Experience an Alberta trail ride in the unspoiled wilderness of Banff when you are limited on time.
Meander along a trail that takes you to the tranquil Bow River. Relax and enjoy a cowboy coffee by the campfire along the way before arriving at Sundance Lodge, secluded but just 16 kilometres (10 miles) from town. At night, relax on the porch or linger near the crackling fireplace and watch the starry night.
The Sundance Overnight trip is perfect for those who are short on time, and ideal for all ages, families or groups of friends. Plus, this Alberta trail ride through the backwoods is surprisingly comfortable.
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Backcountry ride to Sundance Lodge
We’ll begin the trip at Warner Stables at 9:30am for your ride and check-in at the office in the east barn (please do not arrive any earlier than 9:30am). There’s plenty of free parking at the stables and you’re welcome to leave your vehicle here during your ride. After you’re all checked in, we’ll hand out your slickers and saddlebags and introduce you to the horse we’ve specifically picked just for you. Things happen on “Western Time” here so we may not leave right on the dot and you’ll have time to get to know your horse and ask any questions.
One of the aspects of these tours that guests often rave about is the connection they forge with their hooved companions. At the end of the trip, you’ll have a new four-legged best friend.
Our horses are steady, responsive and can be counted on to cross any terrain, from forest paths to boulder-strewn creeks. Never been horseback riding before? Don’t worry. We will match you with a mild-mannered horse and teach you everything you need to know. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you gain confidence in the saddle, learn to trust your horse and go from greenhorn to cowboy.
On this Alberta trail ride backcountry adventure, we’ll take you along a route that the early explorers of the Canadian Rockies blazed nearly a century ago. It’s the ideal way to dip your toe into horseback trekking in Banff, even if you don’t have a lot of time.
Saddled up and ready to ride, we’ll hit the trail for the ten-mile journey to Sundance Lodge. We will follow the trail alongside the rushing glacier-fed waters of the Bow River, Healy Creek and Brewster Creek. Along the way, we’ll stop for a simple, hearty cowboy-style hot lunch on the banks of the river.
We’ll arrive at Sundance Lodge late afternoon, where your lodge host will greet you. Sundance is the ideal place for those who want to marvel at the beauty of the Banff Backcountry, while still being swaddled in comfort.
There are no sleeping bags or camp stoves here, you will be sipping from wine glasses, dining on food prepared by a skilled cook in a professional kitchen and sleeping in a comfortable bed. Your lodge host will cater to your every need and make you feel welcome like you are a guest in their home.
Settle into your room and freshen up from your day on the trail, then gather around the table for a gourmet meal and an evening of conversation. By the end of this trip, you’ll have plenty of new friends from around the world.
Return to Warner Stables
After a deep and restful sleep in the peaceful quiet of the backcountry, you’ll awake to a hearty breakfast and a steaming mug of coffee.
You’ll have the entire morning to wake up slowly and savour your time at this picturesque lodge. Sundance was built in 1991, near the original Ten Mile Cabin built in 1923 where the trail riders used to stop and rest on their way to Mount Assiniboine. (Ten Mile Cabin is still there and Sundance Lodge sits where the corral would have been.)
With no emails to answer or errands to run, your time is your own. You can sit on the deck, get lost in the pages of a good book, have a chat with your horse or get to know your fellow adventurers.
We will begin our ride back to Banff in the late morning. You’ll bring along handmade sandwiches for the journey, as well as fresh-baked goodies and fruit.
You’ll return to Warner Stables at approximately 4:30 pm, with plenty of stories to tell about your adventure in the backcountry.
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Prices are based on two guests per room, but the rooms have a variety of configurations. A single-room supplement is available for an additional fee.
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- Rates are based on double occupancy and a single room supplement is available for an additional fee.
- Riders must be at least 9 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 under 18 years. Helmets are optional but recommended for riders aged 18 years and over.
- All adult riders must sign a waiver prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any rider under the age of 18 (documentation may be required to confirm the signatory’s authority).
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
Refunds are not issued if guests are disqualified from riding due to not meeting these requirements.
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