Celebrating 100 Years of Awe – 1923 to 2033

The Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies is the oldest riding Society in Canada with deep ties to Alberta’s rich history and the country’s identity and success.

It began in the backcountry of Banff National Park in September 1923. A small group of riders, all talented dreamers and shakers, became stranded in a snowstorm over three days in the high country of the Canadian Rockies. Qualifying the experience as one of the best, these visionaries established the “Order of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Riders,” eventually known as the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies.

Early on, the Trail Riders worked with Banff National Parks to map out and create trails and foster a sense of awe and respect for the natural surroundings. The study of the fauna and flora was encouraged and the breeding of saddle horses for high-altitude riding promoted. This work was done in close collaboration with neighbouring indigenous communities, for which the Society is forever grateful.

Over the past 100 hundred years, thousands of riders from all over the world and all ages traverse some of the most pristine and breathtaking scenery on earth.

Their continued success through changing times, depressions, wars, plagues, fires and floods is due wholly to the enthusiasm and dedication of its volunteers and the passion they share with supporters like you.

Today, the Society carry on the legacy working closely with outfitters, guides and Alberta’s national and provincial parks. They offer their guests a rare opportunity to ride the backcountry sharing their sense of awe and respect for our natural surrounding. Rides are all inclusive four to six days including campsite, food, cooks, and the best trail- riding horses available. A volunteer host accompanies each group and are avid members sharing their talents and skills either as story tellers, musicians, naturalists or geologists.

You can downloadable a copy of our Media Brief and we invite you to participate in our celebrations.

SIGNATURE RIDES

A WINDOW ON THE WEST

A kick-off house concert with celebrated Bradley Bischoff and Scott Duncan. Horses, Mountains and Wardens. March 5th at 4pm at Chisel Creek Ranch in Bragg Creek.

EXHIBIT AT THE WHYTE MUSEUM, BANFF

A dedicated exhibit celebrating 100 years off trail riding in the Canadian Rockies. Open to the public from June 14th to October 8th, 2023.

ROUND-UP

Party like it’s 1923 (or 2023) …

COFFEE TABLE BOOK

A visual feast of the past 100 years complete with short stories, anecdotes and the Trail Rider’s 100th years of history. The book aims to inspire readers to experience trail riding first hand.

This was a limited promotion of the book directly to our members (expired December 8,2023).

DOCUMENTARY

Celebrating 100 years of the mountain horse, the unsung hero uniquely adept at exploring the Canadian Rockies and an essential partner to the Trail Riders. Inspiring younger generations to take on ridership. Shared widely and entry at the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival & World Tour.