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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  • Amy C
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing 3 hour ride
    Fantastic experience! Highly recommend to anyone wanting a different way to see the trails. Lovely, polite and upbeat staff. Very well behaved and well looked after horses. My partner is a beginner and I’m more experienced, but it was an equally great experience for both of us. We would happily ride here again!
    Hello Amy, Thank you for your fantastic review of our 3-hour Bow Valley Loop tour! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic experience. We take pride in providing a different and unique way to explore the Banff area. The welfare and safety of our horses is of utmost importance to us. All of our horses are rescues and we love them all deeply. It's wonderful to hear that both you and your partner, regardless of your differing levels of experience, had an equally great experience on the ride. Thank you for choosing our tour and for sharing your positive experience. We look forward to the opportunity to ride with you again!
    Written June 22, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 15, 2023
  • Chris C
    Medicine Hat, Canada37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing
    4hr sulphur mountain ride: Absolutely amazing!!! We arrived on time and under weight as advertised when booking so had zero issues!! The horses were very well behaved (we even had 2 riders that had never rode before in our group) the trails are very easy going (I have rode before, but wouldn’t class myself as experienced) with a few steeper hills up and down and 2 river crossings. Our guide was fantastic and very informative on the trails…. Would highly recommend just make sure u know where ur going and what time to be there!
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 27, 2023
  • Rochelle
    Magrath, Canada2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Delightful private carriage ride with Banff Trail Riders!
    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!
    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.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 2, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,068 reviews
Excellent
636
Very good
192
Average
76
Poor
56
Terrible
108

Dred174d
Singapore, Singapore99 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
First off we have never riden horses so that in itself was fun
The horses were obviously used to inexperienced handlers but were well behaved and did respond to certain commands
Obviously we weren’t galloping in the wild open but the ride was scenic and it was a great way to be in nature with an all natural mode of transport
Safe and enjoyable
Written October 7, 2018
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 leave your feedback. Were glad you enjoyed the ride.
Written November 30, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sara B
Yellowknife, Canada4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Solo
Very well organized. I had a lovely time and was impressed by how smoothly this operation was run while still maintaining a backcountry feel. I have relatively limited horse riding experience and enjoyed having an adventure while still being comfortable. My horse and human guides were excellent. Thanks for this. Someday I will return for the 6-day.
Written August 8, 2018
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.
Thats great thanks for the positive review. We look forward to taking you on a backcountry trip, they are amazing, you will not be disappointed.
Written August 17, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ktraveler2018
Indianapolis, IN3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Family
This horseback tour was perfect for the whole family. You ride 1 hour, stop for 1 hour for lunch, and then ride another hour. The lunch was a delicious steak lunch grilled to your temp preference and included baked potatoes, baked beans, salad, rolls, and dessert. There were fun activities while you were stopped for lunch - lassos, horseshoes, and a campfire.The ride was easy yet enjoyable for all skill levels and was located in the birthplace of Canada's national parks - Cave and Basin area of Banff. Horses were well mannered and well cared for. Staff was friendly and the trail guides offered interesting facts during the ride.
Written July 31, 2018
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.
Im glad you enjoyed your Cowboy Cookout. Thank you for taking the time to share your comments.
Written August 3, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nikki_2_0_1_7_4real
4 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Friends
Don't book this ride if you are an experienced rider. You will be dissapointed by the trail, running along the asphalt road and the up and down path across Sulphur mountain.
There are hardly any lookouts.

Guides were friendly and the horses fine, but there are too many rules and regulations too make this an enjoyable experience.
Written July 26, 2018
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.
Im sorry you did not like the ride. Unfortunately we do have to have rules as we are dealing with groups of individuals and horses in a National Park.
Written August 3, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

CraigLandy
6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Couples
Our first contact was more rude than respectful. They 'changed' their rules the moment we got there and of course they 'cover their butt' with a no refund policy. We made all the compromises and went ahead with the ride. Expecting to see beauty (we are in Banff National Park after all), we prodded along a rock-littered path worn out by tractors and previous riders. At one point, we walked alongside a pedestrian/bike path and watched an elderly couple stroll right past... going in our direction. The path never got prettier, just worn out and rocky. The dinner was the high point and I would characterize it as 'okay'. The steak was over cooked, the salad was a bag of lettuce, the water was warm and the dessert was cheesecake - at least 1 bite of cheesecake. It was a cube about 1/2 inch across. The absolute best part was getting off the horse at the end and putting the coral in the rear view mirror.
Written July 25, 2018
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.
Wow, there is no pleasing you. I appreciate your opinion. Im glad that 99% of our customers rave about the cowboy cookouts. It is recognized by Destination Canada as a signature experience. I would suggest you try getting out of the bed on the other side.
Written July 27, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

