Thanks to Howling Dog Tours, you can have this unforgettable adventure. Glide through undisturbed wilderness, feeling the connection to nature and experiencing a tradition that dates back centuries.
Company owners Rich and Dana Bittner opened Howling Dog Tours in the late 90s.
“While racing sled dogs recreationally, we were asked many times to take people for a ride. In 1995 we turned our hobby into a full time business,” they say. “We chose to run only guided sleds. Some feel this takes away from the experience, but we are just the opposite – we feel that it adds a tremendous amount to the product. Starting with a high comfort and safety level, add the wealth of knowledge guests can tap into with the guide, while still getting the chance to drive the sled if you want to. If you are hesitant, you can let the guide do all the work, giving you the best of both worlds”
A big factor in the success of Howling Dog is the Bittner’s commitment to customer service and to the well-being of their dogs.
They note, “Because each sled is guided, there is a balance of fun, safety and the thrill of dog sledding with the Alaskan Huskies. We are the only fully guided operator in Canmore. This allows folks of all ages and physical abilities to participate at their own comfort level. We can also adjust the number of dogs on each team to allow for varying weights in the sled; we never ask participants to hop on a scale! We also adopt 65 per cent of our dogs from other racing or recreational kennels, giving the sled dogs the life they were born for.”
The well-being of the dogs is also why they run guided sleds. “We do not feel that it is fair to the dogs to have an inexperienced driver on the back of the sled. Guided sleds minimize the risk of injury to the dogs.”
The dogs are the most important part of the business and the couple is pleased to dispel myths about the treatment and care of sled dogs. Howling Dog Tours has been a member of Mush With PRIDE, an organization which supports the responsible care and humane treatment of all dogs, for many years. The Howling Dog kennel has met the requirements of the Mush With PRIDE kennel inspection program and holds their Kennel Certification Plus status. Visit https://howlingdogtours.com/sled-dog-ethics to learn more.
When not taking people on the adventure of a lifetime, you’ll find Rich, Dana and their team supporting the community.
“Howling Dog Tours has supported the United Way and STARS for many years. As well, we have followed our children's activities growing up in Canmore and supported various fundraisers related to their school or sports activities.”
They continue, “We are grateful to the folks of Canmore and Banff who have supported us either personally or through a business. Many encouraged us when we first started and helped us grow to where we are today. We focus on spending our dollars locally as well, to support Canmore businesses while building a sense of community professionally and personally. We have used the same veterinary clinic for 27 years, bought and serviced vehicles locally, and source supplies in town as much as possible. We also say a huge thanks to all the employees that have been with us over the last 26 years, many of whom have been like family to us. Even though they are with us only for a season, they are a huge part of our company.”
Rich and Dana conclude, “Our company will continue to provide the best customer service possible while providing a product that is truly Canadian. Dogsledding is a heritage sport, and we wish to keep showing the world what it is all about.”
