Dog sledding in the Laurentians

Dog sledding is probably one of the best experiences I had during my stay in Canada. I think it’s an activity that every foreigner has on their list of things to do and see when they come to Quebec, almost a must! For my part, it was definitely on mine and I really wanted to live this experience, which turned out to be incredible. I had gone through a student association at the UQAM university in Montreal (the UQAM Sports Centre) and had therefore signed up for this day out in the Laurentians, handy when you don’t have a vehicle, leaving from Montreal.

The Kanatha-Aki estate

So I had the chance to go dog sledding in the Laurentians, in Val-des-Lacs, located 1h30 by car from Montreal and 40 minutes from Mont-Tremblant, at the Kanatha-Aki activity centre. The estate is run by a French expat, passionate about nature and animals. He offers many activities, in winter as well as in summer, such as horse riding, fishing, zip lining, survival courses… I can only recommend this magnificent place between lakes and forests! The estate is huge but I had time in one day to wander around it, to go and see the horses but also the herd of wood bison (Athabascae) that the owner reintroduced to the region a few years ago and which he presented to us during a guided tour.

Horse ranch

Wood bison

The centre also offers nights in traditional dwellings such as the refuge or the tipi. It really is possible to spend a whole day there, or even a few days to enjoy the place. Late in the afternoon, before heading back to Montreal, I made the most of a bit of time to walk to the panoramic platform which offers a view over the mountains and the whole estate.

Dog sledding

The Kanatha-Aki centre offers several dog sledding packages: for my part, I went for the discovery dog sled ride. The ride is done in pairs plus the guide, who gives you the chance to drive the sled with him halfway through. The most comfortable place is of course the one in the sled under the blankets where you feel like you’re gliding over the snow. But I’ll admit that driving the sled was also a real pleasure even if it’s much more physical! The guide shared his techniques and his daily life at the kennel with passion, which makes the ride all the more captivating. The ride also lets you discover the snowy landscapes and, with the sun and the blue sky, it was magnificent.

Before the ride, I got to discover the kennel and get close to the dogs, who are delighted to come and rub against your legs… adorable!

The kennel chalet

The dogs of Kanatha-Aki

Souvenir photos

What we thought of dog sledding

No great surprise, I had an excellent day at the Kanatha-Aki estate, one of the highlights of which was that hour of dog sledding. I’m really happy to have been able to make a dream come true, one I had even before coming to Canada for a few months. I would happily do it again if the chance of a trip to the Far North came up, in the Scandinavian countries or in Quebec again.
I can only advise you to have this experience if you come to Quebec in winter because it creates memorable memories!

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