Winter in Québec City is a magical experience, and what better way to embrace the snowy wonderland than a thrilling dog sledding adventure? Nestled in the heart of a private forest just a short drive from Québec City, you can experience an unforgettable experience for those looking for a unique winter activity.
Dog sledding is what sparked my interest in visiting Canada during the winter. As I mentioned in my previous post, Hôtel de Glace Québec City: A Magical Ice Hotel Experience, I didn’t grow up in a climate that allowed typical winter activities. I didn’t experience real snow until adulthood.
I had a short window of time off between graduate school semesters and was casually looking for winter destinations. My algorithm randomly showed me a video of someone dog sledding, and I quickly found myself going down an obsessive rabbit hole researching where to book this experience. There are places all over North America where you can experience dog sledding; I landed in Québec City because of the density of winter activities in one place.
Getting to the Dog Sledding Destination
I Ubered to and from my dog sledding destination, Passion Husky. It was about a 30-minute drive from the center of Quebec City. Obviously, if you have a car, you can drive to your dog sledding activity. However, I was afraid of road conditions and my lack of experience driving in snow, so I did not rent a car for this trip—I have no regrets about this decision. I scheduled my Uber pick-up and enjoyed the journey out of the city and into the countryside.
As part of my planning process, I always take a virtual “walk around” a destination on Google Maps before arriving. This way, I know I’m being taken to the correct destination, and I sound confident when they inevitably ask, “Is this the place?”. My driver was unsure if he trusted the snowy drive that was the entrance to Passion Husky, which was on a remote two-lane road. As soon as we turned into the driveway, we were greeted by a huge 50-foot husky statue, making it undeniable that this was the spot. Once my driver was out of sight, I excitedly made a snowball and tossed it into the air; I threw handfuls of fluffy snow up and let it slowly sprinkle down to the ground. I had never seen so much fresh snow and couldn’t contain my excitement. If I had two more minutes, the guides who greeted me would have seen me lying on the ground making snow angels.
The Dog Sledding Experience
(I don’t remember the guide’s names. I’m going to make them up for the purpose of storytelling.)
I was greeted by Chloe and Philip, two of the guides. Since Philip spoke the best English, he was paired with me for my hour-long dog sledding experience. Québec City’s first language is French, but don’t let that get in the way of visiting. In every place I visited, people spoke English and French. My high school French did pay off with standard greetings, but I quickly looked like a deer in the headlights once I was asked anything off-script.
Before the dog sledding began, I was asked if I wanted to put on an additional jacket. Passion Husky had a wall of various jackets (and pants) for guests to borrow to stay warm during the experience. I didn’t think I needed it at first, but in not so many words, Chloe suggested I “just go take a look.” I took the hint and went inside to pick out a large canvas military jacket over my already thick layers.
I walked out to Philip, who was harnessing the dogs for our adventure into the snowy forest just beyond the dog kennels. I was surprised we only needed four dogs for the hour-long trip. I expected a long string of 8 -10 dogs pulling us through the trees. Philip reminds me the pictures my brain has conjured up of dog sledding are from the Iditarod. A large team of dogs is needed to endure the day’s long race in freezing Alaskan temperatures. A team of four was more than enough for our hour-long trip with no gear.
Ready, Set, Mush…
We never actually said “mush” during the dog sledding trip. This term has fallen out of vogue and is no longer something dog sled drivers use today. Philip would call out the pack leader’s name and direct her left or right in French. I felt like everything I learned as a kid about dog sledding was a lie. First, I didn’t need a pack of 12 dogs to pull me through the Canadian woods, and now I discover they don’t even say “mush”!?!?
After a dose of reality regarding my lack of knowledge about what I signed up for, I settled into my sled. For the first 30 minutes of my trip, I was a passenger. I sat in the sled, holding on for dear life. The only rule for being a passenger is to keep your arms and legs inside the sled, which I took very seriously. As we started our run, I was shocked by how powerful these dogs were. We were speeding through the woods faster than I had anticipated. The cold air stung my face, but I felt warm and grateful that I had taken Chloe’s advice and added another jacket. We navigated sharp corners, caught air from small hills, and glided over fresh snow. I was giggling like a child; I couldn’t contain my joy!
