Dog Sledding

If you’re dreaming of a true Arctic adventure, a dog sledding tour in Yellowknife might just be the highlight of your trip. While I haven’t personally strapped into a sled, I’ve gathered plenty of honest details from travelers who have—and they largely rave about this experience. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply curious about this old-school way of traveling, this tour offers a genuine taste of northern hospitality and culture.

What really catches our eye is how highly recommended it is—97% of guests say they’d do it again—plus, a solid 5-star average rating from 33 reviews. Two things stand out: the small-group setting makes it easier to connect with the dogs and guides, and the cozy finish at the cabin with hot drinks and bannock is a warm way to end the chilly ride.

On the flip side, a few minor considerations are worth noting. Some guests have expressed concerns over the dogs’ apparent health, and the tour isn’t designed for those wanting a purely adrenaline-pumping sled ride—there’s storytelling, warm beverages, and cultural insights woven into the package.

This experience suits those eager for an authentic, informative, and relatively gentle introduction to dog mushing, especially if you enjoy learning about local traditions and bonding with friendly dogs in a welcoming small-group environment.

Key Points

• Authentic family-run operation with a focus on caring for the dogs and sharing local culture.
• Small-group tours (max 4 guests) enhance interaction and make it more personal.
• Includes warm beverages and bannock at the end, making the experience cozy and memorable.
• Pickup and drop-off are customizable within Yellowknife, easing logistics.
• Tour duration is about 1 hour, but the full experience—including transportation and storytelling—lasts roughly 1.5 hours.
• Good for most travelers, with the caveat that winter clothing is not included—dress warmly!

What to Expect from the Dog Sledding Tour

The typical day begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Yellowknife—convenient and stress-free, especially after a long travel day. Once at the venue, you’ll have the chance to pet and photograph your team of dogs, which are clearly well-loved and well-cared-for, according to many reviews. The energy of the dogs is infectious; some reviews highlight how excited they get to work, barking happily and showing their eagerness to run.

The sled ride itself takes place along wintery trails through the stunning snowy landscape surrounding Yellowknife. Expect a scenic journey, with plenty of chances to appreciate the bright white scenery, perhaps even with the Northern Lights if you’re lucky and visiting at the right time. The guides—who are both friendly and knowledgeable—will share insights into dog mushing, the history of the sport, and life in the North.

Travelers mention that the actual sled ride lasts about 20 minutes, but the whole experience—including harnessing, preparing the dogs, and photos—takes longer. As one reviewer noted, “The dogs are very friendly and knew and enjoyed their job,” which adds to the sense of participating in something authentic and heartfelt.

Post-ride traditions include gathering back at the cozy cabin for hot drinks and bannock, a type of traditional bread. Here, the hosts—often a mushing family—share stories and answer questions about their lifestyle, providing a deeper understanding of dog sledding culture. Many reviewers appreciate the warmth and friendliness of the hosts, with some mentioning how much they enjoyed learning from the family’s personal stories.

The Small-Group Experience: Intimate and Interactive

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is its small size, capped at four guests per sled. This setup allows you to get up close with the dogs, ask questions, and even try your hand at controlling the sled if you’re interested. Several reviews highlight how guests loved being able to stand behind the sled and participate actively, making the experience more engaging than just sitting passively.

Because it’s a small operation run by a family, you’re likely to notice their genuine love for their dogs and their culture. Multiple reviews, including those from satisfied travelers, emphasize how friendly and welcoming the hosts are, sharing stories and making everyone feel comfortable.

This kind of personal attention makes a difference—you’re not just a tourist, but a participant in a tradition that has been part of the North for generations. It also means that questions about the dogs’ welfare are answered openly in most cases, though some guests have expressed mild concern about the dogs’ health, which the hosts clarify is a reflection of their lean breed, typical for working sled dogs.

The Value of the Tour: Price and Experience

At roughly $118 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. You’re not just getting a sled ride; you’re gaining insights into the culture, bonding with dogs, and enjoying a scenic winter landscape—all within about 1.5 hours including transportation and storytelling.

Travelers consistently mention that the experience feels authentic and well-organized, delivering on its promises. The transportation is straightforward, with pickup and drop-off included, and the tour operates between late November and late March, aligning perfectly with winter months when snow is plentiful.

While winter clothing isn’t included, the tour’s website advises guests to dress warmly or rent gear locally. This is a minor inconvenience but an important consideration—be sure to come prepared for the cold, especially if you plan to take many photos or spend extra time with the dogs.

In terms of reviews, many guests point out how the guides are knowledgeable and attentive, making the ride safe and fun even for first-timers. The experience is especially suited for those who want more than just a quick sled ride—they’ll enjoy the storytelling, the chance to interact with the dogs, and the cozy post-ride gathering.

The Genuine Appeal: Who Should Book This Tour?

This dog sledding offering is perfect for travelers who value authenticity and a personal touch. It’s suited for those interested in learning about dog mushing and local culture, especially if they appreciate a smaller, family-run operation over larger commercial tours.

While it’s accessible for most people, a good level of physical comfort and warmth is necessary—dress appropriately for the cold outdoors. The experience may not satisfy thrill-seekers craving intense speed or high adrenaline, but those looking for a meaningful, well-rounded Arctic adventure will find it rewarding.

If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a memorable, interactive outing that combines scenic beauty with cultural insight, this tour hits the mark. However, if your priority is purely a fast-paced sled dash or private transportation, you might want to explore other options.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered within Yellowknife, making logistics easy. The vehicle is a standard GMC Terrain driven by the tour provider’s staff.

Do I need to bring winter clothing?
The tour does not include clothing, so dressing warmly is essential. Guests are advised to wear layers, hats, gloves, and possibly rent winter gear locally if needed.

How long does the entire experience last?
The actual dog sled ride is about 20 minutes, but the full experience—including harnessing, photographs, and post-ride storytelling—takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Can I interact with the dogs?
Yes, you will have the chance to pet and photograph the dogs both before and after the ride. Guests particularly enjoy being able to stand behind the sled and control it.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 4 travelers per sled, providing a more intimate experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most reviews suggest it’s safe and fun for families, but please ensure children are dressed warmly and are comfortable in cold outdoor conditions.

What is the price?
The tour costs approximately $117.86 per person, offering a good value considering the personalized interaction and cultural insights included.

Are the dogs well cared for?
According to many guest reviews, the dogs are very well-loved and trained. The hosts are transparent about their care, and the dogs’ health and happiness are prioritized.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re after an authentic dog sledding experience in Yellowknife, this small-group tour offers a heartwarming glimpse into the North’s sled dog culture. It combines scenic outdoor fun, meaningful interaction with friendly dogs, and warm hospitality, all wrapped in a relaxed, family-run setting.

It’s best suited for travelers who want more than just a quick ride—they’re looking to connect with the landscape, learn about local traditions, and enjoy a cozy gathering afterward. The modest price reflects its intimate nature and cultural authenticity, making it a worthwhile addition to your Arctic itinerary.

While not for adrenaline junkies seeking speed, it delivers genuine warmth, stunning views, and a charming glimpse into a way of life that’s been around for generations. If that sounds appealing, this tour deserves a spot on your Yellowknife list.

Remember: Dress warmly, book in advance (since it tends to fill up about 3 weeks ahead), and prepare for a memorable Arctic adventure with some of the friendliest dogs and guides around.