The Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies was an adventuresome vacation for my husband and I. We thoroughly enjoyed each and every day, whether it was raining or not. The scenery was magnificent, the trails well guided by FANTASTIC people, the food was like eating at a 5** restaurant, meeting new riders that we loved, laughing and enjoying each other every day AND night!! Even the shower that was built under the stars was delightful! Every day had its own world of wonder, turning a corner on the trail brought more and more magic. 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. Our group of fellow travellers gelled almost instantly and we had a lot of fun together. The campsite was very comfortable, the food delicious, the horses, wranglers, and rides incredible. As we are novice riders, this trip was at the edge of our comfort zone but everyone worked hard to make us safe and welcome. In addition, there were options that tested very experienced riders. 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! My tween daughter, my mother and I just spent a week with Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies. The week we rode, we were a total group of 19 who came together as strangers and ended the week with deep and lasting memories of the time we spent together.
If you’re comfortable camping in the outdoors, you’ll feel like royalty! The camp is set up ahead of time and lodging includes tents or teepees, simple cots with mattresses (what? no rock sticking in my back from my deflated air mattress?). Camp cooks prepare fabulous, homemade meals, which is a total luxury after coming back from a long trail ride; entertainment is optional and fun; and the trail riding is challenging and rewarding.
Although many of us were fairly experienced riders, the beginners were treated to amazing trail rides options that were both scenic and met their comfort level.
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. We slept in teepees (giggling like kids) and showered ‘rough’ outdoors. (Does it count if there’s plenty of hot water? ) The food was WONDERFUL. Two delightful young women presented us with amazing, home cooked meals every day, and I was worried by the fact that I was eating enough for 2 wranglers – but decided to just enjoy it while I could. By the end of the week, my pants all seemed a bit loose, (?!) When I got home, everyone was amazed by how much weight I’d lost! Turns out that spending the day in a saddle burns more fat than anything else I’ve ever done. The horses were all wonderful – sure-footed, and willing. They were in beautiful condition, and obviously well cared for (a deal breaker for me if not). The scenery was spectacular. The guest speakers fun, and really interesting. Our guides, and the staff at the stables, along with our camp helpers, were some of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure to spend time with. We were really sad to have to leave by the end of an amazing experience. 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!
A wonderful week!
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 highly recommend this trip for those who love the Canadian wilderness and hospitality and want to experience a true trail ride. I will definitely return next year!
Just Amazing!
My first time in Canada first time horse riding as well, but what an amazing experience! I was with a small group of wonderful ladies and our emcee Larry had charm and patience. My friend & I chose to sleep in the teepee but tents were available, the cook Ashley was just so friendly and coming from Australia we had a laugh or two at my not knowing what some of the foods were, but we always had plenty to eat. The camp was open and the evening filled with Larry’s songs and laughter, the poet and his grandson just added to the whole experience. Joshua and Dee our guides on the rides were not just helpful with the horse side of things but informative about the flora and fauna along the trails, I don’t mind saying some of the cliffs we went on are so scary to me but their gentle encouragements and understandings just help put aside your worries and get the best experience ever!.
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.
Outstanding Beauty and Adventure
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 had very little experience, and found myself searching ‘google’ for riding hints. I even took a few lessons ahead of time.
Very soon, I knew I was ‘out of my comfort zone’. I experienced mounting anxiety before going, and wondered if I had made the right decision.
However, I am truly glad that I decided to join the TRCR. This group made me feel so at home. The food was outstanding, the sleeping arrangements were really comfortable, and the entertainment was very informative. A real learning experience! I still remember some of the skits.
I never felt inferior to the more experienced riders. I was given the perfect horse, just for my abilities. I did not feel nervous, and in fact, I felt quite proud of myself for having overcome my fear of horseback riding.
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.
Magic of the Mountains!!
This was our 2nd year joining the TRCR. The magic continued with views of mountains, lakes, streams, wildlife and meadows full of wild flowers. The rides were challenging but only if you chose this route. Other riding options were always available. The horses were sturdy and sure footed; the outfitters and guides–terrific!! Their main concern was having you comfortable on your horse so that you trusted him. The food, which was homemade, was 5 star quality. Plentiful portions with sweet, friendly ladies serving you. The Emcee was quite knowledgeable and very interesting in the history of Calgary, Alberta. (This would be an educational visit for your children.)
We recently completed a 4 day riding trip with TRCR and it was truly wonderful. We did a lot of research prior to the trip and TRCR continued to come up as a possibility because of the testimonials and pictures on the website. But none of it will prepare you for an experience of your life.
The strengths of this adventure are its people. First, Brad the ride’s emcee, went way beyond hospitality. He made my family’s experience a memorable one. He took care of the the little things and was always available for questions and the great morning cup of joe. Second, Ashley and Tamara made home-cooked meals that were truly delicious, and seconds was the norm. There was plenty to eat and even my youngest who is picky at best, loved her meals. We felt like family and we were treated like it in every way. I can still taste that peach cobbler. Third, and definitely not last, was Josh, our trail guide out of Alpine Stables. Josh was fantastic. He was extremely attentive to our comfort level, and he had great insight to the local culture and foliage. I think my family ate Waterton out of it’s Saskatoon berries. Right off the bush! We can’t say enough about Josh, his professionalism, his knowledge of the region, but most importantly he was always looking out for our safety. As a parent, this is what I appreciated the most.
As for the horses, they were top-notch. The stables really tried to pair each rider with a horse matched to their experience level. The handlers were courteous, and the horses are well cared for. To say the rides and scenery were breathtaking, is really selling the whole experience short. You just have to go.
There are a few things you do need to know ahead of time. This is a Outdoors adventure. There are some comforts that they do try to add though, such as an outdoor shower with hot water. This is an enclosed area with wooden walls but the ceiling is open to the sky. It is more than acceptable as an option of cleaning up. And after a long day of riding, it was a welcomed amenity. The bathrooms “biffies” are outdoor facilities. These are not your everyday smelly outhouses or port-o-potties, but they are also not fancy. They work and really added to the whole experience. The sleeping arrangements varied. You had the option to sleep in an authentic Tee Pee or a tent. Of course we took the Tee Pee. . When else could you say you’ve done that! Each option accommodates 2 raised cots with cushioned outdoor mattress. Now its not a hotel, but they do try to make it as comfortable a possible. And we definitely needed those sleeping bags when it dipped down in temperature on a few days.
So,
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.
Yeehaw!
Everything the others reviews said is absolutely true My husband, 11-year-old and I took a six-day trip with TRCR in July. It was a fantastic experience loved by all of us. I would go back tomorrow. Must say, I wasn’t prepared for how rustic it was, but once you get used to no running water, it’s quite easy to manage, and becomes part of the charm (believe it or not!) With rides limited in size, you get to know everyone, and all the people, both staff and guests, are beyond compare. 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??
Life changing experience!!!
This was a fantastic time and life changing experience. Neither of us had done anything like this before so we didn’t know what to expect. No matter what you expect based on the pictures you see here or on their website it doesn’t do justice to the real experience. This has to be some of the most beautiful country on earth. The rides are challenging and fun on horses you can trust to be responsive and sure footed. Each day we were guided by the best people and taken such good care of that I always felt comfortable and safe.
When I went on this trip I didn’t expect to like the camp activities as much as I actually did. After all, cowboy poetry? Really? I was wrong. It was fantastic and so entertaining. We did square dancing and singing and the final night of skits and reflection was the perfect end to a wonderful trip.
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.
Trip of a lifetime—- times 13
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!!!
Recharge your Batteries
What a great place to renew yourself. Nothing’s better than spending time on a horse in the beautiful mountains of Alberta, Canada with family and friends. Even if you come alone…you will make some new best friends on the trail. The horses, tack, wranglers are all first rate and are perfect for all levels of riders. The TRCR staff, cooks and guest entertainers are all willing to please and have made this an adventure of a lifetime. My daughter and I will be back to ride again with our new “family”…and look forward to introducing more people to this experience.
Riding in the Rockies
This was my third year with the Trail Riders and each ride has its highlights in terms of scenery,challenge and outdoor camping complete with tents or teepees. Consistently, the food is great, company is congenial, and the outfitter, guides and volunteers are very caring persons who do their best to ensure a positive riding experience for everyone. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, your time with the Trail Riders will be special and memorable.
Alberta, Canada
Tripadvisor
