General Information

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. All the horses, western tack, great meals, and accommodations are provided.

Ride Costs

All ride costs are in Canadian dollars.

Your ride fee includes:

• A 5-day or 6-day excursion
• Accommodations in camp with tents and raised cots with foam mattresses or in the lodge/ranch with beds, mattresses and linens provided
• Wash facilities and dry toilets for tent-based rides; hot showers and either dry or flush toilets for lodge rides
• Professional guides and cooks
• A horse, that is provided to you, and the care and feeding of it
• Horse tack
• Meals including hot breakfast, picnic lunch, after ride snacks, and a hot dinner
• Transportation from the staging location to the trailhead and return
• Back country fees

Added to the ride fee are:

• Membership fee of $50 (waived for lifetime members)
• Goods and Services Tax of 5%

Your ride fee does not include:

• Your transportation costs to the staging area.
• Your accommodation and meal costs before and after your ride.
• Your Banff National Park front-country fee, or your Kananaskis Country user fee.
• We supply saddle bags but we do not supply duffle bags, rain gear, helmets or sleeping bags. The outfitters do have helmets available. Some outfitters have equipment that can be rented (please ask us).
• Alcohol; The lodges are licensed and offer a selection of beer and wine for sale. For camping rides, you may bring your own selections and pack them within your duffel (no glass please).

Gratuities

Gratuitiies are included for the Waterton Lakes National Park ride.

Gratuities are not included for all other rides. Obviously optional, but customary. Gratuities are collected and presented to the staff on the last night in camp so please remember to bring your cash into camp.

Accommodations

For Waterton Lakes, we will be staying in a ranch house or lodge.

For the Halfway Lodge rides, you will be staying in two backcountry lodges, one with hot showers and flush toilets, and the other with a hot outdoor shower and dry toilets.

Backcountry camps will be “rustic and wild,” and have private accommodations for individuals, families and friends, in walled tents or tepees, 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 hot water to wash and convenient dry toilets are located on the campsite.

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 may 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).

A parent or legal guardian must accompany all riders under the age of 18.

Children must be at least 8 years old and have some camping/horse experience.  Certain rides may have a higher minimum age.

Maximum weight for any rider is 230 pounds (fully clothed).

Not all special dietary considerations, medical conditions or medical devices can be accommodated.  In backcountry kitchens, we cannot guarantee there will not be cross contamination.  If in doubt, please ask and we will confirm with out outfitters.

Certain rides are restricted to experienced 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 National Parks in Banff, Jasper or Waterton 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 the National Park, 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.