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Dog Sledding in Toronto: 8 Best Places & Tours (2023)
Are you looking for the best places for dog sledding in Toronto? You’ve come to the right place!
As the largest city in Canada, Toronto is not the best place to raise sled dogs, and there aren’t a ton of places to run them through the forest like you would need to.
That being said, you can easily take a day trip to some places close by to make your dreams of Dog Sledding in Toronto a reality!
In this post, I’ll answer all your must-knows about dog sledding around Toronto – the best month to go, what you need to wear, and even if the dogs find it enjoyable! Let’s dive in.
🛷 I recommend this dog sled tour in Toronto!
Top 3 Picks: Best Dog Sledding Toronto Canada
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sugar Dogs Adventure Co.
✔️ Private option
✔️ Fireside lunch
Winterdance Dogsled Tours
✔️ 3 hours
✔️ Siberian huskies
Call of the Wild
✔️ Harness the dogs
✔️ 2 hours
6 Best Dog Sledding in Toronto
1. Sugar Dogs Adventure Co. in Sundridge
Distance from Toronto: 22 minutes
Price Per Person: $360.49 for a public tour, $755.18 for a private tour
Duration: ~ 12 hours
Sugar Dogs Adventure Co. will let you escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a full-day dog-sledding excursion! They are open to all ages coming and offer other snow-related activities too, so it’ll be fun for the whole family.
They provide round-trip transportation from the city, a fireside lunch (cozy!), snacks, and opportunities to take selfies with the dogs! What an adorable souvenir to come home with. It’s a family-owned and led operation, so you’ll get personal touches the whole time during these day tours.
If you are looking to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience, the private version of this tour may be just what you are looking for!
All the amenities of the public dog sledding tours are included, and you’ll still get access to transportation from downtown Toronto in addition to your own private driver and guide.
🛷 I recommend this dog sled tour in Toronto!
2. Winterdance Dogsled Tours in Haliburton Highlands
Distance from Toronto: 3 hrs, 15 mins.
Price Per Person: $225 – $1425
Duration: 2-hour to Multi-Day
If you are looking for lots of options for the length of your tour as you book dog sledding near Toronto, this is a company you will want to check out!
They have everything from half-day to multi-day excursions. They do recommend that for families looking to go together that children be at least seven years old before booking a full day trip. For a half-day, though, they can be as young as two!
During the tour with Winterdance, you’ll get the opportunity to learn the basics of driving a dogsled team and be introduced to the Siberian Huskies, including cuddle time and photos with them at the end of the tour!
This is also the company you’ll want to get in touch with if you have a large group you want to take dogsledding. They work with corporate, school, and scout tours to give them a unique bonding experience. Of course, you can also have snowshoeing, outdoor cooked lunches, and sleigh rides added to your package!
3. Call of the Wild in Algonquin Park
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours, 12 minutes
Price Per Person: $225.00
Duration: ~ 2 hours
If you want to get up close and personal with the Siberian Huskies that will be pulling your dogsled, you’ll want to book this tour. You get the hands-on experience of harnessing the team, hooking them up to the sled, and unharnessing them at the end of the day!
You will also be mushing your own team with your guide behind you, which is something that many other companies don’t offer during your dogsledding experience.
Located in the beautiful forests of Ontario, this is close enough to Toronto to be easily accessible but far enough removed you’ll feel like you’ve had a true getaway. It is a winter adventure, like so many other winter adventures in Canada, you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
4. North Ridge Ranch in Huntsville
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Price Per Person: $105 – $279
Duration: 1 hour or half-day
If you are looking to schedule your tour any day of the week, North Ridge Ranch is going to be the place for you. Because of their popularity, they do tours 7 days a weekon each of the seven days, making scheduling a breeze.
On the half-day tour, which lasts approximately 2.5-3 hours, you’ll get a mid-tour break for some hot chocolate (yum!), granola bars, and time with the pups. The guides are also incredibly friendly and open to you asking any questions you may have about dog sledding.
If you are looking for your experience dog sledding close to Toronto to be a bit more educational, or you have young kids with you, the one hour tour is a great option. They start with a detailed lesson, and partway through the tour, you’ll be given the opportunity to drive. So fun!
5. Snow Forest Adventures in Algonquin Park
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours, 29 minutes
Price Per Person: $1050-$1350
Duration: 3 days to 9 days
While the cost per person of this trip is on the higher side, if you want to be fully immersed in the dog sledding experience, this is going to be the tour for you! The 3-day, 2-night signature trip is their most popular option.
You don’t need to be intimidated by this experience, even if you’ve never mushed a dog sled team or camped in Canada in the winter. The team of experts that will guide you will also teach you everything you need to know. You can even rent winter gear from them before heading out!
