Canada - Pitstops for Kids

Calgary with kids: Telus Spark Science review

June 30, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

My kids are always fans of interactive science museums, and Calgary’s Telus Spark is one of the best. Located adjacent to the Calgary Zoo, Spark is a new indoor facility with an additional outdoor facility scheduled to open this summer (of 2014). It includes four large galleries with hands-on exhibits (including an open studio), two theaters (including a digital Dome theater), a lab, and a specialized kids’ museum for young children.

Telus Spark Science Review:

Our school-aged kids gravitated to the Energy and Innovation gallery and Earth and Sky gallery first, where they spent the better part of two hours. I checked out the Creative Kids Museum for kids 8 and under, and loved the large play spaces, hands-on music and theater areas, and interactive science exhibits geared just for this age group. When my kids were smaller, we would have been here for hours.

Upstairs, the Open Studio offers a large space for kids to build, create, and even take apart…my kids loved destroying old VCR innards and building huge block towers. The Being Human gallery was my personal favorite: this area explores ways humans are distinct and also ways we’re all similar. It asks participants questions, catalogues answers, and offers feedback in the form of crowd-sourcing. There are numerous small experiments visitors con conduct with a friend or family member, as well.

In all, we spent as much time in Telus as in the excellent Calgary Zoo, and timed it perfectly: outdoors, a thunderstorm raged during our visit. Telus Spark is the place to be with the kids when the weather prevents outdoor fun in Calgary.

Dining:

The museum does have a large quick-service cafe with the usual kid-friendly fare (plus a number of healthy options) located upstairs. This is a also a good place for adults to take a break with a book (if you have older kids!).

Admission:

Admission is $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for youth (13-17) and $12.95 for kids (3-12). Theater tickets are additional. Parking is $5. If you’re visiting the zoo on the same day, it is possible to park in either lot and walk to the other, but this does involve crossing a street.

Hours:

Check the official page for hours as they do change significantly by season.

Directions:

Telus Spark is located at 220 St. George’s Drive NE. It’s accessible by bike path or Calgary Transit.

We toured Telus Spark on our Great Coast Road Trip with Coast Hotels. Read more about our road trip through the Wild West of Alberta!

Calgary with kids: Calgary Zoo review

June 25, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

The Calgary Zoo is one of the best we’ve toured (across the US and Canada). Why? It’s large, but not massive, clean, as interactive as possible, and well-laid out.

As with all zoos, the best way to tour is to start early; most animals are most active during the morning hours. This zoo is set up with an ‘island’ and a main space, with a bridge across a tributary of the Bow River (which is on the other side of the zoo) to separate them. Yes, it’s very scenic. When you enter via Calgary Zoo’s main North Gate, you start on the mainland, and the first thing you tour is the Penguin Plunge arctic exhibit. (During our visit in May of 2014, the secondary entrance, which looks quite convenient, was closed for repair following the Calgary flood of 2013.)

This section of the zoo also houses the Canadian Wilds exhibits and the Prehistoric Park. Obviously, the latter is not an animal exhibit, but rather a large walking space with trails meandering through various prehistoric settings (distinguished by artificial rock formations, flora and fauna). Around each curve or up on each hillside, a different dinosaur structure awaits. We walked through the whole area, and while my school-aged kids enjoyed it as a place to release some energy, it’s best suited for small kids who might be at the peak of their dinosaur fan days.

On the other side of the bridge on the island, the Africa and Eurasia exhibits await. The Rainforest building is incredible; not only can you take off jackets in this tropical building, but the gorilla exhibit is fascinating. These animals are amazing! Outdoors, various monkey and small animal exhibits lead to the giraffes, zebras, and other larger African mammals. Especially entertaining during our visit were the hippos, who also have their own indoor and outdoor facility.

This area of the zoo is right on the banks of the Bow River, and less than one year after the Calgary flood, it’s already hard to imagine the damage done here. The clean-up and rebuild has been outstanding. The Eurasia section houses the tigers, camels, and additional Asian animals, with a large food court between them. There’s also a botanical garden here, and two children’s play spaces for a break from the animals.

Note: The Calgary Zoo features more indoor exhibits within large buildings than any other I’ve seen. No matter the weather, there’s something to do, and tickets are discounted for indoor-only days.

Dining:

We ate mid-tour at Kitamba Cafe (http://www.calgaryzoo.com/plan-your-visit/zoo-services/eating-dining) which offers a large indoor dining area and two quick-service options: a cafeteria style venue and bistro (coffee bar) style venue. We got the usual fare of chicken strips, fries, and sandwiches to refuel.

