9:00am – 6:00pm Daily (MT)
1.800.661.8352CompareMy Trip
Find Your Ride
A pair of horses pulling a red sleigh of riders through the snow below a mountain peak

Winter in Banff

Sleigh Rides

Book your Banff sleigh ride direct with Banff Trail Riders and save. Glide over sparkling snow on a horse-drawn sleigh through Banff's mountain meadows.

Choose Your Sleigh Ride

Banff Sleigh Rides, a true Banff classic.

There’s nothing quite like gliding over sparkling snow in a horse-drawn sleigh – especially when you’re surrounded by some of the most gorgeous mountains in the world. Step aboard and relax as our cowboy guide cracks the reins and your journey in the Canadian Rockies begins.

You’ll travel into the Bow River Valley where soaring pines stand in the shadow of sky-piercing peaks. And in this wilderness, the only sounds that disturb the silence are the clomping of hooves and the jingle of your horses’ harness.

It all makes for great ambience, whether you’re snuggling up with someone special or packing the whole family in for a ride.

Questions

When does sleigh ride season run?

Sleigh rides run December to March, departing throughout the day. They're weather dependent and may not operate in some conditions.

How long is the sleigh ride?

About 40 minutes, with optional time by the campfire afterwards to enjoy a hot drink by the campfire, weather and snow conditions permitting.

Is there an age limit? Do babies ride free?

Our public sleigh ride has no age limit, and children 3 and under ride free, though they aren't guaranteed a seat and may sit on your lap. The Private Sleigh Ride for Four and Private Group Sleigh are open to all ages, while the Private Sleigh Ride for Two is listed as 18+.

What should we wear?

Dress warmly in layers, with a thick winter jacket, mitts, a hat and boots. The sleigh is open-top and you're outside in the cold for about 40 minutes.

Are blankets provided? Is the sleigh covered?

Yes, we provide warm wool blankets for the ride, and our private sleighs for two and four come with buffalo robes. The sleighs are open-top, not covered, so please dress warmly.

Is there a hot drink or campfire afterwards?

Yes. After the ride you can warm up by the campfire back at the stables with a hot drink, weather and snow conditions permitting.

Can we buy s'mores kits?

Yes. S'mores kits are available to buy at the stables to roast by the fire after your ride, weather permitting. Our Private Sleigh Rides for Two and for Four include s'mores kits.

Do you offer private sleigh rides?

Yes. We offer a Private Sleigh Ride for Two in a one-horse cutter sleigh, a Private Sleigh Ride for Four, and a Private Group Sleigh with seating for up to 9 or 16 people. The rides for two and four include buffalo robes, a hot drink and s'mores kits.

What is the difference between the public and private sleigh?

On our public sleigh ride, you share a 9- or 16-seat sleigh typically pulled by two horses, with wool blankets and a hot drink, and s'mores kits for sale. Private sleighs are just for your group: a one-horse cutter for two or four with buffalo robes and s'mores kits included, or a whole 9- or 16-seat sleigh for larger groups.

How many people fit in a sleigh?

Our public and private group sleighs seat 9 or 16 people. The Private Sleigh Ride for Two is a 2-seat cutter, and the Private Sleigh Ride for Four seats up to four. For larger groups, please contact us.

Do you run sleigh rides at Lake Louise?

No. Our sleigh rides depart from Banff Trail Riders Stables, at the end of Sundance Road in Banff, a short drive from downtown.

Is there a Christmas or holiday sleigh ride?

Yes, our sleigh rides operate through the holiday season, weather and snow conditions permitting. Advance booking is recommended.