Banff Tours
1 Hour Spray River Ride
4.5

1 Hour Spray River Ride

By Banff Trail Riders
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About
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Ages 8-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Lead and tail guides
  • Use of horse
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Helmet (mandatory)
What's not included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drink
  • Gratuities


Start:
  • Banff Trail Riders - Corrals, Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B3, Canada
    The meeting point for the Spray River Ride is at the Banff Springs Corrals in Banff, located near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel on Spray Ave in Banff behind the tennis courts. **ALL GUESTS MUST CHECK IN 30 MIN PRIOR TO THEIR RIDE START TIME. LATE ARRIVALS WILL NOT BE ACCOMMODATED**
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Near public transportation
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12217P16

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
    • Adults must sign a waiver for all activities, and a waiver must also be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any person under the age of 18 (documentation may be required to confirm the signatory’s authority).
    • Riders must wear long pants and sturdy closed toed shoes enclosed to the ankle - no open toe shoes or shoes with big heels.
    • Guests participating in horseback riding will need to be 8 years or over and a maximum of 230lbs. Banff Trail Riders is committed to the health of our horses and the safety of our guests, which means that the minimum age and maximum weight requirements are strictly enforced. As part of the check-in process, guests may be required to confirm their current weight on a scale and provide proof of the child’s age. In the event that these requirements are not met, the booking will be forfeited without a refund.
    • Riders must be physically capable of controlling the horse during the ride without assistance and for the health and safety of all riders we regrettably cannot accommodate any disabilities or special needs riders. We recognize that disabled riding is a unique and respected skill set that we at the barns do not have the appropriate equipment or skills to safely execute.
    • For our foreign visitors we require an understanding of basic English for our horseback rides, so that you can understand simple instructions from our guides.
    • Please note that children will not be paired with an adult – they must ride their own horse.
    • For safety purposes helmets are mandatory to be worn by all riders.
    • All riders must arrive 30 minutes prior to their ride time.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12217P16

