Horseback Riding

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Horseback Riding

About Horseback Riding

Horseback trail rides are one of the best ways to take in spectacular nature views while covering lots of ground in relative comfort. Astride your horse, you’ll visit lush valleys, mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, fields of flowers, and meander through tree-lined trails as sunlight filters through the branches and leaves.

Saddle Up!

From beginner to pro, you’ll be excited to swing up on your horse and head off into the wilderness. Your tour guide will supply the horse and horse’s gear, as well as instruct you on respectful and controlled interactions with the horse and environment around you. The guide will help you navigate your trip, ensuring you have a safe and breathtaking adventure.

Horse Power

Trail ride horses are big, powerful animals that will help you scale steep, rocky slopes, cross rivers, and race across huge, open fields, all while admiring their glossy coats, adorable eyes, and gentle dispositions.

Your Own Western

It’s time for the full cowpoke experience. For a short adventure, choose between one, three, and four hour rides. Or if you really want to get your Wild West on, plan a special multi-day backcountry horsepack tour or ranch stay.

Tours with Horseback Riding

Kananaskis Mountain Escape

4 days

FROM $2069

Find yourself at the intersection of backcountry and luxury in Kananaskis, Alberta. Get access to leisure activities with breathtaking views and feelings of solitude and rejuvenation. May to October.

Scenic Banff by Horseback

4 Days

FROM $1995

A tour for the horse enthusiast! Saddle up to ride horseback on 3 trails in the Banff National Park and view sky-piercing mountaintops, thick alpine forests, rolling hills and jagged rock formations.

Whitehorse Wilderness Weekend

3 Days

FROM $355

Spend a relaxing weekend in the wilderness away from the hustle of the city. Unwind in an off the grid cabin while you enjoy light activities and connect with nature on your very own personal retreat.

Build Your Own Horseback Riding Tour

Let’s make a trip that’s uniquely yours! You decide how long, which trails, number of inclusions, everything. Start planning now and make your dream trip a reality.

Staff Picks

Wapiti Onion Trail

Ride up to 30 km on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, along shores of small lakes, and along the banks of Wapiti River in north east British Columbia.

Fish Lake Loop

Picture-perfect views overlooking Fish Lake and Whitehorse will greet you on this 15.9 km loop in the Yukon. During summertime, you'll have a chance to take in the midnight sun as you mosey past the treeline.

Sundance Loop

This beginner-friendly Banff National Park tour will take you through Bow Valley, past sulphur springs, and up a ways on Sulphur Mountain. Drink in stunning vistas and get in touch with nature.

ADVENTURE

Benefits

Horsin' Around

Horseback riding is another adventure that allows you to bond with a lovely animal. On your trip you will create a relationship with your horse and learn to move with her. When dismounted, you’ll get to pet, feed, and talk to your equine companion.

Engage Your Core

Riding horses requires sitting up tall and engaging those abdominal, oblique and back muscles, strengthening your core and protecting your spine. Don’t forget to stretch after!

Relaxation

Horseback riding has shown to reduce muscle spasticity as tight muscles are stretched due to the natural motion of the horse. It can also increase the range of motion of joints, allowing riders to move more freely.

Essential Gear and Equipment

Long pants and proper footwear are essential for riding. Closed-toe shoes are the bare minimum, but bring your riding or cowboy boots if you have them! Most tours will require you to wear a helmet, and we recommend it as well. Don’t forget your wilderness survival essentials (first aid kit, navigation, food, water, knife, fire starter, communication, and a backpack).

Tips

Anytime you decide to go explore nature, you should…

Check the weather.
Research the trail and take a map with you.
Carry the proper gear for the experience.
Bring extra food.
Tell someone where you are going.
Check with the Parks or tourism office for closures and wildlife updates.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife.

Greet your horse with a “horseman’s handshake” by extending your arm and offering the back of your hand until the horse touches it with her nose.

Horses are beautiful creatures, but keep your eyes on the trail. Look straight through the horse’s ears so you remain aware of your surroundings and what’s coming up.

Be gentle on the reins. Trail ride horses are trained to respond to commands and light touches; be kind to them and don’t yank on the reins.

Resources

Did You Know?

Horse lovers and skiers alike can take advantage of the Canadian winters with skijoring, in which a horse tows a skier or snowboarder holding on to a stretch of rope, whipping up speed and letting the rider sail over fields of snow. Skijoring races and exhibition are a big part of Banff’s annual SnowDays winter festival.

Have Questions?

Sometimes it’s just easier to talk to someone. Give us a call and let’s discuss how we can create your unique experience.