Dogsledding in Quebec is a wonderful way to fulfill all your Iditarod mushing dreams. I joined a group of friends for a dogsledding trip along magnificent conifer-lined trails in Jacques Cartier National Park. The exhilaration of driving a team of dogs through rolling and winding trails is a perfect winter adventure.
This article will describe the dogsledding trip and give some pointers. As I have done many winter adventures in Quebec, I’ll share other winter activities to fill your vacation time. The best way to deal with the extreme winter chill of Quebec is to embrace it by trying out the best snow and ice adventures.
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Logistics for Dogsledding in Quebec
The dogsledding company we used for the experience is Adventures Nord-Bec, located in Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury on the edge of Jacques Cartier National Park. It is a 30-minute drive from the center of Quebec City. We chose the self-driving expedition experience so we could try mushing the dogs ourselves. They also offer a VIP Experience where you sit in the sled while a professional musher drives.
I booked our dogsledding trip through Manawa. The site is super easy to use. After confirmation, all the pertinent information for a great experience is emailed to you. Book early, as some days do sell out, and the price creeps higher closer to the activity date.
Related post-> Budget Skiing in Quebec
What to Expect on Your Dogsledding in Quebec Trip
The start of the dogsledding trip is at the Welcome Center at Adventures Nord-Bec. The cozy building has restrooms, changing rooms, tables and chairs, air hockey and foosball games, and a warm fireplace. We arrived 30 minutes early to get oriented and for the information session on how to drive the sleds. Most of our group had never been on a dogsled before, so we were eager for the instruction.
The instructor taught us how to stop and how to turn the sled. She emphasized hanging on tight to the sled and stomping hard on the braking bar to keep control of the dog team.
She told us a little bit about the dogs and how to encourage them to get the best performance from the dog team. The best part was the opportunity to practice on the sled to get the hang of turning and braking.
After the briefing, we walked out to the area where the dogs live, and the hitched-up dogs were waiting for the ride to begin.
Meeting the Sled Dogs
There was a group before us, so we had to wait until they returned to have enough sleds for our big group. The guides told us the dogs were all friendly, so we interacted with them. We fed them dog treats and played with them. Then the guides brought us to see the new puppies. Many of my group delighted in holding the squirming puppies. One guide said that some of the puppies were for sale or even for free if they had too many. It was fun to interact with the dogs before and after the ride.
The Guides for the Dogsledding in Quebec Trip
The guides clearly respected the dogs and showed them affection, and the dogs loved the attention. The staff were native French speakers but spoke clear English to help us keep our sleds running smoothly along the trail. There is a guide on a snowmobile in the front, in the middle, and at the back to keep the flow of 6 teams of dogs progressing along the trails. They jump off the snowmobile in an instant to solve any problems you have with your team. They also stop on the trail to take photos of you and your dog sledding team. The guides use your phone/camera to record the experience for you. I was also able to take photos when I rode in the sled.
On the Dogsledding Trail
Now it’s time to start mushing!
The driver of the sled stands on the runners and leans into the turn by shifting their weight in the direction they want to go. The brake between the runners is pressed down by your foot to slow or stop the dog team. The driver assists the dogs on the flat by pushing with one leg while standing on the runners on the other leg. On hills, the driver gets off to help push the sled up the incline. After a while, I got the hang of shifting weight to one runner and braking slightly to make crisp turns on the trail.
Meanwhile, the rider sits back and enjoys the journey. The person riding in the sled is apt to be cold as they aren’t exerting energy. I found insulated boots and insulated pants were key to staying warm. I dressed in layers on top, covered with a parka. Ski gloves, a thick hat, a buff, or a face mask are also essentials for staying warm.
Halfway through the trip, we switched places so the rider in the sled could drive.
Sometimes the dogs get tangled, lose their driver, or the sled tips over. However, the guides are right there to straighten things out. It is exhilarating when the dogs get in a flow, pulling you around curves in the snowy woods. The scenery is classic northern boreal forest, but it goes by fast when the dogs are charging along the path.
The Expedition Experience lasts about an hour; however, with the pre-instruction and playing with dogs and puppies, we were there two and a half hours. It was time well spent to have such a marvelous experience.
