The Thompson Okanagan offers ample opportunities for dogsledding from November through April.
Two popular locales are Clearwater and Valemount, both of which are close by the renowned yet remote Wells Gray and Mount Robson provincial parks, two vast areas of protected wilderness.
You can also try a dogsledding tour at family-friendly Sun Peaks Resort, which is near Kamloops.
Highlights:
Clearwater/Wells Gray Provincial Park: Tours range from half- to multi-day excursions along cleared trails.
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Valemount: Mush by frozen waterfalls and through snow-covered trees. Be sure to try a moonlit tour.
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Sun Peaks Resort: Learn how to hook up and mush a sled of dogs before heading out on a tour.
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Clearwater/Wells Gray Provincial Park
Clearwater is situated in the Cariboo Mountains close by Wells Gray Provincial Park, a spectacular protected area of over 540,000 ha (1.3 million ac) that boasts a deep snow pack. Operators offer a gamut of tours that range from half- to multi-day excursions along cleared trails using Alaskan Racing Huskies.
There's often time for snowmobiling as well. Guests learn basic dog-handling techniques and take turns as leaders. Sledders usually start on groomed trails that are fairly easy to maneuver, then progress "off road" to forested areas. Clearwater is 123 km (76 mi) north of Kamloops via Highway 5.
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Valemount
Valemount is dazzlingly surrounded by three mountain ranges:
- Cariboo Mountains to the west
- Monashee Range to the south
- Rocky Mountains to the east
Sledders learn about the fascinating history of the area as they ascend 305 m (1,000 ft) by dog team along a 100-year-old trap line. The terrain is mesmerizing - dogs mush by frozen waterfalls, up toward towering mountain peaks, through snow-covered trees and by icy rivers. Moonlit tours are offered around the full moon. Valemount is 320 km (200 mi) north of Kamloops via Hwy 5.
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Sun Peaks Resort
Take time out from skiing and snowboarding at this popular family-friendly resort to try dogsledding. Professional guides teach guests to hook up and mush a sled of Alaskan Huskies before heading out on a tour.
Choose from two tours:
- Have a Howl, a 5-km (3.1-mi),1.5-hour tour of the area
- Wilderness Trek, which takes 2.5 hours and covers 12 km (7.5 mi)
These tours sell out quickly - be sure to book in advance. Sun Peaks Resort is 45 minutes northeast from Kamloops.
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