Trail riding Canada - BC/Alberta

[Boughtabay]

OH and I are booking our honey moon approx 3 weeks in Canada road trip from Vancouver through Banff/Jasper ending up in Calgary to fly to Toronto then home with various offshoots along the way hopefully for hiking/sightseeing. I’d love to do a trail ride somewhere scenic along the way! I know dedicated tourist trail ride “dude ranch” style operations are quite pricey so does anyone know of any riding school type set ups that might offer similar? If not I’d probably bite the bullet and go with a touristy place to live out my cowboy fantasies afternoon or one day max - OH rode as a child in some sort of fashion but I wouldn’t count him as “experienced” or particularly interested in going on a multi day jaunt… maybe I’ll get him out on mine before we go to open the options up a bit more

 

[Jojo2go]

Jasper has suffered from some horrific wildfires this summer. You might want to schedule elsewhere.

Jasper residents to learn re-entry plans Monday as wildfire containment improves

Jasper residents displaced by a wildfire that destroyed a third of the town will soon learn a date for returning home, Alberta officials say

edmontonjournal.com

 

[asmp]

Jasper has suffered from some horrific wildfires this summer. You might want to schedule elsewhere.

Jasper residents to learn re-entry plans Monday as wildfire containment improves

Jasper residents displaced by a wildfire that destroyed a third of the town will soon learn a date for returning home, Alberta officials say

edmontonjournal.com

I was about to post this. We did Calgary to Vancouver last year and I was devastated to hear about Jasper.

 

[FunkyFilly28]

Banff Trail Riders is popular with tourists. Nice views. It’s suitable for everyone so possibly a good option for your OH but you mind find it a bit boring. It’s walking only in quite a big group.

If you want a bit more of an authentic setup, check out Rafter 6. They are based in Kananskis which is between Calgary and Banff. They can cater for more experienced riders and can tailor the riders a bit more. I’ve had a couple of amazing afternoons trail riding with them.

As others have mentioned, Jasper has sadly suffered from wildfires. Depends on when you’re going but keep that in mind as everything isn’t back to normal yet. They will appreciate visitors and support though and it’s a beautiful place to be.

 

[asmp]

My daughter had a fantastic holiday here but they also do day trips. I’m not sure if it will be out of your way though.

https://packtrips.ca/trail-rides/experience-the-difference/

 

[Red-1]

Banff Trail Riders is popular with tourists. Nice views. It’s suitable for everyone so possibly a good option for your OH but you mind find it a bit boring. It’s walking only in quite a big group.

If you want a bit more of an authentic setup, check out Rafter 6. They are based in Kananskis which is between Calgary and Banff. They can cater for more experienced riders and can tailor the riders a bit more. I’ve had a couple of amazing afternoons trail riding with them.

As others have mentioned, Jasper has sadly suffered from wildfires. Depends on when you’re going but keep that in mind as everything isn’t back to normal yet. They will appreciate visitors and support though and it’s a beautiful place to be.

We just came back from a trip. Missed the Jasper fire by just a few days.

We did a ride with Banff Trail Riders. My Boyfriend had only ridden a few times before, but had a lovely ride out.

Best of all, the meeting point is just behind the Fairmont Hotel and cocktails on the terrace afterwards was absolutely spectacular!



The horses were dude horses, but obviously cared for and up to the job.

 

[teapot]

The Fairmont at Jasper (which somehow survived, and all horses were evacuated) has its own stables too. Depending on when you're going, they may be back open

 

[Boughtabay]

Jasper has suffered from some horrific wildfires this summer. You might want to schedule elsewhere.

Jasper residents to learn re-entry plans Monday as wildfire containment improves

Jasper residents displaced by a wildfire that destroyed a third of the town will soon learn a date for returning home, Alberta officials say

edmontonjournal.com

Thanks yes I’m not sure the extent of the fires most news articles seem to be concentrated on residential areas & we’re planning a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary via Vancouver island, whistler and then the national parks - Banff & jasper in October rather than specifically aiming to stay in Jasper the town. I see in the article you linked it’s a huge area that’s been damaged. We could re-route and/or spend more time in Alberta rather than the mountains … really sad for the area though and if it is likely to be wanting tourists back by then I wouldn’t want to skip it completely. Hard to know what to do!

 

[teapot]

Thanks yes I’m not sure the extent of the fires most news articles seem to be concentrated on residential areas & we’re planning a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary via Vancouver island, whistler and then the national parks - Banff & jasper in October rather than specifically aiming to stay in Jasper the town. I see in the article you linked it’s a huge area that’s been damaged. We could re-route and/or spend more time in Alberta rather than the mountains … really sad for the area though and if it is likely to be wanting tourists back by then I wouldn’t want to skip it completely. Hard to know what to do!

