Horseback Riding, Trail Rides and Pack Trips in Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies.
We are the exclusive horseback riding operator in Banff and the only outfitter in the Canadian Rockies with our own lodges and campsites inside the National Park.
Banff Trail Riders
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Banff Trail Riders
For folks who are looking to enjoy a little bit of the backcountry with some of the comforts of home, Sundance and Halfway Lodges provide just the right combination. Days are spent on horseback, riding and exploring. Evening are spent in a cozy lodge, with hot and generous meals provided. These trips explore some of Banff National Park's most spectacular backcountry.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Spectacular views into the backcountry, frequent stops for coffee and stretching by an open fire and an amazing bond with your handpicked horse. Incredibly hearty and delicious meals each night and perhaps wildlife spotting. Overall an experience that may change your outlook on life.
THE LODGES:
Completed in 1991, Sundance Lodge now sits on the original site of the horse corral for Ten-Mile cabin, built by Canadian Pacific Railway back in the 1920's. The cabin itself remains standing and was declared a historical site in 1990. It was used as a refuge for mountain guides and packers travelling to Mount Assiniboine, whose names you can still see carved into the logs.
Sundance Lodge sits alongside a gentle curve on Brewster Creek, with the Sundance mountain range as a backdrop. Built entirely with fir logs, the lodge has 10 sleeping rooms, a large country kitchen, and a cozy living room area where you can curl up by the woodstove and lose yourself in a good book. And although it is a remote backcountry lodge - hot showers! (Please note that, for environmental reasons, showers are restricted to one per stay).)
Surrounded by the beauty of towering peaks, Halfway Lodge has been a welcome haven for over 80 years. Rich in tradition, this cabin was used back in the late 1920's by mountain guide Erling Strom as a stopover for his guests travelling from Banff to Mount Assiniboine. Then a single storied cabin, Strom's wranglers spent the night sleeping in tents while the guests found floor space within. Halfway has remained pretty much as originally built, with the exception of a second story added in 1967 when a bear made an appearance through an unexpected entrance - the roof!
Thanks to the bear, Halfway now sleeps a maximum of fourteen guests. The lifestyle at this rustic backcountry cabin remains much the same as it was 80 years ago - simple. Propane lanterns and candles provide the lighting, and a woodstove keeps the water hot and the cabin warm and cozy.
Note: At Sundance Lodge, private sleeping arrangements are possible depending upon trip size, but are not guaranteed. Sundance has 10 sleeping rooms with 3 beds in each room, rooms are designated on a choose your own basis once at the lodges. Halfway is equipped with single beds only and sleeps 14 guests in 4 rooms.
2 Day Ride:
The time has never been better for an escape into the Canadian Rockies. Join us for two glorious days at Sundance Lodge - the civilized way to rough it! Trips depart every Saturday from Warner Stables in Banff.
3,4 & 5 Day Rides:
The scheduled 3 day ride departs every Monday and Thursday in May, June, September and October. In July and August the 3-day departs on Thursdays only. Unscheduled departures are available almost any time, contact us for details. This trip spends 2 nights at Sundance Lodge and enjoys a valley ride on the second day along the Brewster Creek.
The 4 day trip departs on a Sunday and spends the first night at Sundance Lodge, the second night at Halfway Lodge and returns back to Sundance for the final evening.
The 5 day trip departs on a Monday and spends the first night at Sundance Lodge, the second and third night at Halfway Lodge and returns back to Sundance Lodge for the final evening.
6 Day Ride:
Day 1 - Riders meet at the office at 9:30 a.m. and are transported by van to Warner Stables. There they are met by their guides and horses and mount up for the ten mile ride to Banff Sundance Lodge via the glacier-fed waters of the Bow River, Healy and Brewster Creeks. For those with a vehicle, free parking is available at Warner stables for the duration of the trip. Once you check-in, directions will be available from the office.
Day 2 - The adventure continues southward with a ride up to Halfway Lodge. The trail winds along the historic Strom pack trail with the rugged Sundance Range dominating the eastern horizon.
Day 3 - After a good night's rest at Halfway Lodge and a hearty breakfast, it's down to the corral to mount up for the day's ride. Trips may take riders to the headwaters of Brewster Creek or to the breathtaking views enjoyed at the top of Allenby Pass, at an elevation of 8,100 ft.
