from
WorldWeb.com Travel Guide
Shortcuts to Horseback Riding Adventures in the Canadian Rockies:
Trail Rides & Pack Trips |
Guest Ranches | Winter Sleigh Rides |
Cattle Drives
 |
| Trail Riding - Photo Courtesy of Scott Rowed - Warner Guiding and Outfitting |
|
One of Canada's greatest
features is the vast geography that is offered. The
Canadian Rockies, a central feature of Alberta
and British Columbia, are
of particular interest for outdoor enthusiasts during every season. In the summer,
the climate and terrain in the Rockies is ideal for trail
riding and pack trips: rugged yet pristine, the mountainous peaks found
in the Canadian Rockies offer a harmonious blend of adventure and tranquility.
At every turn along the wooded horseback trails and paths there are picturesque
mountain streams and lakes, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and other
scenery that will leave even the most seasoned world traveller feeling breathless.
Opportunities for wildlife sightings in the Canadian Rockies are also abundant,
even on horseback. Mountain wildlife such as deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep
and mountain goats are frequently spotted along the highways and countryside.
Grizzly bears and other such creatures are sighted less often; however, it is
important to be cautious and heed the advice of local wildlife officials, as
well as your horseback riding guide.
HORSEBACK RIDING SEASON
The horseback riding season in the Canadian Rockies typically extends from
May to October, although the weather has the power to dictate the length and
boundaries of the season more specifically, making it either longer or shorter.
In the summer the weather in the Canadian Rockies is usually sunny and comfortably
warm. There is always a chance of rain in the high mountain terrain, like all
mountain regions, and when it rains the temperature can drop making for a slight
chill in the air.
Winter activities such as sleigh rides, despite the snow and low temperatures,
are offered by many outfits in the area. Inquire locally for further information.
TRAIL RIDES
 |
| Trail Riding - Photo Courtesy of Brewster Adventures |
|
Horseback riding in the Canadian Rockies does not require a great deal of previous
experience or highly established skill - even beginning riders can enjoy a day
of sightseeing in the Rockies on horseback with relative ease. Regardless of
which outfit is chosen to guide each trail ride, every rider should be carefully
matched to a horse that suits the rider's size (both height and weight) and
skill level. Most trail riding companies offer a variety of choices in terms
of both the length of the trail ride, and the route or path taken.
Trail rides, which are defined as a horseback riding adventure that lasts no
longer than one full day, usually range in length from one hour to a full day.
Most companies feature one hour, two hour, half day and full day trips. Many
half-day trail rides will include a hearty lunch in the cost of the trail ride
or make one available for an additional fee. Often the lunch will be home-cooked
western cuisine such as barbequed steak, beans, potatoes and other side dishes,
along with freshly baked apple pie or similar desserts. Some companies also
feature a breakfast ride, with a full western-style breakfast served at a site
along the trail. Full-day trail rides will usually include a trail lunch, which
is packed along in the saddlebags.
Many companies also offer a combination option of horseback riding and whitewater
rafting, often called "Ride n' Raft" trips. These trips include a half-day of
horseback riding (usually in the morning), a full lunch and an afternoon of
adventure whitewater rafting on the rapids of a nearby mountain river. For more
information on whitewater rafting in the Canadian Rockies please click
here.
PACK TRIPS
Ideal for avid adventurers seeking an authentic western experience, pack trips
present a different experience of the Canadian Rockies than that gained from
a trail ride or other activity. They are a great way to spend more time exploring
all that the Rocky Mountains and the backcountry have to offer.
 |
| Enjoying the fire after a day of riding. |
|
A pack trip is more intensive and lasts longer than one day, generally ranging
in length from two days to two weeks. Each day includes a full day of riding
with a trail lunch that is enjoyed along the day's route. At the end of each
day horses and riders will rest at the camp and another hearty meal will be
enjoyed.
There are two main choices in accommodation type, depending on which company
and experience is chosen. Many pack trips involve pitching a tent at a site
along the backcountry route, while others offer somewhat more luxurious accommodations
in backcountry cabins or lodges. After an evening of relaxing that often includes
storytelling and singing around a crackling fire, and a good night's rest, riders
and horses are ready to go again first thing in the morning. Each morning during
the trip also includes a full breakfast before heading back onto the trails.
LOCATIONS
Locations for horseback riding in the Canadian Rockies abound. In the Alberta
Rockies major areas such as Kananaskis
Country, Banff
National Park, Jasper
National Park and Waterton
Lakes National Park each have several horseback riding outfits that
offer a variety of opportunities. In particular, the main cities and towns in
this area that offer horseback riding adventures are Banff,
Canmore, Jasper
and Lake Louise. Bragg
Creek, located near Calgary,
offers trail rides in the Kananaskis area. In the British
Columbia Rockies, Kootenay
National Park and Yoho
National Park include several towns that have horseback riding outfits:
Field,
Golden, Radium Hot Springs,
Fairmont Hot
Springs, Kimberley
and Cranbrook.
In addition to these locations in the Rockies, many horseback riding opportunities
can be found throughout Alberta's
Heartland, "Cowboy Country," in Sundre,
Water Valley,
Rocky
Mountain House and Caroline.
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING
Trail Rides
It is always best to be prepared when participating in any outdoor adventure.
Day trips are generally simple to prepare for because they do not last for an
extended period of time. Jeans are recommended for wear over shorts when horseback
riding. They tend to be more comfortable and also help to avoid any kind of
leg abrasion from rubbing against the horse's saddle. Heeled riding shoes or
cowboy boots are also recommended, however for trail rides running or hiking
shoes are usually fine. As with any outdoor recreation, it is always wise to
bring along sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. In the case of inclement weather,
it is nice to have a sweater and a windbreaker or waterproof jacket. Insect
repellant is also a wise idea for any activity in the mountains.
Pack Trips
Preparing for pack trips is obviously more intensive than preparing for trail rides; however,
most companies will include the larger items in the cost of each trip. Personal
items, including those mentioned for trail rides, are necessary and should also
include toiletries, extra clothing, rain gear, warm nightwear (the nighttime
air in the mountains tends to be cool, no matter what the daytime temperature
is) and sleeping gear including a sleeping bag, air mattress and pillow. Keep
in mind when packing your personal items to pack as "light" as possible because
the horses will be carrying all luggage in the saddle bags. Many companies will
limit the weight of individual luggage. Some items are also available for rent.
It is wise to inquire with each individual company regarding weight restrictions
for luggage and availability of rental items.
Whether taking a one-hour trail ride or a two-week pack trip, one item any
that traveller will not want to forget is a camera with extra film or a video
camera. There are so many remarkable sights - both scenery and wildlife - in
Canada's Rocky Mountains that vacationers will want to capture on film.
COST
The cost of each trail ride varies with each company. As expected, the length
of the trip and what is included also affects the price. Most one-hour trail
rides begin at approximately $30 CDN, a half-day trip averages around $70 CDN
and a full day ranges between $110 and $150 CDN. Prices also vary as meals are
added on: many outfits offer rides that will include a light snack, a full breakfast,
lunch or cookout supper. It is difficult to give price ranges for pack trips;
however, depending on the company, what is included, and the length of the trip
the average cost is $200 CDN per person, per day. To convert these Canadian
Dollar prices into your local currency please click
here.
Shortcuts to Horseback Riding Adventures in the Canadian Rockies:
Trail Rides & Pack Trips |
Guest Ranches | Winter Sleigh Rides |
Cattle Drives
