Dog sled tours from your own kennel

Tourists, day-trippers, families, couples and small groups, plus local hotels, lodges and tour agents who book on behalf of guests.

A price per person or per sled for each ride. Add-ons include longer trips, photo packages, hot drinks and a gift shop. Bookings come through your own site and local tourism partners.

• Confident with dogs and dog care
• Comfortable outdoors in deep cold
• Friendly guiding and safety briefings
• Booking and trail planning

• Animal welfare rules and codes of practice differ by province, so check your provincial regulator and your municipality's kennel bylaws
• Commercial general liability insurance that covers adventure tourism, plus guest waivers
• Zoning, noise and neighbour concerns for a kennel, and permits for any Crown land or park trails
• Income is very seasonal, but dog care, food and vet costs run all year
• WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire guides or handlers (rules vary by province)
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signage and bookings

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the size of your dog team, kennel and sled equipment, trail access, insurance and vehicles. A smaller team and shorter rides may need less upfront.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your season, number of guests, ride lengths and pricing. Income is very seasonal, but dog care, food and vet costs run all year.

Check animal welfare rules and codes of practice with your provincial regulator, and your municipality's kennel bylaws. Also check zoning, noise, permits for Crown land or park trails, adventure tourism insurance and waivers, WCB/WSIB coverage, and French-language rules in Quebec.