The Best Sleds In Canada

Who said that only kids are allowed to have fun on a snowy slope? Parents can join their children in fun slides as long as they have a proper, weight-appropriate sled. Stiga Snowracer is one of the best sleds for adults (keep in mind that the same model is available in a smaller size, which is also cheaper, and can be used for older kids). As one customer noted it was nice to be able to join the kids going down the hill. Stiga is an awesome sled: it is made of metal. Front shock and brakes make this a blast, he added.   

Overall, this particular king-size Stiga Snowracer is meant to hold up to 220lb weight, which means it is suitable not only for one adult but also if you want to ride with your child. This sled features an extended frame and a large seat so you could comfortably fit with a little passenger. The robust steel frame also makes it one of the best heavy-duty sleds.  

We especially love the safety features of this Stiga sled. Heavy duty steel foot brake allows you to quickly stop the sled whenever you see danger ahead. Meanwhile curve ski system, (which is similar to the aerodynamics of skies) ensures maximum control and better carving. Another feature is front shock absorber supports, the factor that is responsible for the exceptional handling of a sled.   

Another satisfied customer noted that Stiga Snowracer came with tools to put together and easy-to-follow instructions. Took about 30 minutes to assemble. The sled weighs about 20 pounds and will fit two adults. I’m 5’11” tall 210 pounds and there is way more room on this sled than I need to be comfortable. Maybe should have gotten the medium-sized model. We had the original GT for 35 years and thought this would be easier to fit me as the smallest version does work but is tight for me but fits the kids. 

Most likely you are going to pull your toddles in a sled for at least the first three years. While this reason is valid enough to invest in a quality wooden, think that you could also pass this sled to the following generation. The quality of it is impeccable and we wouldn’t be surprised if after buying it now a few decades later your grandchildren would continue using this L.LBean sled.   

What we love about this sled is how well it combines the elegance of vintage-inspired design, the durability of the wooden frame and cushioned set for ultimate comfort. While the seat does not have buckles, a supportive back is more than enough to keep your child seating safely without tipping out.   

And if your think that a wooden sled must be a tough task to pull, L.L.Bean features metal bars underside of each runner. Those metal bars ensure effortless gliding over ice and hard snow. Such features also allow older kids to pull this sled with easy gliding.   

You can select from two sizes: 39 inches and 31 inches. While the difference might not seem significant at first, we do recommend going with the larger one, especially if you are planning to use this sled for many winters in the future. Based on many reviews, a customer also finds that a 39-inch version provides enough space to fit in two children (or some extra items you want to take to the hills like thermoses, snacks and blankets).   

Overall, most reviewers are genuinely impressed with the quality of this L.L.Bean sled and expect it to stay in the family for generations.  

However, one thing we have to warn you about is that sometimes regular use, wet snow and storage factors could make the poly finish come off the wood. However, there is no reason why you could not sand it and cover it with a layer of protective polish if such a defect occurs. 

Another (similar vintage style sled for toddles, however at a lower price): 

Streamridge Baby & Kids’ Traditional Vintage Style Wooden Winter Sleigh 

It is recommended that children younger than five years old go sledding with an adult. But when your child is ready to slide down a snowy slope independently, we have two options to offer as the best sleds for kids five years old and older. For children sliding on their own, we suggest you pick either a plastic saucer-shaped sled (which is also one of the best budget sleds) or an inflatable tube one.

Slipper Racer is a family-owned business which understands and values winter traditions, particularly snow sledding. Before Slipper Racer hit the market, the establishers of the brand tried various sleds and never were satisfied with their quality and performance of them. They found that affordable sleds did not last longer than a season and could easily crack. After a few years of the developmental process, they came up with Slipper Racer. What makes their sleds stand out compared to other plastic, budget-friendly sleds is the “revolutionary plastic formula for the perfect firm-to-flex ratio and proprietary IceVex cold-resistant treatment to eliminate cold cracking”.   

Overall, based on many reviews Slipper Racer saucer discs are made to last, if not a lifetime but at least a few seasons of sliding down snowy hills. They are strong and durable due to flexible, yet slick-coated plastic that is not so easy to break even in low temperatures (IceVex cold-resistant treatment). As per the satisfied customer, we did spray the bottom with cooking spray, as suggested by other reviewers. The sled was easy for the kids to carry, did not crack or break, went fast, and the kids enjoyed sledding for hours! I think it was a great value for the price and our needs.  

Another person noted that they purchased 2 for kids. Lasted well this winter and will hold up for next year. It fit a 10-year-old well sitting cross-legged. Our 3-year-old used it too and had a blast! I’m not sure how it would hold up under an adult – my husband went down a couple of times with no issue but I’d recommend this saucer for kids.  

Another feature which makes Slipper Racer a favourite among many is built-in dual moulded handles for easy grip while sledding.   

