Dog sledding in Quebec - Our best places
Are you planning to visit Quebec, and maybe even Montreal, this winter? In Canada, winter brings abundant snow and a wide range of winter activities to enjoy. In a previous article, I provided recommendations for things to do in Montreal. Today, I will share with you one of the most iconic winter activities that Europeans fantasize about: dog sledding in Quebec. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure for a day. We have also included a small selection of recommended accommodations near each location.
- Best places for dog sledding in Quebec
- Dog sledding in St. Hippolyte – Montreal
- Dog sled rides in Saint Liguori – Montreal
- Dog sledding near Mount Tremblant – Laurentians
- Dog sled rides near Lake St. Joseph – Quebec
- Dogsledding on the Saguenay Bay – Tadoussac
- Dog sledding in Saint-Siméon – Charlevoix
- Dog sledding in Baie-Saint-Paul, Charlevoix
- Dog sledding in Mont-Tremblant
- Dog sledding in Gaspésie
If you’re interested in other activities, we have also published a comprehensive guide to whale watching excursions in Tadoussac, one of the most popular whale watching destinations in Quebec.
Best places to go dog sledding in Quebec
As you already know, Sylvain and I are here to assist you in organizing your next trip, whether it’s to Canada, Guadeloupe, or Polynesia. We provide itinerary summaries, activity suggestions, and helpful tips. Without further ado, here are the top 10 places to book dog sledding in Quebec. Thanks to online booking platforms like Manawa or Getyourguide, organizing your activities has never been easier.
Dogsledding in St Hippolyte - Montreal
Aventure Plein Air offers a unique experience in the Laurentians, just a one-hour drive from Montreal. Experienced mushers will guide and share their passion with you in these snowy, mountainous landscapes. Choose from a 30-minute introduction, a 2-hour hike, or a half-day excursion.
Where to stay nearby?
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- Auberge du Lac Morency, located next to Aventure Plein Air.
- Magnificent 3-bedroom chalet in the heart of nature.
- Spa hotel in Saint-Adèle.
Practical information
- Rate: Starting from $69 CAD per person.
- Address: Aventures Plein Air, 42 Rue de la Chaumine, Saint-Hippolyte, QC J8A 2N4, Canada.
Dogsledding in Saint Liguori - Montreal
Just an hour away from Montreal, the Aventures Liguoriennes team welcomes you to share their passion for sled dogs. You’ll receive instruction in driving techniques and embark on snowy trails in the region after an introduction to the pack and team preparation. Don’t miss the “La Grande Virée” tour, a thrilling 1-hour and 30-minute sled ride through the plains and forests of Quebec.
You can also enjoy this experience at night, when the sky is free from light pollution, and marvel at the stars during your ride. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.
Price: Starting from $213 CAD per person.
Address: Les Aventures Liguoriennes, 179 5e Rang, Saint-Liguori, QC J0K 2X0, Canada.
Where to stay nearby?
Dogsledding near Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentians
Just 45 minutes from Mont-Tremblant and a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from Montreal, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Laurentians. It’s the perfect place to spend time with Alaskan huskies and enjoy a safe dog sledding adventure accompanied by experienced mushers from the Outdoor Logistik team.
Price: Starting from $199 CAD per person.
Address: Outdoor Logistik, 95 Chemin des Iles, L’Ascension, Quebec, J0T 1W0, Canada.
Where to stay nearby?
Dogsledding near Lake Saint-Joseph in Quebec City
Located 50 minutes by car from Quebec City and 3 hours from Montreal, Aventure Inukshuk welcomes you to the icy scenery of Quebec, specifically the shores of Lake Saint-Joseph. The 1-hour and 30-minute ride is a must-do, and after a brief training session, you can even assist in harnessing the dogs and try your hand at driving a sled. At the end of the ride, you can cuddle with the puppies and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Price: $113 CAD per person.
Address: Aventure Inukshuk, 131 Route de Duchesnay, Ste-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier.
Where to stay nearby?