Admission:

Admission is very reasonable at $23 for adults and $15 for kids (3-15). There are computerized kiosks past the parking area at which to purchase tickets on busy days, as well as a main ticket booth. Parking is $7.

Hours:

Spring/Summer hours are 9 am to 5 pm, with buildings open until 5:45 pm.

Directions:

Full directions to the zoo. Families can also take Calgary Transit via the Northeast Line (Route 202) and be deposited directly at the entrance.

We toured the Calgary Zoo on our Great Coast Road Trip with Coast Hotels. Read more about our road trip through the Wild West of Alberta!

Deer Lodge Lake Louise: Where to stay near the lake

November 18, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When arriving at Lake Louise, it’s impossible to overlook massive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise planted directly at the lake shore. However, en route to the lake, you’ll drive directly past the much more modest, historic, and beautiful Deer Lodge, operated by Canadian Rockies Mountain Resorts. This is where you want to be.

Why? Deer Lodge is fits its surroundings perfectly: its log-hewn buildings nestle against a backdrop of evergreen, its wooden deck overlooks the single road to the lake, and its stone chimney puffs woodsmoke, reminding visitors that just inside lies a cozy sitting room with stone fireplace. And it’s still lakeside: guests can walk to Lake Louise in under five minutes.

It’s the lodge that should sit on the lakeshore, calling to mind the storied mountaineering history of the Banff Lake Louise area. During summer, guests can sit out on the deck under shade umbrellas, and in autumn or winter, the craggy mountain views from the rooftop hot tub absolutely cannot be beat. The hotel is aged, to be sure (expect the usual quirks of an old building, including creaks and temperamental heating and plumbing), but with age comes charm you won’t find elsewhere in small Lake Louise.

Amenities:

The Deer Lodge sitting room is the place to be in the evening before dinner; sit by the fire with a good book, or play a game of chess or checkers by the windows. There’s also a smaller sitting room with a piano guests are permitted to play, and a game room downstairs featuring a pool table and the lodge’s only TV (complete with couches and DVD library).

The best feature of Deer Lodge has to be its hot tub: situated on the roof, it’s nothing fancy, but its simplicity is breathtaking. The views of the surrounding mountains are amazing, and the crisp air feels great as you soak. Guests will find hooks to hang their towels on, and changing rooms downstairs below the hot tub access. During our autumn visit, the hot tub was open 10 am to 11 pm; seasonal hours apply.

Rooms:

Rooms at Deer Lodge are modest, but there is a newer addition to the building with larger floor plans. Either way, expect a lack of TVs in the rooms, though guests do enjoy free wifi. Our room featured a shower with tub and plenty of counter and sink space in the bathroom, and a nicely sized balcony. The only amenity I wished we had was a mini fridge; I didn’t mind the lack of a TV, but could have used the ability to store leftover food and snacks.

Dining:

The dining room at Deer Lodge is excellent. We loved the atmosphere in the evening–cozy yet elegant–and the food is outstanding. It’s also expensive, so look for the lounge menu, which is available even when dining in the main dining room. Breakfast is served as well, though still pricey; out of practicality, families may opt to walk the short distance to the Fairmont to pick up muffins and other bakery goods at their quick service coffee shop. (It’s also possible to pick up sandwiches here to take with you for a picnic.)

From Deer Lodge, hiking at and around Lake Louise is only steps away (don’t bother with your car) or Banff is only a 30-45 minute drive.

Distance from the interstate:

Deer Lodge is located just minutes from Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway).

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, room rates for a standard room were listed at approximately $125. Rates vary by season.

Directions:

From 93, take the Lake Louise exit and stay on Lake Louise Drive. The lake (and Deer Lodge) is approximately 4 km up the road.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Deer Lodge as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Lake Louise Alberta hiking: Lake Agnes Tea House

October 30, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The wilderness surrounding Lake Louise, Alberta may be the most stunningly beautiful in the greater Banff-Lake Louise area. And if you’ve been to Banff, you know that’s saying something. Plenty of backcountry treks depart from Lake Louise and its next-door neighbor, Lake Moraine, making Lake Louise Alberta hiking some of the best in the Canadian Rockies. Our favorite–to the Lake Agnes Tea House–is also one of the most family-friendly. Side note: does this photo even look real? I assure you it is!

The ascent to Lake Agnes is just that…an ascent. Hikers start at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and take the well-marked Lake Agnes trail, which climbs for the entire 3.5 km. (This is good news for the hike back, of course.) The way may be steadily uphill, but it’s not unmanageable for kids, and because the entire trip is only 7 km, families can take their time.

The first section of the trail parallels Lake Louise, but without the views: the way is dense forest. Once the end of the lake is reached, however, the forest clears for nice views of the far end of Lake Louise before the trail turns into a short series of switchbacks. This takes hikers to a stop at tiny Mirror Lake, then to a turnoff for Little Beehive. Turn here for a fairly easy ascent to a nice viewpoint of the valley, including great views of Lake Louise in her entirety. If you go this route, simply backtrack after checking out the Little Beehive view and return to the turnoff. If you opt to continue on to Lake Agnes, the trail takes you back into the forest for a short distance to a cascading waterfall and set of wooden stairs leading to the lake and tea house.

The Lake Agnes Tea House sits perched directly on the edge of the lake, with spectacular views of the big Beehive (a beehive-shaped slab of rock you cannot miss) and the mountain crags surrounding the small lake. Take a few minutes to sit at a table on the Tea House deck to take in the view, or head inside the cozy dining room with wood-burning stove to order a pot of tea or French pressed coffee. Kids can order hot chocolate or cider, and if you arrive at lunch time, the Tea House has a selection of sandwiches, soups, and bakery goods that are made fresh daily on-site.

Take a few minutes to talk with the Tea House staff; most are young men and women from around the world, working for the season, and all live on-site. All supplies (and trash) are packing in and out of Lake Agnes on foot or horseback, and staffers are very knowledgable about area hikes and peak ascents.

The Tea House is a destination in itself, but if you’re up for more hiking, take the trail around the circumference of Lake Agnes to the series of switchbacks to the Beehive lookout. This trail is short but steep, with drop-offs in some locations. The switchbacks take you to the saddle of the ridge, which you follow to the lookout structure at the edge. The saddle is wide enough that there’s no fear of falling, but it’s essential children follow directions and stay on the trail. The views are as amazing as you’d expect.

Adding either or both Beehive to your Lake Agnes hike will add approximately 2 km to your trip, but the descent back to Lake Louise is a breeze. If you’re up for even more, the longer trail to Six Glaciers (and its own tea house) connects at Lake Agnes.

Note: The Lake Agnes Tea House is open mid-April to mid-October, and takes cash only. Seasonal hours vary, but during our off-season (fall) visit, it as open 10 am to 5 pm.

For additional hiking, check out trails departing from Lake Moraine, or go to Banff Lake Louise for more info.

Top 10 Toronto kid-friendly activities for families

July 12, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

We love Toronto kid-friendly activities! Don’t let this bustling center for business and commerce intimidate you! Families visiting Toronto will find much to do with kids, and much to love amid the busy streets and lively waterfront. Plus, Toronto public transit is very intuitive and affordable: with only two major subway lines, you won’t get lost! Leave your car at the hotel, and ride, boat, or walk to all of the following top Toronto attractions. Don’t forget to buy a Toronto CityPASS or Go Card to save cash while you play!

Tip! Save up to 43% on Toronto’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS. Shop Now!

Click on the arrow on the right of the first image to play the slideshow.

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Photo credit: Pit Stops for Kids, Bobolink, waterfronttoronto.ca

Toronto on Dwellable

A walk through Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market

July 10, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The historic St. Lawrence Hall houses the St. Lawrence Market, a farmer’s market nirvana teaming with the freshest local produce, fruits, berries, and homemade jams, syrups, and crafts. Families will also find stalls selling local meats, desserts and pastries, fresh sandwiches, and just about anything else you can imagine. The St. Lawrence Market is a great place to spend a rainy or cold day in Toronto, or the best spot to pick up a picnic or to-go lunch to eat along the Waterfront or over on Centre Island.

There are two levels within the market building, plus tents selling wares in nice weather outside. If you get there early (before 8 am), you can usually see trucks dropping off the day’s produce from Ontario farms. The main floor level sells aisle after aisle of produce, berries, fruits, and meats, as well stalls with bakery goods and ethics foods (we saw Indian, Thai, and Chinese foods while we were there). Seating is scarce, so you’re better off taking food to go.

While you could certainly spend the better part of an hour sampling the fruit, veggies, hams, bacon, and cheese upstairs, don’t leave without checking out the downstairs section. This part of the market is primarily reserved for rare or speciality items, making it both educational and fun for kids (and adults). Check out row after row of exotic spices (most of which you may never have heard of!), gourmet cheeses and meats, speciality candies, and local homemade goods such as pure maple syrup. There are a few fabric and toy stalls as well, and random offerings of trinkets here and there, but St. Lawrence is primarily about the food!

