General Information

In 2022, the 99th annual ride of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies will explore the trails at Halfway Lodge in Banff National Park, the Little Elbow River in Kananaskis Country, the Great Divide and Ranch Rides in Kananaskis Country, all in Alberta, Canada. Riders come from around the world and you will meet people from all walks of life who share your joy of the wilderness. Riders bring their own personal gear. We supply all the horses, western tack, great meals, and accommodations.

Accommodations

For the Little Elbow River in Kananaskis Country, the camps, although “rustic and wild,” have private accommodations for individuals, families and friends, in walled tents, complete with raised cots. Where possible, riders select their own tent mates, particularly with families or friends wishing to be together. Hearty meals are prepared in a large walled tent and served under a large canopy. We have access to nearby pristine creek or river to wash and convenient dry toilets are located on the campsite.

For the lodge trip, at Sundance Lodge, you’ll be pampered in backcountry luxury, sleeping in a comfortable bed and dining on gourmet cuisine whipped up by your talented host in the professional kitchen. You’ll be surrounded by the beautiful backcountry of Banff, yet you’ll still enjoy the luxuries of life. Halfway Lodge, has propane lanterns and candles providing lighting and a woodstove providing warmth; it hasn’t changed much in the last 80 years.

For the Great Divide ride, the ride is a “moving” ride and uses two separate camps.

For the Ranch Rides, you’ll be hosted in cabins at the ranch (great for groups of 4 or more) or bedrooms in the ranch house (for couples or singles). Fantastic home-cooked meals are served in the family dining room in the ranch house and there’s plenty of western hospitality everywhere.

We have a set dinner menu so please let us know of allergies and or dietary concerns (accommodations may be made where possible).

In evenings there will be a campfire or gathering at the fireplace for a sing-along or perhaps entertainment and educational talks. All this fun while the professional staff looks after the food, the horses, and your safety and well-being. Each ride has an Emcee who is responsible ensuring the success of the ride. The Head guide is responsible for all the horses and safety issues and carries a first aid kit.

Please do bring your camera and be prepared to use it continually!

Riding Experience and Restrictions

We have “geared ourselves” towards both the experienced rider and the inexperienced “dudes.” It is not necessary to be an experienced horseman, however we suggest that every rider “brush up” on the riding skills before attending a ride. Taking a few lessons prior to your ride is a good idea. We travel at a steady walk and all the horses are handled and cared for by the staff. Young people are welcome to come on the ride with one or more of their parents (grandparents – a frequent occurrence). An adult must accompany all riders under the age of 18. Children must be at least nine years old and have some camping/horse experience. Maximum weight for any rider is 250 pounds (113.6 kg).

NOTE: Certain rides are for intermediate and advanced riders only (i.e. no beginners). This condition is listed as part of the ride description.

Logistics

You are responsible for the arranging, booking and payment of your own transportation to the staging area and for hotel accommodation before the ride and the night after your ride ends (we don’t recommend travel after the last day of your ride).

Information to help you may be found on the Transportation and Accommodations page.

Visitors who drive in the Banff National Park are required to pay for a front-country park pass or discovery pass while they drive inside the park (the park pass must be displayed in your car). You can purchase your pass at the park gates. If you take a shuttle or bus into Banff, park passes are not required.  You may purchase your pass in advance online and perhaps receive an early purchase discount.  Backcountry fees are included in your registration cost.