2 Days
Duration
Saturday
Day of Week
9yrs+, 230lbs limit
Riders
May-Oct
Season

Want to experience the unspoiled wilderness of Banff on horseback, but don’t have a lot of time? Then this 2 day overnight trip is perfect for you.

YouTube video

 

Meander along a trail that takes you to the tranquil Bow River. Relax and enjoy a cowboy coffee by campfire along the way before arriving at Sundance Lodge, secluded but just 16 kilometres (10 miles) from town. At night, relax on the porch or linger near the crackling fireplace and watch the starry night.

The Sundance Overnight trip for perfect for ages, families or groups of friends because anyone can do it. Plus, the journey overall is surprisingly comfortable.

Dietary requests

Our establishment is located in a remote backcountry area. Due to our unique location, our kitchen operates with limited resources. We are unable to accommodate requests beyond our set menus. Menu Options: Backcountry Deluxe Menu, Vegetarian Menu, Vegan Menu (additional cost), Gluten Free Menu (additional cost)

Included
  • 1x night accommodation
  • Small group size (up to 6 guests per guide)
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Trail fees
  • Helmet
MEALS
  • Breakfast
  • 2x Trailside Lunch
  • Dinner
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables

Banff Horseback Riding Vacation Reviews, Banff Trail Riders


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+
Day 1

Backcountry ride to Sundance Lodge

We’ll begin the trip by meeting at Banff Trail Riders Stables at 9:30am for your ride and checking in at the office in the east barn (please do not arrive any earlier than 9:30am). There’s plenty of free parking at the stables and you’re welcome to leave your vehicle here during the trip. After you’re all checked in, we’ll hand out your slickers and saddle bags and introduce you to the horse that we have specifically picked just for you. Things happen on “Western Time” here so we may not leave right on the dot and you’ll have time to get to know your horse and ask any questions.

One of the aspects of these tours that guests often rave about is the connection they forge with their hooved companions. At the end of the trip, you’ll have a new four legged best friend.

Our horses are steady, responsive and can be counted on to cross any terrain, from forest paths to boulder-strewn creeks. Never been horseback riding before? Don’t worry. We will match you with a mild-mannered horse and teach you everything you need to know. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you gain confidence in the saddle, learn to trust your horse and go from greenhorn to cowboy.

On this backcountry adventure, we’ll take you along a route that the early explorers of the Canadian Rockies blazed nearly a century ago. It’s the ideal way to dip your toe into horseback trekking in Banff, even if you don’t have a lot of time.

Saddled up and ready to ride, we’ll hit the trail for the ten mile journey to Sundance Lodge. We will follow the trail alongside the rushing glacier-fed waters of the Bow River, Healy Creek and Brewster Creek. Along the way we’ll stop for a simple, hearty cowboy-style hot lunch on the banks of the river.

We’ll arrive at Sundance Lodge late afternoon, where your lodge host will greet you. Sundance is the ideal place for those who want to marvel at the beauty of the Banff backcountry, while still being swaddled in comfort.

There are no sleeping bags or camp stoves here, you will be sipping from wine glasses, dining on food prepared by a skilled chef in a professional kitchen and sleeping in a comfortable bed. Your lodge host will cater to your every need and make you feel welcome, like you are a guest in their home.

Settle into your room and freshen up from your day on the trail, then gather around the table for a gourmet meal and an evening of conversation. By the end of this trip, you’ll have plenty of new friends from around the world.

Day 2

Return to Banff Trail Riders Stables

After a deep and restful sleep in the peaceful quiet of the backcountry, you’ll awake to a hearty breakfast and a steaming mug of coffee.

You’ll have the entire morning to wake up slowly and savour your time at this picturesque lodge. Sundance was built in 1991, near the original Ten Mile Cabin built in 1923 where the trail riders used to stop and rest on their way to Mount Assiniboine. (Ten Mile Cabin is still there and Sundance Lodge sits where the corral would have been.)

With no emails to answer or errands to run, your time is your own. You can sit on the deck, get lost in the pages of a good book, have a chat with your horse or get to know your fellow adventurers.

We will begin our ride back to Banff in the late morning. You’ll bring along handmade sandwiches for the journey, as well as fresh-baked goodies and fruit.

You’ll return to Banff Trail Riders Stables at approximately 4:30 pm, with plenty of stories to tell about your adventure in the backcountry.

Included
  • 1x night accommodation
  • Small group size (up to 6 guests per guide)
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Trail fees
  • Helmet
MEALS
  • Breakfast
  • 2x Trailside Lunch
  • Dinner
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables

Banff Horseback Riding Vacation Reviews, Banff Trail Riders


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+

Banff Horseback Riding Vacation Trail Maps

Included
  • 1x night accommodation
  • Small group size (up to 6 guests per guide)
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Trail fees
  • Helmet
MEALS
  • Breakfast
  • 2x Trailside Lunch
  • Dinner
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables

Banff Horseback Riding Vacation Reviews, Banff Trail Riders


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+
The three-day tour commences at 9:30am at the Warner Stables on Mondays, with two full days of riding (approximately 5-6 hours per day including leisurely breaks) and one rest day in the backcountry. The ride returns to the stables at 4:30pm on Wednesday.

Please meet at Banff Trail Riders 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 ‘Banff Trail Riders 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 Banff Trail Riders Stables:

Horseback Riding Map of the Stables in Banff, Canadian Rockies

Please arrive at 9:30am on the morning of your tour (please do not arrive any earlier than 9:30am).
A detailed list will be provided in your booking confirmation of all items that you should bring with you, including a warm coat, rain jacket, shirts, jeans, riding boots, sneakers, gloves, a scarf, toiletries and a water bottle.
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.
Sundance Lodge is a rustic 10-room log cabin that was built in 1991. Set against the looming Sundance Mountain Range and surrounded by thick woods, Sundance Lodge feels remote and secluded despite being just 16 kilometres (10 miles) from town. The lodge is powered by solar and heated by burning wood and there are indoor washrooms and heated showers onsite. Please note that there is no cell service or internet/wifi available during the trip.

Prices are based on two guests per room, but the rooms have a variety of configurations. A single room supplement is available for an additional fee.

Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are not allowed, but your rain gear will travel with you on the horse and your guide will help you attach it to the saddle. If you would like to bring saddlebags please fill them with only those essential items that you would need during the day. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well. We have a limited supply of saddlebags available free of charge which are available for pick up upon check-in (sorry, no earlier).
All backcountry trips are subject to a 60 day cancellation & change policy. No refunds will be given on any trip in progress. In case of unforeseen circumstances we strongly recommend that all guests purchase travel, health, and cancellation insurance prior to their trip.
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.

Included
  • 1x night accommodation
  • Small group size (up to 6 guests per guide)
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Trail fees
  • Helmet
MEALS
  • Breakfast
  • 2x Trailside Lunch
  • Dinner
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables

Banff Horseback Riding Vacation Reviews, Banff Trail Riders


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+
  • Rates are based on double occupancy and a single room supplement is available for an additional fee.
  • Riders must be at least 9 years old.
  • Riders aged 17 and under must be accompanied on the ride by a legal guardian.
  • Riders must weigh less than 230lbs / 104kg, fully dressed (your weight may need to be verified on our scales).
  • 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 under 18 years. Helmets are optional but recommended for riders aged 18 years and over.
  • All adult riders must sign a waiver prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any rider under the age of 18 (documentation may be required to confirm the signatory’s authority).
  • All backcountry trips are subject to a 60 day cancellation & change policy.
  • Photo ID may be required for identity verification.

Refunds are not issued if guests are disqualified from riding due to not meeting these requirements.

Included
  • 1x night accommodation
  • Small group size (up to 6 guests per guide)
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Trail fees
  • Helmet
MEALS
  • Breakfast
  • 2x Trailside Lunch
  • Dinner
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables

Banff Horseback Riding Vacation Reviews, Banff Trail Riders


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+
Backcountry Sundance Overnight Horseback Ride in Banff, Canadian Rockies with Discover Banff Tours
Meet at Warner Stables for your horseback ride
We have 300 friendly horses to choose from for horseback rides
Horseback Ride Banff Trail Riders in Banff, Canadian Rockies with Discover Banff Tours
Explore Banff's backcountry with your friendly guide
Fun on a horse on the Sundance Overnight Backcountry Lodge Trip
Admiring the View on the Sundance Overnight Backcountry Lodge Trip
Make coffee with fresh water on a backcountry vacation
Delicious lunches on backcountry vacations
Relaxing at lunch on a backcountry vacation
Ride into Banff's backcountry on a horseback vacation
River crossing on the Sundance Overnight Lodge Horseback Trip
Ride through a river on a Backcountry Vacation
Stay at Sundance Logde on a backcountry vacation
Horses at the Sundance Lodge Corral
Stay at comfortable and cozy Sundance Lodge on a horseback trip
Meet your friendly host and cook at Sundance Lodge
Relax by the fireplace at Sundance Lodge
There's plenty of time to relax and play the guitar at Sundance Lodge
Dine at the large kitchen table at cozy Sundance Lodge
Enjoy communal dining at the large kitchen table at Sundance Lodge
Steak at Sundance Backcountry Lodge
Sundance Lodge Backcountry Food Cooking
Enjoy a campfire at Sundance Lodge
Starry Night Sky by Campfire at Sundance Lodge
Sleep in a comfortable bed at cozy Sundance Lodge
Sundance Lodge has a variety of bedroom and bed configurations
Living Room at Sundance Backcountry Lodge
Interacting with the horses
Heading home from the Sundance Lodge Corrals
Saddle up at the Sundance Lodge Corral
Trail Snack Food on Backcountry Trip
Returning home to Warner Stables on a backcountry vacation