About Mad Dogs & Englishmen

2023 / 2024 season - A 25% deposit is required upon booking for Spray Lakes tours and Boundary Ranch tours.

For individual bookings for the Spray Lakes tours, the final payment will be required at check in prior to your departure. For groups of 6 or more, the balance is required 7 days prior to tour date unless otherwise agreed upon with the office.

Mad Dogs & Englishmen can accept payment with most major credit cards. Some tours are bookable online, others you can book by calling into the office directly. We can send a link to you for your payment if you would prefer to pay online at this time. A tour is not confirmed until the deposit or payment is received in the office and you have received confirmation of that payment from us.

• A full refund will apply. Reasons for tour cancellation may include poor weather conditions, poor trail conditions, guide sickness, avalanche danger, wildlife concerns/activity in the area and other various reasons. We reserve the right to make cancellations if any of these conditions are present.

• If the booking is cancelled by the client, the following cancellation policy applies: For individual bookings, cancellations made up to 72 hours prior to tour date are refundable less a $50.00/sled administration fee. Cancellations made within 72 hours of tour date are non-refundable. If there are extenuating circumstances, such as road closures, car accidents, etc, we will look at each case individually to confirm if cancellation will be allowed. We endeavour to be fair, and in all cases if we can re-sell the space, a full re-fund will be allowed.
• For groups of 6 or more, cancellations made up to 7 days prior to tour date are refundable less $100/sled admin fee. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable. If there are extenuating circumstances, such as road closures, car accidents, etc, we will look at each case individually to confirm if cancellation will be allowed. We endeavor to be fair, and in all cases if we can re-sell the space, a full re-fund will be allowed.

Children are allowed on tours where stipulated. Please see sled loading document for sled configurations to ensure that weight condiderations are adhered to.

It is our policy to run sleds alternating with one guide driven sled followed by a client driven sled followed by a guide driven sled and so on. The number of client driven sleds will depend on the number and specifics of each tour. Sleds are tentatively loaded at time of booking and you will be offered either a client driven sled or guide driven sled depending on the availability of each at the time. Please be advised that this can change if numbers or conditions warrant it.

With Guide driven sleds, one adult would be in the bucket and the other would stand on the back to work with the guide to drive the sled. Clients will be allowed to switch positions during the tour if conditions are good. A third person is allowed if it is a youth or child. It must be understood that if on the back of the sled, there is a minimum amount of physicality required. It is possible for both adults to sit in the sled if spacing and weight considerations allow for it. If this is a requirement and we need to have a dedicated guide, an extra charge may apply.

On the Client driven sleds, we would prefer to have one adult in the sled and 2 adults on the back driving. A fourth is allowed if it is a youth or child. It must be understood that if on the back of the sled, there is a minimum amount of physicality required. You may need to push or run beside the sled at times. If unsure, please call office to confirm if this is right for you. Instruction will be given before heading out on the trail and you will remain under guide supervision at all times.

On most tours, we have a solo rider price which would allow for one client with a guide. We do not allow solo riders on client driven sleds as we require at least 2 people on a sled at all times for safety reasons. As we do not mix groups, and you are by yourself and want to head out on a tour, you will be required to pay as a solo rider if you want to book ahead to ensure a spot. Occasionally, we may have a sled available at the trailhead that we can open up for a single rider at regular price but this cannot be confirmed until after 6pm the day before.

Groups of 3 adults can be booked on client driven sleds only otherwise, solo pricing would apply for the third person.

Please note that we do not provide transportation. To our Boundary Ranch location, The only way to get to this location is to drive yourself. The road to Boundary Ranch is paved the whole way and as it is a secondary highway it is kept reasonably clear.

For Spray Lakes tours, please note that The Spray Lakes road is a secondary gravel road from just past the Canmore Nordic Centre to the trailhead. We ask that vehicles have a minimum of front-wheel drive and good all-season tires, but 4-wheel drive and winter tires is best in case of adverse weather conditions.

We do not offer any transportation to or from Banff. You would need to either hire a car

You will be asked your approximate weight at time of booking. We allow a max of 250 lbs in the bucket (static weight) and up to 350 lbs maximum client weight (static + dynamic) for 2 people or 450 lbs for 3 people. Dynamic weight would be the client or clients on the back of the sled. When on the back, you will be required to assist with the driving of the sled and a minimum level of physicality is required. You need to be able to run alongside the sled and push the sled at times. If you are unsure, please call office to discuss if this is right for you.

1. Insulated winter jacket
2. Insulated snow pants
3. Wool or synthetic wool socks
4. Scarf or something to cover your face
5. Supportive insulated winter boots above the ankle
6. Warm toque/beanie/hat that covers your ears
7. Insulated winter mittens or gloves
8. Wool/silk/synthetic wool under-layers
9. Goggles or sun glasses
10. Sunscreen
11. Lip balm/chap-stick