General Information

In 2024, the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies will ride in Waterton Lakes National Park, explore the trails at Halfway Lodge in Banff National Park, and along the Great Divide 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 camps at Waterton Lakes, although “rustic and wild,” 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 and showers 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.

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 215 to 230 pounds, depending on the ride.

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

Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies
Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies

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.

“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!!!”

“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!”

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

“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!”

Planning your Trip

We strongly encourage our riders to spend some time before or after their ride touring Calgary and Western Canada, particularly Banff and Banff National Park.

For further details about the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies contact them for help planning your trip to Waterton, Banff and/or Jasper in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, and/or the world famous Calgary Stampede.

COME RIDE WITH US!

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