Dog Sledding in Quebec: Indigenous Culture & Adventure in the Laurentian Mountains | EP. 6

Have you ever been dog sledding? Oh my gosh, what a rush!

Picture yourself standing on the runners, leaning into tight turns with the musher as the cold wind hits your face. Suddenly, you are banking left to dodge a tree trunk on a narrow trail, ducking under branches or feeling your stomach in your throat when heading down some steep hills.

Welcome to the vast wilderness of the Quebec Outback. It’s pristine, it’s magical, it’s peaceful—until you realize you’re gliding across a frozen lake.

In this episode, we head deep into the forest to visit Kanatha-Aki, a center that is far more than just a tourist attraction. While there are many popular things to do in Mont-Tremblant, this experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, immerse yourself in Indigenous culture, and experience the thrill of the wild.

A Journey to Kanatha-Aki in the Laurentian Mountains

The story of Kanatha-Aki begins with its founder, Stéphane Denis. Originally a businessman from France, Stéphane decided at 33 years old that he needed a change. That change brought him to Quebec!

“I say it’s not my real life… I prefer to change my life,” Stéphane told me. After three years of living in the forest, building his own cabin and connecting with the animals, he realized he had found paradise. “My heart is wow… wonderful place. I say I must share with people because it’s a paradise for me.”

Indigenous Culture and the History of Dog Sledding

The name Kanatha-Aki is an Indigenous term that roughly translates to “Guardians of the boundless earth,” which reflects its deep commitment to protecting the environment. As a partner of Leave No Trace Canada, the centre focuses on minimizing environmental impact by respecting the wildlife, staying on the trails, and leaving what you find.

This philosophy honours the history of the region. While Kanatha-Aki is not Indigenous-owned, dog sledding has deep roots in Indigenous culture, serving as a vital means of transportation, trade, and survival in harsh winter conditions long before snowmobiles existed. While it has evolved into a recreational activity, Kanatha-Aki uses it to remind visitors of the traditions of those who lived in harmony with nature.

Caring for the Sled Dogs: Athletes of the Forest

One of the biggest takeaways from my visit was the incredible care given to the sled dogs. These aren’t just working animals; they are family. “My philosophy… animal is like a sister, brother,” Stéphane explained. “He teach me everything.” The dogs at Kanatha-Aki are elite athletes, and they are treated as such:

• The Diet: They eat a specialized mix of high-quality beef (protein) and chicken (fat), supplemented with fish oil for joint health. After a run, they are even given a “soup”—a mix of water and meat—to ensure they stay hydrated.
• The Training: Training is a year-round commitment. In the summer and fall, when there is no snow, the team uses “dog scooters” (sleds with wheels) to keep the pack in shape.
• The Bond: The guides and mushers spend 24 hours a day with these dogs. As our guide Brandon, a Métis from out east, explained, if a dog gets sick at 1:00 AM, he is out there nursing it back to health. Knowing each dog’s personality is crucial for building a safe and effective team.

Beyond the Sled: Wilderness Survival and Bison

If you aren’t up for the “rush” of the sled, Kanatha-Aki offers a massive variety of outdoor activities year-round designed to help you unplug from city stress:

• Wood Bison Reserve: You can tour the reserve to see the Wood Bison, a keystone species that holds deep spiritual significance.
• Wilderness Survival Courses: Take a 1-to-3-day course to learn how to live off the land (perfect prep for a zombie apocalypse!).
• Fishing: From fly fishing in the summer to ice fishing on a frozen lake in the winter.
• Unique Stays: You can extend your adventure by sleeping in a traditional Teepee or a trapper’s log cabin.
• Summer Thrills: Ziplining on an 18-line course or “Canirando” (hiking with dogs).

Reconnecting with Nature

Whether you are there for the adrenaline of the sled or the silence of the forest, the goal is simple: reconnection.

Visitors are encouraged to open their eyes and ears to the beauty surrounding them—listening to the crunch of snow under their feet or observe wildlife in their natural habitat. As Stéphane put it beautifully, “People is coming… disconnection with the city, disconnection with the stress of life. You come in, just listen to the dogs walking in the snow, and it’s a very silence nature.”

Watch the full video or listen to the podcast above to see the dogs in action and meet Stéphane!