Banff Trail Riders

About Banff Trail Riders

Go here if you want to experience Banff's backcountry the way early explorers did. Banff Trail Riders runs guided horseback trips ranging from short valley rides to multi-day wilderness expeditions. The outfit has been operating since 1923, so they know every switchback and alpine meadow in this park.

Book a half-day ride if you're new to horses, a full day if you want real distance, or commit to a pack trip if you're serious about remote exploration. You'll ride through spruce forests, cross creeks, and hit viewpoints most hikers never reach. The horses are well-trained and patient with nervous riders. Guides handle logistics while you focus on the landscape and the rhythm of the trail.

Go in July or August for the most reliable weather and fully open trails. Spring and fall trips happen but require more flexibility. The main trade-off: you're on horseback for hours, which means saddle soreness if you're not used to riding. This isn't a leisure stroll. You need basic fitness and a willingness to trust an animal beneath you. Skip this if you have mobility issues or genuine horse anxiety. It's ideal for anyone who wants Banff beyond the paved loops.