If you’ve been waiting all your life to soak up the glory of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, there’s only one way to do it: atop one of the most majestic creatures in the animal kingdom and alongside a friendly guide.
You’ll cover more terrain this way and really solidify that feeling of being one with nature. Below, we have some shoutouts for a few magnificent ranches in the area where you can stay for a few nights, as well as general trail rides that are available for every skill level.
1. Alpine Stables
How does a frolic through fields of wildflowers atop a majestic horse sound? That’s what Alpine Stables has to offer, with 50 experienced mountain horses ready to take you for a memorable ride of your life.
This friendly, family-owned operation has over 120 miles of terrain through Waterton Lakes National Park on offer for you, ranging from peaceful lakeside trots to more challenging mountain climbs.
2. Sundance Lodge in Banff
If you’ve made it to Banff, you’ve already made it to heaven. So, why not stay a while? The best way to orchestrate this trip is to stay a few nights in the beautiful Sundance Lodge.
From there, you can explore Banff National Park via a guided ride as you trail along the mystic Bow River and take in the sights of all those statuesque mountains and crystal blue waters.
3. Bighorn Backcountry Trails
The Bighorn Backcountry doesn’t get as much heat as its western neighbor, Banff. And, really, nothing can compare to it, anyway.
But, don’t discount this pretty little corner too soon because it’s basically a hidden gem. You’ll get to experience the feeling of being one with nature in this area, as you sail through open meadows, trot along mountain ridges, and take in the majesty of some seriously staggering valleys.
4. Boundary Ranch
Speaking of valleys, Kananaskis Valley is another one that deserves a spot on the top of your list. And, if you’re wondering where to stay, the answer is easy: Boundary Ranch.
This is a wonderful working ranch just waiting to offer you an authentic cowboy experience with true Western hospitality. There’s plenty of fun to be had at the ranch, from barbecues to campfires. But, once you sit atop one of their beautiful horses and explore the valley, you’ll never want to return home.
5. Castle Provincial Park
If the Bighorn Backcountry tickled your fancy, you might want to check out Castle Provincial Park, as well.
Here, you’ll find a variety of trails for all skill levels as you explore another remote, rugged sort of beauty. Known for its lush, green forests and clear, blue streams, this ride is a true tonic for the soul.
6. Cline River Valley Ride
This is another sort of “off the beaten path” trail ride that you might really enjoy. Here, too, you’ll soak up the feeling of lush, green forests and winding rivers that only exist in the Canadian Rockies.
Getting to this corner of the country may be possible in a far more fabulous manner of travel than a hectic plane ride. Check out this list of must-take train trips, some of which include Canada as their final destination. The Rocky Mountaineer, in particular, could be your ticket to paradise.
7. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
If you’ve had a good experience riding through wide, open prairies and want to replicate that, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park can offer you a nice blend of that, along with the area’s typical green forests. As you immerse yourself in this park’s unique ecosystem, you’ll find that there’s a trail in there suitable for riders of every level.
8. Kananaskis Country Trails
This is another way to soak up the splendor of Kananaskis Valley, in case you weren’t able to book a room at Boundary Ranch. There’s still a robust network of trails on offer for every skill level to enjoy.
Like Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, the Kananaskis Valley features a gorgeous blend of meadows and forests to dip in and out of. It also has something else on offer: spectacular sightings of other forest inhabitants, including deer and elk.
9. Lake Louise Shoreline Ride
When you hear Banff, you know crystal blue waters are in your future. Pretty Lake Louise is part of that beauty, so you won’t want to miss her.
This ride trails you along those waters you won’t be able to take your eyes off of. That is, whenever you’re not looking up at the peaks towering over you. This is a nice, gentle ride for a beginning rider – and one that will surely instill a lifelong love in their heart.
10. The Lodge at Panther River
Panther River sounds even more tantalizing than the deer and elk in Kananaskis Valley, doesn’t it? But, no, you won’t find too many panthers riding astride your horse.
The goal here is to stay a few nights at the beautiful Lodge at Panther River so their lovely guides can take you out to explore the area’s panoramic valleys, cheerfully bubbling streams, and picturesque mountain views.
11. Sunshine Meadows Ride
Sunshine Meadows is every bit as cheerful as its name sounds. With your steady stead, you’ll take in some of the most heart-wrenching beauty, including meadows bursting with wildflowers, pure blue lakes, and towering mountain views. Try to set this trip for the spring or summer, specifically with those wonderful wildflowers in mind.
12. U Bar Ranch
If the sturdy wall tents that you often see on glamping sites have caught your eye, give U Bar Ranch a once-over. They offer several comfortable camping options, including their wall tents and eight fully-serviced RV sites.
Trail guides here have a back door to the stunning views only Grande Cache Lake can offer. And, when you return to your campsite at night, you can sleep in peace under the stars.
Speaking of glamping, if you plan to follow the Rockies all the way down to the United States, check out this list of fantastic glamping spots for nature lovers.
13. Waterton River Trail Rides. Ltd.
Waterton River Trail Rides has some of the friendliest guides just waiting to meet you. With the ability to cater to every level of rider, they’ll take you to the refreshing Waterton River before stunning you with the views from the Elk Ridge summit.
Given their knowledge of the area, they’re going to take you places that many other visitors miss. Their love of the area will quickly rub off on you, potentially making this the site of future family reunions!
14. Willmore Wilderness Park
Willmore Wilderness Park can join the list of “off the beaten path” trail rides if that’s what you want. Most of the wilderness here is untouched, offering the purest mountain, river, lake, and stream views.
Because of the varying terrain that this little slice of heaven offers, it’s mainly an opportunity for the more experienced riders in your group to get out there and have some fun.
15. Yoho National Park Trails
There’s one feature we haven’t mentioned yet on this list: towering waterfalls leading to pristine lakes and streams. You’ll want to plan this ride so that you touch the Takakkaw Falls and pause to dip your toes in the Emerald Lake. There’s a nice loop around the lake that provides sensational views of all the natural wonders around.
Beauty Awaits
However you plan your itinerary in and around Canada’s gorgeous Rocky Mountains, you’ll be glad you headed north to this beautiful backcountry.
The ranchhands are on hand, ready to welcome you to their home. The forestry is waiting to embrace you. And the rivers and streams are already planning to heal your soul.
Wherever you’re headed next, be it Canada or beyond, we have a destination guide just waiting to be paired with your itinerary. We’ll help you arrive safe, well-educated, and ready for the adventure of a lifetime.