Hours of operation:

Check the website for up-to-date hours, as they change seasonally. During the time of our visit (early summer), St. Lawrence is open weekends from 5 am to 3 pm.

Directions:

The market is located at St. Lawrence Hall at the corner of Front Street and Jarvis.

Toronto on Dwellable

Toronto Islands: Centre Island activities kids love

July 8, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Visible from Toronto’s Waterfront and harbor, the Toronto Islands are easily accessible, easy to navigate, and easy to see in one day. Pick a sunny day of your Toronto family vacation to check them out! While a few islands are largely residential (or home to sailboat slips) or wildlife refuges, Centre Island is all about family fun. Here’s where to start for Centre Island activities kids love:

Franklin Children’s Garden and Park:

The first thing you’re likely to encounter after getting off the ferry on the islands is the Franklin Children’s Garden, Centre Island’s main picnic and playground park. This interactive garden–featuring Franklin the Turtle from the books series by Paulette Bourgeois–allows kids to explore in any manner they’d like. The garden is divided into sections, where kids can garden themselves, listen to storytelling, or play on hands-on sculptures from the Franklin series.

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse:

The Island Lighthouse is the oldest landmark in Toronto. Sitting on Gibraltar Point, it’s light has shone for over 150 years, guiding ships and boats into the Harbour of Toronto. The light is a good destination for a family bike ride: it allows kids to have a fun goal and the route is completely flat. If you’re riding bikes as a family on the islands, you can find them at Centre Island beach, or you can rent in the city and bring bikes across on the ferry.

Centreville:

With 600 acres of amusement park fun, Centreville is no doubt the prime destination for families on the islands. Centreville is from the old-school of amusement park fun: its 30 rides are all young-kid friendly and have been around for decades. In addition to carnival-ride fun, Centreville has a petting zoo, green spaces, over a dozen food vendors and restaurants, and entertainment. Don’t expect big theme park thrills, but rather low-key fun.

Centre Island Beach:

A short walk from the ferry docks, Centre Island Beach can get crowded on summer days…get there early to stake out a spot! Public bathrooms and showers are available, as are changing rooms and several food vendors (including pizza). The bike rental shop is near the pier. While there are a few other swimming beaches on the islands (including a clothing-optional beach…you’ve been warned!), Centre Island beach is most popular due to its proximity to the ferry and the rock breakwater, which is ideal for young kids. The water here is shallow and calm, and clean to swim in due to its position away from the harbor. Remember, however: Lake Ontario is pretty chilly!

Tip! Save up to 43% on Toronto’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS. Shop Now!

Getting there:

Access Centre Island one of two ways: 1. grab a ferry from the ferry terminal at 9 Queens Quay West ($6.50/adult, runs year-round and every 15 minutes in summer) 2. take a Toronto Harbour Tour (LINK), which drops families off if desired at the mid-way point of the tour, picking up on the hour ($15-$25). From the ferry drop-off, it’s easy to find Centre Island activities by signage, or grab a map!

What to do on the Toronto Waterfront with kids

July 5, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The Toronto skyline sits comfortably on the shore of Lake Ontario, which families should put to good use while visiting this urban, multicultural city. If you’re spending the morning at Rogers Centre or the CN Tower, or even St. Lawrence Market, pair it with an afternoon and evening along the Toronto Waterfront. This part of the city is currently undergoing a revitalization project (as of 2013), but don’t let construction deter you. Here’s what to do on the Waterfront with kids:

Harbourfront Centre:

Access the Waterfront from Kings Street (at Sincoe or John), then explore the harbor side walking and biking path that connects to Harbourfront Centre. To one side, you’ll find the ice skating rink (which is converted to a pond with paddle boats in summer) and outdoor concert facility, and to the other, a large collection of waterfront shops and restaurants. Adult-sized bikes can be rented at convenient coin-operated kiosks in several locations (also throughout the city), or bikes can be rented at local shops. If you have bad weather, duck indoors to peruse the shops, but otherwise, stay by the harbor to check out the historic ships (you can go into the largest to see free exhibits inside), watch the ferry boats, and see planes land at the unique Centre Island airport.

