Horseback Riding Tours in Banff

When fur traders first started exploring Western Canada, horses were the most effective method to get through the rocky, steep terrain. Banff horseback riding tours are meant to give you a taste of what these brave pioneers went through over 200 years ago.

Our team recently went horseback riding along the Bow Valley River in Banff, a wildlife-rich environment surrounded by deep wetlands and beautiful meadows. Despite having several other activities, horseback riding is the top adventure in Banff this summer. 

In Banff, if you glance up, you could even spot an eagle or hawk swooping through the sky. The bulk of visitors come to Banff National Park during the summer for hiking or during the winter holidays and school vacations for skiing. From late March to mid-June, and from late September to mid-December, the park is peaceful.

Banff summer 2021 was quite as hot as any other year and that day, the temperature was 22 Degrees (Celcius). Our day started with a short introduction to each of the horses with their personality description and the skill level for which they are most appropriate. Then we asked several questions that helped us in choosing our horses. After that, we worked in the round pen with our horses to finish joining up. And then we saddled the horses and embarked on our journey.

As we continued on the route, we noticed sky-high mountains, thick alpine forests, rolling hills, and sharp rock formations. We also climbed Sulphur mountain, a two to three hour path, then walked onto Windy Knoll, where we took wonderful photographs of the scenery. We also spent around an hour riding into the peaceful forests, where we also saw wildlife (which was amazing). In addition, several of our crew members raced their horses, which was a spectacular experience. 

Some of the tips we acquired about horseback riding are:

• Avoid wearing 100 percent cotton when riding in the mountains. It absorbs water and does not instantly dry out.
• Bring a fleece or wool coat/vest. For that we propose a merino micro stripe short sleeve which is comfy and lightweight.
• We wore Essence shorts that focus on keeping you comfortable while on the saddle for extra support.
• Head coverage is also vital, so we made sure our complete crew got a Transit Sun Hat that provides a brim to keep the sun off your head, face, and neck while the vented mesh panels let the breeze keep you cool.

To sum this up, we can gladly say that we experienced different things that commercial Banff horseback riding trails don’t usually offer and this is the best place to ride horses. To ensure that your group has the greatest experience possible on horseback riding to Banff, make sure to plan ahead of time and prepare appropriately! 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does horseback riding have a weight limit?

Yeah, they're quite rigorous about weight, and they're going to weigh you if you appear "borderline." 250 pounds, particularly on mountain paths, is just too heavy for any horse to handle.

What clothes should you prefer while horseback riding?

Wear long trousers to protect your legs from saddling and close-down shoes on a short heel to prevent stirrups from falling off your feet. Scarves, thin tank top straps, and long, loose sweaters or blouses should all be avoided since they can get tangled in the equipment.

Do we need a helmet while horseback riding in mountain areas?

Yes, helmets are necessary for your safety while horse riding as they reduce the risk of serious head and brain injury. 

Is experience required for horseback riding?

Experience is required if you are going with your friends or family. But with tour guides, no experience is necessary, as they will provide you with brief riding instructions.