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Sundance Overnight – 1 Night

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Starts atCA$ 1,269US$ 949€ 830£ 711A$ 1,372
Duration: 2 Days
Age: 9+
Departure: See tour details
Season: May-Oct

Guaranteed departure. This tour runs as scheduled with no minimum group size — book with confidence, it won’t be cancelled for low numbers.

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Overview

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.

Highlights

The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:

Sundance Lodge
Sundance Lodge
Strom Pack Trail
Strom Pack Trail
The Bow River
The Bow River

Itinerary

What each day of your trip looks like, from saddle-up to the ride home.

  1. 1

    Backcountry ride to Sundance Lodge

    Your adventure begins at Banff Trail Riders Stables, where you'll check in at the East Barn at 9:30 AM (please do not arrive earlier than 9:30 AM). Complimentary parking is available at the stables, and you're welcome to leave your vehicle here for the duration of your trip.

    After check-in, we'll provide your slicker and saddlebags before introducing you to the horse we've carefully selected for you. Your guide will give a riding orientation, answer any questions, and make sure everyone is comfortable before heading out. We like to say things run on "Western Time," so don't worry if we don't leave exactly on schedule—you'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with your horse before setting off.

    Once in the saddle, you'll begin the 10-mile ride to Sundance Lodge, following historic trails through Banff National Park alongside the Bow River, Healy Creek, and Brewster Creek. Along the way, you'll stop to enjoy a hearty cowboy-style hot lunch beside the river.

    You'll arrive at Sundance Lodge in the late afternoon, where your lodge host will welcome you. Take some time to settle into your room, relax, and freshen up before gathering for a chef-prepared gourmet dinner. Spend the evening unwinding with your fellow riders and enjoying the warm hospitality of this comfortable backcountry lodge.

  2. 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.

Tour Details

Tour Duration
2 Days
Departure Time
See tour details
Age Required
9+
Weight Limit
230lbs limit
Season
May-Oct
Transport Options
Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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)*Please note that our kitchen contains common allergens, including but not limited to: dairy, wheat, soy, sesame, mustards, garlic, tree nuts, peanuts, eggs and egg products.
How long is the tour?+
The two-day tour commences at 9:30am at the Warner Stables on Saturdays, with two full days of riding (approximately 5-6 hours per day including leisurely breaks). The ride returns to the stables at 4:30pm on Sunday.
Where is the meeting point?+
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:
When should I arrive?+
Please arrive at 9:30am on the morning of your tour (please do not arrive any earlier than 9:30am).
What should I wear/bring?+
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.
Is riding experience required?+
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.
What is the accommodation like?+
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.
Can I bring a backpack on the ride?+
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).
I have a medical condition / disability, can I go horse back riding?+
As avid horse people, we at Banff Trail Riders understand the healing properties of being around horses. Due to wide open national park format of our trail rides, we do not have an enclosed/controlled equine riding environment. We also fully respect the specialized coaches, training and equine equipment required to safely facilitate therapeutic and disabled riding. As a result we reserve the right to limit the availability of horseback riding due to anything which may in our judgement pose a threat to the health and safety of either horse, rider, fellow riders or guides. This includes but is not limited to being able to independently, promptly and without assistance respond to, follow and execute on trail guide direction as well as mount and unmount independently and without assistance. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss these with you.
What is the cancellation policy?+
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.
Should I tip my guide?+
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.

Booking Terms

  • 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.

What Our Guests Are Saying

Real, verified reviews from guests who explored the Canadian Rockies with us.

Sundance Overnight – 1 Night
From CA$ 1,269US$ 949€ 830£ 711A$ 1,372