Horseback Ride + Chairlift Package | Discover Banff Tours

Age

Jun-Oct

Season

Combo Package; saddle up for a riverside ride, and then soar to 7,000′ on an open-air chairlift above Banff.

View from the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift at Mt Norquay

Included: 1 Hour Bow River Horseback Ride (various times available)

For the health and safety of staff and guests, face masks are mandatory when checking in for your ride.

Take a guided horseback ride along the tranquil Bow River and past the historic Cave and Basin, the birthplace of Banff National Park where craggy rock walls surround pools of bubbling thermal water. It’s Banff’s most popular horseback ride!

Included: Banff Sightseeing Chairlift (open ticket)

COVID-19 UPDATE

For the health and safety of staff and guests, the following measures are in place:

Face masks are required in all indoor spaces, shuttle services and whenever 2m of distance cannot be maintained.
Chairlifts will be loaded with single passengers unless guests are riding with family or friends whom they are traveling with.
Hand sanitation must take place before loading the chairlift.

Take an 8 minute chairlift ride over a natural bear habitat up to 7,000 feet at Mt Norquay with breathtaking views of Banff and the Bow Valley. At the top, relax over a meal at the Cliffhouse Bistro or stroll along the interpretive walkway while keeping your eyes out for bighorn sheep.

Activities in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.

The best parts of the Bow River Ride for most people include the following:

Bow River

Your horse will guide you along the tranquil Bow River – an area home to wildlife in amongst the thick marshes and grassy meadows, with unspoiled views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

Cave & Basin Hot Springs

Pass by the historic Cave and Basin – the birth place of Banff National Park. Here craggy rock walls surround pools of bubbling thermal water.

The best parts of the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift for most people include the following:

Ride to 7,000 feet at Mount Norquay

Take a scenic eight-minute ride into the sky in an open-air chairlift as you pass over natural grizzly and black bear habitat while experiencing breathtaking views of the iconic Mt Rundle.

Mountain top dining and facilities

Enjoy incredible views of the iconic Mt. Rundle and Bow Valley while dining at 7,000ft overlooking the town of Banff at the Cliffhouse Bistro, or from the viewing boardwalk and sightseeing platform.

How long is the Bow River Ride?

The tour is a one hour horseback ride. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour start time.

What does the Bow River Ride include?

The tour is a one-hour horseback ride along the Bow River and past the historic Cave and Basin site. You will be provided with a brief riding instruction, a helmet, a friendly horse, and lead and tail guides riding at each end of the small group.

Where is the meeting point for the Bow River Ride?

Please meet at Warner Stables, the big red stables located at the end of Sundance Road in Banff. When you arrive, please check-in for your ride at the office in the east barn which has signs for ‘Warner Stables’ and ‘office’. The stables are located approximately a five minute drive or a 20 minute walk from downtown Banff, and there is plenty of free parking at the site.

Please see the below map for the location of Warner Stables:

When should I arrive for the Bow River Ride?

Please ensure that you arrive 30 minutes before the ride is scheduled to depart.

What should I wear for the Bow River Ride?

You must wear sturdy, closed toed shoes enclosed to the ankle and long pants are best for riding. Please note that sandals of any kind are not permitted. Helmets are provided and are mandatory for all riders and mosquito repellent is highly recommended.

Is riding experience required for the Bow River Ride?

No experience is necessary and if you’ve never been riding before then we’ll be sure to pair you with the perfect horse so you can enjoy a comfortable ride. Our guides will also provide a brief riding instruction prior to the ride.

Can I bring a backpack on the Bow River Ride?

Guests cannot bring a backpack on the horse.

What is the cancellation policy for the Bow River Ride?

There is a 24 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 24 hours outside your booked tour (up to 7 days for group bookings).

Should I tip my guide for the Bow River Ride?

Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.

Where is the meeting point for the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift?

The North American Lodge at Mount Norquay is located on Mt Norquay Road in Banff, only a five minute drive from downtown. Detailed driving instructions will be provided in your booking confirmation and there is ample car parking available. Guests can also take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs hourly from Banff.

When does the free shuttle bus run?

The free shuttle bus runs throughout the day from Banff with several pick-up locations.

