• Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies

About the Trail  Riders of the Canadian Rockies

Join us for, “the Ride of your Life!”

The Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies is a not-for-profit society and operate with Board of Directors, a Council and with help, during the summer, from a small group of volunteers. We do this simply because we want people from all walks of life to enjoy, appreciate and explore, on horseback, the wilderness backcountry mountains in the most spectacular country in the world. We ourselves have been riding for years and simply put, it is a FANTASTIC adventure and we just want to tell the world about it! Our goal is to provide our rides at a reasonable cost to allow more people to see this unforgettable land. Our trail ride adventures have been operating for 95 consecutive years and this summer we will have six-day and four-day rides in Alberta, Canada. (For more information on Alberta and travelling to this beautiful western Canadian Province visit travelalberta.com.)

Objectives of the Trail Riders are to “encourage travel on horseback through the Canadian Rockies, to foster the maintenance and improvement of old trails and the building of new ones; to encourage the love of outdoor life, to study and engage in the conservation of birds, wildlife and alpine growth, to assist in every possible way to ensure the complete preservation of the National Parks of Canada for the use and enjoyment of the public.” Environmental awareness has always been a top priority of the TRCR, and we have been a leader in reducing backcountry impact.

Our horses travel at a steady walk and we take plenty of breaks during the day. Beginners tend to ride near the front of the line while more experienced rides at the back of the line. We “gear ourselves” to folks who may ride a bit through the year, and really want to see this spectacular country in comfort without having to walk. Riding lessons are provided but we do suggest guests “brush up a bit” before their ride. Each daily trip from our base camp is “customized” based upon: weather, trail conditions, riding ability of the guests which may include dividing into two groups. (ie. each of our rides may vary slightly based upon these conditions)

After an exhilarating day on the trail our guests return to our base camp where they are served hot home cooked meals, followed by campfire entertainment, educational talks, and music, before retiring in their own sleeping bags (on raised cots with mattresses) in canvas tents. The camp is complete with hot water for washing/showers, and dry toilets.

Each day will find the riders exploring lakes, valleys, glaciers or mountain passes. The high, uninhabited valleys of the Rockies offer peace and contentment combined with the thrill of majestic visas. There is a sweep of majesty to this land, a towering grandeur and nobility of face, so powerful in its vast silence. This alpine land abounds in larch, spruce and fir trees, mountain animals and birds, meadows and parklands leading to the nearby snow capped peaks and ridges.

  • Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies

Riders come from around the world and you will meet people from all walks of life who share your joy of the wilderness. We supply all horses, western tack, great meals, and accommodation. Families with young people are welcome to attend the rides with one or more of their parents (or grandparents – a frequent occurrence). An adult must accompany all riders under of the age of 18. Children be at least 9 years old and have some camping/horse experience.

Riding experience of the member’s ranges from very little to years in the saddle. Dudes, absolute tenderfeet, who wouldn’t know which end the bridle goes on, are welcome to swing into the saddle and take to the high trails with the more experienced riders and guides. The riders travel by bus to the trailhead corral where they are met by cowboys and horses. Here the dudes are matched with a horse according to the information given on their application form. Each horse is a sure-footed, well broken animal, accustomed to the sometimes-rocky terrain and tolerant of the greenest tenderfoot.

The history of the trail riders dates to 1923 when a group of 14 avid riders, who were camping and fishing along the Kootenay River, got together around a campfire and discussed the potential for a riding club. We haven’t missed a year since! Today, people from all over the world join the Trail Riders each summer. Many people come back year after year to renew acquaintances and make new friends. In fact, we boast a higher than normal guest return rate with some riders having been on 30 or more rides!

Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies

“This ENTIRE adventure was more than we ever expected. More than a dream but a life long satisfaction. WE WILL BE BACK!!”

“We just completed a terrific week with the TRCR. We would never have been able to access this fantastic country if it were not for this organization. One of our best vacations ever!”

“What an amazing week! Horses were great – energetic, confident and sure-footed. Guides were amazing, generously sharing their vast knowledge of the Rockies, the prairies and trail riding. All around an 11/10!”

“This trip was a dream come true. My friend and I spent a lot of time planning and preparing for this adventure, and we’re so happy that we finally did it. If there’s a little cowgirl/boy deep inside of you, I highly recommend that you give them life before the chance gets away from you. Highly recommended!”

“The whole experience far surpassed my expectations: the scenery was spectacular; the horses were steadfast and well cared for; the other riders were lots of fun and full of enthusiasm; the Emcee, trail leaders, and guest speakers were very knowledgeable; the food was great; the list could go on. I will definitely return next year!”

“So many good people are involved to make this a truly wonderful memory… but for me I was not disappointed with anything the rustic accommodation the food the horses the people the scenery all of it just the best time. Recommend highly.”

“5 days of riding wonderfully trained horses, Sleeping on cots in a teepee, scrumptious food, fantastic evening entertainment couldn’t ask for a more awesome adventure. Leave the city and stress behind, come on a ride with this great club!”

“My experience with the TRCR is one that I will never forget. I was given a special gift to go horseback riding, and I could not refuse. I would recommend this wonderful riding vacation to everyone!”

Challenging, rustic, and rewarding!

Just as our photographs couldn’t capture the majesty of the mountains through which we rode, it’s impossible to adequately describe the TRCR experience in a “snapshot” review. In July of 2017, after much anticipation, I rode with my two sisters on a six-day adventure. The trip exceeded my expectations in every way. Once my initial anxiety over riding again was quelled, I was free to enjoy vistas only accessible by hiking or on horseback: wildflower-rich prairies, breathtaking peaks, glacial tarns, ever-present wildlife, and awe-inspiring vantage points. The company was congenial, the food hearty and delicious, the cultural and historical lessons amazing, the fun contagious, and the experience…absolutely memorable. I recommend it unreservedly.

“I was so excited to complete a bucket list item the first time, had a lifelong experience the second time and can’t wait for the third time in 2018!! I might add that I have not laughed this hard in years!! New friends for life!”

“If you are looking for a fantastic outdoor adventure, this is it.
If you are looking to do and see things that love never dreamed of, this is it.
If you are looking to be around some amazing people and be cared for like family, this is it.

Thanks for making our family vacation a memorable one.”

“You don’t have to be an expert rider to be awe-inspired by the great horses and scenery you will enjoy each day. As one of our ride companions said, you get to feel a teensy bit like a cowboy, and who doesn’t want that??”

“If you are looking for something different with some challenge and the most breathtaking vistas you will ever see then do this trip. The TRCR staff is fantastic, the food is delicious and plentiful and the experience will absolutely change your life. We will be returning next year and many more.”

“We enjoyed our annual horseback rides in the Canadian Rockies for thirteen years. Each year we did not think it could get better, but it usually did. If you enjoy an outback adventure to see breathtaking panoramic vistas from the back of a horse and meeting new people from around the world, you will LOVE riding with TRCR. Food and accommodations were amazing in the wilderness!!!”

COME RIDE WITH US!

Book now for our upcoming ride or contact us for more information.

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