Day 4 - After a warm good-bye to the cook and Halfway, the winding trail leads back along the Brewster creek to Sundance Lodge. This will be home for the next 2 nights.
Day 5 - The day begins with a hot, ranch-style breakfast; fuel for the ride up Fatigue Creek. At midday, both horse and rider enjoy a restful break in the Fatigue Valley, while the lunch mule is unpacked and coffee is brewed. The lofty heights of the Continental Divide provide spectacular vistas of both Alberta and British Columbia.
Day 6 - The gang gets together for one last day on the trail, a "soft" ten-mile ride from Sundance to Warner Stables, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m. The adventure has come to a close, but the magic of your holiday will linger on to be relived and shared.
DEPOSIT/PAYMENT/CANCELLATION POLICIES:
For backcountry packtrips a non-refundable deposit of $150.00 CDN (approx. $111 USD) per person to confirm your space on a ride. Your balance is due 14 days prior to your ride. Your deposit is completely non-refundable; however, it is transferable to the same kind of trip in 2010 if notice of cancellation has been received by our office 14 days prior to your trip departure date. No refunds will be given on any trip in progress. Please note that this policy is non-negotiable.
Spectacular views into the backcountry, frequent stops for coffee and stretching by an open fire and an amazing bond with your handpicked horse. Incredibly hearty and delicious meals each night and perhaps wildlife spotting. Overall an experience that may change your outlook on life.
THE LODGES:
Completed in 1991, Sundance Lodge now sits on the original site of the horse corral for Ten-Mile cabin, built by Canadian Pacific Railway back in the 1920's. The cabin itself remains standing and was declared a historical site in 1990. It was used as a refuge for mountain guides and packers travelling to Mount Assiniboine, whose names you can still see carved into the logs.
Sundance Lodge sits alongside a gentle curve on Brewster Creek, with the Sundance mountain range as a backdrop. Built entirely with fir logs, the lodge has 10 sleeping rooms, a large country kitchen, and a cozy living room area where you can curl up by the woodstove and lose yourself in a good book. And although it is a remote backcountry lodge - hot showers! (Please note that, for environmental reasons, showers are restricted to one per stay).)
Surrounded by the beauty of towering peaks, Halfway Lodge has been a welcome haven for over 80 years. Rich in tradition, this cabin was used back in the late 1920's by mountain guide Erling Strom as a stopover for his guests travelling from Banff to Mount Assiniboine. Then a single storied cabin, Strom's wranglers spent the night sleeping in tents while the guests found floor space within. Halfway has remained pretty much as originally built, with the exception of a second story added in 1967 when a bear made an appearance through an unexpected entrance - the roof!
Thanks to the bear, Halfway now sleeps a maximum of fourteen guests. The lifestyle at this rustic backcountry cabin remains much the same as it was 80 years ago - simple. Propane lanterns and candles provide the lighting, and a woodstove keeps the water hot and the cabin warm and cozy.
Note: At Sundance Lodge, private sleeping arrangements are possible depending upon trip size, but are not guaranteed. Sundance has 10 sleeping rooms with 3 beds in each room, rooms are designated on a choose your own basis once at the lodges. Halfway is equipped with single beds only and sleeps 14 guests in 4 rooms.
2 Day Ride:
The time has never been better for an escape into the Canadian Rockies. Join us for two glorious days at Sundance Lodge - the civilized way to rough it! Trips depart every Saturday from Warner Stables in Banff.
3,4 & 5 Day Rides:
The scheduled 3 day ride departs every Monday and Thursday in May, June, September and October. In July and August the 3-day departs on Thursdays only. Unscheduled departures are available almost any time, contact us for details. This trip spends 2 nights at Sundance Lodge and enjoys a valley ride on the second day along the Brewster Creek.
The 4 day trip departs on a Sunday and spends the first night at Sundance Lodge, the second night at Halfway Lodge and returns back to Sundance for the final evening.
The 5 day trip departs on a Monday and spends the first night at Sundance Lodge, the second and third night at Halfway Lodge and returns back to Sundance Lodge for the final evening.
6 Day Ride:
Day 1 - Riders meet at the office at 9:30 a.m. and are transported by van to Warner Stables. There they are met by their guides and horses and mount up for the ten mile ride to Banff Sundance Lodge via the glacier-fed waters of the Bow River, Healy and Brewster Creeks. For those with a vehicle, free parking is available at Warner stables for the duration of the trip. Once you check-in, directions will be available from the office.