Related post -> Proven Winter Hiking Tips
Other Winter Activities in Addition to Dogsledding in Quebec
Besides the dogsledding trip, there are other fantastic winter outdoor activities in the area surrounding Quebec City. For cross country skiers, groomed Nordic ski trails will bring you into the heart of the Quebec wilderness on a ski-shoeing adventure. Alpine skiers will enjoy the slopes of Stoneham or Mount-Sainte-Anne.
Snowshoeing in the winter wonderland of Jacques-Cartier National Park is not to be missed. However, if you want to venture out on your own, rent snowshoes and follow the well-marked trails in the park. For an extra special snowshoe trip, visit Camp Mercier. I’ve been to Camp Mercier on several winter trips and can attest to the amazing natural beauty of the boreal forest. As you traverse over icy streams on sturdy, snowy bridges, sightings of wildlife are frequent. There are warming huts along the trails where you can stop for lunch and hot drinks.
You can even try ice canoeing on the mighty Saint-Lawrence River by dodging chunks of ice in the boat and sliding over the bigger ice shelves. Luckily, there is a sauna to warm up in after.
Fat biking is a winter sport taking off in this area. Take your whole group on these fat tire bicycles through the woods of Jacques Cartier Park, accompanied by a park ranger who shares their knowledge of the snowy wilderness.
My absolute favorite activity in the center of Quebec City is riding the toboggan at the foot of Le Château Frontenac. Gather a group of friends to race to the bottom of the toboggan run. You can fit up to 4 people on a toboggan and enjoy speeds up to 70 km/hr. It’s 30 seconds of pure fun! Grab your tickets online as they are much cheaper than at the toboggan run.
Related post -> Successful Winter Camping: Tips from an Outdoor Pro
Getting around Quebec for Outdoor Activities
Some of the trips mentioned offer transportation from Quebec City. However, you will need a car to get to the dogsledding trip in Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury. It’s easy to rent a car in Quebec City or at the airport. I use Discover Cars for all my international car rentals. They offer reasonable rates with reliable car rental companies.
Having a car in Quebec allows you to see some of the magnificent wilderness areas north of the city. I’ve taken my students on some wild adventures at Village Vacances Valcartier, a winter playground about 40 minutes from the heart of Quebec City. The whole family will love the snow tubing on slopes rated easy to extreme. Or gather a group to slide down the slopes on a raft. I guarantee lots of laughter. There is also an ice skating path that winds through a beautiful forest.
While you are in the area, make sure to visit the Hotel de Glace Ice Hotel. This unique structure is the only ice hotel in North America. It is made entirely of snow and ice. If you are in for adventurous luxury, stay over for a night in the Hotel de Glace. It’s not often you can sleep on a solid block of ice and be warm.
Wrap Up of Dogsledding in Quebec
I’ve followed the Iditarod dogsled race for years and have always yearned to try out mushing my own team. This dogsledding in Quebec trip was a perfect way to fulfill my dream. The excitement of communicating with a team of dogs while they pull you through incredible scenery is unmatched. Expect a little chaos during your time, as the dogs sometimes have a mind of their own. However, that’s all part of the adventure.
Make sure you dress warmly for the expedition with dogs. Fortunately, if you don’t have cold-weather gear and don’t want to buy it all, you can rent winter clothing in Quebec City. The rental package has everything you need to participate in any of the winter activities mentioned.
Already, I’m thinking about where my next dog sledding trip will be. Norway, anyone? There is a full-day self-driving dog sledding adventure through the mountains in Norway. Sounds wonderful!
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4 Comments
Sonia · March 4, 2026 at 1:09 pm
Looks like a fun adventure. The ice canoeing sounds like something I’d like to try (sounds a bit crazy too, but fun).
Marilyn · March 5, 2026 at 1:38 am
Dogsledding in Quebec sounds like a truly unique experience. For those living in, or visiting Quebec, it must be a wonderful way to enjoy the winter landscape and experience something a little different.
Gabby Leopard · March 4, 2026 at 2:19 pm
This looks like so much fun. Both dog sledging and Canada have been on my bucket list for ages.
Anna · March 5, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Dog sledding through those snowy forest trails looks like an amazing winter experience. And it’s great that there are so many other winter activities around Quebec City as well. Thanks for sharing!