Harbour Tours Toronto:

If you feel like going out on the water yourselves, you have two options. Ferries depart from the main ferry terminal at 9 Queens Quay West on a regular schedule for Centre Island for only $6.50 per person, or you can opt to take a ride with Harbour Tours Toronto. This harbor and islands tour also departs regularly (it was every 30 minutes at the time of my visit in early summer), will drop off passengers on Centre Island if desired (and pick them back up!) but otherwise cruises between the Toronto Islands and through the harbor on a one hour tour. Tickets are steeper at $25 for adults and $15 for kids (with online booking discounts available), and for the price, families get a somewhat silly, entertaining for kids narration from a guide, plus many photo opportunities as the glass window and open-air boat tours the harbor. Along the way, I learned quite a bit of history about the islands as well as what they’re used for today (recreation, residences, and wildlife preservation, depending on the island) during my tour.

Tip! Save up to 43% on Toronto’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS. Shop Now!

Sugar beach:

Located on Lower Jarvis Street, south of Queens Quay, Sugar Beach is in comfortable walking and biking distance of Harbourfront Centre and offers beach atmosphere for families without the time or inclination to head over to Centre Island. Imported white sand and playful pink beach umbrellas make Sugar Beach a great place to let kids play in the sand, and a creative water feature allows for cooling off. (Swimming is not allowed in the harbor.) There are plenty of restaurants nearby, as well as picnic tables, and event space for seasonal festivals and entertainment.

Roundhouse Park:

Created in the 1990s, Roundhouse Park is located above the Waterfront by approximately two blocks, en route to the CN Tower (head up Simcoe). A great place to let kids loose before waiting in line for the tower or taking in an event at Rogers Centre, Roundhouse Park is the home of the Toronto Railway Historical Association, which operates a live steam miniature railway, displays engines and other train cars, and replicas of early train station offices. Kids can see a full roundhouse featuring a fully restored locomotive turntable, and adults can grab a brew at Steam Whistle Brewing. There are additional green spaces and park squares with benches and room to run around, though this is open to streets. Roundhouse Park is a great last stop of a fun family day at the Waterfront before heading back to a downtown hotel or getting on the subway.

Toronto hotel with kids: Intercontinental Toronto Centre

July 3, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Walking into the wide, high-ceilinged marble lobby of the Intercontinental Toronto Centre, you might worry that your kids won’t exactly fit in, so to speak, at this elegant hotel. Rest assured: as soon as you reach the check-in desk and see the friendly ‘kids’ check-in’ station, you’ll know you’re in the right place. While the Intercontinental is attached to Toronto’s sprawling conference center and event space, it’s not an all-business hotel. The location is absolutely perfect for families: you’re so close to the CN Tower, you can practically reach out and touch it, you’re adjacent to subway lines, and you’re within two blocks of the waterfront. The perfect Toronto hotel with kids, the Intercontinental’s placement on Front Street also gives families direct access to many restaurants as well as nearby St. Lawrence Market.

This said, the area around the hotel does get busy with party-goers and late-night bar crowds on weekends, but from within the hotel, we never heard a peep of noise. Our room on the 14th floor overlooked the train station, which is fun for kids, and had sweeping views of downtown and the CN Tower (I had to crane my neck up to see it, it’s so close). Parents can park their car in the underground parking and forget about it, opting to walk or take subways nearly everywhere. Within walking distance: the Watefront and Harbourfront Centre, Rogers Centre, the CN Tower, Sugar Beach, ferries to Centre Island, St. Lawrence Market, Roundhouse Park, and plenty of dining.

Pool and Spa:

We had a great time in the pool area, which is located adjacent to the award-winning spa. The heated indoor saline pool includes a fun waterfall feature kids love, and a spacious hot tub. There’s also an attached wading pool for not-quite swimmers, also saline and heated. The pool area is very relaxing, with oversized lounge chairs and complimentary tea and water. This is a great option for families who need to relax and let kids burn off some energy after being out of the day and before dinner plans. There’s a two-rooms exercise facility as well that’s above average.

Room rates and amenities:

At the time of our visit, our king bed room (with optional rollaway) started at $249/night. In-room amenities include a coffee maker, robes, shower/tub combo, and mini-fridge. The fridge was stocked, but there was room to store a few small items. (Remember, parents can always ask for mini-bar fridges to be cleared out should they prefer.) WiFi was $13 for a 24-hour period. Service from bell staff and front desk staff was very friendly and efficient during our entire stay.

