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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Canada
Intro to Canada
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Banff - Backcountry Lodge Ride - 4 days
Alberta
Canada
Snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers and sweeping vistas are the allure of Banff National Park. Step out into the wilderness and the home of some of North America's wildest creatures, including grizzly bears, caribou and wolves. On this ride you will enjoy a ride into this breathtaking wilderness with comforts of a backcountry mountain lodge awaiting you in the evenings. Exciting horseback riding brings you closer to nature, where you will learn all about life in the west! The cowboys will guide you through the best photographers haven that the Canadian Rockies have to offer. These rides take you and fellow adventurers deep into the heart of the wilderness.
Explore some of Banff National Park's most spectacular back country and join us on a 6-day Wilderness Tenting Ride in the Cascade Valley (4 and 5 day options are available).
This trip is for folks who are looking to take a little bit of home into the back-country, Sundance and Halfway Lodges provide just the right combination. Like the full circle rides, days are spent horseback riding and exploring. Unlike the circle rides, evenings are spent in a cozy lodge. We call that roughing it the civilized way!
-- Special "Women Only" 5-day trip on Aug 17 to 21, 2009
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Meeting:
Banff
Airport:
Calgary
Transfer:
Pick up Banff: Banff 9 AM - Drop off: 4:30 PM
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Rates include:
7 nights B&B, riding program
options:
Beginner: 5 lunge lesson, 3 dressage lessons
Riding Holiday: 4 dressage, 2 x2 hr beach, 1 x1 hr rice
Touring program: 1 dressage, 4 x 2 hr beach tour, 2 x 1 hr rice field tour
GST (VAT) 2.5% (5% for Canadian Resident)
Transfer Option:
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2008
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Transfer from Banff at 9 AM on Day 1 included
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$
0
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$0
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2008
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Park Fee
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$
30
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$30
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Tour Dates
Rates do not include:
lunches or dinners except one
Day 1 - Riders meet in Banff at 9:30 a.m. and are transported by van to Martin Stables. There they are met by their guides and horses and mount up for the ten mile ride to Banff Sundance Lodge via the glacier-fed waters of the Bow River, Healy and Brewster Creeks.
Day 2 - The adventure continues southward with a ride up to Halfway Lodge. The trail winds along the historic Strom pack trail with the rugged Sundance Range dominating the eastern horizon.
Day 3 - After a good night's rest at Halfway Lodge and a hearty breakfast, it's down to the corral to mount up for the day's ride. Trips may take riders to the headwaters of Brewster Creek or to the breathtaking views enjoyed at the top of Allenby Pass, at an elevation of 8,100 ft.
Day 4 - After a warm good-bye to the cook and Halfway, the trail leads back to Sundance Lodge. This will be home for the next two nights.
Day 5 - The day begins with a hot, ranch-style breakfast, fuel for the ride up Fatigue Creek. At midday, both horse and rider enjoy a restful break in the Fatigue Valley, while the lunch horse is unpacked and coffee is brewed. The lofty heights of the Continental Divide provide spectacular vistas of both Alberta and British Columbia.
Day 6 - The gang gets together for one last day on the trail, a "soft" ten-mile ride from Sundance to Martin Stables, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m. The adventure has come to a close, but the magic of your holiday will linger on to be relived and shared.
The 4 day trip departs on a Sunday and spends the first night at Sundance Lodge, the second night at Halfway Lodge and returns back to Sundance for the final evening.
The 5 day trip departs on a Monday and spends the first night at Sundance Lodge, the second and third night at Halfway Lodge and returns back to Sundance Lodge for the final evening.
-- Special "Women Only" 5-day trip on Aug 17 to 21, 2009
Subject to change
Meeting:
Banff
Airport:
Calgary
Train station:
Banff bus station
Transfer:
Pick up Banff: Banff 9 AM - Drop off: 4:30 PM
Passport and Visa Requirements: Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following: (a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian . more
It is no coincidence that visitor activities in Banff National Park are as varied as the Park's climate. A year in Banff National Park would give a visitor a taste of everything in terms of weather and recreation. The summer sees sunny, warm days for such things as horseback riding, hiking, biking, camping, and climbing. The winter brings crisp, snowy days for tracking, skating, and alpine and nordic skiing.
July is the warmest, with average highs of 22°C in the Town of Banff. January is the coldest month with average lows of -15°C, though the mercury can drop into the minus thirties. The relative dryness of the air in Banff, however, makes even extreme temperatures more bearable.
Likely the most reliable characteristic of the weather in Banff National Park is its variability. The weather at one point in the park may be quite different from that of other points relatively near by. At one specific location the weather can vary considerably from year to year, and from day to day, so be prepared! Even if it is warm and sunny at the trailhead, take rain gear and a sweater. You might need them by the time you reach your destination.
The weather can also change dramatically throughout the day. The dryness of the air causes temperatures to vary considerably from night to day. The temperature on a summer night can drop to a few degrees above freezing even if daytime temperatures climbed into the upper twenties.
Vacationing in such a variable climate means thinking ahead.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Town of Banff (Elevation 1397m / 4540 ft)
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Averages |
Daily
High (°C) |
Daily
Low (°C) |
Rainfall
(mm) |
Snowfall
(cm) |
Hours of
Sun/Day |
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Jan |
-5.3 |
-14.9 |
2.4 |
38.2 |
8.1 |
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Feb |
0.1 |
-11.3 |
1.7 |
30.0 |
10.0 |
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Mar |
3.8 |
-7.9 |
1.6 |
27.0 |
12.0 |
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Apr |
9.0 |
-2.8 |
10.6 |
26.3 |
14.0 |
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May |
14.2 |
1.5 |
42.4 |
17.1 |
15.5 |
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Jun |
18.7 |
5.4 |
58.4 |
1.7 |
16.5 |
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Jul |
22.1 |
7.4 |
51.1 |
0.0 |
16.0 |
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Aug |
21.6 |
6.8 |
51.2 |
0.0 |
14.5 |
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Sep |
16.1 |
2.7 |
37.7 |
7.0 |
12.7 |
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Oct |
10.1 |
-1.1 |
15.4 |
18.9 |
10.7 |
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Nov |
0.5 |
-8.2 |
6.0 |
33.6 |
9.0 |
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Dec |
-5.3 |
-13.8 |
2.8 |
43.9 |
7.8 |
What does the climate in Banff National Park affect?
Climate, more than any other factor, determines what will exist in an ecosystem. The climate is the primary determinant of what types and amounts of vegetation will exist in an area. The types and amounts of vegetation determine the types and numbers of herbivorous and omnivorous animals. At the top of the ladder are the carnivores, dependent on all below them. So the answer to the above question is, "Climate influences everything in Banff National Park!"
Wildlife habitat is sculpted by the weather. During the winter some animals, like bears, can hibernate. Others animals, like voles, adapt by traveling through tunnels in the snow. Still others, like bighorn sheep, are dependent on the grass that hides beneath the snow. In the winter, they must make their way down toward the montane valleys or to the few windswept slopes to find food. Their long term populations are determined by the numbers that their winter habitat will support.
Humans in Banff National Park have habits similar to those of the wildlife, and we respond to the changes in weather in a similar way. In winter, we may choose to hibernate in our own way. Those that do not, stay pretty much to the montane valleys, perhaps traveling to the few high mountain slopes where the conditions are right for skiing. In the summer we again range high up into the mountains to hike, ride horses, bike, climb.
Visitors to Banff National Park must remain aware of the effect that climate has on all the animals (humans included) in the Park. Make sure that you are informed, and prepared to enjoy and endure all of the kinds of weather that you will encounter. Please be sensitive to Banff's wildlife and to their efforts to respond to the park's climatic cycles. Remember that humans share Banff's valleys and mountains with the park's wildlife and vegetation.
We do have propane lamps at the lodges, but supply is limited to only a couple hours at a time. There are candles out there, but would highly recommend bringing a flashlight. The lodge does provide towels and bedding.
When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out to the lodge on a mule and our animals comfort is very important to us. By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that.
You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It can not have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a Total maximum weight of 30 lbs. It’s a good idea to line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for waterproofing. Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30 lb weight restriction.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
It's a good idea to reserve ahead if you are interested in renting saddlebags or rain slickers. Saddle bags rent for $2 a day. Rain slickers rent for $7 a day. You have the option of bringing your own saddle bags.
Please fill them only with essential items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm, your camera, sunscreen, etc. We reserve the right to limit the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight.
Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well. Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed -- they are hard on your back and hard on the horse’s back, and do not tie properly to the saddle.
We have a limited supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day; however we suggest you book them early, as last year this was a popular service.
| The following list details essential items to bring with you: |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Chaps -- If you have them, bring them |
| Riding boots -- A boot with a heel that can easily slip in and out of stirrups. Alternatives would be a narrow style of hiking boot or solid sneaker. For safety reasons, clunky hiking boots are not recommended. Plastic bags inside your boots will keep your feet dry on rainy days |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Gloves -- Lined leather or suede gloves provide protection from the elements and a sure grip on the reins (bring two pair just in case one gets wet) |
| Hat -- A cowboy hat offers the most protection from the elements. Baseball caps or canvas-type hats are also fine. Please ensure that your hat fits snug or ties on and will not blow off in the wind |
| Scarf -- A silk or cotton scarf is recommended for extra warmth |
| Rain gear -- A rain coat and rain pants, and if possible, coverings for your boots and hat. Please DO NOT bring rain ponchos, they flap in the wind and spook the horses. If you have one, we recommend an oilskin slicker. We have a limited supply of full-length oilskin slickers for rent. If you are interested in this service, please book early |
| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| A warm coat -- Essential to ward off chilly nights or a windy day. Also bring a heavy sweater (wool is a great insulator) or fleece jacket |
| Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1 long-sleeved shirt (turtleneck if you prefer) and 2 t-shirts |
| Jeans -- We suggest one pair for riding in over the six days and one other pair for wearing around various camps at night. Also important is a pair of long underwear for chilly nights |
| Underwear and socks |
| Sneakers -- or an extra pair of shoes for wearing around camp, an extra pair of DRY socks is also recommended |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Toiletries -- towel, facecloth, biodegradable shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razors, etc. Please note that we do not have any electricity at the camps. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP AT ALL CAMPS |
| Insect protection- mosquitos can bite! |
| Personal medications |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
| Flashlight -- Remember to check your batteries! |
| Water bottle – for refreshment while you are riding |
| Liquor -- Please make sure that all bottled liquor is well-wrapped in plastic and placed in the middle of your duffel to prevent it from breaking. Plastic bottles are preferred. Please remember that alcohol is included in your 30lb weight limit on your duffel. All camps are supplied by mule or pack horse |
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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Linda Sewall
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9/19/2005
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..view other reports for different trips
You will be staying at the Sundance Lodge and then at the Half Way Lodge.
Completed in 1991, Sundance Lodge now sits on the original site of the horse corral for Ten-Mile cabin, built by Canadian Pacific Railway back in the 1920's. The cabin itself remains standing and was declared a historical site in 1990. It was used as a refuge for mountain guides and packers traveling to Mount Assiniboine, whose names you can still see carved into the logs.
Sundance Lodge sits alongside a gentle curve on Brewster Creek, with the Sundance mountain range as a backdrop. Built entirely with fir logs, the lodge has 10 sleeping rooms, a large country kitchen, and a cozy living room area where you can curl up by the woodstove and lose yourself in a good book. And although it is a remote backcountry lodge, we decided to add what we felt was an important comfort from home - hot showers! (Please note that, for environmental reasons, showers are restricted to one per stay.)
Surrounded by the beauty of towering peaks, Halfway Lodge has been a welcome haven for over 60 years. Rich in tradition, this cabin was used back in the late 1920's by mountain guide Erling Strom as a stopover for his guests traveling from Banff to Mount Assiniboine. Then a single storied cabin, Strom's wranglers spent the night sleeping in tents while the guests found floor space within. Halfway has remained pretty much as originally built, with the exception of a second story added in 1967 when a bear made an appearance through an unexpected entrance - the roof!
Thanks to the bear, Halfway now sleeps a maximum of fourteen guests. The lifestyle at this rustic backcountry cabin remains much the same as it was 60 years ago - simple. Propane lanterns and candles provide the lighting, and a woodstove keeps the water hot and the cabin warm and cozy.
Note: private sleeping arrangements are possible depending on trip size, but are not guaranteed. Halfway is equipped with single beds only.
Meals: Although we can cater to some specialty diets, we do not cater specifically to vegetarian diets. There are always plenty of meat-free options available. However we do not offer a “vegetarian” main course.
SHORTER RIDES:
** The 4 day trip departs on a Sunday and spends the first night at Sundance Lodge, the second night at Halfway Lodge and returns back to Sundance for the final evening.
** The 5 day trip departs on a Monday and spends the first night at Sundance Lodge, the second and third night at Halfway Lodge and returns back to Sundance Lodge for the final evening.
You don't need to assist with tacking up the horse, your guide will do everything for you. If you would like to learn, please ask! Tack is western only and the horses are neck reigned. July is generally the busiest month, with the Stampede in Calgary.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter Mix
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Pace:
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Slow, 4-6 hrs per day
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Level:
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