Welcome Doug,
There debate on whether wheels are necessary or not could go for pages. Personally I have traveled in Quebec for 18 yrs without wheels, however I got a deal on a used pair thanks to Andyman the last year I was up there. I will never have another sled without wheels. Are they a necessity, no....but I would rather be looking at them, then looking for them. The ease getting around gas stations, restaurants, motels, or ferry terminals makes it worth the price to me.
Sounds like a great trip you and yours Buds have planned, awesome scenery.