This is another L.L.Bean sled on our list, and although they might seem expensive at the first glance, the quality is unbeatable. The company has been around for over 100 years delivering anything you need for an active, pleasurable time outdoors. Just like that Sonic Snow tube offers a smooth and fast ride, compared to other tube sleds (based on many reviews).    

The Sonic Snow tube consists of four parts: the hard shell, the inner tube, the bottom, the cover, plus a tow rope. The hard shell is something we love about this tube sled. It offers knee and butt protection. It is useful for little riders who usually sit in the center of the tube, not on top of it. Meanwhile rigid bottom allows the Sonic tube to glide over snow bumps, on ice and fluffy snow alike. The rigid bottom also reduces drag which makes it a fast-sliding tube.   

As per the inner tube, it is also durable, however, if something would happen to it L.L.Bean sells replacements. Besides durability Sonic’s inner tube provides a cushy ride. Most reviewers noted the effect of the inner tube when gliding over snow bumps.  

As per one satisfied customer I bought one of these tubes last year, but my daughter wasn’t quite old enough yet for us to feel safe throwing her down a hill so we just dragged her around the yard in it. That was fun for a 3 1/2-year-old. This year she’s a big (literally, she’s tall!) 4 1/2 year old and we headed out to the town sledding spot after this weekend’s storm. There were at least 20 kids on the slope and our daughter went faster and farther than any of them, every time! The combination of the slippery bottom with the comforting stability of the tube makes for an awesome ride (yes, a husband and I each gave it a go as well!). I am thrilled with this and expect many more years of winter fun from it.  

According to the NY Times’ Wirecutter, easy-to-grasp tow straps allow even a 5-year-old to haul it back to the top of the hill. 

Another customer noted that his 4-year-old tried this out during the winter weekend event at LL Bean in Freeport, and she LOVED it. Huge smiles from ear to ear. So we bought one for her and our 2-year-old daughter for a Christmas gift, think they will like this gift! The tube is made very well, is stable, and is supposed to be quick on both packed snow and powder. We used it on packed snow/ice and it worked perfectly. Decided to go with the larger tube so they’ll be able to use it for a long time… plus mom and dad want to share in the fun! Looking forward to family tubing this winter. Very pleased with the purchase, and I think it safe to say our daughters will be, too! 

If you do not feel like spending over $200 on a tube sled, but still want to have a cushy ride, take a look at this Franklin Sports tube sled. This sled offers tandem sliding which is especially useful if you do not want to let your child ride alone or if you have younger and older kids who want to slide together.   

It is a reliable sled (although not as durable as Sonic Snow Tube), which is made of freeze-resistant PVC. Make sure to take it only on those hills that do not have wood branches or ice sticking out.    

Another useful feature of this ultra-affordable tube sled is the built-in handles. Two sets of handles allow both riders to steer and control the tube even on a bumpy slope.   

was hesitant to purchase this due to some negative reviews… Here is my experience with it. We bought 2 and they are completely worth it. It inflates perfectly well like a donut, reviews stating and posting pictures of it looking misshapen DID NOT have a strong enough pump. It’s rated to hold 130lbs, I went down the hill quite a few times with no problem, I weigh 160lbs. The snow was hard-packed, but the kids and I had no problems, no punctures. The best thing about a tube vs a plastic sled is that the ride is so much smoother and faster. To sum it up… it is cheap fun and fast.  

Finally, you do not only have to use this tube in the winter time. This inflatable tube can be also used in a pool or a lake during summer.   

Winter fun is not all about sliding down hills. If your idea of winter outdoor activity is about spending time at a lake, or ice fishing, you need a sled to pull all your gear. For instance, this Pelican Trek sled is a versatile toboggan which can be used for winter camping, hunting or fishing excursions. This sled is made of a heavy-duty RAM-X which provides shock resistance even in the toughest winter conditions.   

Besides durability, the Trek sled has a volume of 71L and can carry up to 130 lbs (60kg). You can fit in a fishing tent, gear, and a backpack and pull it with ease. The Pelican sled comes with a rope you can use to pull it.   

A satisfied customer noted a Great sled! So good in fact that I’ve purchased the smaller version for a little fun! This site is a workhorse for around the yard cutting firewood and moving branches and other debris. Shortly after I purchased the hitch to pull behind the UTV. Note the sled pulls a little heavy when loaded in the snow but it is almost weightless on ice with the runners underneath. I would recommend putting pins through the holes where the hitch is to be placed and using a bigger rope to pull. 3/8 is about the biggest hole you would want to drill along the edge of the sled for securing and towing by hand. This size rope isn’t the most comfortable for pulling heavy loads by hand.  

Finally, one of the last features we want to mention is pre-moulded High-density polyethylene (HDPE) runners. Those runners facilitate tracking and extend the lifespan of the sled. These runners are built-in with the mould of the hull.