The Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies is a non-profit club which has been organizing horseback trail rides in the Canadian Rockies since 1923, most often in Banff National Park. A lot of the history of the Rockies is related to that of the TRCR.

For 2010, we will have 3 four-day, 3 five-day, and 4 six-day rides, with up to 20 people on each ride.                                       

Our rides will be located in the beautiful Banff National Park. It is a privilege to ride in the park, very few outfitters are permitted to host rides. Though we'll be riding in relatively remote areas, we will be fairly close to Banff townsite, it is recommended that if you are not from the local area and or flying into Calgary, you should make arrangements to stay in Banff overnight before the ride starts.

Our first day, we will meet at the Trail Rider Store at 132 Banff Avenue. Please be there promptly at 8:00 am. Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies will transport all guests to the trailhead and we hope to be on our mounts by about 10:30 am. We'll then ride up the valley arriving in our camp for a hot, tasty dinner. On the last day of the ride it'll be the reverse and you'll be back in Calgary that night at about 9:30 pm.

For those who want to get a taste of trail riding without having to spend the six days, we also have five and four day rides.

Riders come from around the world and you will meet people from all walks of life who share your joy of the wilderness. Riders bring their own personal gear. We supply all horses, western tack, great meals, and accommodation in our Native Canadian-style teepees or tents at Teepee Town.

Environmental awareness has always been a top priority of the TRCR, and we have been a leader in reducing back-country impact. This is a wilderness camp so there are no telephones, radios or electricity, but there is hot water and a shower in Teepee Town.

Young people are welcome to come on the ride with one or more of their parents (or grandparents--a frequent occurrence). All riders under of the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We recommend that children be at least 8 years old and have some camping experience.

Guests may wish to stay in Calgary the night before the Ride goes out and the night the Ride comes back in. We advise that hotel bookings be made as soon as possible.

Where possible, riders select their own teepee/tent mates, particularly with families or friends wishing to be together. Hearty meals are served up by an expert camp cook. When available, a musician provides music for singing, dancing and entertainment in the cook tent.

The Head Guide is in charge of all details of the ride and the camp facilities. Horses are cared for by the Head Guide and the wranglers. The Camp Co-ordinator is the liaison between the riders and the TRCR.

Check-In and Dunnage

It is essential that riders staying overnight in Banff check in with the TRCR Camp Co-ordinator at the pickup point (Trail Rider Store, 132 Banff Avenue) in Banff by 8:00 am on Sunday

Songs at Campfire

Photo by TRCR rider, Vicky Hiller

morning.  Dunnage should be brought at this time. It is also important to let us know in advance if you are planning to ride with your own saddle. We need to make arrangements for this before the outfitter saddles up all of our horses.

Remember to bring your own warm clothes. Other things to pack can be found on the What-to-Bring page and a list will be sent to you with your ride confirmation. Leave your riding clothes and rain gear out of your duffel, as you will be in the saddle for several hours during each day. DUFFEL IS LIMITED TO TWO DUFFEL BAGS PER RIDER - 16 Kg. (35 lb.) TOTAL MAX.

Transportation to the Trail Head

Calgary, Alberta, is the closest international airport.  For many Trail Riders, the primary means of transportation from Banff to the Trailhead will be by chartered van. There is parking at the meeting place in Banff to leave your vehicle. The van to the trailhead will leave from the Trail Rider Store at 132 Banff Avenue, Banff Alberta at 9 am. On the last day, we will be transported from the trailhead to the Trail Rider Store in Banff to clean up for dinner as a group in Banff.

Accommodation in Banff

We suggest you make early hotel reservations in Banff, Alberta, for the Saturday night before the ride begins and the last night the ride gets back from the trailhead.

Where to Stay

The Banff Park Lodge is offering guests of Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies amazing discounts on accommodations. The Banff Park Lodge is a short walk to the Banff meeting place. To book your room in advance, go to www.banffparklodge.com and select your room type. Email info@banffparklodge.com for more information or call 1-403-762-4433.

Travel Alberta can provide an information package (accommodation, etc.) about Alberta. You can also call toll free, at 1-800-661-8888. They are always very helpful.

Parking

There is parking available at the Trail Rider Store, 132 Banff Avenue. This is the office for Holiday on Horseback, our outfitter for 2009.