All of your meals, snacks, beverages, and accommodations are provided, which will make planning for this trip oh so simple. I love when packing can take next to no time at all!
6. Windrift Adventures in Barrie
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Price Per Person: $60 – $440
Duration: Half hour to Full Day
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, this may be the tour for you. It’s also slightly closer to the downtown Toronto area, making it appealing for those who don’t want to drive quite as far to experience dog sledding in Toronto.
One of the best parts about these tours is that they offer weekday pricing, so if you can swing booking your tour between Monday and Thursday, you can save.
They also have tours as short as half an hour, which means that you can book a dogsledding excursion as part of a larger trip, knowing it isn’t going to take up a ton of time!
For this adventure, you will need to make sure you have your own winter clothing, as they don’t provide rentals. However, they do provide warm drinks and snacks for those who book for a half day and a hot chili lunch for those who book a full day. Yum!
2 Best Dog Sledding Near Toronto
7. Raven Adventures in Cochrane
Distance from Toronto: 7 hours, 41 minutes
Duration: You decide!
Fancy doing some dogsledding at a winter carnival or your wedding? This place has done it! They specialize in making your event memorable and personalizing your tour to whatever your needs may be.
The owners of this company have been racing dogs for a long time and have a very special relationship with the ones who pull their sleds. Go check it out!
8. Voyageur Quest in Algonquin Park
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Price Per Person: $760 – $967
Duration: 3 days
This is the go-to place if you are looking for a summer or winter escape. They truly do it all!
In the summertime, they offer canoe trips and kayaking from 2 to 14 days long with all the accommodations you could possibly imagine!
Their winter amenities are just as appealing with dog sled adventures that lead to cozy cabins. You can book their all-inclusive excursions, where they do all the heavy lifting in terms of planning, or you can DIY your own adventure!
Either way, you won’t be disappointed. You can also add snowmobiling and snowshoeing to get the ultimate winter experience.
Tips for Dog Sledding in Toronto
The best time to book your dog sledding trip in Toronto is obviously during the winter months! In Canada, this means that January through March is going to be your best bet, as there will definitely be snow on the ground.
If you are willing to take the chance of not as much snow but are looking for slightly milder temperatures during your excursion, booking in November at the start of the season or April to early May at the end of the season may give you that option!
In terms of what to wear, you want to layer up to protect yourself from the cold. Snowpants, heavy-duty gloves, and an excellent pair of boots are all musts on a dogsledding trip.
FAQs
Is there dog sledding in Toronto Canada?
Dog sledding is available throughout Ontario, you’ll find the majority of tour groups scattered in an area between Ottawa and Toronto, known as Explorer’s Edge. As the country becomes a winter wonderland, it is definitely worth it to book one of these tours and experience it by being out in the elements. It’s something you won’t soon forget.
🛷 I recommend this dog sled tour in Toronto!
Is dogsledding abusive?
Horror stories of animal cruelty can be found in dog sledding operations around the world. Due to this, many operations in Canada are extra particular about how their dogs are treated. As a traveler, you must do your research to make sure the facility with which you book your tour has the most humane practices.
How much is dog sledding Ontario?
On average, dogsledding tours are priced at 2 people 30 minute experience, shared sled $85. As you book shorter or longer tours, this will raise or lower the price. Keep in mind that some tours also provide food, education, or opportunities to mush and drive, which will all impact how much you’ll pay for the experience.
🛷 I recommend this dog sled tour in Toronto!
Is there a weight limit for dog sledding?
There is a maximum weight limit of 350 lbs of passenger weight and no more than two adults or three children per sled. However, you will need to check each tour company’s website to see their specific requirements before booking your dog sledding excursion, as it may vary from place to place.
Do sled dogs enjoy it?
The sled dogs are happy and enjoy the sledding as much as we do. When treated with love and respect, sled dogs are happy and work in harmony with us. The facilities must treat the dogs well in order to earn this respect, but once they do, they have companions for life that are ready to give you the adventure of a lifetime.
Conclusion: Best Dog Sledding in Toronto this Winter
My top pick for dog sledding in Toronto this winter is Sugar Dogs Adventure Co.! With their options of public and private tours, they simply can’t be beat.
I know you will enjoy any tours here, though, and I can’t wait to hear all about your winter adventures!
🛷 I recommend this dog sled tour in Toronto!
Looking for more Canada winter tours?
Looking for more Toronto tours?
- Best Toronto Helicopter Tours for Aerial Views
- Best Places to Go Kayaking Near Toronto
- Best Day Trips From Toronto
- Best Road Trips in Ontario from Toronto
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.