If you’ve always dreamed of horseback riding in the Canadian Rockies, then this sample itinerary is for you! Get your fill of equestrian-themed excursions and entertainment, see the best of the Rockies, and spend some time horseback riding in the mountainous backcountry. Who could ask for more?
This trip is perfect for the moderately-independent traveller. There is just the right mix of guided excursions and DIY explorations. And, it’s suitable for any level of horseback riding experience.
For those who’d like to spend even more time in the backcountry, several multi-day guided overnight horseback riding excursions are also available, ranging from shorter 2/3-day trips to longer 6/7-day trips. Make sure to enquire for more information.
And remember, since this is just a sample itinerary, it can be completely customized to suit your individual tastes and preferences. Get in touch to start planning your perfect trip!
Day 1:
Fly to Calgary
Depart from the nearest airport in the morning, and arrive in Calgary in the early afternoon.
Heritage Park
After checking-in to the hotel, spend a few hours wandering this historical village, where you can observe first-hand how early settlers lived. Attractions include the Rodeo Arena, the Botsford Harness Shop, the Drive Shed, the Hull Carriage House, wagon rides, the Bowness Carousel, an 1880s pre-railway settlement, a 1910 prairie railway town, the Gasoline Alley Museum, a paddlewheeler, and more.
Calgary Tower & Sky 360 Restaurant
Get fantastic views of the city from the tower’s observation deck and enjoy a memorable meal in the revolving restaurant.
Overnight in Calgary
Stay right in the middle of the action! A downtown hotel allows easier access to sightseeing and activities, both planned and unplanned.
Day 2:
Calgary Stampede / Spruce Meadows / Century Downs
Should the trip coincide with the Calgary Stampede, the day can be spent partaking in the entertainment.
Otherwise, the day could be spent at Spruce Meadows, where premier equestrian tournaments and agricultural fairs are held several times per year. Visitors may tour the stables, see the grounds, and watch the trainers exercise the horses at any time, while it's possible to watch the foals and perhaps even participate in the annual Foal Naming Contest during the summer.
Another option would be to spend an afternoon, or even the evening, at the Century Downs Racetrack & Casino, which hosts an off-track betting area on non-live race days.
Overnight in Calgary
Return for a second night at the same hotel.
Day 3:
Travel to Kananaskis
Travel via motor coach shuttle to the next destination.
Kananaskis Trail Ride
Once at the Kananaskis park system, participate in a 6-hour guided trail ride. Go horseback riding to see the Canadian Rockies from scenic trails winding up alpine passes, through thick forests, and along mountain creeks. Partake in a picnic lunch to recharge midway through the day.
Overnight in Kananaskis
Spend the night at one with nature while staying at a mountain lodge.
Day 4:
Travel to Banff
Transfer via motor coach shuttle to the next destination.
Sunshine Village
Ride the gondola and chairlift to the peak for fantastic views from the viewpoint platform, hiking trails to alpine lakes, and lunch at the mountain lodge.
Banff National Park Trail Ride
On this 3-hour guided horseback riding excursion, meander through the park and the backcountry of the Canadian Rockies.
Overnight in Banff
Choose between staying at a more secluded mountain lodge or at an inn right in town.
Day 5:
Columbia Icefields
This guided day tour along the Icefield Parkway also makes stops at Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lake. The day culminates with an exciting all-terrain ride on the Ice Explorer through the Columbia Icefields and a stroll on the glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk, which overhangs high above the icefields.
Overnight in Banff
Return for a second night at the same hotel.
Day 6:
Canmore Trail Ride
Take a short journey to Canmore for a 2-hour horseback riding adventure exploring even more of the terrain of the Canadian Rockies.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
View the landscape from a different perspective — the water! This 1-hour interpretive cruise on Banff’s largest lake provides plentiful opportunities for wildlife spotting in addition to the spectacular scenery.
Banff Gondola
Ride up to a mountain peak for incredible views of the town and surrounding area.
Overnight in Banff
Return for a third night at the same hotel.
Day 7:
Mountain Lakes & Waterfalls
The last guided excursion of the trip takes a route on the Bow Valley Parkway into Banff and Yoho National Parks, including stops at area highlights such as Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Takkakaw Falls, Victoria Glacier, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Kicking Horse Pass, and the Spiral Tunnels.
Overnight in Banff
Return for one last night at this hotel.
Day 8:
Travel to Calgary
The motor coach shuttle conveniently stops directly at the Calgary airport.
Fly Home
Go back to the point of origin with amazing memories and fabulous pictures.