If you’re planning a winter trip to Banff and want one experience that feels truly memorable, dog sledding in Banff should be high on your list.
Banff has no shortage of iconic winter activities — skating on Lake Louise, scenic gondola rides, luxury spas, and snowy mountain drives — but dog sledding feels a little different. It’s adventurous, peaceful, and one of those experiences that feels super special.
We booked it as one of the bigger splurges of our trip, and it ended up being one of the highlights. If you’re considering it, here’s what to know before you go, along with a few honest notes from our own experience.
Planning the rest of your trip to Banff? Pair this with my full Banff itinerary: How to Spend 4-Days in Banff During Winter or check out my Best Winter Activities in Banff post for more inspo.
Table of Contents
Quick Deets
- WHICH TOUR COMPANY?:
- We booked with Kingmik Dog Sled Tours.
- TOUR WE TOOK:
- The Great Divide Tour, which takes you through Banff National Park.
- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?:
- It costs $640 CAD per sled, which can fit two people.
- HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?:
- The tour lasts about an hour and a half.
- HOW FAR DO YOU GO?:
- 16 km which is just under 10-miles.
- HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN FIT ON A SLED?
- There’s a maximum of two adults + one infant (5 and under) per sled.
- IS THERE A WEIGHT LIMIT?
- Yes, the total weight of the people on the sled cannot exceed 390 lbs.
- WHERE DOES THE TOUR DEPART FROM?:
- You’ll leave from Lake Louise, by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
- HOW FAR IN ADVANCE TO BOOK?:
- In peak winter timing, it’s worth booking about one month in advance.
Who We Booked With
There’s a few operators of dog sledding in Banff, but we decided to go with Kingmik Dog Sled Tours, who had incredible reviews online. We chose to book the Great Divide Tour, which is their longest and most popular route.
The tour takes you through beautiful sections of Banff National Park toward Kicking Horse Pass at the Continental Divide. On the return portion, guests may also get the chance to stand on the runners with the guide and help drive the sled.
They have two other tours – The Narnia Tour, which is about 30-minutes long, and The Mushing 101 Tour, which is the same as the Great Divide, but you get the chance to drive the sled by yourself!
If you’re deciding between tour lengths, I’d personally go longer. It gave us enough time to really settle into the experience rather than feeling rushed.
Getting There & Check-In
We met in a parking lot near Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which made things especially easy since we were already staying there.
You’re asked to arrive about 15 minutes early. Check-in felt a little loose at first since it wasn’t immediately clear who we needed to check in with, but once everyone arrived, things moved smoothly.
We got a full rundown of what to expect dog sledding in Banff, had a chance to meet all of the guides, and learned quite a bit about the dogs before heading out.
If you’re thinking about staying there too, I shared all the deets in my Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Review.
Meeting the Dogs
This was one of the best parts before the ride even started! Before taking off, we had time to meet and pet the dogs. They were adorable, and super sweet and calm, really just happy to soak up the attention.
Then the second they realized it was almost time to run, everything changed. They got loud and excited, and were just really eager to get running. It was honestly really cute to watch.
You could tell they genuinely loved what they were doing, which made the whole experience even better.
What Dog Sledding in Banff Is Actually Like
There’s a fun burst of speed when you first start moving, which was a little jolting, but we were expecting it! From there, it settles into a smooth glide. It wasn’t scary or too intense, just exciting enough to feel adventurous.
I also expected it to be bumpier, but it was actually a very comfortable ride.
We started seated in the sled together, all bundled up and cozy, then each got turns standing on the runners with the guide during the return portion. Getting the opportunity to help drive and stand up behind the sled made the experience feel much more interactive than just sitting the whole time.
Along the way, we traveled through wide snowy trails lined with forest on both sides, with mountain views opening up in the distance. Parts of the route are also used for backcountry ski access, so it feels like you’re moving through a more rugged side of the park rather than staying near the main tourist areas.
We also entered a narrower wooded section that felt especially magical — quieter, more tucked away, and exactly the kind of scenery you picture when imagining dog sledding in the Canadian Rockies.
There were plenty of moments to stop, take photos, and enjoy time with the dogs, which made the experience feel really relaxed. Our guide also gave us a lot of insight into each of the dog’s personalities, which was fun to watch them come out on the ride.
There’s something about being pulled quietly through the snow by a team of dogs that feels so magical!
Hot Chocolate & Cookies After the Tour
After the ride, we headed back and were welcomed with cookies and hot chocolate, which felt like the perfect ending.
There’s something about warming up by a fire with a hot drink after being out in the snow that just really hits. It also gave everyone time to chat, take a few more photos, and soak in the experience before heading out.
It was a small touch, but one that made the tour feel even more thoughtful and memorable.
What to Wear
Dress like you’re going skiing. They don’t provide gear, and even on our sunnier March day, your hands can get cold quickly.
My biggest takeaway was wishing I had worn thicker gloves, especially while standing on the runners. Warm layers, winter boots, a hat, and proper gloves will make a huge difference.
Is Dog Sledding Ethical?
This is one of the biggest questions people have, and it’s a fair one.
From our experience, this felt like a very caring and well-run operation. The guides clearly knew each dog’s personality, shared stories about them, and spoke about them with real affection. We also learned that dogs are retired when they get older or no longer seem interested in running, so all dogs that are there, want to be there.
Most importantly, the dogs seemed genuinely excited to go. Once it was time to run, they were eager, energized, and ready to move.
If this is something you care about, I’d recommend booking with a reputable operator that is transparent about dog care and prioritizes the animals’ wellbeing. Kingmik definitely felt that way, and it made a big difference in how we felt about the experience.
Is Dog Sledding in Banff Worth It?
Yes — especially if you’re looking for one unique splurge activity during your trip.
It is expensive, so I wouldn’t call it a casual add-on. But it felt memorable, personal, and unlike anything else we did in Banff.
Compared to the gondola, skating, or spa, dog sledding in Banff ranked right up there because it felt so different from everything else. If it fits your budget, I’d absolutely recommend doing it at least once!
Planning the rest of your trip to Banff? Pair this with my full Banff itinerary: How to Spend 4-Days in Banff During Winter itinerary for how to best plan your stay.
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