Dining:

The Intercontinental does have a full restaurant off the lobby, as well as room service, but there are numerous other options. Directly across the street on Front Street is the underground food court attached to the CBC offices, with many low-cost options for families needing a quick meal. On the street level are many hot dog stands and a few food trucks as well. Front Street also boasts the Loose Moose and Cedar Creek restaurants, both of which we found to be fun for families while offering a lively atmosphere.

Directions:

The Intercontinental is located at 225 Front Street. From the airport, families can easily take public transit for under $3 per person (take the 192 Rocket to Kipling Station, then grab the subway. From Kipling, get on the Bloor-Danforth line to Spadina Station, then get on the Yonge-University line to St. Andrews Station. A taxi will cost you $55.

Disclaimer: as I disclose whenever applicable, I stayed at the Intercontinental as a guest of the hotel, for the purpose of review. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Big White Dog Sled Tours

January 25, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

I thoroughly enjoyed every outdoor activity I tried during our family vacation at Big White Ski Resort, but I think flying down a nordic trail pulled by a team of sled dogs was my favorite (don’t tell). I arrived for my Big White dog sledding experience with my mom, a long-time follower of the Iditerod and dog-lover. We met with Tim, Big White’s resident dog musher, and his team of dogs at their kennel situated near the multi-use trails. From the minute we arrived, we were both entranced.

Unlike some sled dogs, Tim’s team is friendly and enthusiastic to meet people, so we were able to become acquainted while Tim gave us some background on the dogs (some of which are retired Iditerod athletes), his mission as a musher, and the kinesiology behind what makes a great sled dog. Some dog sledding ventures will simply put you on a sled and take your money, but as soon as we started talking to Tim, it was obvious that he cares as much about educating guests on sled dogs and the sled dog culture as he does about ensuring you have a great ride.

After learning what the dogs eat (let’s just say they probably eat better than you and me), where they sleep (in cozy crates nested with straw), and whether they get along with one another (better than my kids), Tim started the process of harnessing them for our sledding trip. As soon as he got the slip of paper out of his pocket on which he’d listed today’s ‘line-up’, the previous calm and quiet kennel erupted in noise rivaling that of a soccer stadium after a goal. “No matter if they just ran, they want to run again,” Tim explained, and my mom and I both noted that this canine characteristic–unbridled enthusiasm–is one of the things that makes us love dogs.

With the team finally picked, the dogs on the ‘sideline’ set to wailing and barking while Tim explained to us the process of departing. With a brake set in the snow to prevent the excited dogs from sprinting away immediately (or yesterday, if they had their way), my mom and I settled in the sled and Tim positioned himself on the runners at the back. With one command, the team took off.

The first thing I noticed: how fast we were going. The second: how silent the previously barking dogs had become. We could hear a pin drop (or more accurately, only our own shrieks of joy) as we sailed over the packed snow. I’d never get tired of watching the dogs run before me (and the beautiful Monashee mountain scenery), but halfway through our 5K (3.2 mile) run, Tim slowed the team and stopped them, offering me a turn at the back of the sled.

Tim had warned me that ‘there’s nothing quite like being on the runners’ and he was right. Without any means of stopping or controlling the well-trained dogs, you can truly feel their power as they pull. (Just don’t look down at the snow whizzing by below your boots!)

My mom got her turn ‘behind the wheel’, and before we knew it, we were arriving back at the kennel. Tim showed us how he rewards the team with a tasty frozen meat snack, and we talked more as he unharnessed and praised the dogs. We appreciated how clearly Tim loved his animals, and we came away from the experience with a greater respect for this species, this sport, and the humane people who give it the heart it has.

The details:

Each sled has a weight limit (rather than a person limit), so depending on your family, you might need 1-2 sleds. (Weight limit is 340 pounds.) Until recently, only one sled could depart at a time, but now Tim’s wife is available most days, allowing entire families to sled together. (For reference, my mom and I, two average-sized adults, could easily fit in one sled.) If you have a larger group, bear in mind that you may need to stagger your start times, though you could all enjoy the dogs at the kennel together.

The dog sled experience can be booked nearly any day during the ski season, and reservations can be made ahead of time at the Village Centre Mall Activities Desk and through Central Reservations. Cost is $195 per sled (regardless of number of people). Young kids are welcome, but if some family members would rather not ride, they could come (supervised) with you to visit with the dogs before departure.

Wear ski gear (snow pants, warm gloves, jacket, and googles). A hat or helmet is also recommended, and you’ll need snow boots.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted for our dog sledding experience. Though we’re grateful for this opportunity to recommend this experience to our readers, it did not come with expectation of a positive review.