildlife and history that they represent in the Kananaskis Valley.

Just beyond the parking lot, teams of sled dogs are getting prepped for their morning run of the day. Visitors quickly notice the dogs’ collective enthusiastic panting stirring up an audible excitement in the air. The eclectic mix of six breeds of dogs that make up these powerful sledding teams shed clumps of light and dark fur along the ground as they wait for the human interaction from guests that they anticipate almost as much as the daily mountain runs.

These sled dogs are bred and raised to navigate the rugged Canadian wilderness in the winter, but when the snow melts, they must continue training for their health and to maintain peak performance.

During the summer months that means utilizing custom-built non-motorized dog carts on modified mountain trails. This year-round training is a win-win opportunity to keep the sled dog teams in shape and offer visitors a sneak-peek into the lives of these purpose-reared animals, the experience of dog sledding, and the rich history behind it. From the hands-on bonding with dogs to the adrenaline-rush of being pulled by their power through the mountains this is one of extreme adventures that those who experience it will never forget.

Kinute author Anietra Hamper gets a warm greeting from a sled dog before starting the morning run. (Photo: Anietra Hamper)

Hang On!

The summer dog sledding experience begins long before the carts take off on the trails.

At first glance it is difficult to comprehend the physical drive that surges in these sled dogs as they anticipate their runs. Guests greet the dogs before the run, learning their names and breeds and bonding with them through pets, hugs and the inevitable sloppy licks to the face.

The dogs’ calm demeanor as they patiently engage with guests is a stark contrast to the chorus of exuberant, eardrum-piercing howling and barking that ensues once the lead dogs are taken off the drop line to be hooked onto the carts. This is this moment when the energy changes indicating to the dogs that it’s “go” time!

Two teams of sled dogs wait for placement onto the summer carts. (Photo: Anietra Hamper)

Dog sled teams are harnessed two-by-two forming a lineup to each cart. The number of dogs on each team fluctuates from 12 or 16 depending on the weight of the cart and the combined weights of participants. 

Each member of the sled dog team has a deliberate placement in the lineup with the brutes bringing up the back that have the most strength with the younger ones paired alongside the more experienced dogs in the pack. Some of these dogs are as young as 1.5 years old and are in training for the next winter season.

On cue, the dogs charge ahead at approximately 5-10 kilometers per hour on a focused mission as they follow an off-road vehicle ensuring they take the right trails. 

“Good girl Cardi, good girl Beatrix,” shouts Snowy Owl guide Jenna Elie from the back of the cart to the lead dogs through the clouds of dust kicking up from paws pounding the ground during the rock-launch takeoff. 

Cardi and Beatrix have perfect form as they keep the team in-sync. The team’s most impressive coordination happens on the long open stretches where they can get up to full speed.

“Good p-u-p-s,” Elie continues to yell over the rocky bumps on the trail motivating the dogs as they stay laser focused.

The sled dogs pull non-motorized carts through shortened mountain trails during summer runs. (Photo: Anietra Hamper)

Inside the cart, guests are belted in, which is necessary for the uneven terrain and occasional levitation from the fast speed of hitting ruts in the dirt. The dogs guide the cart taking corners through the tall spruce, pine and poplar woodlands and downward slopes that open the views to the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Their agility as a team showcases the power of these medium-statured dogs that hide their impressive ability behind their gentle nature at rest.

Winter dog sledding in the Canadian wilderness in Alberta. (Photo: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours)

In the prime winter months between Dec. 1 and April 30 the sled dogs run half-day or full-day trips into the wilderness or more remote overnight trips depending on snow conditions.

Summer runs are significantly shorter and less frequent. 

“In the summertime running our carts we'll only run tours in the morning when it's nice and cool here in the mountains for the dogs. This is to keep them in shape for our winter season when we're busiest,” said Tanner Musyj, Assistant Operations Manager at Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours.

Summer trips take place on a 4-kilometer trail with several well-deserved rest stops along the way. This daily run is just long enough to keep the teams trained and offer an experience for guests yet short enough to keep the dogs safe in the warmer weather. 

The summer sled dog carts are custom-built to enhance year-round training and meet the company’s eco-tourism values. (Photo: Victor Aerden)

Innovative Training Carts 

The non-motorized carts used for training the dogs during the warmer months are an innovative concept that the family-owned business developed with several goals in mind.

“Our carts are completely custom and were built based on a concept that our owner, Jereme, came up with," said Caitlin Arsenault, Director of Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours. "There are other outfitters in Canada who offer a similar experience using ATVs or other motorized carts, but it was important to us to give our guests the closest experience to our winter tours as possible, using non-motorized carts. This also aligns with our eco-tourism values."

Year-round training is also important when it comes to the bonding relationships that are essential between the dogs and their guides.

“Relationships are built the same way you would bond with your own pet," said Arsenault. "Our guides take care of these dogs throughout every aspect of their day—cleaning, feeding, and medicating. Trust is built between the guides and our pack."

