Enjoying a dog sledding Whistler tour is one of the most fun things to do in Whistler in winter!
This activity, dating back 4,000 years, is deeply intertwined with the history of Northern Canada. Researchers suggest that without the loyal and powerful sled dogs in Canada, life may not have been possible.
These Arctic dogs have been bred over centuries, are built to withstand freezing temperatures, and pull sleds over impressive distances, sometimes up to 130 kilometers (80 miles) in a single day! Capable of reaching speeds of up to 32 km/h (20 m.p.h), these dogs are nothing short of phenomenal, and booking a dog sled tour in Whistler is a Canadian bucket list activity for sure.
If you’re looking to book a dog sledding tour in Whistler you have two options. You could book with Canadian Wilderness or Blackcomb Dogsled. Both companies have tours lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours which includes about 45-55 minutes on the trail. They’re the closest dog sledding Vancouver tours and in some of the most magical scenery.
Dog sledding in Whistler is available from mid-December through mid-April and booking in advance is strongly recommended since it’s such a popular Whistler winter activity. You can book online for both of these tours.
Having been fortunate to go dog sledding a couple of times, I know what to look for when it comes to good companies for dog sledding. If you’re wondering what the difference is between these two companies and which one you should book, I’ve provided further details that draw out the pros and cons.
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Why go dog sledding in Whistler?
If you’re not sure if dog sledding is for you, here are 5 reasons I recommend it while visiting Whistler!
- Historical Connection: Dog sledding is a centuries-old tradition, offering a unique way to connect with Canadian history and the traditional ways of life in the Arctic regions.
- Unforgettable Adventure: The thrill of speeding across a snow-covered landscape behind a team of energetic sled dogs is an experience like no other!
- Beautiful Scenery: Whistler’s pristine winter landscapes are truly picturesque. Dog sledding offers a unique viewpoint from which to enjoy the stunning views.
- Animal Interaction: If you’re an animal lover, this is a fantastic opportunity to interact with highly trained sled dogs, who are as excited about the run as you are. And getting cuddles with them at the end is (almost) the best bit!
- Personal Participation: Dog sledding is not a passive activity. The chance to learn the commands and ‘mush’ your own sled adds a layer of involvement to this outdoor adventure.
Mountain Mushing Tour Whistler
- Price: $559 per sled or $659 for 2 people + 1 small child per sled
- Departure Times: 9 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm
- Main Pick-Up Locations: Hilton Whistler Resort (lobby level), Four Seasons, Chateau Fairmont, Nita Lake Lodge, Legends in Creekside
The iconic Mountain Mushing tour from Blackcomb Dogsled takes you into the wilderness around Whistler BC.
Slide into a cozy sled and get all wrapped in a snug blanket to keep you warm throughout the journey.
You can ride with your partner and/or your child as you travel through picturesque, forested trails, pausing at a beautiful viewpoint along the way.
At the end of your sledding tour in Whistler, you’ll get to say hello to the dogs and enjoy a hot apple cider and cookie in a yurt owned by Blackcomb Dogsled.
Blackcomb Dogsled arranges pick-ups at multiple locations throughout Whistler so you won’t need to make your way there. The main pickup spot is just inside the Hilton Whistler Resort at the lobby level (you don’t need to be a guest there).
They also offer pick-ups at major hotels in Whistler Village upon request.
Trappers Run Dog Sled Tour
- Dog sledding prices: $559 per sled, $659 for 2 people + 1 small child per sled
- Departure Times: 8:00 am, 11:00 am, and 2:30 pm
- Dog sledding Whistler Locations for pick-up: Various locations throughout Whistler, shuttle provided
The Trappers Run dog sledding tour by Canadian Wilderness Adventures gives you the chance to explore the old-growth forests of the Callaghan Valley.
You’ll meet a professional musher and learn more about harnessing and staging the dogs. The musher will teach you the essential commands used when dog sledding and then amongst the cacophony of excitable dogs ready for a run, you’ll whiz off along the trails.
Though not exactly a smooth ride, it’s a fun ride and you’ll even have the chance to do some mushing yourself if you wish under the guidance of your guide on these Canadian Wilderness Adventure dog sled tours.
I tried mushing on a husky tour in Revelstoke and it’s actually much harder to stay on the sled than you’d think!
The trails chosen by Canadian Wilderness Adventure include a mix of open and winding trails for a winter expedition you won’t forget and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Blackcomb Dogsled Whistler vs Canadian Wilderness Adventures dog sledding in Whistler
Below is a comparison of the two tours. They’re pretty much identical in terms of what they offer, but Blackcomb Dog Sled does go a bit further. At the end of their tour, they offer guests a hot drink and snack in a yurt which Canadian Wilderness Adventure does not.
Both companies offer blankets for their guests, a chance to interact with dogs and run for about the same amount of time (roughly an hour) as well as providing hotel pickups.
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What to wear for dog sledding Whistler?
It’s important to dress warmly and appropriately for dog sledding in Whistler. This includes wearing thermal base layers on both your top and bottom, and insulating mid-layers such as a fleece top or puffy, insulated jacket (I love my Patagonia one).
Then, make sure you’ve got a waterproof outer layer on as if you’re going skiing. When I’ve been dogsledding before I wear my ski pants and ski jacket.
For your feet, be sure to wear some thick warm socks and wear waterproof winter boots. Hiking boots will work well.
Be sure to bring gloves or mittens and a wooly hat. You may also want a scarf or a buff to keep your face warm. Another good idea is to have some hand warmers inside your gloves on particularly cold days.
Wearing ski goggles or sunglasses is also recommended since snow and ice or bits of twig can be flicked up as the dogs run.
Whistler Dog Sledding FAQs
Are there weight restrictions for Whistler dog sledding?
Yes. The maximum weight per sled is 350 lbs (160 kg). Please keep this in mind when booking your sleds, you may need 1 sled per adult.
How many people are on a sled?
There is a maximum of 2 adults and 1 small child per sled (age minimum 3 years old).
How much does it cost to go dog sledding in Whistler?
It costs $559 per sled plus tax bringing the total to about $640 CAD per sled which can seat two adults and 1 young child.
Can you go dog sledding in Whistler?
Yes! There are two companies that run similar tours, detailed in this post.
Why is dog sledding so expensive?
Looking after the dogs costs a lot of money and since the season is just 3-4 months in the winter costs need to be covered for the whole year. It’s also a popular tourism activity that can draw in crowds despite high costs.
Final thoughts on dog sledding Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler dog sledding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can whiz through the forests guided by a team of excitable, loving dogs. It’s also the closest dog sledding near Vancouver if you’re looking to tick this winter activity off your bucket list.
Whichever dog sled tour in Whistler you choose, you’ll have a great time. Though given that they’re the same price, I would opt for the Blackcomb dog sled company since you get a hot drink and cookie at the end which can be much needed after being out in the cold!
If you’re looking for less expensive dog sledding in BC and other dog sledding Canada tours, then I highly recommend visiting Sun Peaks instead of Whistler for both cheaper skiing and dog sledding. Sun Peaks dog sledding is run by a local family and the dogs are lovely if you’re looking for dog sledding Kamloops that’s where to go! Their tours are cheaper and they offer multiple lengths so you can try it out, or go deep onto the trails depending on how much you want to spend.
And, if you’re going to Quebec, check out these awesome dog sledding tours!
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.