    From
    C$104.45
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Banff Trail Riders
      1,234
      Banff, Alberta, Canada
    • janetlynnd
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great wagon ride and BBQ
      Fantastic evening riding on a wagon through the forest to a BBQ. The food was amazing and the staff were lovely. It was cold but then it was October. Blankets provided to help but wrap up warm. We had a great evening. Thank you. Wayne and Luke the horses were beautiful and our cowboys were lovely.
      Written October 14, 2024
    • MDixon1011
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wagon Ride
      So much fun! Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The food and atmosphere was great! We even saw Elk on the way back to the ranch. I highly recommend.
      Written October 8, 2024
    • Quest48991229788
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Odin and Kiwi, awesome horses!!
      We signed up for the 3 hour ride which included the cookout. This was not part of the options above. Now, the signup was easy and check in was smooth. The people were very friendly and easy to talk to. We checked and waited for everyone to check in. Once that was completed, the cowboys/cowgirls assigned us horses, i presume based on weight. They matched us up well, made friend with the horse and saddled up. The ride up to the cookout took an hour and was an easy ride. The horses were very well trained and felt they were on autopilot but did have some riding actions we had to do. Other than that, it was smooth and easy. The cookout was in a great location with everything, most importantly, the steak was cooked perfectly and delicious. The sides were good but the beans were incredible. I would definitely recommend the cookout. The cookout was about an hour and we prepared to saddle up and head back down. On the ride back, we took a separate trail and the trail rider lead was very informative and good at providing histories and stories. Overall, the ride was fun, the food good and the cowboys/cowgirls there were great. I recommend taking the 3 hour ride and the cookout is worth it. My horse Odin was the best and took good care of me. Kiwi, my wife's horse was a snacker and was fun to watch.
      Written October 8, 2024
    • garydE7610PX
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent experience
      The ride was fun and the staff were very interesting and pleasant food was excellent and I would recommend it to anyone that was interested in doing the ride
      Written October 5, 2024
    • SkimadBristol
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very nice
      Loved this, really enjoyed it, the ladies that "drove" us were entertaining and confident. The horses appeared well cared for. The campsite was way better than I expected with great food and wonderful staff. We roped dummy horses, played horse shoe games and really couldn't fault it.
      Written October 4, 2024
    • Seaside54893641914
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing western riding experience
      Great experience. We did the 3 hour ride with cookout. Quiet, well behaved horses. Excellent guides and delicious food. The route was perfect with some stunning scenery. Will definitely do it again next time we’re in the area.
      Written October 2, 2024
    • jacienep
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun
      This was a fun experience. We had originally signed up for a horseback ride. Their weight limit is 130. My boyfriend weighs just under that but with clothes and shoes is over and we could not ride. We had to do the covered wagon. That sucked, but it is what it is. The wagon ride was fun. It has pretty views. The dinner was delicious and the staff was all friendly.
      Written September 30, 2024
    • neillynda
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Don’t hesitate, book a ride
      I had an amazing ride on a very patient and well behaved horse. An hour gave me time to appreciate the amazing experience and vaguely feel my legs when I dismounted. The guide was so helpful and everyone was friendly and made it a great experience.
      Written September 30, 2024
    • grammibiker
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Not to be missed !!
      This was a really fun way to have dinner ! A scenic ride in a covered wagon (tarps UP so you can see out ) You pass by lakes, go through wooded areas and end up at the cutest venue for a steak dinner. A covered patio with a giant wood fire pit. The food was great, the staff was super friendly. Perfect for the entire family.
      Written September 29, 2024
    • 598laurir
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Do NOT miss this opportunity!
      This was amazing! Fantastic views, food, and staff. From a horse person's point of view it was so good to see well fed, shod and kindly cared for horses. Beautifully trained, taking us leisurely along the spectacular Bow River. Do not miss this opportunity. As a bonus, we were welcomed back at the ranch by a herd of about 20 wild Elk that came down from the forest. A fantastic ending to our day!!
      Written September 28, 2024
    • 62judithn
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome time!
      Absolutely beautiful! Very friendly staff that was very knowledgeable of the area. So informative . The dinner was amazing. Such a cool experience.
      Written September 27, 2024
    • philipcG4109ZP
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Absolutely Amazing
      What an amazing experience. We went on the evening 3 hour cook out ride. Staff were very frendliy, helpful, professional and knowledgeable. The horses were really good and very quietly natured. The food was excellent. The hole experience was excellent. I cannot rate these guys at Banff trail rides high enough, I would recommend to anyone, if we had the time I would be booking another ride, but unfortunately we are on the move tomorrow to a new destination.
      Written September 26, 2024
    • deannac763
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun Family Adventure
      What an amazing way to see the mountains. My family and I did the wagon ride and the guides were friendly and knowledgeable. When we arrived for our lunch we were impressed with the offerings. My nine year old daughter said it was the best steak she had ever had. The guides even helped my kids play some games. I would highly recommend.
      Written September 24, 2024
    • lyna321
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very disappointing and unpleasant experience.
      I went on a 3 hour ride recently and I was pretty disappointed. The horse I was on was aged and very slow and should either be on a shorter duration ride or retired. I spent most of my time a good distance behind the rest of the horses as he simply couldn't keep up. He zig zagged his way down all hills as his hooves are clearly sore. I have ridden horses my whole life and he definitely has some sort of hoof issue. I should have got off him and walked but that would have put me even further behind the rest of the riders. It's disappointing that the welfare of the horses isn't coming first. I spoke to the guide as soon as we got back and even said she was surprised that horse was on a 3 hour trip. I contacted the company via email and Facebook but their response was minimal.
      Written September 23, 2024
    • ph679
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Scenic ride along the river
      Our friends rode in the Chuck Wagon and we rode horseback. This is a rain or shine event so be prepared - just as were departing a storm blew up. They were in the covered wagon which rides on paved roads so no issues. We however rode in the rain on a muddy trail. Not an issue for us as we were prepared, others however were not. Horses they use are all rescues ( auction horses) and they handled the wind in the beginning well and were calm the entire ride. Steaks were good and you eat under a covered area with a fire pit in the middle - which we needed to get warm after the wet ride ( rain actually turned to snow on the way back so that gives you an idea how quickly things can change there). We did have to change our route coming back due to the conditions so our ride back took the same route as when we left - very scenic along the river. Saw a small herd of elk on our return ride. Even though we got wet and cold, we still enjoyed it.
      Written September 23, 2024
    See all 1,234 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles69 reviews
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    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
    This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

    Apollonia M
    1 contribution
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Couples
    I had a booking for the Spray River Ride at 5pm and showed up to check in at 4:30 as instructed. We were waiting in line for about 10 minutes and then were told we were at the wrong location when we got to the front. There were two other employees standing there not helping move the line along who could have helped us realize sooner that we were in the wrong place which is only 2 minutes away. On the two minute drive I called customer service and spoke to someone who told us that they would make a note on the file and to get there quick.

    When we arrived all of the employees avoided eye contact and would not speak to us. There were still 15 minutes until they left and many workers were standing around. When someone finally came over I apologized and explained what happened and she said ”No problem, Emma will be right over” in a cheery tone, leading us to believe we would get to ride since there was still quite a bit of time. I told her we did our waivers online and she said “great”. We were left to stand there another 10 minutes, watch the safety demo and the riders ride away.

