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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 Mountain & Prairie Expedition
Alberta
Canada
Who says You can't have it All?
Ride 5 days in Kananaskis Country and finish with a Competitive Trail Ride in Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, Southern Alberta. It is the perfect combination for all those who can't decide whether to enjoy the quiet wilderness of the Canadian Rockies or gallop across the Prairies and through the badlands of Southern Alberta. A wilderness getaway into the breathtaking mountain wilderness of the Kananaskis range - in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains – then you are off to the wide open plains for the prairies. This is a rugged, minimum impact wilderness adventure, in small groups where everyone can get personal attention and develop their abilities and confidence. The first five days in the mountains give you lots of time to develop an affection and appreciation for both your horse and the Canadian wilderness, though almost everyone agrees that the time flies quickly and they are left with the urge to return and explore other untracked valleys and ridgelines. After a short overnight rest at the B&B we are then off to ride across the open windswept plains of Southern Alberta. It is excellent riding country, with unlimited opportunity for experienced riders to move at a faster pace.
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:
Three nights in B&B, 6 nights camping (large wall tents - all camping gear provided), all meals excluding alcohol, 7 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
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2009
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09/12
- 09/21
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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.
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: First you will be matched with a horse of appropriate temperament, pack up the horses and then the horseback-riding adventure can begin. We 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, gradually climbing out of the foothills and into the Rocky Mountains. This is a very scenic and breathtaking ride with nice canters and trots as well as fantastic views. We get to the second camp in the valley of the Elbow River late in the afternoon.
Day 4 and 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 leave the valley with the packhorses. By midday the packhorses will be picked-up, while the group continues the ride over Powderface Ridge, a steep climb up to alpine meadows with a great overview of the area you rode in for the last 5 days. Return to ranch in the afternoon and farewell dinner. Overnight in same B&B
Day 7 Drive to Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
Day 8 Ride the WOS Competitive Trail Ride
Day 9 Leasureley ride in Milk River Valley, return to Bragg Creek, accommodation in B&B
Day 10 Transfer to Calgary after breakfast
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 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:
- 2 pair of jeans or riding pants
- 3 long sleeve shirts
- fleece or Sweater (fleece is lighter)
- jacket or vest as wind breaker
- brimmed hat (protects from rain, sun and low branches)
- healed, ankle-high, water-repellant boots
- gloves
- toque (warm hat)
- warm socks (1 pair per day)
- underwear (1 set per day)
- towel and swimsuit (optional)
- personal hygiene items
- comfortable campshoes
- warm underwear
- camera (please not that there is no possibility to charge batteries!)
- flashlight
- knife
- 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:
- rainwear (oil-skin slicker)
- sturdy duffelbag
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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Glenn Norton
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8/20/2003
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..view other reports for different trips
The ranch lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 13 km south of the picturesque hamlet of Bragg Creek and roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary - a wilderness area stretching to the Continental Divide.
The trip includes all meals. You will stay 3 nights in local B&B in Bragg Creek, and camp 6 nights. We will either sleep in large tents (up to 7 per tent), or leantos to enjoy the night sky whenever practical. Sometimes we are treated to a display of the Northern lights by doing so. We have found that most people are happy to sleep in close proximity to each other when in the wilds.
This vacation is for riders with moderate or better experience and a keen sense of adventures.
Four to seven hours per day will be spent on trail, though people wishing to spend a day or two doing other activities such as hiking or relaxing will have that option. The horses have been chosen for their endurance, spirit, and sure-footedness in the mountains. Since the pack train uses different trails we will often canter where the trail is suitable.
The guests are expected to help in tending to the horses and other camp duties. Most horses will be fitted with western style saddles but those with a distinct preference for English riding may be accommodated. This trip is designed for keen riders who are up to the challenge.
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.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Canadian, Arab, Missouri Foxtrotters, Paints and Quarter horses
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Pace:
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Moderate pace. walk, trot and canters in the mountains, fast canters in the competitive trail ride
| Walk | Trot | Canter |
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Level:
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(3 to 4 out of 5)
Intermediate+
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Weight:
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Max 220 lb
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Riders:
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Min 3 |
Max 7
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This vacation is for riders with moderate or better experience and a keen sense of adventures.
Four to seven hours per day will be spent on trail, though people wishing to spend a day or two doing other activities such as hiking or relaxing will have that option. The horses have | |