What to Bring

Clothing, footwear, for sleeping and accessories.

We are riding at high altitudes in the Rocky Mountains and the weather can vary from warm sunshine, to sudden downpours, to cold wet snow. Trail Riders can encounter temperatures ranging from +5°C (41°F) to +25°C (77°F) during the day, and from +10°C (50°F) to ‐5°C (23°F) during the night, depending on the weather. We suggest the following list of articles to bring so you will be warm and comfortable, regardless of the climate.

Clothing

The main idea is to dress in layers:

  • A cowboy hat, or something to keep the sun off of you
  • Rain Hat
  • Helmets are mandatory for all minors and on certain rides (check the ride description)
  • Warm Coat
  • Heavy Sweater or Vest
  • Light Jacket
  • Rain Slicker or Rain Suit. Light plastic or vinyl capes will not do! Do not bring ponchos (these have a tendency to flap in the breeze and can spook the horses). Keep your rain gear with you at all times!
  • Riding Chaps (optional)
  • Warm gloves
  • Extra Jeans
  • Extra Shirts
  • Extra Socks
  • Extra Underwear

Footwear

  • Cowboy boots, ropers or boots with a heel (make sure they are comfortable as you may be walking on the trail as well)
  • Light Shoes or Sneakers (for camp)
  • Hiking boots for those hikes around camp or at lunch breaks (carry in your saddle bags)

For safety purposes helmets are mandatory to be worn by all backcountry riders under 18 years of age. Helmets are optional but recommended for backcountry riders aged 18 years and over.

For Sleeping

  • Sleeping Bag (suitable for ‐10°C or 5°F) – NOT REQUIRED FOR LODGE TRIPS
  • Pillow (optional) – NOT REQUIRED FOR LODGE TRIPS
  • Woollen toque (ski hat) and Socks
  • Long Underwear
  • Sweat Suit with Hood

Accessories

  • Personal Medications (it’s a long ride to the nearest drugstore!)
  • Camera
  • Extra Batteries (you will be taking LOTS of pictures)
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sunscreen (a must!)
  • Personal Toiletries
  • Sunglasses
  • Bath Towel and Face Cloth
  • Flashlight & Extra Batteries
  • Facial Tissues
  • Soap and Shampoo (biodegradable)
  • Something to read
  • Small Saddle Bags or Fanny Pack (optional). No backpacks while on a horse!

Please note that there is no electricity at the camps.

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).

Renting Equipment

If you do not want to bring your own equipement (e.g. such as a sleeping bag), you may arrange for rentals from Bactrax (225 Bear Street, Banff). Phone 1-403-763-8177 or visit www.campingbanff.com.

Duffle / Luggage

When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal’s comfort is very important. By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that we’re taking care of all our animals.

You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It cannot have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a total maximum weight of 30 pounds for lodge trips or 40 pounds for camping trips (sleeping bag and your luggage). If you do not have a water-resistant bag, it is a good idea to line the inside with garbage bags in the event of rain. You may pack your sleeping bag separately from your other gear. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you will need during the day (camera, sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, extra sweater, water bottle, etc) that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb weight restriction.

Duffles or waterproof bags are the best option. Drysacks, favoured by canoers, or a gym bag lined with garbage bags work well.

Your own Horse or Saddle

No, you cannot bring your own horse or saddle …

“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!!!”

“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!”

Notes

For guests traveling by air, you may want to consider packing your cowboy boots, shirt and jeans or any other items for the ride in your carry on. If your luggage gets delayed and it doesn’t arrive in time for your departure, you may look funny wearing swim trunks in the saddle! Saddle bags will be provided by the TRCR.

Candy is a good idea. Bring your joke books and some skit ideas if you like; we do have a selection of cards, games, books, etc. in camp for your leisure. Most importantly, leave your troubles and cares at home and bring your smiles and sense of humour. Be prepared for the “ride of your life” ™

What not to bring!

Please remember that there is no cell coverage or internet in this area!

Reminder to all smokers: there is no smoking on the trail, (at rest areas only) and our polices are fairly strict in camp.

Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies

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

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