Banff Trail Riders
Banff Trail Riders
4
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Discover a side of Banff you can only see on horseback. Banff Trail Riders (previously Holiday on Horseback) take you to places most travellers never experience. We offer hourly rides, backcountry lodge pack trips, sleigh rides and more. Get an authentic Old West adventure, even if you have never been on a horse before. We'll match you with a horse, guide and trip that just right for your level of riding experience.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,065 reviews
Excellent
636
Very good
192
Average
75
Poor
56
Terrible
106
stevenwride
Weston super Mare, UK18 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
You won't find this on any of their webpages or information but they use rescue horses which proved difficult to ride for some members of the group we were with. I don't know why the company doesn't advertise they use rescue horses. I suppose, if they had advertised that information, I would have chosen a different tour company
Written November 13, 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.
Horsebackbanff
Thank you for your comments and we hope this information is helpful to clarify.
We at Banff Trail Riders bring new members into our herd from many different places, people and locations from all across Canada. We do not breed horses but instead seek out horses fit for trails and mountains which is a great skill in and of itself. While you are correct, and we are proud, that some of our horses are rehomed to us, each animal has their own path and story.
We have some horses that have joined us as young colts and other as more mature members.
That said, each horse is carefully integrated into our herd from a health and safety perspective as well as from a rideability and technical perspective. We take great care to name, know and care for each equine member with one of our team members riding each new horse as part of their introduction.
We hope this information is helpful and again, thank you for allowing us to share some of our story with you.
Written November 15, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy R
Blyth, UK57 contributions
We had a great time on this trail with Mark & Alyia.
After basic instruction and an introduction to our horses (I had Taylor and my husband had Ottis) we set off for our two hour trek along the Bow River and up Windy Knoll.
The guides where knowledgeable, friendly and diligent, keeping a close on on horses and riders at all times to ensure safety.
The views were spectacular too!
Highly recommended.
After basic instruction and an introduction to our horses (I had Taylor and my husband had Ottis) we set off for our two hour trek along the Bow River and up Windy Knoll.
The guides where knowledgeable, friendly and diligent, keeping a close on on horses and riders at all times to ensure safety.
The views were spectacular too!
Highly recommended.
Written October 9, 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.
Thank you for the kind words! Delighted you enjoyed your ride with Mark and Alyia. We're thrilled you appreciated our safety measures and the stunning scenery. Come back soon!
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter H
3 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Look I take full responsibility for not seeing the imposed weight limit on riders on the website. But the proper thing to do would be to provide a refund. The weight limit nonsense should be VERY pronounced on the website in several places. I really wouldn't recommend this attraction.
Written October 5, 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.
We apologize for any confusion and appreciate your understanding. Our weight and age limits are indeed prominently stated on multiple sections of our website. We're committed to ensuring a great experience for all guests.
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
_royviv2010
Sheffield, UK18 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
No need to feel nervous if you’ve not been on a horse ever or for years, the entire staff are so professional about looking after you. The horses are so gentle and docile, especially Nigel, my horse! The scenery is stunning! The guides were so friendly and informative, as well as keeping everyone safe and confident. Loads of smiles from everyone afterwards!
Written October 4, 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.
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled you had a positive experience with Nigel and our team. Your enjoyment and safety are our top priorities. Looking forward to more smiles on future rides!
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ftm42
Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK36 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
My first ever western style ride. Horses were well behaved and the staff could not do enough for us. Such a great experience. Much more comfortable than we had anticipated, but I must get back to pilates as swing a leg over a western saddle was a bit challenging!!
As a UK tourist, we hadn't got the hang of tipping and didn't have any cash with us, otherwise the girls would have had a tip from us [sorry].
As a UK tourist, we hadn't got the hang of tipping and didn't have any cash with us, otherwise the girls would have had a tip from us [sorry].
Written October 2, 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.
We're delighted to hear that your first Western ride was a great experience! Don't worry about the tipping, your kind words mean a lot to us. We hope to see you back in the saddle soon, and maybe the saddle swing will be even easier next time!
