Banff Horseback Riding Tour

In the Shadow of Mountains

The town of Banff is nestled in the oldest national park in Canada, Banff National Park, established in 1885. It’s worth arriving early to explore the lively town before we rendezvous in the hotel lobby to meet our energetic guide and fellow travelers. After a quick round of introductions, we head out on the town for our first dinner together.

Included Meals

Dinner

Accommodations

Elk+Avenue Hotel (Private upgrade available for the first night only.)

Up, Up We Go

After breakfast, we meet for the five minute shuttle to Warner Stables, where our carefully selected horses are waiting for us. Have your credit card handy to leave a deposit for any extras that you might enjoy on the trip. We offload our personal gear to the waiting mules who carry it to Sundance Lodge, where it will be waiting for us when we arrive in the late afternoon. Taking our time, we follow the Bow River, then Brewster Creek and Healy Creek, along a wide forest trail, stopping for a campfire cooked lunch along the way. 

At Sundance, we enjoy a delicious lodge-cooked meal, and maybe a game of cards or a singalong, before retiring under fluffy duvets and crisp cotton sheets for a good night’s rest.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Sundance Lodge

The Ride

10 miles (16 km), which takes about 5–6 hours

Backcountry Bliss

Our cowgirl adventure continues as we journey southward along the snaking historic Erling Strom Trail toward Halfway Lodge. As we approach, lodgepole pines and spruce begin to thin out with elevation and a cauldron of mountains dominate the backdrop of the treeline. With propane lanterns and candles providing lighting and a wood stove for warmth, the lodge hasn’t changed much in the last 80 years. The only big change occurred in 1967; a second story was added when a bear made a surprise entrance…through the roof!

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Halfway Lodge

The Ride

9 miles (14.5 km), which takes about 5–6 hours

Riding High

Today we make the goosebump-inducing climb up Allenby Pass on horseback, an elevation of 8,100 feet (2,469 m). For many, this is the highlight of the trip, as we’re rewarded with an enormous vista of the jagged rock formations and natural amphitheater of the mountains surrounding us. Our trusty horses carry us steadfastly over steep and rocky terrain, and it’s not unusual to see a few patches of snow once we reach the high pass. 

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Halfway Lodge

The Ride

3–5 miles (5–8 km), which takes about 4–6 hours, including lunch 

Enjoy the Backcountry

Today is an official rest day at Halfway Lodge. There’s no pesky internet, WiFi or cell reception so we are off the hook. There’s an optional hike to a shimmery glacial-fed lake at the end of the valley. If you’d rather chill out, doodle, journal or cat nap, there’s no pressure! Halfway Lodge is the perfect place to enjoy the backcountry from the comfort of the porch, with exceptional views of the valley below. 

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Halfway Lodge

Back in the Saddle

Today we follow the winding trail along Brewster Creek back to our old stomping grounds at Sundance Lodge. We stop for lunch along the way, arriving at Sundance in time for showers and swapping stories before we gather for a decadent farewell dinner, lovingly prepared by our chef and lodge host.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Sundance Lodge

The Ride

9 miles (14.5 km), which takes about 5–6 hours

From Rockies to Home

Our final day on the trail involves a gentle (10 mile/16 km) ride from Sundance back to Warner Stables. We stop along the banks of Healy Creek for a leisurely lunch before returning to the stables late afternoon, brimming with tall tales from the backcountry. Transportation is provided from the stables back to Banff town centre, arriving between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. 

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner