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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Canada
Intro to Canada
 AlbertaBritish Columbia Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon
Extensions:
Gulf Islands Inn to Inn
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Kananaskis Continental Divide Ride
Alberta
Canada
To the south of Banff, Alberta lies the fabled Kananaskis Range of the Rocky Mountains. The rugged topography and open forests of the region have made horses the preferred way to get around for centuries, first by the native Plains Indians and more recently by horseback explorers. This trip commences in the foothills south of Bragg Creek at an elevation of 1,350 meters. The ranch is surrounded by the open pine and aspen forest typical of the rolling foothills of the Alberta Rockies.
This is a wilderness expedition into the breathtaking mountain wilderness of the Kananaskis range. This is a rugged, minimum impact wilderness adventure, in small groups where everyone can get personal attention and develop their abilities and confidence. For the first two days we ride deeper into the mountains, guided by modern day mountain men through hidden passes and along craggy bighorn sheep trails. From an idyllic base camp in the Elbow Valley we will spend a few days exploring such spectacular places as Box Canyon Creek, the Cougar Cap and Tombstone Mountain. Weather conditions, grizzly bear sightings and other natural hazards may cause the itinerary, to vary somewhat, but the trails used are frequently invisible to all but a skilled tracker/guide. Very steep and narrow trails will be encountered and there are spots where riders must dismount and lead their horses.
This is not are not a big "corporate" ranch or pack outfitter. Indeed "big" is incompatible with our desire to leave as small as possible a footprint on the wilderness. We don't offer opulent luxury with simulated but tightly scripted "adventure". We don't stage mock gun-fights or hold-ups for the amusement of "tourists". This is a genuine, real-life adventure, breathtaking scenery, camaraderie of the trail, excellent camp-fire cooked food and the opportunity to learn as much as you can about horses, riding and living with nature.
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Meeting:
Bragg Creek
Airport:
Calgary
Transfer:
Calgary Airport 4 PM
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Rates and Dates for 2009
Rates include:
First and last night in B&B, 7 nights camping (large wall tents - all camping gear provided), all meals excluding alcohol, 8 riding days
GST (VAT) 2.5% (5% for Canadian Resident)
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Calgary airport at 4 PM included
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Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
| A |
2009
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06/28
- 07/07
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10d / 9n
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3
/7
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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08/09
- 08/18
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10d / 9n
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3
/7
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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08/30
- 09/08
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10d / 9n
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3
/7
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Available
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Alcohol with your meals.
While we have a route planned at the outset of every trip, changes are sometimes forced upon us by weather, bear activity or other environmental hazards. The guides reserve the option of changing the day's activity from the published schedule based on any concern they have for the safety of the party. In these cases, various alternatives will normally be presented to the group and a decision made in consultation with them.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer at 4:00 PM from the Calgary airport to Bragg Creek. Meet and greet at ranch. Review the week's schedule and issue kit. Transfer to B&B Dinner (not included) and overnight in local B&B.
Day 2 After grooming and tacking your horse we leave the ranch and head out west through meadows, forests and creeks and reach our first camp in the afternoon.
Day 3 A long day in the saddle awaits the group. We pack up camp and ride further west, leaving the foothills into the Rocky Mountains. This is a very scenic and breathtaking ride with nice canters and trots as well as fantastic views. We arrive at our second camp in the valley of the Elbow River in late afternoon.
Day 4+5 We don't have to pack up camp for the next two days. There are a variety of scenic trails in the area we can choose from - all of them have their own beauty and fascination.
Day 6 We pack up camp and head further west over Tombstone Pass into the valley of the Little Elbow. We are now higher and deeper in the Rocky Mountains, more remote and off beaten tracks. We arrive in the third camp late in the afternoon. This will be our base camp for the following 3 nights.
Day 7 After breakfast we can ride up to Talus Lake, which is at the treeline and means a steep climb for the horses. The last km we have to do on foot as it gets too rugged for a horse to walk. We have lunch at the shores of the lake and you can go for a swim before we return to camp.
Day 8 The high point of the trip awaits you today. We attempt to climb up the High Pass, which at 8500 ft is well above the tree line. Bring your camera!
Day 9 We pack up camp and ride down the valley to the trailhead where the truck and trailer will meet us in the early afternoon. We return to the ranch where you can enjoy a hot shower and the farewell dinner.
Day 10 Departure Day. After breakfast we take you back to Calgary
Elevations range between 4400' at the Ranch, to over 8400' at Paradise Pass. Routes may vary due to a variety of natural conditions..
There are some trails we use where it is necessary to hike over rocky terrain, either to avoid undue risk or to enjoy a vista that cannot be ridden to. For most people this is a refreshing change that allows them to stretch their legs. We recommend that you bring or wear comfortable footwear that you can hike for a kilometer or two in. A reasonable level of personal fitness is required.
Subject to change
Meeting:
Bragg Creek
Airport:
Calgary
Transfer:
Calgary Airport 4 PM
Passport and Visa Requirements: Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following: (a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian . more
During the riding season of June to September, temperatures will range widely, with the hottest daytime temperatures reaching 30 C (85 F). We are riding at elevations ranging from 1400 m (4400') to well above the tree line at 2700m (8400'), so wide fluctuations in temperature can be expected. This region always cools off at night, and frequently experiences frost even in mid-summer, and so please adhere to the attached kit list. We always take our rain gear with us on the saddle, so don't pack it in with your kit. Even if it doesn't rain, it may be necessary to cut the wind when we're above the tree line.
On day 1 you will receive a kit bag with sleeping bag and mat.
We suggest to bring:
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2 pair of jeans or riding pants
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3 long sleeve shirts
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fleece or Sweater (fleece is lighter)
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jacket or vest as wind breaker
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brimmed hat (protects from rain, sun and low branches)
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healed, ankle-high, water-repellant boots
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gloves
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toque (warm hat)
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warm socks (1 pair per day)
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underwear (1 set per day)
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towel and swimsuit (optional)
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personal hygiene items
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comfortable campshoes
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warm underwear
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camera (please not that there is no possibility to charge batteries!)
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flashlight
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knife
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chaps (if available)
If you have any medical condition like allergies, or are on medication, please tell your guide. Food preferences and intolerances should be specified before the trip.
These items are available to rent if you don't have your own:
Weight of Gear
Because everything must be loaded on pack-horses, guests must pack their gear in 1 standard sized duffel bag, weighing no more than 25 lbs (11 kg) - not including what you wear and carry on your saddle horse.
If you have luggage that is not required for the horse trip you may leave that at the B & B.
Saddle bags
Your trailhorse will have 2 saddlebags tied to the saddle. One is for your personal items to carry on the trail, such as camera, sun protection, water bottle, extra layer of clothes, etc. The other bag is reserved for "group items" such as lunch or first aid kit. Your rainwear will also travel with you tied behind the saddle.
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| 2 pair jeans or riding pants |
| 3 shirts |
| Sweater or fleece |
| Jacket |
| Heeled boots |
| Brimmed Hat or riding helmet |
| Riding gloves |
| Rainwear Available for $5/day |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Underwear (1 set per day) |
| Warm socks (1 pair per day) |
| Sweat suit or pajamas |
| Comfortable camp shoes |
| Swimwear & towel (optional) |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
| Flashlight |
| Knife |
| Sturdy duffel bag Provided |
| Sleeping bag (-5 C) Provided |
| Foam pad/mattress Provided |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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Gabrielle Nijland
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8/13/2008
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Mary O'Connell
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