Sled dog guide Tanner Musyj tosses treats to the sled dogs after their morning run. (Photo: Anietra Hamper)

Guides like Tanner Musyj work with the same dogs all year and the bond is evident. Musyj says that the benefit of this regular interaction works both ways and is essential when it comes to safety and performance on the runs. 

“It's all about your relationship when they run for you and how their work ethic is going to come out. It keeps them in shape, and it keeps us on the ball,” said Musyj.

Whether the teams are mushing on snow or dry land, teamwork and trust must be unified and mutual.

Sled dogs are bred and raised to navigate the rugged Canadian landscape. (Photo: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours)

Born to Run

Dog sledding was originally used by the Inuit Peoples and other Indigenous Nations in the northern parts of Canada. It was later adopted into the fur trade by Indigenous, Metis and European traders in other regions who required the ability to navigate spacious landscapes and transport supplies over craggy mountain peaks and vast frozen lakes.

The Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours operation began 41 years ago when Canmore was just a sleepy coal mining town. At that time in the early 1980s dog sledding tours did not exist and the concept of dog sledding was only a nostalgic part of the region’s history. The 172 sled dogs at the facility come from a long lineage of ancestry of animals that were bred and raised to be mechanical powerhouses in the snow. The six breeds that make up these teams include Siberian Huskies, Seppala Siberians, Alaskan Malamutes, Alaskan Huskies and Canadian Indian Huskies and Alaskan Racing Huskies and they all live for the opportunity to run. 

“It's neat to see the abilities of different dogs and their attitudes and their personalities, they're all a little bit different. So, it's really cool to work with all the breeds," said Musyj.

Despite their individual nature the dogs are bred for three specific traits. Disposition is important for balancing a dogs’ love of running with their ability to interact with guests. Genetics is an essential trait for the physical endurance of the dogs, so they have the resilience and ability to run and pull in harsh winter conditions. Health traits are the final factor in breeding, so the working sled dogs have the best ability to eat and maintain weight with the fewest health issues possible.

Selective breeding also matters for veterinary care when it comes to the dogs’ health and being able to monitor any potential hereditary issues as the dogs age.

Baby Slayer is a sled dog born in the Snowy Owl kennel. (Photo: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours)

While most of the Snowy Owl sled dogs are born and raised on the ranch, some in the kennel were purchased, adopted or rescued sled dogs.

“We've got dogs that are direct descendants from Togo in our Seppala Siberians and they're hard to find so those breeds are a unique part of our kennel. We'll also bring in dogs from other kennels between dog sledding companies and keep our bloodlines fresh,” said Musyj.

The dogs’ names reflect their unique personalities like Ferrari, Madonna, Morpheous, Sabbath, Snake Eyes and Yeti. The names also coordinate with their litters that are categorized by Vikings, Saved by the Bellcharacters, mushrooms, country singers, Olympians, and cheese, just to name a few.

One of the 172 sled dogs at the Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours kennel. (Photo: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours)

A Dog-first Commitment

Part of the commitment to keep the sled dogs trained in the summer months is born from the company’s dog-first commitment to their care.

“Dog care is paramount here and the dogs always come first,” said Musyj. “We want to make sure that they're in proper shape and we're keeping an eye on all the dogs so there's always somebody around for them. They get lots of love every day. They love their jobs.”

The company has a broader commitment to animal welfare by supporting the ethical treatment and practical and legal concepts for animal ownership. This matters when it comes to the dog sledding industry because it is unregulated so there are no consistent standards when it comes to operators.

“We consider our pack of huskies to be ‘working pets,' which ensures that they are never exploited for our gain,” said Arsenault. "We have been strong advocates for regulations to be put in place to ensure that all sled dog operators are upheld to the highest standards."

The ethical care of the sled dogs’ trickles down into the everyday care of the animals. This involves daily kennel cleaning and medication distribution for the dogs that need it, feeding and rounds of water throughout the day. Afternoons are reserved for free-running and playing before they rest for the evening. The teams of dogs rotate so they do not all run every day and have ample time to rest.

Human interaction is another essential part of their care which is why there is built-in time during tours for guests to engage with the social dogs before and after their runs.

Sled dogs enjoy hydration soup after their morning run. (Photo: Anietra Hamper)

The Finish Line

The end of a sled dog run is bittersweet. The bond that happens through that experience is transcendent as guests play an integral role in the post-run tasks like removing harnesses, giving the dogs treats, affection and delivering hydration soup to help refuel the dogs. 

Reconnecting with the dogs after the run for dusty paw pats on the knee, nose nuzzles under the chin and those licks to the cheek is a reflective time. Being able to work with these sled dogs for just a few hours in their unique world that embraces so much history is life changing for most guests.

“We have guests return to us sometimes after decades, with photos and stories about the time they spent with us and our pack,” said Arsenault.

That impressionable moment happens while seeing the dogs’ excitement first-hand and being exposed to these powerful breeds that embrace a gentle nature to human connection. 

For all their complexity, the sled dogs are quite simple creatures who crave two things to fuel their existence and purpose: human love and hard work.