Have a look at Google maps - the current road/highway closures are vast, and that includes the main highway between Jasper and Banff. The Rocky Mountaineer train company are rerouting booked trips up to and including October, so I would really recommend sitting down with a map and doing some serious planning, especially if you're driving it

You may also need to consider that by late Autumn, the weather could mean potential winter driving conditions. The climate can be a little different - my brother was there in May of this year and snow was still on the ground.

 

[Boughtabay]

Have a look at Google maps - the current road/highway closures are vast, and that includes the main highway between Jasper and Banff, which is closed until 30th September at the earliest. The Rocky Mountaineer train company are rerouting booked trips up to and including October, so I would really recommend sitting down with a map and doing some serious planning, especially if you're driving it

You may also need to consider that by late Autumn, the weather could mean potential winter driving conditions. The climate can be a little different - my brother was there in May of this year and snow was still on the ground.

Thankyou! I wasn’t aware closures were already known to be in place up until the end of September I have travelled in Alaska across the seasons so I’m not too worried about changing weather conditions… although they could affect my pony plans ! Definitely need to have a sit down and think about the fire effects though given there could still very well be restrictions in place well into October. thanks!

 

[teapot]

Thankyou! I wasn’t aware closures were already known to be in place up until the end of September I have travelled in Alaska across the seasons so I’m not too worried about changing weather conditions… although they could affect my pony plans ! Definitely need to have a sit down and think about the fire effects though given there could still very well be restrictions in place well into October. thanks!

They're on google maps so one assumes they could be updated/removed at any time. Happy planning, it's my bucket list trip!

 

[SBJT]

If you don’t want to do Banff then go a little more out there and try Anchor D. Dewy Matthews is a character and genuine cowboy.

Horseback Riding Rocky Mountains - Anchor D Guiding & Outfitting Ltd.

Located just an hour SW of Calgary we offer horseback riding from 2 hours to 7 day trips to satisfy the cowboy in everyone - top quality horses and cabins for rent.

anchord.com

Also if you’re looking at routes to miss Jasper which I would recommend at the moment then travel through Kelowna, especially if you like wine.

 

[Michen]

Skip it and come to Colorado admittedly have only seen the Banff- Calgary area but to me the Colorado mountain range has far more character and uniqueness to it.

 

[Hobo2]

We rode with Anchor D many years ago we both enjoyed it me a regular rider and OH a holiday in a western saddle riding. We have never forgotten a tiny 80+ lady who rode with us. The guide was busy and she couldn’t get off my OH picked her off the saddle and put her down and she stayed in the riding position . She said it was good that the next visit was the hot springs!

 

[asmp]

Have a look at Google maps - the current road/highway closures are vast, and that includes the main highway between Jasper and Banff. The Rocky Mountaineer train company are rerouting booked trips up to and including October, so I would really recommend sitting down with a map and doing some serious planning, especially if you're driving it

You may also need to consider that by late Autumn, the weather could mean potential winter driving conditions. The climate can be a little different - my brother was there in May of this year and snow was still on the ground.

My daughter was camping on her riding holiday in June a couple of years ago and they woke up to snow one morning! We went in April and there was snow everywhere.

Regarding detours, we were told the road was about to be closed between Banff and Jasper on our trip - no problem we said, we’ll just do the detour. Then we realised it was going to add about 7 hours to our journey! We rushed to beat the closure and just made it.

 

[lynz88]

Thanks yes I’m not sure the extent of the fires most news articles seem to be concentrated on residential areas & we’re planning a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary via Vancouver island, whistler and then the national parks - Banff & jasper in October rather than specifically aiming to stay in Jasper the town. I see in the article you linked it’s a huge area that’s been damaged. We could re-route and/or spend more time in Alberta rather than the mountains … really sad for the area though and if it is likely to be wanting tourists back by then I wouldn’t want to skip it completely. Hard to know what to do!

There's not much in Alberta in general- it's ridiculously flat and very agricultural. October can be pretty dicey and be aware of Canadian Thanksgiving. The forest fires have been devastating. Sadly it's something that happens every year and BC, Alberta, and northern Ontario are usually the 'hot' spots for raging fires.

Unfortunately don't have any horsey suggestions but how long are you in the Toronto area for?

 

[lynz88]

Have a look at Google maps - the current road/highway closures are vast, and that includes the main highway between Jasper and Banff. The Rocky Mountaineer train company are rerouting booked trips up to and including October, so I would really recommend sitting down with a map and doing some serious planning, especially if you're driving it

You may also need to consider that by late Autumn, the weather could mean potential winter driving conditions. The climate can be a little different - my brother was there in May of this year and snow was still on the ground.

My daughter was camping on her riding holiday in June a couple of years ago and they woke up to snow one morning! We went in April and there was snow everywhere.

Regarding detours, we were told the road was about to be closed between Banff and Jasper on our trip - no problem we said, we’ll just do the detour. Then we realised it was going to add about 7 hours to our journey! We rushed to beat the closure and just made it.

It isn't unusual at all for it to snow in those months. Likewise it can snow in May in Ontario as well (though generally rare but does happen). The Rocky Mountains makes the weather very tricky at any time of the year. Likewise the Great Lakes makes the weather tricky in Ontario as well.

(I brought OH to Canada in June and he was amazed at how large the Great Lakes are and couldn't believe that it wasn't the ocean. He was particularly awed by Georgian Bay / Lake Huron...for which Georgian Bay is only a teeny tiny snippet of Lake Huron!)

 

[Boughtabay]

Skip it and come to Colorado admittedly have only seen the Banff- Calgary area but to me the Colorado mountain range has far more character and uniqueness to it.

I’ll do a little Colorado investigation too then

 

[Boughtabay]

There's not much in Alberta in general- it's ridiculously flat and very agricultural. October can be pretty dicey and be aware of Canadian Thanksgiving. The forest fires have been devastating. Sadly it's something that happens every year and BC, Alberta, and northern Ontario are usually the 'hot' spots for raging fires.

Unfortunately don't have any horsey suggestions but how long are you in the Toronto area for?

We’re planning on just stopping off in Toronto for the winter fair … so agricultural isn’t necessarily and issue

 

[lynz88]

I love the RAWF but that's in November. I showed my horse there

What I meant by agriculture is that all you have is just flat fields upon fields upon fields and pretty much nothing else in the prairies outside of the cities. You can see for a very very very far distance.

 

[Chippers1]

I've also ridden with Banff riding trails, I did a three day trip to a cabin in the middle of no-where though. I really enjoyed it and would recommend!



I went on my own and felt so safe, I loved Banff and I'd go back in a heartbeat if I ever got the chance!

 

[Boughtabay]

I've also ridden with Banff riding trails, I did a three day trip to a cabin in the middle of no-where though. I really enjoyed it and would recommend!
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View attachment 144582View attachment 144583

I went on my own and felt so safe, I loved Banff and I'd go back in a heartbeat if I ever got the chance!

Beautiful!! This is what I’m looking for the better the views the less likely the OH is to sniff at the idea

 

[Boughtabay]

I love the RAWF but that's in November. I showed my horse there

What I meant by agriculture is that all you have is just flat fields upon fields upon fields and pretty much nothing else in the prairies outside of the cities. You can see for a very very very far distance.

Yup 1-10th so plan is to pop in there as the last stop off before home

 

[Jojo2go]

We’re planning on just stopping off in Toronto for the winter fair … so agricultural isn’t necessarily and issue

The Royal has been a great show for a long time! I've been a few times and had so much fun! The working hunter classes might be hard for you to get your head around though. They're very different from anything you'd see in the UK.

 

[Jojo2go]

I love the RAWF but that's in November. I showed my horse there

What I meant by agriculture is that all you have is just flat fields upon fields upon fields and pretty much nothing else in the prairies outside of the cities. You can see for a very very very far distance.

You've forgotten the foothills. I have a friend who lives in Alberta and she shares the most wonderful pictures of doing cattle drives in her neighbourhood. Flat is not how I would describe it. It would depend on what part of the province you're in. Now Manitoba and Saskatchewan are flat! You can see where you want to go two days before you get there.

 

[lynz88]

You've forgotten the foothills. I have a friend who lives in Alberta and she shares the most wonderful pictures of doing cattle drives in her neighbourhood. Flat is not how I would describe it. It would depend on what part of the province you're in. Now Manitoba and Saskatchewan are flat! You can see where you want to go two days before you get there.

I have indeed! Though if you go more north in the province it is also very, very flat. I remember flying into Edmonton and thinking "omg I can see for aaagggeeesssss". But yes Saskatchewan and Manutiba are flatter than flat and a good chunk of Ontario is pretty flat as well

 

[Jojo2go]

I have indeed! Though if you go more north in the province it is also very, very flat. I remember flying into Edmonton and thinking "omg I can see for aaagggeeesssss". But yes Saskatchewan and Manutiba are flatter than flat and a good chunk of Ontario is pretty flat as well

I live east of Ottawa, it's pretty flat around here, but the Gatineau Hills are to the north and the upper Ottawa valley to the west. Ontario is such a big province, the terrain can change a lot in a few miles depending on the direction you're heading in.

 

[lynz88]

I was born and grew up in southern Ontario, west of Toronto

 

[Boughtabay]

Love all this info! We’re quite into the showing scene here (livestock not horses … although both ponies have finally made their showing debut this month ) so very keen to go to the winter fair and see how it’s done somewhere else!

 

[lynz88]

I loved going to see the whole thing as a kid - so much learning as well. The horse show part is IMO far larger than what Olympia was and the Horse Palace is something else (both times I was there was stabled on the upper deck and beside the international showjumpers). It used to be an "annual tradition" to go to the RAWF