My love of dogs spans across several countries! While there is a minute feeling of guilt leaving behind my own fur child at home, I find alternative forms of animal therapy with other dogs around the world! From making canine friends on the streets of Peru to taking a shelter dog on a doggy date in Kauai, I feel the need to connect with dogs everywhere I travel! My first dog sledding experience was in Iceland where we glided across the frozen Lake Mývatn with a pack of Greenlandic Huskies. I had such a memorable time that I added it back onto my bucket list for Canada! So when I learned about dog sledding in Banff National Park, I knew I had to book a tour!

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Book Your Great Divide Dog Sledding Tour in Banff

Currently, Kingmik is the only dog sled outfitters that operates in Banff. The reputable company comprises of 80 working dogs & 11 full-time dog mushers. Each sled holds a guest to guide ratio of 2:1 & they run only 6 sleds per tour time. This is to ensure an intimate & more personal experience as you glide peacefully through the Canadian wilderness.

Kingmik Dog Sled Tours offer a variety of sessions. We chose to book their most popular option, the Great Divide Tour that runs almost 10 miles in 1.5 hours of sled time! The ride transports you all the way to the Continental Divide, which is the main watershed division of North America. It is along the border of British Columbia & Alberta, as well as the border between Banff & Yoho National Parks. So you will experience a variety of landscapes as you whizz by cascading glaciers & dramatic mountain ranges.

As of Spring 2023, reservations for the Great Divide Tour costs 530 CAD (approximately $386 USD) for two people per sled. The tour departs daily from the staging area at 9:30, 12:00 & 2:00pm.

Alternative Narnia Tour option.

If you’re short on time, there is also the Narnia Tour which covers a little over 3 miles in 30 minutes. This sled ride breezes through a forest & out into an open meadow with massive summit views of Mount Temple. As if you are transporting to the magical world of Narnia, you will find yourself immersed among snow coated trees & alpine blue glaciers. The Narnia Tour is a little cheaper at 310 CAD (approximately $226 USD). It is the perfect tour option for those just returning from an early morning ski run as it typically starts in the afternoon between 2:00 & 3:00pm.

Note that the cancellation policy requires notice of at least 72 hours. If Kingmik is able to re-sell your time slot, there is no charge for the cancellation. However, if Kingmik is not able to re-sell the time slot, you will have to pay in full.

The Alaskan Huskies of Kingmik

During my dog sledding experience in Iceland we worked with Siberian Huskies. However, in Canada, we were introduced to Alaskan Huskies & learned the significant difference between the two breeds. According to the AKC, American Kennel Club, Alaskan Huskies are not purebred dogs. Also in comparison to Siberian Huskies, the Alaskan breed are much more leaner & faster in terms of speed. Historically, Alaskan Huskies were often bred for their incredible athletic abilities. Their origins trace back to Alaskan villages where they worked in mail delivery & the transport of emergency medical needs!

Majority of the Kingmik dogs were born & raised at the kennel, located about 45 minutes away from Lake Louise. A few others were rescued from different 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.

Our Experience with Kingmik Dog Sledding in Banff

On the morning of our Kingmik dog sledding tour, we bundled up into our winter gear & packed some light snacks with a hot thermos of tea. Our meet-up location was conveniently located less than a mile away from where we were staying, the Fairmont Château at Lake Louise. The team was definitely hard to miss as you’ll start to hear their energetic & impatient barking from afar!

We teamed up with our guide, Cynthia, whom we later found out had previously worked with our Icelandic dog musher back in 2016! Such a small world! I strongly believe fate had brought us together because I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing guide! She took care to wrap us up into a snuggly cocoon with warm blankets & zipped up the waterproof covering. And then we were off!

During the tour, Cynthia pointed out the names of all the cascading glaciers & snow-capped mountain peaks. At one point with the assistance of our guide, we took hold of the reins & mushed the dogs ourselves! The dog power exerted was incredible & you could tell the Huskies enjoyed running out in the wild. Once we arrived back at our original meet-up spot, the dogs immediately knew it was treat time for a job well done. We tossed raw chicken pieces & gleefully watched the dogs catch them mid-air!

As a devoted dog lover, I always had mixed feelings about animals used for tourism. But it was clearly evident that the Kingmik crew had a deep passion for their Huskies & the sport of mushing. We were formally introduced to each of the dogs & got acquainted with all of their unique personalities. I was particularly fond of sweet little Gwyneth with her big brown eyes & love of butt scratches! She reminded me most of my little puppers back home!

What to Wear When Dog Sledding in Banff

As with any winter activity, it is important to dress in layers that you can easily adjust. A waterproof &/or windproof jacket with a hood will also be essential to keep you warm & dry. Because the chances of snow spray is likely, I recommend bringing a cozy hat, winter gloves, & neck protection.

For more information, check out my top winter gear for snow adventures!

Angella’s Travel Tips

• The maximum number of riders per sled is two adults & one infant (5 years of age & under). There are no age restrictions. However, if you are planning to book for a very young or elderly rider, please consider the cold temperatures.
• Younger children may ride a sled without an accompanying adult, aside from the guide. Prior to booking a tour, please discuss further details with a Kingmik staff member first & sign a waiver.
• Total weight on the sled is to not exceed 380 pounds.
• The tour package does not include any food or drinks, so plan accordingly.

Address for Kingmik Dog Sled Tours: 16430 Highway 1A, Lake Louise, AB T0L

Phone number: +1 (855) 482-4592

Email: info@kingmikdogsledtours.com