    When someone finally came to speak to us she explained that she could book us in for Thursday. We went to discuss and cancel our plans for Thursday, came back to the desk where she proceeded to hand us 50% off vouchers without ever mentioning that we would have to pay 50%.

    I understand the initial mistake was ours but it was made so much worse by the lack of communication. First in making us so much more late (when it was only 2 minutes away and had someone told us quickly that we were mistaken we maybe could have checked in) but then also giving false hope on the customer service line, when we arrived, and through the rebooking process
    Written July 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you faced during your visit. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds in cases of late arrival, as per our policy. We understand that this situation was frustrating and we are sorry you felt misled. Our team did their best to accommodate your ride under the circumstances. We regret that our communication fell short at the stables. We will address this internally to ensure better assistance and clearer guidance for our guests in the future.
    Written August 9, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Lynette W
    Kingston, Canada31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My daughter and I did the Spray River 1-hr ride. There were about 10 other riders in the same trail ride, most had never been on a horse. The staff were excellent in making them feel comfortable, they picked out appropriate horses for each rider, some kids were only 8 yrs old. Natalie was our lead cowgirl with a young cowboy bringing up the rear, they kept the group safely together. Natalie explained the area, told us about the horses, etc. The scenery is beautiful, it is through the town of Banff in some areas but we were so impressed with how calm and bombproof the horses were. The highlight for us was riding through the Spray River.
    Written July 6, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Lynette, Thanks for taking the time to share how much you and your daughter enjoyed the Spray River Ride. We're delighted that you both liked the river crossing (it's our favourite part too!) and hope to see you both back on another ride.
    Written July 14, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Omar Z
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023
    Was a good trip, first time horse-back riding. You have to be 230 pounds or less, they check everyone so be sure you make the weight before paying. Also, the commentary while riding was inaudible to anyone after the 2nd rider - the guides should really use a mic system and/or the guide in the back should also share the same commentary. I recommend the Spray River ride as you get to go through the water (twice) which is an interesting experience - just don't fall in!
    Written August 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your input and will ensure it's passed along. Our goal is to maintain the best service for all guests. We hope you enjoyed your time in Banff!
    Written November 30, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Irum H
    1 contribution
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Family
    After discussing with Banff Trail Riders reservation line, I booked horse rides at spray river for 10 people to ride in 2 separate groups per their recommendation. I also had 3 younger children who they informed me would be able to do pony rides. However, since the first group of riders did not return timely, I was unable to go on my horse ride as scheduled. Banff Trail Riders refused to wait for the other group, reimburse me, or allow me to ride with another group later in the day. They also did not have staffing for pony rides to be done at either of their 2 locations for my younger children. Their onsite staff was very rude and unaccommodating and deferred to their reservation line for scheduling issues. Meanwhile, the reservation line deferred their onsite team to help resolve the issue. In short, no accomodations were done. The reservation line also told me that perhaps I spoke with another horse riding company when in fact they are the only company in Banff, which they also admitted to after I questioned them. If you are looking for horse rides with rude staffing, wanting to take your money, this is the company for you!
    Written August 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you experienced during your visit and booking process. We strive to provide clear and accurate information to our guests, and we regret that this was not your experience. We appreciate your feedback and will use it to improve our services. Best regards,
    Written September 26, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    xiao t
    1 contribution
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023
    Worst experience ever, shame on this company, employee were extremally extremally rude, my family visiting from Quebec booked a horse ride, they called the location for address, whoever answered the phone has heavy accent so they did not quiet understand, but still ask her for the specific address so they can write it down, but she did not provide, because this is the first time they visit Banff, when they showed up at the right location they were 5 mins late for the booking time, and the employee refuse to serve them while the group of people were still waiting for the horses, then they asked for refund, got refused again, called to complain, they even hang up the phone on you!!! this place should not even exist in a national tourism sit like Banff ! You guys represent this town, even this country, people travel thousands miles to come here for a good experience, just think if you travelled to a place the first time, and got treat like this, shame on you!!!
    Written July 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Xiao, We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced during your visit to our stables. It's important for us to clarify some details to provide a more accurate picture of the situation. When you called to inquire about the address, the employee who answered the phone was British. She then provided directions to the stables and mentioned that there was additional information in the confirmation email, including a link to Google Maps. We understand that visiting a new place can be challenging, and we try our best to assist our guests. It appears you went to our other stables location anyways. Unfortunately, when you arrived late at the correct location, it would have been too late for the ride. Our policy is to adhere to scheduled booking times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
    Written August 2, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Shelley
    4 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Friends
    Positives- Staff were very friendly and knowledgable. Horses were all well behaved and staff were quick to help ease any nerves. The track is nice and we loved the river crossings!

