Horseback riding in Banff is the perfect activity for you if you want to immerse yourself in nature and drink in the beautiful mountain views of Banff National Park in a unique way.
Horseback riding in Banff on a trail ride is both relaxing and adventurous simultaneously, so you can have a blast and make memories to remember while also saving up your energy for a hike or another adventure later on!
We recently took a trail ride with Banff Trail Riders, and we had so much fun. Read on to learn more!
Disclaimer: Our Banff horseback adventure experience was kindly provided on a complimentary basis by Banff Trail Riders. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. I will continue to promote only products, properties, destinations, and services that I truly believe in 100%, and would wholeheartedly recommend to others.
Short History of Horseback Riding in Banff
In the 1800s, riding on horseback was the most efficient way for early explorers to navigate the Rockies’ steep terrain as they worked to uncover new trading routes.
However, in the early 20th century, horseback riding also became an enjoyable and exciting way for aristocrat travelers to venture deep into the backcountry and take in the amazing scenery of places like Banff National Park. Horseback trail guides would often take wealthy early travelers to stunning and remote places, such as Mount Assiniboine or other hard-to-reach destinations that hardly anyone had seen before.
A club of 14 backcountry enthusiasts calling themselves the “Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies” formed in 1923. This group helped even more travelers explore the beautiful wilderness of Banff, and they blazed the lovely horseback trail used today in Banff’s horseback trail rides.
Banff Trail Riders: Banff’s exclusive horseback riding operator
In the 1960’s, there were three outfitters based at Warner Stables in Banff, which is where Banff Trail Riders is located today. By the mid-1970s, these three outfitters consolidated into one single large outfitter, known as “Warner and Mackenzie Outfitting/Holiday on Horseback”. And then, in 2014, they officially became “Banff Trail Riders”.
The idea was that this new name matched a renewed focus on helping travelers to Banff to explore the park’s stunning wilderness from horseback. However, despite the new branding, Banff Trail Riders still continues to take their guests along that same much-loved route blazed by the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies!
Banff Trail Riders is the exclusive horseback riding operator in Banff. They are also the only outfitter in the Canadian Rockies with their own lodges inside the National Park. They offer a variety of trail rides with something for everyone, from short one-hour trips to multi-day horseback adventures.
Want to experience the historic and beautiful riding route yourself on horseback? Read on!
Here are some of the different trips offered by Banff Trail Riders:
Spray River River (One Hour)
This is the trail ride we took, and it was fabulous! If you want to explore the untouched beauty and wilderness that can be found just outside Banff’s townsite with a shorter horseback ride on a gorgeous trail, this is an awesome option for you. You’ll get to ride by the beautiful Bow Falls waterfall on this ride, which was raging when we saw it!
You’ll also ride by the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, which is one of the most immaculately-manicured golf courses in Canada. And then, my favorite part – you’ll get to cross the Spray River on horseback, which is a really memorable experience.
Included:
- a friendly horse
- lead & tail guide
- basic horseback riding instruction
- helmet (required)
Cost: $87 per person
Bow River Ride (One Hour)
Take a horseback ride along the tranquil Bow River, and pass by the historic Cave and Basin, recognized as the birthplace of Banff National Park. Here, craggy rock walls surround pools of bubbling thermal water. Best of all, you’ll be treated to unspoiled views of the towering Rocky Mountains the entire time on this trail!
This popular choice is perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
Included:
- a friendly horse
- lead & tail guide
- basic horseback riding instruction
- helmet (required)
Cost: $69 per person
Sundance Loop Ride (2 Hours)
Looking for something a little bit longer? Explore Banff’s stunning wilderness on this two-hour horseback ride. On this trail, you will pass by natural sulphur hot springs as you ride to the historic Cave and Basin. You’ll then meander along the peaceful Bow River before climbing your way up Sulphur Mountain. It’s then onwards to Windy Knoll, where you can take gorgeous photos of the sweeping mountain landscape.
Included:
- a friendly horse
- lead & tail guide
- basic horseback riding instruction
- helmet (required)
Cost: $129 per person
Bow Valley Loop Ride (3 Hours)
On this longer horseback ride, you’ll explore the rustic terrain and grassy meadows of Banff’s Bow Valley with towering mountaintops, lush alpine forests, and jagged rock formations to admire the entire way.
While riding along the Sundance Canyon Trail, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife such as beaver, elk, coyotes and occasionally, even bears!
You’ll ride around the Windy Knoll and then up Sulphur Mountain, where panoramic views of the Bow Valley await you. Don’t forget your camera on this memorable trip!
Included:
- a friendly horse
- lead & tail guide
- basic horseback riding instruction
- helmet (required)
Cost: $175 per person
Sulphur Mountain Ride (4 Hours)
So much spectacular scenery is packed into this longer ride!
On this half-day adventure, you’ll ride two-thirds of the way up one of Banff’s iconic Sulphur Mountain, pass by a famous landmark (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel), search for wildlife in the brush and then cross the Spray River on horseback and ride along the base of Mount Rundle. There might even be another fun river crossing waiting for you after that!
Included:
- a friendly horse
- lead & tail guide
- basic horseback riding instruction
- helmet (required)
- water and a light snack
Cost: $246 per person
Overnight Horseback Adventures
Looking for even longer adventures? Banff Trail Riders also offer pack trips and backcountry adventures ranging from 1 to 5 nights! I haven’t been able to experience one of these yet, but I can’t wait until I am able to.
Our Experience Horseback Riding in Banff with Banff Trail Riders
We truly had a blast during our trail ride with Banff Trail Riders.
The guides and staff were really friendly and knowledgeable, and very willing to chat and share their knowledge about horses and the history of horseback riding in Banff.
The horses were beautiful, healthy, and obviously well-cared for and respected.
And the scenery, as always in Banff, was jaw-droppingly spectacular. You can’t go wrong with any of the different trail ride options. Just choose the one that works best with your budget and the time you have available!
Have so much fun!
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