Alberta’s Banff National Park boasts more than 2,500 square miles of stunning mountain landscapes and incredible riding opportunities in the Canadian Rockies.
Best Treks
Approximately 930 miles of trail are available to backcountry adventurers, many of them open to horseback riders and packers. Equestrian groups are limited to 10 people, with a maximum of two animals per person. Low-impact camping and traveling, as well as the use of processed feeds, are encouraged.
Best Riding Season
Capitalize on the Canadian summer by scheduling your ride any time from mid-June through September.
Requirements
Reservations are required; private groups can reserve a trip up to three months in advance. A wilderness pass and grazing permit are mandatory for overnight horse trips in the park. For reservations or to purchase permits, contact the Banff Warden Office at (403) 762-1470. A park pass, required for all visitors, can be obtained at the park gates or by calling (800) 748-PARK (7275). For a complete list of fees, visit pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/tarifs-fees_e.asp?park=1.
Facilities
Trailhead horse facilities can be found at Sunset Pass, Mosquito Creek, Johnson Creek, Healy Creek, Norquay, Helen Creek, Pipeston River, Redearth Creek, Spray River, Upper Bankhead and Mt. Shark.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of large predators, including mountain lions, grizzly and black bears, and wolves, as well as lynx and wolverines. Additional wildlife include moose, elk, deer, mountain goats, Bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and falcons.
Hazards
Loose rock, ice and wildlife should all be avoided. In early spring and summer, riders can expect high-water conditions along the Clearwater, Howse, Pipestone, Red Deer and Mistaya Rivers. For current trail conditions, contact the Banff Warden Office.
Resources
• Banff National Park
(403) 762-1550
pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index_e.asp
• Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies
(403) 684-4086
[email protected]
trail-rides.ca
Local Outfitters
• Banff Adventures Unlimited
Banff, Alberta
(800) 644-8888
banffadventures.com
• Brewster Lake Louise Stables
Banff
(403) 762-5454
brewsteradventures.com
• Holiday on Horseback
Warner Guiding and Outfitting
Banff
(403) 762-4551
horseback.com
• Timberline Tours Ltd.
Lake Louise, Alberta
(403) 522-3743
timberlinetours.ca
• Homeplace Ranch
Priddis, Alberta
(877) 931-3245
homeplaceranch.com
• Moondance Guest Ranch
Clinton, British Columbia
(888) 459-7775
moondanceguestranch.com
• Three Bars Cattle & Guest Ranch
Cranbrook, British Columbia
(877) 426-5230
threebarsranch.com
Local Banff Attractions
• Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada
(403) 762-1558
pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/banff/index_E.asp