Free Shuttle Bus Schedule (Valid from June 12 to September 12 2021)

Location	Times
Juniper Hotel (to Banff)		08:42	09:42	10:42	11:42	12:42	13:42	14:42	15:42	16:42	17:42	18:27	19:27
Train Station Info Centre	07:55	08:50	09:50	10:50	11:50	12:50	13:50	14:50	15:50	16:50	17:50	18:35	19:35
Banff Avenue – South Bound – At Elk St	07:57	08:52	09:52	10:52	11:52	12:52	13:52	14:52	15:52	16:52	17:52*
Banff Park Lodge (Opposite)	08:00	08:55	09:55	10:55	11:55	12:55	13:55	14:55	15:55	16:55	17:55*
ARRIVES AT NORQUAY	08:10	09:10	10:10	11:10	12:10	13:10	14:10	15:10	16:10	17:10	18:10*
RETURN TO BANFF		09:35	10:35	11:35	12:35	13:35	14:35	15:35	16:35	17:20	18:20*	19:20	20:20

* Stops at the Juniper Hotel only

Free Shuttle Bus Schedule (Valid from September 13 to October 11 2021)

Location	Times
Juniper Hotel (to Banff)		08:42	09:42	10:42	11:42	12:42	13:42	14:42	15:42	16:42	17:42	18:27	19:27
Train Station Info Centre	08:15	08:50	09:50	10:50	11:50	12:50	13:50	14:50	15:50	16:50	17:50*	18:35*	19:35*
Banff Avenue – South Bound – At Elk St	08:17	08:52	09:52	10:52	11:52	12:52	13:52	14:52	15:52	16:52
Banff Park Lodge (Opposite)	08:20	08:55	09:55	10:55	11:55	12:55	13:55	14:55	15:55	16:55
ARRIVES AT NORQUAY	08:30	09:10	10:10	11:10	12:10	13:10	14:10	15:10	16:10	17:10
RETURN TO BANFF		09:35	10:35	11:35	12:35	13:35	14:35	15:35	16:35	17:35	18:20	19:20

* Stops at the Juniper Hotel only

When does the chairlift operate?

During the summer, the chairlift runs from 9am to 6:30pm, with the last ride down at 7:30pm. In the fall, the chairlift runs from 10am to 6pm, with the last ride down at 6:30pm. Please refer to your booking confirmation for seasonal operating hours.

When is the last ride up the chairlift?

How long is the chairlift ride?

The chairlift ride is approximately eight minutes each way. Plenty of time to spot some wildlife!

What's an open-air chairlift?

Unlike an enclosed Gondola, an open-air chairlift allows you to ride up the mountain with your legs dangling freely below you. Each chair is outfitted with a safety bar so you aren’t in any danger of falling out.

What's at the top of the chairlift?

Jaw dropping vistas, high-alpine dining in an avalanche proof restaurant, Cliffhouse Bistro, hand carved into the side of the mountain, breathtaking views of Banff and the Bow Valley, mountain climbing on the Via Ferrata, an interpretive walkway, and bighorn sheep.

What hiking trails are at Mt Norquay?

There are two main trails from the Mt Norquay main car park.

Stoney Squaw Mountain
Distance: 4.2 km return
Elevation Gain: 190m
Time Required: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike through a beautiful lodgepole pine and spruce tree forest for a unique view of Cascade Mountain, and peaks of the Fairholme Range. During the ascent, hikers will enjoy unique views of Banff, Vermilion Lakes and surrounding mountain ranges. This trail is also popular for mountain biking.

Cascade Amphitheatre
Distance: 15.4 km return
Elevation Gain: 640m
Time Required: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The hike begins at the Mt. Norquay ski area, crosses a bridge over Forty Mile Creek, and then zigzags its way through the dense forest to Cascade Amphitheatre. As you emerge into the amphitheatre, impressively enclosed by limestone cliffs, keep your eyes out for wildflowers.

What is the cancellation policy for the chairlift?

Sightseeing tickets are sold as non-transferable and non-refundable.

Activities in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.
The minimum age for this package is 8 years. Children aged 11 years and under must be accompanied by an adult on the chairlift, and children aged 17 and under must be accompanied on the ride by a legal guardian.
The maximum weight per person is 230lbs / 104kg, fully dressed (your weight may need to be verified on our scales), and the maximum combined weight is 226kg (500lbs) per chair.
Riders must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Riders must wear fully enclosed shoes (no heels).
Each rider must be able to speak and understand fluent English.
Riders must be in good physical condition.
Helmets are mandatory and to be worn by all riders.
All adults must sign a waiver for both tours. A waiver must also be completed by the legal guardian of any child under the age of 18.
COVID-19: Guests should not attend our tour if showing any signs or symptoms of illness.
COVID-19: Guests must wear a non-surgical face covering when checking in for their activity.