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rochelle
Magrath, Canada2 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
My daughter and I were lucky enough to enjoy a private carriage ride with Banff Trail Riders through downtown Banff. Our driver Brooklyn was so friendly and informative and made us feel welcome. Bart was our horse and he was a pro! We were amazed at his awesome work ethic and intelligence. We can’t thank Sydney enough for her great suggestion and planning of our carriage ride! We loved it and would definitely do it again! Maybe next time we can enjoy a sleigh ride with Banff Trail Riders!
We highly recommend checking them out!
We highly recommend checking them out!
Written October 2, 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.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you and your daughter had a fantastic private carriage ride with Brooklyn and Bart. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to the possibility of hosting you for a sleigh ride in the future!
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nikki R
Greenville, NC3 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
We did this wagon ride with a party of 7 including a 10 yr, 8yr, 4yr, and 2yr. Our wagon operator was Andre and he was absolutely fantastic!
The ride to campsite for dinner was full of stunning views of the the Rockies and the Bow River.
Dinner was delicious— our steaks were perfectly cooked! After dinner, Andre taught my kids how to lasso a steer. He was extremely patient and encouraging throughout the entire lesson.
The ride back was just as pleasant as the ride to dinner. We saw a few deer and a herd of elk grazing in the field as we pulled back into the stables.
The ride to campsite for dinner was full of stunning views of the the Rockies and the Bow River.
Dinner was delicious— our steaks were perfectly cooked! After dinner, Andre taught my kids how to lasso a steer. He was extremely patient and encouraging throughout the entire lesson.
The ride back was just as pleasant as the ride to dinner. We saw a few deer and a herd of elk grazing in the field as we pulled back into the stables.
Written October 2, 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.
We're delighted to hear that your wagon ride with Andre was a fantastic experience for your party of 7, including kids of different ages. The stunning views and delicious dinner, along with the lassoing lesson, made for a memorable adventure. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us!
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
José Roberto T
4 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
I am writing to express my extreme disappointment and dissatisfaction with the horseback tour experience my group recently had with your agency. Our outing with Banff Trail Riders left us feeling frustrated and dissatisfied for several reasons.
Firstly, the demeanor and behavior of your staff were far from welcoming or accommodating. The employees exhibited a consistently bad mood and demonstrated a lack of patience and courtesy towards tourists, making our interactions uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Secondly, the horseback tour itself failed to meet our expectations, especially for individuals accustomed to horse riding. Instead of an enjoyable ride through scenic trails, the experience felt more akin to a strict military-style procession. The pace was monotonously slow with no opportunities for trotting, and we were confined to a rigid single-file formation, adhering to constant shouted commands from the guide. This stifled the joy of horseback riding, depriving us of the natural sounds and tranquility of the surroundings that make riding so enjoyable.
While I understand the need for rules and regulations, the lack of flexibility and the regimented approach made the experience tedious and far from the anticipated pleasure of horseback riding.
Regrettably, the time and money we invested in this excursion felt entirely wasted, leaving us dissatisfied and reluctant to recommend Banff Trail Riders to fellow horse enthusiasts. I hope this feedback prompts your agency to reevaluate and enhance the overall experience to ensure that future patrons can genuinely enjoy the beauty of horse riding amidst the natural wonders of Banff.
Firstly, the demeanor and behavior of your staff were far from welcoming or accommodating. The employees exhibited a consistently bad mood and demonstrated a lack of patience and courtesy towards tourists, making our interactions uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Secondly, the horseback tour itself failed to meet our expectations, especially for individuals accustomed to horse riding. Instead of an enjoyable ride through scenic trails, the experience felt more akin to a strict military-style procession. The pace was monotonously slow with no opportunities for trotting, and we were confined to a rigid single-file formation, adhering to constant shouted commands from the guide. This stifled the joy of horseback riding, depriving us of the natural sounds and tranquility of the surroundings that make riding so enjoyable.
While I understand the need for rules and regulations, the lack of flexibility and the regimented approach made the experience tedious and far from the anticipated pleasure of horseback riding.
Regrettably, the time and money we invested in this excursion felt entirely wasted, leaving us dissatisfied and reluctant to recommend Banff Trail Riders to fellow horse enthusiasts. I hope this feedback prompts your agency to reevaluate and enhance the overall experience to ensure that future patrons can genuinely enjoy the beauty of horse riding amidst the natural wonders of Banff.
Written October 2, 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.
