Horseback Riding Vacations in Alberta

Why is Alberta a suitable destination for your horseback riding vacations?

The province of Alberta is in western Canada.

During the last decade, this province has had a great increase in international tourism thanks to its wide array of activities that caters for all tastes, its delicious gastronomy, nature and history.

And one of these activities is Equestrian Tourism.

We are in the second largest country in the world, yet most of its land is uninhabited. And in this territory, we can find the Rocky Mountains, forests, glaciers and immense lakes.

All this makes Canada a paradise where you can enjoy an unforgettable horseback riding vacation.

Horses in Canada have paved the way for the exploration of the Canadian Rockies. Today "Mountain Horses", as they are called here, are the best way to enjoy these mountains.

If you explore this incredibly beautiful vast area of Canada, with spectacular trails through the wild forests of Banff or the Ghost River during a placid horseback ride, it will make you feel free and fused in its nature.

Natural Parks in Alberta

The Canadian Rocky Mountains comprise large parks and impressive mountains.

Among the country's many National Parks, Alberta is home to five of them: Banff, Jasper, Elk Island, Waterton Lakes and Wood Buffalo.

All of them protect millions of years of history and help preserve landscapes and wildlife.

Although some activities are restricted within the national parks, we can find a few horse riding options in Banff and Elk Islands National Parks.

Banff National Park

It is one of Alberta’s most amazing places. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this is Canada’s oldest national park.

By the end of the century, Canadian Pacific Railway started to promote places such as Banff National Park as exciting Alpine-style destinations for the most exclusive travellers from all over the world.

Thousands of stories and legends came from there, but you’d better let their protagonists tell you about them as you ride around these charming trails.

Banff is a place where you can find various glaciers, ice fields, impressive landscapes and stunning forested areas. They all look like pictures from movie scenes and, if you see them on horseback, they will remain etched in your mind forever.

Elk Island National Park

It is one of Alberta’s most outstanding parks, thanks to the conservation of its wildlife.

One of its main attractions is the effort made to preserve the bison or American buffalo. Today, there are more bison inside this park than in the whole North American continent in the 1890.

The park is also in charge of sending these animals to other parts of the world for breeding.

Travelling along these routes on horseback is one opportunity that you cannot miss.

Spending the night in the famous canvas frame tents adds a touch of comfort to the adventure. These tents have a raised wooden platform and they will keep you warm while the gentle silence of the forest lulls you to sleep.

Some equestrian tourism outfitters in Alberta

Ampascachi offers free advice to help you choose the right operator and the best ride.

If you want to see the best of Alberta on horseback, we will now describe some local suppliers.

Banff Trail Riders

Located in Banff, they have been helping riders since 1962, ensuring their guests the best horseback riding vacations possible.

They were pioneers in offering accommodation within Banff National Park and horseback activities in the area.

With over 300 horses at their stables, they are able to pinpoint the horse that best suits your characteristics and riding level.

They have the best guides, preparing tasty meals for their cookouts and overnight stays, and designing trips that make you feel like you’re right in an old western flick.

With them, you follow the same historic routes that the original explorers of the Canadian Rocky Mountains carved through the bush back in the 1920s.

In addition to the classic rides, they offer carriage rides and sleigh rides in winter.

You travel through trails in the middle of thick forests and sun-drenched meadows. Discover local wildlife as you ride along the Bow River. And enjoy an authentic cowboy cookout during the ride before heading back to their cozy rustic cabins.

You can learn more about them on their web site: horseback.com.

Brewster Adventures

They are located in Banff National Park, near Lake Louis.

For 6 generations, the Brewster family has been sharing the spectacular nature of the Rockies and its extraordinary surroundings with visitors from all over the world.

You will be able to relive the experience of the original visitors to Lake Louise.

Offers daily horse ride to famed locations such as the Plain of Six Glaciers, Lake Agnes Tea House, Paradise Valley, and the Giant Steps.

If you visit them don’t miss the opportunity to taste the “Hip of Beef”, the family specialty. It is 30 to 40 pounds of Alberta Beef rolled and aged specially for their barbecues. Prepared in large barbecue ovens and basted in natural juices.

Their horseback rides

The Kananaskis Ranch its located 30 minutes east of Banff and 45 minutes west of Calgary.

Their two- and four-day horseback trips are riding tours through the awe-inspiring magnificence of the Ghost River area, bordering Banff National Park.

Together with them, you explore Black Rock Mountain, climb the shoulders of Yamnuska Mountain or wonder at the vista of Orient Peak, and overnight in rustic log cabins at family cabin sites at Meadow Creek.

Trips to Hussey’s Cabins and to Meadow Creek, explore the Ghost river areas northwest of the Kananaskis Ranch.

Trips of longer duration can also be accommodated as well as groups up to 20 people.

Accommodation during the rides

You stay in rustic, log, back country cabins that follow the Old Horse Drive Trail used by the Brewster Family for decades to bring horses to pasture in Meadow Creek.

• The first camp is called Hussey's, named after Fred Hussey who came to this location to get away from it all in the early 1920’s.
• The second camp, the Brewster Company Ranch, is located at Meadow Creek.

This camp consists of 5 rider cabins for riders with two beds in each cabin, two outhouses, and a kitchen cabin. All cabins are equipped with sleeping bags, sheets, and pillows.

If you travel with other people who don’t ride, they can simply relax, rest and enjoy the scenery.

Incredible horses, qualified guides, copious and tasty homemade meals, and cabin accommodations are provided.

For further information, please go to their web site: www.brewsteradventures.com.

The best way to discover the Canadian Rockies, in Alberta, is on horseback. Visiting some of their national parks is a memorable experience. In Banff you can find some of Canada’s most spectacular mountain settings and they will remain etched in your mind forever.

Thinking about a horse riding holiday but don’t know how to book it?

Download our free eBook "How to plan your next horseback trip" and learn all you need to know when choosing the right holiday and outfitter for your next equestrian adventure.