Go horseback riding in the wilderness of western Canada. A breathtaking ride in the Rockies of Canada, in the Kananaskis range.
A five-day wild adventure on horseback, where you will discover breathtaking landscapes with your horse. Conviviality and western atmosphere on the camps, life in the middle of nature ... Live a fantastic equestrian experience !
50.648027829516, -114.89195145
A week horseback ride in Canada through the wilderness of western Canada. Breathtaking mountain scenery in the Kananaskis Range, foothills of Canada's Rocky Mountains.
A wild adventure. Five days on horseback where you will share with your horse unforgettable moments through breathtaking landscapes, friendliness, excellent cuisine on the camps, and the opportunity to learn as much as possible about horses and life in full of nature.
SEE ALL OUR EQUESTRIAN OFFER IN CANADA :
HORSEBACK RIDING TRAIL RIDE IN CANADA
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival. We will arrange pick-up from Calgary in the afternoon, either from the international airport or a hotel. The exact pick up time will be coordinated with you directly, but typically we don’t schedule pick-ups before 4:00pm. After a approximately 1 hour drive, you will be dropped off at the Ranch where we have a welcome meet & greet BBQ with all guests and the staff to give you and us the chance to get to know each other a bit, ask questions and – most importantly – go over the plan for the next days, including weather forecast and reminders of what you need to bring. We will talk to you about your riding skills, preferences and dislikes in a horse so we can select a good match for you to ride over the next days. You will then be issued a sturdy duffel bag, sleeping bag, and mattress. After you check into your room, you will have time to pack and prepare for the trip and socialize with the other guests. Overnight at the Ranch.
Day 2 (Monday): Introductory Ride. After breakfast it’s time to meet your horse! We carefully pick a companion from our herd to match your abilities and physical size. While grooming and saddling, you get the chance to acquaint yourself with your new friend. After a short test ride in our arena we will pack a lunch and leave the ranch – either on horseback or by loading them on a trailer and departing from a near trailhead. We take it easy the first day and ride through the forests and meadows of the Foothills until we reach our first camp. When arriving in camp, we take care of the horses, groom and feed them, and then have time to rest ourselves with a good cup of cowboy coffee or tea. The camp is located near a small river that is refreshing on a hot day for those who like to take a splash! Dinner is made over an open fire. We have put up large wall tents that offer enough space and shelter for the group.
Riding approx. 4-5 hours. Overnight Camping at Mount Barell.
Day 3 (Tuesday): Mount Barell to Elbow River. If the weather for the day is favourable we will break camp after breakfast and depart for our longest day of the week. A breathtaking ride through the foothills and across a mountain range will take the better part of 7 hours to get top our next camp. This ride can’t be done in poor weather conditions. Riding approx. 7 hours. Overnight Camping near Elbow River.
Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride around Elbow River Valley. After a long day we will take a little break and explore the valley we are camped. A short ride will take you to scenic views, there is a waterfall that can be explored as well. On a hot day, it’s great to spend some time at the river and relax or go for a swim. We are not moving camp today. Riding approx. 4 hours. Overnight Camping near Elbow River.
Day 5 (Thursday): Scenic Ride. We have several options for this day, one is a longer ride around a mountain range. It is a long (7 hour) but very scenic ride that will stay in your memories for a long time. Riding approx. 7 hours. Overnight Camping near Elbow River.
Day 6 (Friday): Last Ride. After breakfast, we will break camp and depart the valley that we have grown to love. Again, several options are possible for this day, from an easy 3 hour ride to a 5.5 hour route that takes us over a ridge line with phenomenal views. In the afternoon, we reach the trailhead where we will be picked up by the trailer. After a short drive back to the ranch you can relax, shower and let the memories settle before we all get together for a final dinner in the lodge. Riding approx. 4-5hours. Overnight at the Ranch.
Day 7 (Saturday): Departure. After breakfast, it’s time to say good bye. The shuttle will pick you up around 9.30 AM to take you back to Calgary. With you will be the memories of an unforgettable adventure in Kananaskis Country.
Note: There are some trails we use where it is necessary to hike over rocky terrain, either to avoid undue risk or to enjoy a vista that cannot be ridden to. For most people this is a refreshing change that allows them to stretch their legs. We recommend that you bring or wear comfortable footwear that you can hike for a kilometer or two in. A reasonable level of personal fitness is required.
* Indicative itinerary: While we have a route planned at the outset of every trip, changes are sometimes forced upon us by weather, bear activity or other environmental hazards. The guides reserve the option of changing the day's activity from the published schedule based on any concern they have for the safety of the party. In these cases, various alternatives will normally be presented to the group and a decision made in consultation with them.
MEETING:
Sunday afternoon directly to the ranch or at Calgary airport: free transfer to the ranch. Meet around 4 p.m. at the airport. Possibility of transfer from a selection of downtown hotels in Calgary or any hotel near the airport.
DEPARTURE:
Saturday morning after breakfast. Transfer to Calgary airport. Depart at 9:30 am, approximately a 2 hour drive from the ranch to the airport.
FLIGHTS:
Flights are not included in our prices because it is generally more interesting to book your flights yourself, an included flight package is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices: free service.
RIDING LEVEL: 
To be comfortable on a three-gait horse. A bit of walking on some mountain trails.
RYTHM:
Mainly at a walk, on easy to rough trails. Trot and canter when the terrain permits.
GROUPS:
3 to 8 riders. Formed groups: up to 10 riders.
GUIDES:
Enthusiastic local guides share their knowledge of the different regions you pass through. Depending on the size of the group, you will have one or two guides.
HORSES:
The horses were chosen for their endurance, their enthusiasm and their reliability in the mountains. Missouri Foxtrotter, Canadian, Arab, Quarter Horse, Morgan, Paint and crosses.
TACK:
Western saddles. English saddles available on request when booking.
ACCOMMODATION: 
Two nights will be spent at the ranch (1st and last nights), and 4 nights will be spent camping.
The ranch lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 13km south of the picturesque hamlet of Bragg Creek and roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary - a wilderness area stretching to the Continental Divide! Landscape changes from one of rolling ridges and open forests to one of high alpine meadows, thick primal forests, and shear limestone cliffs.
The heart of the guest quarters is a large, bright communal space where we socialize, eat, cook, listen to stories or just enjoy the view over the horse pasture.
The guesthouse has 5 rooms (2 single rooms with one double bed, and 3 rooms with king bed, two twins, or two double beds). There are 2 full bathrooms, which are shared amongst all guests. We provide all bed linen and towels, but please bring your own soap and shampoo. There is a hairdryer in each bathroom.
We have an outdoor fireplace with picnic area. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the property except for around the outdoor fire pit. There is no TV in the guest house, but there is complimentary WIFI. You are welcome use the i-pod docking station, boards games, and a large selection of books and magazines available.
Laundry is available for an additional fee at certain times of the day.
Four night Camping: on the trail we stay in simple but comfortable camps, their locations are well chosen within the given geography. We will be utilizing 2 different campsites. We sleep in large wall tents, which are big enough for 6 people. Most camps have several tents so the group can split up if necessary. In the first campsite we will be sleeping on our mats on the ground and at the second campsite we will be on cots. Sleeping bags and mats are provided. We always camp within easy walking distance of a clear stream or river where you can swim or wash yourself. Bathroom facilities are pit latrines dug in each camp a short walk from the tenting area. They aren’t quite out-houses (only tarps for walls), but they have toilet seats. There is no electricity in camp, we recommend power bars or solar chargers..
MEALS:
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
At the Lodge: Full breakfast and dinner, prepared with local and fresh ingredients. Breakfast is typically served around 8.30 AM, dinner around 6.30 PM.
In camp: all meals are cooked over an open campfire and prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu changes daily. The menu changes daily and offers typical local dishes but also internationally inspired cuisine. Ingredients include locally raised organic beef and pork, fresh vegetables and fruits. Breakfast is typically hot and dinner is typically a main course with a salad and dessert. Lunch is picnic-style with sandwiches or wraps, fruit and granola bars. Coffee, teas, water, juice for breakfast, and hot chocolate are complimentary while you stay with us. Please note that we do not serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own as well as any other favourite drink you like.
Dietary Restrictions: we cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Gluten-free requests are $10 extra per day. This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.
2024 PRICE / PER PERSON *:
In shared bedrooms and tents: 3000 €
Single bedroom supplement: 300 €
Special diet supplement: 75 €
Booking fees: 15 €
Gratuities: ±10% to pay locally.
* Prices may be revised down or up depending on the $ / € exchange rate. Ask for a $ quote.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Equipped horse rental, the guide, the luggage transfers, the transfers planned during the stay, the fixed days and times transfers from / to Calgary, accommodation, meals, lunch picnics carried on horseback, taxes, the financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator deposit.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, alcoholic drinks (not offered on the ranch, bring them if you wish, or order some at the ranch for purchase), gratuities (10 to 15%), transfers from/to Calgary, all that is not indicated in "the price includes".
INSURANCE:
We offer to Europe Union & Swiss citizens (only) Chapka insurances:
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
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