We appreciate your candid feedback and apologize for your disappointing experience with our horseback tour. We take your concerns seriously and will work to improve our staff's attitude and the overall tour experience. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope to have the opportunity to offer a more enjoyable and flexible experience in the future.
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
scott T
1 contribution
Sep. 2023 • Friends
Very disappointed with this experience mainly due to the guide who thought it was appropriate to put her personal opinion forward after listening to a private conversation. Her commentary was boring and uninteresting she was more interested in bagging out one the horses pulling the wagon along . Over priced would not recommend to anyone.
Written September 29, 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.
We apologize for your disappointment with the guide's behavior and commentary. Your feedback is valuable in improving our services. Thank you for sharing your concerns.
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CGH1503
Pontefract, UK6 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
If you want a lovely gentle paced activity this is for you. It was a great way to spend a few hours, really informative and the food was tasty. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, even the two young adults had a good time.
Written September 27, 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.
Thank you for your positive feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative experience with us, and that even the young adults had a great time. We hope to see you again for another lovely adventure!
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CathyR87
St. Petersburg8 contributions
Which ride is more scenic the Bow River Ride or the Spray River ride?
Danielle O
Chicago, IL79 contributions
I went on the Bow River Ride and was disappointed because most of the ride was just through trees and maybe for 5-10 mins of it towards the end, we were walking along the Bow River and could see the mountains.
louise d
Northamptonshire, UK65 contributions
the 3 hour ride -sulphur mountain trail and windy knoll is the trail ok for some one who is scared of heights ( I don't like high heights )
Banff Trail Riders
Banff, Canada
I would suggest the Bow Valley Loop ride, you will have no problem with heights, the trail does not go close to any edges etc.
samyoko
queensland18 contributions
We are travelling and are looking for a ride for a highly experienced rider. Not a trail ride nose to tail with nothing more than a walking pace. Is there a ride for more experienced riders to test their abilities and get a good gallop in?
BanffHorseback
Banff National Park, Canada3 contributions
All our rides are at a walking pace. The same as all outfitters in the National Park.
What is the weight restriction?
BanffHorseback
Banff National Park, Canada3 contributions
250lbs.
Catherine S
4 contributions
I am staying in a hotel in Banff and don't have a car. How can I get to the stable?
Banff Trail Riders
Banff, Canada
The stables are located about a 20-25 minute walk from downtown Banff, or a 5-10 minute taxi ride. In the summer, one of the local bus routes also takes you near the stables.
Sylvia_05501
Apeldoorn, The Netherlands36 contributions
Do you need horsebackriding experience?
BanffHorseback
Banff National Park, Canada3 contributions
No experience necessary, we will give you some instructions and we have lots of calm horses. Most of our customers on our hourly rides have not ridden before
nancysalasmd
Austin, TX
what is the youngest age allowed to ride?
BanffHorseback
Banff National Park, Canada3 contributions
Our minimum age for day rides is 8. We do take 3-7 year olds on pony leads.
twatson72
Winnipeg, Canada1 contribution
what is the weight restriction?4
Banff Trail Riders
Banff, Canada
There is a maximum weight restriction of 230lbs per rider. Please note that riders may be weighed at the stables.
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Claim your listingBANFF TRAIL RIDERS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Banff Trail Riders
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Banff Trail Riders:
- 1 Hour Bow River Ride (From C$101.35)
- 2 Hour Banff Horseback Riding Adventure (From C$198.28)
- Covered Wagon Ride in Banff with Western Cookout (From C$142.10)
- 1 Hour Spray River Ride (From C$109.06)
- 4 Hour Sulphur Mountain Horseback Ride (From C$307.35)
- Hotels near Banff Trail Riders:
- (0.49 km) A Banff Boutique Inn
- (0.65 km) Peaks Hotel and Suites
- (0.60 km) Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre
- (1.08 km) Beaujolais Boutique B&B at Thea's House
- (1.26 km) Banff Log Cabin B&B
- Restaurants near Banff Trail Riders:
- (0.64 km) Bluebird Wood-Fired Steakhouse
- (0.77 km) Zyka Elevated Indian Restaurant
- (0.69 km) Una Pizza + Wine Banff
- (0.60 km) La Terrazza
- (0.68 km) Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant