Mont-Tremblant dogsledding review

What dogsledding in the Laurentides is actually like

You hear the dogs before you see them. The kennel erupts in barking the moment you arrive — not aggression, but pure excitement. Huskies and Malamutes bred for this work know what the arrival of visitors means, and the energy is immediately infectious.

The briefing is short and practical: how to stand on the back runners, how to brake, how to steer. Then the dogs are harnessed, the gangline is attached, and you are positioned on the sled. When the handler releases the anchor, the acceleration is startling. A team of 6 to 8 dogs pulls with extraordinary efficiency; within seconds you are moving through a forested trail at 20–25 km/h, the only sound being the runners on snow and the breathing of the dogs.

The valley adventure (2–3 hours) takes you through a dedicated network of trails in the Laurentian forest west of Mont-Tremblant. The terrain includes open meadows, forest corridors, and gentle hills. Guides rotate drivers and passengers so each person gets to stand on the runners for a portion of the route. The dogs are comfortable in groups or solo — experienced operators manage the pack dynamics carefully.

The Laurentides in winter is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Québec. Snow-laden spruce trees line the trails, the light in late morning is extraordinary, and the silence between straight sections — broken only by the team’s panting — is something you will remember.

What it costs

The valley adventure is priced at approximately $150 CAD per person for 2–3 hours. This is the most popular and most comprehensive of the Tremblant dogsledding options.

Other options:

• Upper Laurentians dogsledding: ~$130 CAD for 1–2 hours, covering more remote terrain further from the resort centre
• Guided dogsledding with hot chocolate: ~$130 CAD for 1.5 hours, ending with warm drinks at the kennel
• Sled dog hiking experience: ~$100 CAD for 2 hours, a non-motorised alternative where dogs accompany you on a snowshoe hike rather than pulling a sled

All prices are per person and subject to approximately 15% taxes.

Why we recommend the valley adventure

The valley adventure is the right choice for first-time participants who want the full dogsledding experience without driving an extreme distance from the resort area.

Pros: the 2–3 hour duration gives you enough time to settle into the experience, rotate driving positions, and genuinely feel the rhythm of the trail rather than rushing through it. The Laurentian forest setting is spectacular. The dogs are working animals at the peak of their fitness and enthusiasm — the experience feels genuine rather than staged.

Cons: the price is high relative to the duration. $150 CAD for 2.5 hours is a significant daily activity cost. If budget is tight, the hot chocolate option at $130 CAD for 1.5 hours offers a comparable taste of the experience at lower cost.

Honest note on the “ethical dogsledding” question: the operators near Tremblant run established businesses with repeat customers and visible kennel standards. Dogs are working animals performing activity they are bred and trained for. Pre- and post-run dog socialisation is standard practice and visible to guests. If you have concerns, contact the operator to discuss welfare protocols before booking.

How it compares to other Tremblant dogsledding options

The upper Laurentians tour ($130 CAD, 1–2 hours) covers more remote trails. The tradeoff is slightly shorter duration and more driving required to reach the departure point. Best for travellers who have their own car and want a quieter, less resort-adjacent location.

The hot chocolate tour ($130 CAD, 1.5 hours) is the shortest option and the best for beginners, older visitors, or families with younger children who might find 3 hours in the cold too demanding. The warm drink at the end is a genuine comfort after a brisk sled ride.

The sled dog hiking experience ($100 CAD, 2 hours) is worth mentioning as a distinct category. Rather than riding a sled, you walk/snowshoe alongside the dogs on a leash. The dogs pull gently (or not so gently), you move at a hiking pace, and the interaction is more intimate. This option is better for spring conditions when snow depth is marginal for sledding, and for travellers who want extended contact with the dogs rather than the speed of a sled run.

Practical tips

What to wear: layering is critical. The baseline is: moisture-wicking base layer (merino wool or synthetic), insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), and a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Waterproof boots rated to -30°C are ideal. Bring a balaclava or neck warmer — the cold on the back of the neck at speed is intense. Bring warm gloves or mittens rated to at least -20°C. Many operators have overalls and mitts available to supplement inadequate clothing; ask when booking.

Photography: a phone camera on the sled is difficult to use with thick gloves. Bring a camera with a wrist strap if possible, and accept that the best shots often come from the handler’s position following the team rather than from the sled itself. Go-Pro or action cameras on a headband work well.

Children: children can ride in the sled basket while an adult stands on the runners. The minimum age is typically 6–8 depending on the operator. Children under 4 are generally not accepted for safety reasons.

Booking: January and February are the peak months. Book at least 1 week ahead for weekend slots, 3–4 days for weekdays. December and March are quieter but may have limited trails depending on snowpack.

For the complete winter Laurentides experience, combine dogsledding with the Mont-Tremblant gondola day trip and the Hôtel de Glace overnight in a 7-day winter Quebec itinerary.

What to do nearby

After dogsledding, the Mont-Tremblant pedestrian village (15–20 minutes by car) offers warm restaurants and a clear contrast to the wild Laurentian forest. The hot chocolate at a terrace café after a cold morning on the trails is one of those small pleasures that defines a Quebec winter.

For more winter activities in the Laurentides — snowmobile tours, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing — see our comprehensive dog sledding in Québec guide and our Laurentides destination overview.

The town of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts (30 minutes south of Tremblant) offers a via ferrata in summer and snowmobile tours in winter, and has a strong local restaurant scene less priced than the Tremblant resort.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to go dogsledding? None required. The guide provides full instruction on technique, braking, and standing on the runners. Most first-time participants drive their own sled within 15 minutes of the briefing.

What temperature is dogsledding done at? Between approximately -25°C and +2°C. Extreme cold below -30°C results in cancellation for both passenger and animal welfare reasons. Freezing rain also cancels tours.

Which tour is best for families with children? The valley adventure for older children (8+) who can handle 2.5 hours in the cold. The hot chocolate tour for younger children or families who want a shorter, warmer experience with a cosy ending.

Is dogsledding ethical here? The Tremblant-area operators are established businesses with visible welfare practices. Dogs are purpose-bred working animals. The experience is genuine rather than performative. If welfare is a priority concern, ask the operator specifically about their husbandry standards before booking.

What season is dogsledding available? December through March. Peak season January–February. Early season (December) can be limited by snow depth; late season (March) by warming temperatures.

How should I dress? Windproof outer layer, insulating mid-layer, moisture-wicking base layer, waterproof boots, warm gloves/mitts (-20°C rated), hat or balaclava. See the practical tips section above for full detail.

Book this tour

Alternative tours

For a shorter dogsledding tour with a warm hot chocolate finish:

For a more remote experience in the upper Laurentians:

For a dog-guided snowshoe hike rather than a sled run — ideal in spring conditions:

See our complete guide to dog sledding in Québec for season advice, operator comparisons, and what to expect on your first sled run.