Dog sledding on the Saguenay Fjord in Tadoussac
If you’re taking a winter road trip to the Gaspégie, make a stop at Tadoussac (approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes by car from Quebec City and 5 hours and 50 minutes from Montreal) for an unforgettable dogsled ride with the Ferme 5 étoiles vacation center. Explore the shores of the Saguenay Fjord for either 1 hour or half a day and marvel at the snowy, mountainous landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord and the Tadoussac region.
Price: Starting from $97 CAD per person.
Address: Ferme 5 Étoiles Centre de Vacances, 465 QC-172, Sacré-Coeur, QC G0T 1Y0, Canada
Where to stay nearby?
Sled Dog Discovery Outing in Saint-Siméon - Charlevoix
The Charlevoix region is one of the most beautiful areas in Quebec, whether it’s summer or winter. Just a 4-hour and 50-minute drive from Montreal or 2 hours from Quebec City, the Bosco Charlevoix team warmly welcomes you to Saint-Siméon for an exhilarating dogsled ride. You have the choice to drive or be driven, ensuring you make the most of the stunning natural landscapes surrounding you.
Price: Starting from $155 CAD per person.
Address: Bosco Charlevoix – 434 Route 170, Saint-Siméon, Charlevoix-Est, Québec, G0T 1X0, Canada
Where to stay nearby?
Dogsledding in Baie-Saint-Paul, Charlevoix
Located 1 hour and 15 minutes from Quebec City or 4 hours from Montreal, come and meet the sled dogs of La Reine et le Millionnaire kennel. Enjoy a thrilling 1-hour or 2-hour ride while safely admiring the magnificent views of Charlevoix’s valleys, forests, and snow-covered lakes, guided by an experienced instructor.
Price: Starting from $172 CAD per person.
Address: 600 Rang St Placide N, Baie-Saint-Paul, QC G3Z 3A7, Canada
Where to stay nearby?
- Beautiful Apartment in Downtown Saint-Paul
- Well-located hotel close to all activities
- An inn-hotel with a spa
A word of caution: Please remember to include 15% of the activity price in your budget for tips (usually 15% as well). Tips are discretionary and at your own discretion.
Dog sledding at Mont-Tremblant
Located approximately 2 hours northwest of Montreal, Mont-Tremblant is where I had my very first dog sledding experience. Let me share my story with you. The Kanatha-Aki nature activity center has an excellent reputation, and I have to say that I wasn’t disappointed. The center offers a variety of outings suitable for beginners, including introductory courses, 1 to 3-hour walks, day trips, and even multi-day expeditions. It’s a complete change of scenery!
Price: Starting from $79 CAD per person.
Address: 11 Chemin Lac Orignal, Val des Lacs, Quebec, J0T 2P0, Canada
Where to stay nearby?
Dog sledding in Gaspésie
Gaspésie is another region gaining popularity for its summer activities, and it also offers several dog sledding opportunities. The Pourvoirie Fournier Plein Air center provides various activities, including the chance to go dog sledding. At this center, you can choose from different durations: introductory sessions, half-days, full days, and even packages that include an overnight stay in a beautiful cottage!
Price: Starting from $200 CAD per person
.Address: 130 1ER RANG NORD SAINT-VIANNEY, Québec, G0J 3J0, Canada
Where to stay nearby?
Why Choose Dog Sledding in Quebec?
Dog sledding in Quebec is highly regarded by Europeans as one of the most authentic activities to experience when visiting Canada. Surprisingly, few Canadians, particularly Quebecers, have had the opportunity to partake in this thrilling adventure. Despite some locals considering it purely touristy, I strongly encourage you to give it a try, having experienced it firsthand.
To begin with, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an untouched, snowy wilderness that exudes tranquility. The only sounds that break the silence are the joyful barks of the sled dogs. Upon arrival at the kennel, you will meet a remarkable pack of sled dogs, including Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Greenland Dogs. Take a moment to interact with them, and you’ll sense their infectious excitement, along with the guide’s instructions that signal an extraordinary experience awaits you. When it’s time to embark on your ride, surrender yourself to the glide and let the sled gracefully traverse the snow. Alternatively, if you desire, you can take the reins and guide the sled, which amplifies the thrill. Firstly, you’ll be captivated by the sensation of gliding and speed, and secondly, you’ll feel a genuine bond forming between yourself and the dogs as they respond to your commands. While traversing the vast expanses of picturesque landscapes, you’ll be awestruck by the beauty and feel like an intrepid explorer, following in the footsteps of legends like Mike Horn or Davy Crockett.
This magical excursion will etch itself in your memory for a lifetime and undoubtedly become the highlight of your vacation!
My dog sledding experience in Quebec
The dog sledding trip I took (at the Kanatha-Aki Center in Mont Tremblant) was one of the most memorable experiences of my Canadian adventure, an experience like no other. As mentioned earlier, speeding through vast snow-covered spaces provides incredible sensations of gliding and power, and I loved being in contact with all those dogs, mostly Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. One summer, I even spent a weekend in a kennel looking after around sixty sled dogs, and I understood how much these dogs need to run in open spaces, exercise, and thrive in the cold and snow.
During the trip, the guide taught me how to handle a sled and guide eight dogs using only my voice and precise commands. I realized that it’s a true collaboration with the dogs because sometimes you have to push the sled or run alongside it on slopes. On the way back, when everyone arrives, you can feel the dogs’ joy (and your own), and then you spend some time feeding and petting them. I had an authentic Nordic adventure thanks to genuine, passionate people.
If you’re looking for other experiences and ideas, check out the Quebec Tourism Office’s website.
When is the best time to go dog sledding?
As expected, the best time for dog sledding is winter, specifically from January to April. In December, there may be enough snow to engage in this activity, but in recent years, there has been a decline in heavy snowfalls. To ensure you are in the right season and have the ideal conditions to make the most of your dog sledding excursion in Quebec, I advise planning your winter vacation between January and March.
What should you pack for an enjoyable trip?
If you’re visiting Quebec in the winter, you’ll need to bring warm or very warm clothing. Temperatures can drop to -25°C, with wind chills reaching -50°C.
It’s important to pack thermal underwear, tights, fleece sweaters, a good thigh-length coat, ski pants, gloves or mittens, a scarf, a hat to cover your ears, thick socks, and a pair of snow boots. To avoid overloading your suitcase, and if you have enough money, you can rent accessories and winter clothing for your stay, for example, from Aloc Manteau or QuebecFatBike.
For dog sledding, in particular, you’ll need to pack winter clothing suitable for extreme cold, such as snow pants, a very warm coat, winter boots, mittens, and a hat. Since this activity is more stationary, you’ll require warmer clothes compared to skiing. If necessary, you can supplement your equipment (boots, snow pants, and mittens) with or without an additional charge from the companies where you booked the activity.
A helpful tip: you can purchase disposable hand and foot warmers at Pharmaprix or Jean-Coutu stores (located throughout Quebec). They’ll keep you warm for hours while you’re out and about.
And don’t forget to bring a GoPro-style camera to capture this incredible adventure. Remember to protect your equipment with waterproof cases and bring extra batteries, as they tend to drain quickly in the extreme cold.
In conclusion, dog sledding in Quebec is an incredible adventure that fully immerses you in the region’s stunning winter landscapes. I highly recommend it as a unique opportunity to connect with nature, discover Quebec’s culture and history, and forge a special bond with these lively and faithful four-legged companions.
So, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an animal lover, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, dog sledding in Quebec is certain to captivate you! Bundle up in warm clothes, prepare to glide through the snow, and let yourself be carried away by this enchanting adventure!
If you’re seeking a different winter experience, I suggest visiting the island of Newfoundland. There, you can enjoy activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or downhill skiing. If you’re interested, Sylvain has written an article on how to reach Newfoundland.
As for me, I’m continuing my exploration of Canada and its magnificent landscapes. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures!
