Trail Rides

Bow River Ride - 1 Hr

Treat yourself to a relaxing one-hour ride that takes you past some of the most awe-evoking scenery in Banff National Park.

Duration: 1 Hour
Riders: 8yrs+, 230lbs limit
Season: Apr - Oct
Departs: Throughout the day

Ride along the tranquil Bow River, an area home to wildlife in amongst the thick marshes and grassy meadows. And if you look up, you might spot an eagle or hawk soaring through the sky.

Pass by the historic Cave and Basin – the birth place of Banff National Park. Here, craggy rock walls surround pools of bubbling thermal water. And of course, as you follow the winding trail on this ride, you’ll get unspoiled views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains the entire time.

This is one of our most popular rides and is perfect for beginner riders or anyone who is short on time. Plus, you're welcome to come to the stables ahead of your ride check-in time to meet our trail horses and ponies.

Looking for a slightly longer ride? Check out our 2hr Sundance Loop Ride or use our filter to find the ride that suits you.

Riders must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Riders must be at least 8 years old.
Riders aged 17 and under must be accompanied on the ride by a legal guardian.
Riders must weigh less than 230lbs / 104kg, fully dressed (your weight may need to be verified on our scales).
Riders must wear fully enclosed shoes (no heels).
Each rider must be able to speak and understand fluent English.
Riders must be in good physical condition.
Pregnant ladies are required to provide a doctor’s note to ride.
Helmets are mandatory and to be worn by all riders.
All adults must sign a waiver prior to the ride. A waiver must also be completed by the legal guardian of any child under the age of 18.
Photo ID may be required for identity verification.

Refunds are not issued if guests are disqualified from riding due to not meeting these requirements.

There is no better way to see the beauty of the Bow River then through the ears of a horse.

What’s Included

Lead and tail guides for your ride
A friendly horse for every rider
Basic horseback riding instruction
Helmet

Before You Ride

HIGHLIGHTS

The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:

Bow River

Your horse will guide you along the tranquil Bow River – an area home to wildlife in amongst the thick marshes and grassy meadows, with unspoiled views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

Cave & Basin Hot Springs

Pass by the historic Cave and Basin - the birth place of Banff National Park where craggy rock walls surround pools of bubbling thermal water.

FAQs

Do I need any riding experience?

No experience is necessary. If you've never ridden before, we'll pair you with the right horse for a comfortable ride, and our guides give everyone a brief riding instruction before you set off.

Are helmets provided and required?

Yes. Helmets are provided and are mandatory for all riders on our trail rides.

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive 30 minutes before departure for horseback rides and 15 minutes before departure for sleigh rides.

How long is the tour?

The tour is a one hour horseback ride. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour start time.

What does the tour include?

The tour is a one-hour horseback ride along the Bow River and past the historic Cave and Basin site. You will be provided with a brief riding instruction, a helmet, a friendly horse, and lead and tail guides riding at each end of the small group.

Where is the meeting point?

Please meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables, the big red stables located at the end of Sundance Road in Banff. When you arrive, please check-in for your ride at the office in the east barn which has signs for 'Banff Trail Riders Stables' and 'office'. There is plenty of free parking at the site.

When should I arrive?

Please ensure that you arrive 30 minutes before the ride is scheduled to depart.

I have a medical condition / disability, can I go horse back riding?

As avid horse people, we at Banff Trail Riders understand the healing properties of being around horses. Due to wide open national park format of our trail rides, we do not have an enclosed/controlled equine riding environment. We also fully respect the specialized coaches, training and equine equipment required to safely facilitate therapeutic and disabled riding. As a result we reserve the right to limit the availability of horseback riding due to anything which may in our judgement pose a threat to the health and safety of either horse, rider, fellow riders or guides. This includes but is not limited to being able to independently, promptly and without assistance respond to, follow and execute on trail guide direction as well as mount and unmount independently and without assistance. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss these with you.

Can I go horseback riding if I am pregnant?

Pregnant ladies must have a doctor’s note to ride.

What should I wear?

You must wear sturdy, closed toed shoes enclosed to the ankle and long pants are best for riding. Please note that sandals of any kind are not permitted. Helmets are provided and are mandatory for all riders and mosquito repellent is highly recommended.

Is riding experience required?

No experience is necessary and if you've never been riding before then we'll be sure to pair you with the perfect horse so you can enjoy a comfortable ride. Our guides will also provide a brief riding instruction prior to the ride.

Can I bring a backpack on the ride?

Guests cannot bring a backpack on the horse.

What if it rains?

Horseback rides run rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Please do not wear a rain poncho, as they can flap in the wind and spook the horses.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is a 24 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 24 hours outside your booked tour (up to 7 days for group bookings).

Zero-Tolerance Drug & Alcohol policy

Safety is our priority on the trail and we all depend on each other to be alert and tuned in to everyone’s safety and well-being. We have a strict, zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol. Any guest suspected of intoxication or impairment upon arrival will not be allowed to ride and their fare will NOT be refunded

Should I tip my guide?

Gratuities are customary and very much appreciated.

TRAIL MAP

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Booking terms

Riders must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Riders must be at least 8 years old.
Riders aged 17 and under must be accompanied on the ride by a legal guardian.
Riders must weigh less than 230lbs / 104kg, fully dressed (your weight may need to be verified on our scales).
Riders must wear fully enclosed shoes (no heels).
Each rider must be able to speak and understand fluent English.
Riders must be in good physical condition.
Pregnant ladies are required to provide a doctor’s note to ride.
Helmets are mandatory and to be worn by all riders.
All adults must sign a waiver prior to the ride. A waiver must also be completed by the legal guardian of any child under the age of 18.
Photo ID may be required for identity verification.

Refunds are not issued if guests are disqualified from riding due to not meeting these requirements.

By participating in a tour with Banff Trail Riders, guests are acknowledging that they understand that we may take video and photographs of them during their tour. These videos and photographs may be used in promotional materials including, but not limited to, social media.
A 10% gratuity is mandatory for all group bookings of 10 or more guests. This gratuity helps us ensure high-quality service for larger groups. If the gratuity option is not selected at the time of booking, our team will contact you directly to arrange for this payment prior to your tour.