Day 2 - The adventure continues southward with a ride up to Halfway Lodge. The trail winds along the historic Strom pack trail with the rugged Sundance Range dominating the eastern horizon.
Day 3 - After a good night's rest at Halfway Lodge and a hearty breakfast, it's down to the corral to mount up for the day's ride. Trips may take riders to the headwaters of Brewster Creek or to the breathtaking views enjoyed at the top of Allenby Pass, at an elevation of 8,100 ft.
Day 4 - After a warm good-bye to the cook and Halfway, the winding trail leads back along the Brewster creek to Sundance Lodge. This will be home for the next 2 nights.
Day 5 - The day begins with a hot, ranch-style breakfast; fuel for the ride up Fatigue Creek. At midday, both horse and rider enjoy a restful break in the Fatigue Valley, while the lunch mule is unpacked and coffee is brewed. The lofty heights of the Continental Divide provide spectacular vistas of both Alberta and British Columbia.
Day 6 - The gang gets together for one last day on the trail, a "soft" ten-mile ride from Sundance to Warner Stables, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m. The adventure has come to a close, but the magic of your holiday will linger on to be relived and shared.
DEPOSIT/PAYMENT/CANCELLATION POLICIES:
For backcountry packtrips a non-refundable deposit of $150.00 CDN (approx. $111 USD) per person to confirm your space on a ride. Your balance is due 14 days prior to your ride. Your deposit is completely non-refundable; however, it is transferable to the same kind of trip in 2010 if notice of cancellation has been received by our office 14 days prior to your trip departure date. No refunds will be given on any trip in progress. Please note that this policy is non-negotiable.
Where We Ride
Warner Stables & Banff Springs Corrals
HOURLY TRAIL RIDES
Backcountry Lodges & Campsites
HORSEBACK RIDING VACATIONS
Sundance Lodge in Winter
CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS
Our Staff
Out trails guides need to have more than just equestrian experience – they must be friendly, warm and clever enough to deal with the unexpected.
When bringing new cowboys and cowgirls into the fold, we also make sure they know how to work with both new and experienced riders. If needed, they’ll show you how to ride and will help you out during the trip.
Mitchell Andrew
Backcountry Lodge Supervisor
Origin: Mackay, Queensland, Australia
How long have you worked here? 3 years
Favorite location on the trail? Spending time in the Halfway mule pen
Favorite 4-legged employee? Jackpot
Standout moment you will never forget? Stopping Sundance Lodge from burning to the ground.
Mike Beerwald
Front Country Manager
Origin: Ardrossan, Alberta
How long have you worked here? 7 years
Favorite location on the trail? Cutthead Lake
Favorite 4-legged employee? Rocky
Standout moment you will never forget? The cougar that trotted past me at Healy Creek when I was packing up for a run to Sundance.
Julie Canning
Cowgirl and Operating Partner
Origin: Canada
How long have you worked here? Lived and worked in Banff for over 15 years
Favorite location on the trail? Route on the way to Flint’s Camp
Favorite 4-legged employee? Norquay
Standout moment you will never forget? Watching the shooting stars from the porch at Halfway Lodge.
Oliver Dobson
Carriage & Wagon Manager
Origin: Watford, UK
How long have you worked here? Collectively, I’ve worked here for 5+ years
Favorite location on the trail? The 15 minute downtown carriage ride! (of course)
Favorite 4-legged employee? Crockett
Standout moment you will never forget? Unintentionally herding hundreds of elk with a horse drawn sleigh.
Katie Garner
Front Country Manager
Origin: Ottawa, Ontario
How long have you worked here? 3 years
Favorite location on the trail? Rock slide on the Sulphur Mountain Ride
Favorite 4-legged employee? Browning
Standout moment you will never forget? Cutting my thumb on my first day at the corrals.
James Gaudry
General Manager
Origin: Calgary, Alberta
How long have you worked here? Over 10 years
Favorite location on the trail? Luellen Lake up Johnson Creek trail
Favorite 4-legged employee? Spike
Standout moment you will never forget? Rounding up our horses from winter pastures.
Katie Irwin
Front Country Manager
Origin: Phelpston, Ontario
How long have you worked here? 2+ years
Favorite location on the trail? The lookout on the summit of Mystic Pass
Favorite 4-legged employee? Duke
Standout moment you will never forget? Seeing a grizzly sow with her 2 cubs eating a deer carcass across the creek on the way in to Stoney Camp.
