Brewster Mountain Pack Trains

About Brewster Mountain Pack Trains

You'll spend your day on horseback deep in the backcountry, which is the only way to reach certain valleys and high alpine meadows in the park. Brewster has been running these trips since 1892, so they know every trail and understand what horses can handle in this terrain. This isn't a gentle walk around Lake Louise. You're riding into genuine wilderness where grizzlies roam and the nearest road is hours away.

The outfitter offers everything from half-day rides to multi-day pack trips where horses carry your gear and camping equipment. Shorter trips stick to well-maintained trails in the Spray Valley and around the Banff townsite. Longer expeditions head into the Cascade Range or down the Spray River, where you'll camp under stars and see wildlife most visitors never encounter. Your guide handles the stock while you focus on staying in the saddle.

Book early for July and August, when prime trips fill up months ahead. Spring and fall are quieter and often better for wildlife viewing, though weather is less predictable. The main trade-off: you need basic riding ability and physical fitness. Inexperienced riders will struggle on longer trips, and if you're uncomfortable with horses, this isn't your activity. Families with kids can do the shorter routes, but check age and weight restrictions first.