9:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm
Departure Time
2 Hours
Duration
8yrs+, 230lbs limit
Riders
Apr – Oct
Season

This wilderness adventure offers riders the perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature – in true western form.

 

You’ll explore stunning sections of wilderness on this two-hour trip, providing a chance to spot wildlife that you might not get to see while on foot. Plus, our friendly, experienced guides will teach you a few cowboy tricks along the way.

Pass by natural sulphur hot springs as you make your way to one of Banff’s national historic sites: the Cave and Basin. Trek along the tranquil Bow River and take in magnificent views of the Bow Valley before pressing through thick marshes as you climb Sulphur Mountain.

You’ll then continue up to Windy Knoll where you can take striking photos of the sweeping landscape.

Included
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Lead and tail guides for your ride
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Helmet
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables (Banff)
What will disqualify me from riding?
  • Aged below 8 yo
  • Arriving after designated meet time (30 min prior)
  • Arriving at the wrong meeting point
  • Weighing over 230lbs / 104kg when checking in
Guide Quote

Kim's Pick

"Not knowing what wildlife we’ll find on top of the Windy Knoll makes for an exciting ride each time." - Kim , Trail Guide, Banff Trail Riders

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

1

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.
2

Cave & Basin Hot Springs

Pass by the historic Cave and Basin – the birth place of Banff National Park. Here craggy rock walls surround pools of bubbling thermal water.
3

Sulphur Mountain and Windy Knoll

Climb Sulphur Mountain and then continue up to the Windy Knoll where you can take striking photos of the sweeping landscape.
Included
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Lead and tail guides for your ride
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Helmet
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables (Banff)
What will disqualify me from riding?
  • Aged below 8 yo
  • Arriving after designated meet time (30 min prior)
  • Arriving at the wrong meeting point
  • Weighing over 230lbs / 104kg when checking in
Guide Quote

Kim's Pick

"Not knowing what wildlife we’ll find on top of the Windy Knoll makes for an exciting ride each time." - Kim , Trail Guide, Banff Trail Riders

The tour is a two hour horseback ride. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour start time.
The tour is a two-hour horseback ride along the Bow River, past the historic Cave and Basin site and up Sulphur Mountain to Windy Knoll. 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.
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 where you’ll see signs for ‘Banff Trail Riders Stables’ and ‘office’. There is plenty of free parking at the site.
Please ensure that you arrive 30 minutes before the ride is scheduled to depart.
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.

Pregnant ladies must have a doctor’s note to ride.
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.
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.
Guests cannot bring a backpack on the horse.
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.
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).
Gratuities are customary and very much appreciated.
Pregnant ladies must have a doctor’s note to ride.
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
Included
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Lead and tail guides for your ride
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Helmet
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables (Banff)
What will disqualify me from riding?
  • Aged below 8 yo
  • Arriving after designated meet time (30 min prior)
  • Arriving at the wrong meeting point
  • Weighing over 230lbs / 104kg when checking in
Guide Quote

Kim's Pick

"Not knowing what wildlife we’ll find on top of the Windy Knoll makes for an exciting ride each time." - Kim , Trail Guide, Banff Trail Riders

Included
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Lead and tail guides for your ride
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Helmet
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables (Banff)
What will disqualify me from riding?
  • Aged below 8 yo
  • Arriving after designated meet time (30 min prior)
  • Arriving at the wrong meeting point
  • Weighing over 230lbs / 104kg when checking in
Guide Quote

Kim's Pick

"Not knowing what wildlife we’ll find on top of the Windy Knoll makes for an exciting ride each time." - Kim , Trail Guide, Banff Trail Riders

  • 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.
  • 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.
Included
  • A friendly horse for every rider
  • Lead and tail guides for your ride
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Helmet
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables (Banff)
What will disqualify me from riding?
  • Aged below 8 yo
  • Arriving after designated meet time (30 min prior)
  • Arriving at the wrong meeting point
  • Weighing over 230lbs / 104kg when checking in
Guide Quote

Kim's Pick

"Not knowing what wildlife we’ll find on top of the Windy Knoll makes for an exciting ride each time." - Kim , Trail Guide, Banff Trail Riders

bow river horseback ride
Bow Valley Loop ride