Banff Trail Riders · Banff, Alberta, Canada
Ride into Banff's backcountry to log-cabin lodges, a tradition since 1962
Banff Trail Riders has guided travellers into the Canadian Rockies backcountry on horseback since 1962. Multi-day lodge pack trips follow the glacier-fed Bow River deep into Banff National Park, with nights at the rustic Sundance and remote Halfway log-cabin lodges and gourmet meals cooked in the backcountry. Trips run from an overnight escape to a six-day ride, through some of the finest mountain scenery in Alberta.
The lodge pack trips are guided at a steady walk on surefooted mountain horses and suit riders of all levels, including beginners. Longer trips mean several hours in the saddle a day, so a basic level of fitness helps.
Surefooted, well-mannered horses suited to backcountry trail work.
Ride out from the Banff valley along the Bow River and into the backcountry, reaching a log-cabin lodge in time to settle in, with hot meals prepared by the lodge hosts and evenings by the wood stove. Longer trips ride between Sundance and Halfway lodges, going deeper into the mountains each day.
Rustic but comfortable backcountry log-cabin lodges: Sundance Lodge and the remote Halfway Lodge, with real beds and cooked meals.
All meals prepared at the lodges, known for hearty backcountry cooking.
Best months: Summer
Backcountry lodge trips run through the summer season; winter brings ski-and-stay trips instead.
Nearest airport: Calgary International (YYC)
Transfers: Banff is about 90 minutes by road from Calgary; the stables are a few minutes from downtown Banff.