    Negatives -This trip runs rain or shine, and for us it was unfortunately torrential rain and thunder for the whole hours ride. We could see that the forecast was not favourable, but as my friends sister was visiting us here in Banff we only really had this day to go with her. We weren't offered a weather option to cancel and choose another day. I completely understand that it is highlighted that it will still run in the rain and there is an expectation to dress appropriately. However, even as someone who lives in town and has a full wardrobe, I still didn't have suitable clothing to make this enjoyable. As most of your customers are tourists, who will likely not have big jackets packed for their summer holiday, its a shame you don't provide suitable jackets/ponchos if you are going to make customers ride rain or shine. I was also shocked to see that staff aren't even provided suitable gear for the back to back rides they must complete on wet days. Staff were in standard rain jackets and jeans like the rest of us and it didn't seem like the company provided any warm waterproofs for guides to wear. All three of us were soaked through and freezing as we got off the horses, and we couldn't wait to rush home and get in a hot shower. I left feeling sorry for the poor guides who had to do another 3 rides after us. We all got colds after this ride, so I can't imagine how the staff are after sitting in wet clothes for the day. This is where it feels like the company is happy to take your money, but isn't prioritising the guest experience, or looking after their staff either.

    As someone who lives in town and sells activities, I can still see how this would be a great experience as the route is beautiful and you get to ride by the popular Bow Falls. I would therefore still recommend this trip, however maybe only book last minute if you can see the weather is favourable or reschedule if the weather isn't going to be great as for us this experience felt like a waste of money and gifting my friend a cold wasn't exactly the birthday gift I had hoped for.
    Written September 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback with us. We are delighted to hear that you found our staff friendly and knowledgeable, and that you enjoyed the well-behaved horses and the beautiful track, especially the river crossings. We sincerely apologize for the discomfort you experienced due to the weather conditions during your ride. We understand how challenging it can be to enjoy an outdoor activity in heavy rain. While we do highlight that our rides run rain or shine and encourage everyone to dress appropriately, we recognize that not everyone may have suitable gear. Your suggestions are valuable, and we will review them with the team. Unfortunately, we are not able to use rain poncho, as they can flap in the wind and spook the horses. We regret that the weather impacted your experience and that it led to you and your friends feeling unwell. Thank you for your understanding and for still recommending our trip despite the challenges you faced. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in more favorable conditions. Sincerely, Banff Trail Riders
    Written September 26, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Cameron C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Couples
    Absolutely 100% recommend this company for a trail ride in Banff!! Even though the weather wasn't on our side for most of the ride, the guide made our time one of the most memorable experiences we had in Banff! She kept our spirits high and made sure we had a good laugh all while our horses, Taco and Merlin, were absolute legends and didn't bat an eyelid at the weather!

    The views were also stunning, we got some amazing pictures as well as seeing a good amount of the local wildlife!
    Written July 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Camper59533657031
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Family
    I thought we would only be able to cross the river once, but we were able to do so twice. There were quite a few ups and downs, and they taught me how to shift my weight each time. I was able to ride horseback in the beautiful nature of Banff, and it was a great memory. All the explanations were in English, so I studied English vocabulary and conversation related to horseback riding on YouTube, etc., so that I could understand it to some extent before participating.
    Google
    Written August 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Claire B
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Solo
    Banff Trail riders - I would highly recommend this company if you want your trail riding dreams being met! The staff and of course the horses were just wonderful. I accidentally went to the wrong stables, the staff couldn’t have been more understanding and helped me make my ride at the other stables in time. (Which they really didn’t have to as it was my own fault for not reading the email properly). Beware they have 2 different start locations. I’ll be forever grateful for the help as riding on horseback through a river was on my bucket list. The staff were highly professional, friendly and really supported the nervous rider. I felt extremely safe on this trail ride. Would 100% book with them again. (This was already my second time riding with them).
    The scenery was out of this World
    Written July 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Winetraveler
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Family
    Fun time was had by all. The guide was informative. There was another family with our group, making 9 guests. It was difficult to hear the guide if you were riding at the end of the group. There was also an employee at the rear of our group. She did an excellent job making sure all public road crossings were safe.
    Signage on the road and in the parking lot was adequate. We found where we were to go without difficulty.
    Written August 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    1 Hour Spray River Ride provided by Banff Trail Riders

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