Halfway through the trip, Philp asked if I would like to drive. I excitedly and nervously said yes. The one rule for diving the team was never to let go of the wooded handlebar at the top. If the diver falls off the sled, the dogs will keep going, and Philp would be along for the ride. Besides verbal commands, there is a U-shaped metal break between the sled’s skees. I was instructed to use it sparingly and lightly step on it when taking turns.
With a death grip on the handlebar, we were off. Being a driver is so much more fun than being a passenger. It’s also a workout. The driver is a part of the team. When climbing hills, you have to take one foot off the sled and help push the sled up, kind of like a scooter. After ten minutes, I was sweating but having an absolute blast. The crisp air stung my exposed face, but I couldn’t stop smiling. I thought bouncing through the woods as a passenger was fun. I was wrong; being the driver of my small but mighty team was the highlight of my trip.
Returning to the Base
After returning to the base, you can thank your canine companions with well-deserved pats and cuddles. It’s important to remember that these Huskies are working dogs. They live outdoors, and they have the scent to prove it. Unlike your pets that lounge on your couch after a day at the dog park, these dogs are trained to work as a team and thrive in the snow. Each has its own personality; some are standoffish, while others have no concept of personal space. Passion Husky encourages visitors to spend as much time as they wish with the dogs afterward, discovering their unique personalities and the special bond they share with their human handlers.
Chole welcomed me with a hot chocolate when I returned. She invited me to stay as long as I wanted. She mentioned that some people stay for hours to spend time with the dogs. I took the opportunity to give every canine member of my team a belly rub and thanked them for such a wonderful experience. Then, I moved on to the puppy corral, where energetic 6-month-old puppies surrounded me. They tugged at the string of my borrowed jacket while others jumped on me to reach the front for a scratch behind the ear.
I could have stayed for hours, but at that moment, my confused Uber driver called to say he was here, or at least he thought he was. It felt like when your parents picked you up from your friend’s house as a kid, just when you were in the middle of an epic game of tag. Reluctantly, I left the puppy corral and went inside to return my jacket. Once again, I was glad I chose to wear this extra layer because the puppies jumped all over me, leaving this jacket covered in dirt and fur.
Dog Sledding Tips
This dog sledding experience will remain one of the best vacation experiences ever. If you’re searching for an unforgettable winter adventure in Québec City, look no further than Passion Husky. They were incredibly welcoming, and I created memories I will never forget.
Here are some additional tips for your visit:
- Dress warmly: Wear layers of clothing, including a waterproof jacket and pants, a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf. If you decide to dog sled at Passion Husky, be sure to borrow a jacket.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Choose waterproof boots with good traction. When it’s your turn to drive, the skis of the sled can be slippery.
- Bring a camera: You’ll want to capture the stunning scenery and your furry friends. Make sure it has a way to be tethered to you. A sudden bump or sharp turn could cause your phone or camera to be lost in the powdery snow. The last thing you want is to dig through the snow for your camera instead of enjoying your experience.
- Arrive on time: Be sure to arrive at the Passion Husky base at your scheduled time. I would even suggest arriving early to pick a jacket and spend more time with the dogs before your dog sledding adventure.
- Listen to your guide: The guides are experienced professionals who will ensure your safety and enjoyment. Keep your hands inside the sled, and if you are diving hang on to the sled.
Passion Husky is open during the winter season, typically from December to April. Check their website for the most current information. Be sure to book your excursion in advance, as they are a popular attraction. Visit their website or contact them directly for more details and to make a reservation.
The information in this article was accurate when published but can change without notice. Please confirm rates and details when planning your trip by following the links in this article. If you find out-of-date or inaccurate information, I’d love to hear about it to update the article. Use the comments section below. Thanks!
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