Amanda Markey
Office Manager
Origin: Woodstock, NB
How long have you worked here? Since April 2008
Favorite location on the trail? 40 Mile Summit
Favorite 4-legged employees? Tucker
Standout moment you will never forget? Riding in the Cascade Valley in the most spectacular thunderstorm.
Alex Shaw
Head Farrier
Origin: Born and raised on Manitoulin Island in Ontario
How long have you worked here? I have been shoeing at BTR for 3 years
Favorite location on the trail? Sitting on the front porch at Halfway Lodge looking out across the valley into God’s Country, so beautiful
Favorite 4-legged employee? I actually have two favourite horses, John and Wayne
Standout moment you will never forget? The day that Luke Farmer and Dave Farley helped me out with a bad case of White Line Disease. We got Felix all patched up with a special hoof packing to rebuild his hoof, corrective shoe, and a vettec equipack, he was good as new in no time, it’s great to have friends you can count on no matter where in the world they may be!
Jonathan Welsh
Operating Partner & Cowboy in Training
Origin: UK
How long have you worked here? Lived and worked in Banff for over 23 years
Favorite location on the trail? Halfway Lodge front deck
Favorite 4-legged employee? Wilson
Standout moment you will never forget? First ride into Flints Camp.
Our Horses
With about 300 horses in our stables, we’re able to pinpoint the absolute perfect horse for any rider.
That means if you’ve never been riding before, we’ll be sure to pair you with the most mild-mannered horse available. So you can enjoy the experience.
After all, Banff Trail Riders wants both seasoned horsemen and horsewomen as well as new riders to have the time of their lives.
Our History
A Brief History Of Horseback Riding In Banff.
Horseback riding has deep roots out here.
When pioneers first began to explore Western Canada, horses offered the most efficient way to navigate the craggy, steep terrain of the Rockies. They pressed through the unexplored brush to open up new trading routes during the 1800s. But later, horseback riding took on a completely different role.
Around the turn of the century, the Canadian Pacific Railway began promoting places like Banff National Park as thrilling Himalayan-like destinations for the world’s most elite travellers. And the well-to-do came in droves.
Everyone was eager to explore the farthest reaches of this untouched wilderness.
One of the most exciting activities for early 20th century travellers was to venture deep into the backcountry while riding a horse.
A route we’ve followed for nearly a century.
Trail guides would often take these early travellers on horseback trips to stunning, remote places like Mount Assiniboine.
Just imagine wealthy aristocrats being met by rough-and-tumble, bush-hardened wranglers and then exploring spots hardly anyone had seen before.
Despite the somewhat rugged trip, travellers loved every minute of it.
And then in 1923, a club of 14 backcountry enthusiasts called the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies formed. This group helped even more people explore the Banff wilderness.
In fact, they followed part of a route similar to the one Banff Trail Riders uses today: starting from just outside of Banff, up Allenby Pass and then towards Mount Assiniboine.
That same year, the CPR built the 3-Mile Cabin, which is now used as a shelter by our guests on Cowboy Cookouts, and the 10-Mile Cabin, where the Sundance Lodge now sits.
A few years later, in 1928, the Halfway Lodge was built at the base of Allenby Pass. This log cabin served as a stopover for legendary mountain guide, Erling Strom when he took travellers through the wilderness to Mount Assiniboine. And even today, it continues to offer shelter for backcountry adventurers.
We could go on and on about the history of this place. But we’d rather tell you about it on a trail ride instead.
The Banff Trail Riders story – in a nutshell.
So how does Banff Trail Riders fit into this story? It all started in the 1960s.
Back then, there were three outfitters based at Warner Stables – where we’re located today. But by the mid-1970s, these businesses consolidated into a single large outfitter: Warner and Mackenzie Outfitting/ Holiday on Horseback.
In the 1980s, this new company became the leaseholder for 3-Mile Cabin, 10-Mile Cabin and Halfway Lodge – all three of the iconic stopping points along the exact same trail legends like Erling Strom guided on almost a century ago.
And then finally in 2014, Holiday on Horseback became Banff Trail Riders – a new name for a renewed focus on helping travellers explore Banff’s incredible wilderness on horseback.
But despite this new moniker, we still take our guests along the same route that the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies blazed more than 90 years ago.
