Wilderness

The breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains awakens the adventurist in all of us. Every mountain pass leads to endless possibilities of undiscovered valleys and hidden canyons. Carpets of wild flowers and majestic lodge pole pine provide the back drop of what many believe is the most beautiful scenery in the world. A wide open sky framed by snow-capped mountains is the view from each horse. As you focus on the scenery, your horse watches the trail. But the horse can’t do all the work. As you traverse steep canyons and climb windy paths, the rider remains aware. This walk in the park, is like no other you will ever experience.

Culinary Experience

It may not seem possible, but even in the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains, our guests are served gourmet meals. A hot and hearty breakfast each morning provides guests with the much needed energy for the morning trek. A beautiful picnic lunch is served on the trail each afternoon complete with seasonal fruit and hot beverages. Each evening a multi-course dinner is served in the main tent lodge. Dinners include appetizers, salad, main course, dessert, tea and coffee and cold drinks. Cocktails, wine or beer are at the discretion of the guest.

Accommodations

After an exciting day of traveling through mountain passes on your horse, and a satisfying meal, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting bed. Spacious ‘A’ frame canvas tents each equipped with sturdy cots, provide dry and comfortable sleeping for all of our guests. For added comfort, we also provide a mattress for each cot. Those looking for an authentic native experience can sleep in genuine teepees. Complete with smoke flap and proper venting, these native teepees are ideal for those wanting to feel close to nature. As with the ‘A’ frames, the teepees also include cots with mattresses.

At times the weather can be inclement. Not to worry. Guests can warm their hands and clothes by a roaring fire inside the main tent lodge throughout the day or evening. It is important that our guests stay dry, warm and comfortable for their entire trip.

Our camps often offer hot showers for guests. After a warm summer’s day, many guest like to freshen up before dinner with a private and relaxing shower. There is also plenty of clean drinking water available for guests. Sparkling mountain streams flow through our custom filtering system providing fresh water at all times.

Toilets

Clean and well-maintained toilets are available for all guests. In compliance with Parks Canada, our toilets are regularly serviced and provide a safe and comfortable experience.

Horses

Many guests ask if they can bring their own horse. It isn’t possible for very good reasons. Our trail horses know the trail and each other very well. They have been safely transporting guests through these mountain passes for years. Between the horse and the rider, it is important that one you know the trail very well. Sometimes narrow paths require sure-footedness that only an experienced horse can provide. Horses are very social animals. Taking as many as 25 horses and several pack mules for each trip requires everyone to get along. Your horse has been specifically chosen for you based on your skill, your riding experience and temperament.

Wildlife

Be prepared to see some of the most awe-inspiring wildlife in the Rocky Mountains. Common place are big horn sheep, mountain goats, elk and deer. Less common but no less impressive are the curious black bears, cougars and the grizzly bear. The safety of our guests is paramount. While viewing wildlife from a safe distance is critical, we do take extra precautions to protect our guests. A high voltage fence encircles the entire camp including all toilets, sleeping quarters and dining tent lodge.

Transportation

All transportation to the trailhead will be provided by Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies. Guests are expected to arrange transportation to the meeting point at the begging and end of each ride, but group transportation including duffel will be arranged to the trailhead. For those needing additional information on transportation to the local area, contact our guest relations coordinator in advance.

What to bring

Mother Nature can be unpredictable in the mountains, so guests need to come prepared for every type of weather. Clothing that is easily layered works the best. You can always remove what you don't need, but you still have it just in case. Also, bring your most comfortable gear -- this is not the time to break-in new boots or a new hat. Alcoholic beverages are permitted. Please read our guidelines of how to bring alcohol on a trip on our website. For more detailed information on what to bring, check out our website at www.trail-rides.ca

Activities

Most of your day will be filled with exciting rides along mountain passes. For some who would like to stay close to camp, there are always lots of activities. You may even get an opportunity to groom a horse or learn how to lasso! In the evenings a roaring campfire draws guests together for a drink, a sing-along or to share stories from the day. A game of horse shoes, friendly game of cribbage and other card games are always popular. Those with a good book like to curl up under a lantern nearby and enjoy some quiet time.

Making Reservations

Securing your reservation for your trip of a lifetime is easy. Simply go to www.trail-rides.ca a click on ‘Registration’. The most up to date availability schedule is provided to help guest pick the dates and rides that best suits them. Once a date is chosen, simply fill out the online form including the number of guests and submit. A guest relations coordinator will contact you immediately by phone or email to confirm your arrangements and begin the payment process. All terms and conditions for payment are outlined online.

History

For more than 89 years, Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies has been guiding horse enthusiasts from all over the world through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Canada’s first National Park, Banff is the backdrop for many of our rides. In 1923, the order of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies was born in the shadows of the Rockies. The goal was to provide thousands of guests on the Canadian Pacific Railway the experience of riding horses through the Park. Many guests were staying at the beautiful Banff Springs Hotel or the Chateau at Lake Louise. Our organization is privileged to be the only non-profit horseback riding group with special access to Banff National Park.

Contact Us

For further information on rides, registration or what to bring, contact our guest relations coordinator by email at admin@trail-rides.ca or phone 403 -874-4408. Our website is www.trail-rides.ca. Feel free to write our office at Box 6742, Station D, Calgary, Alberta T2P 2E6

Riding Ability

Riding experience for our TRCR Rides is not essential, but it is usually advisable to get in at least a couple of hours of saddle time before the ride. Qualified trail guides accompany you on each ride and the horses are sure-footed and gentle. The ride proceeds at a steady walk, with rest and lunch stops along the trail. Daily riding distances on our Rides vary from 12 to 20 kms (7 to 12 miles).

Membership Benefits
As a guest of our rides, you also become members of a very exclusive membership. Members of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies have included prominent politicians and royalty. Membership includes access to other club activities, annual calendar and social networking with other members. The cost of membership is included in your ride price.

Membership in the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies brings you:

•the opportunity to ride in areas of the Canadian Rockies that most people will never get to see in any other way

•the opportunity to relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the world, thanks to our 87 year history in the Parks

•the opportunity to ride with one of the oldest non-profit riding organizations in North America and to maintain the organization

•the opportunity to compete in a photo contest for an historic trophy

•membership in a group dedicated to the preservation of the history and the environment of the Canadian Rockies

•the fellowship of Riders from all over the world

•much sought-after pins to commemorate your initial ride and additional categories of rides

•other souvenirs and memorabilia available from your Co-ordinator

•new trail ride brochures as they come out each year

•a newsletter, On the Trail, two times a year

•eligibility for Life Membership after 7 full rides