amanda k
10 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Couples
We hadnt ridden a horses in over 15 years so thought this would be a fun experience for our anniversary. I wasnt necessarily disappointed but it wasnt how I remembered it as a kid. We had to ride our horses in a line nose to tail for one hour so there was no chance to venture even for a moment with the horse. Also there were 3 tour guides on the ride with us but only the guide in the middle was giving the tour so the people at the front and back couldn't hear anything that was bizarre. Also thereally beautiful scenery was only for a 10 minute stretch.
Written July 23, 2018
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.
I appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
Written August 1, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

172salf
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Family
We booked and paid for 2 adults and 2 older children for the one hour ride. My daughter was in a finger cast as she had broken her pinky finger. We have been on the same trail in Banff before and know that the instructions are to ride with one hand only. The broken finger was Not on her dominant hand. When we arrived at the stable we were told that my daughter could not go horseback riding nor did they think we would be refunded. After trying to explain on the phone, to the supervisor that we were on a family vacation and that it would be extremely uncompassionate and showed a lack of caring, the booking office was only willing to refund one adult and one child fee. This caused a huge emotional problem.
I had to take one of my daughters on the ride while the other one stayed back with my other daughter. My daughter with the broken pinky is still devasted and upset.
Be very careful as the refund policy is terrible and there is a lack of customer service beyond taking your money.
Written July 12, 2018
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 review. Im sorry you had a poor experience I will review the details with reservations here.
Written July 16, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kim V
San Francisco, CA201 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Couples
We have just returned from an incredible 6 day trip with our guide, Brie, who was fantastic! Our horses were some of the best horses we've ridden (Roy and Millet) and were well-behaved, well cared for and secure and safe on all types of conditions including snow on Allenby Pass on July 3! Laura at Sundance and Brook at Halfway fed us extremely well (delicious baked goods along with bfast & dinner!), along with Brie who always did a great job starting a fire and cooking meals out on the trail. Mitch and the other mule drivers worked hard to get supplies to the lodges and we enjoyed Mitch's stories around the dinner table. The lodges were both comfortable and unique. Amazing scenery and our best horseback trip yet, definitely a 10!

We have been riding about 2 years (weekly lessons and a 6 day dude ranch last year) so I would recommend a little riding experience for the 6 day, but if you are waivering between the 6 day and 4 day, definitely sign up for the 6 day!

Lastly, some packing tips. We saw that it was supposed to rain a bit (and it did, along with snow!) so purchased waterproof duffel bags last minute. The bag was kept dry the whole time but we were glad to have this as a backup. I took a pair of Uggs to wear inside the lodge which was nice, but slipper socks or other slippers would've sufficed. A pair of flip flops or slip-on shoes (flats) to go outside to the bathroom/outdoor shower is helpful (even in the cold). Hiking shoes is recommended for the 6 day as you may have a chance to go on a beautiful hike (along with trekking poles if you use them). Rain pants are helpful even thought the slickers they let us borrow were excellent. Bug spray is a must along with sunblock. Layers (I wore a tshirt, long sleeve shirt/flannel, vest, Patagonia puff jacket, and light barn coat for the cold/rainy days and was comfortable) along with a pair of jeans (and a pair of padded bike shorts on some days). Make sure to spray your boots with waterproof spray prior to the trip! We wore helmets which kept our head warm. When it wasn't cool/cold, (it was 27C/80F one day) a tshirt and jeans was perfect. I brought 3 pairs of jeans but could've gone with 2 pairs, a pair of "comfy" pants for the evenings.

Enjoy!
Written July 9, 2018
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.
Great Review Kim, thank you for taking the time. Im so glad you enjoyed the ride. I will pass on your comments to the staff. I hope you will come back and try our tent trips next time. You will not be disappointed.
Written July 16, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Daron W
Canada8 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This was a Mothers Day ride with my wife and 21 year old daughter. Warner Stable seem to cater to beginner riders which is great. If you have experience riding you may be disappointed. The guides on he trail were very nice and friendly but did not seem very experienced as riders or handling horses. The staff at the corrals did not know how to handle the horses at all in our opinion.
The ride itself was scenic but spent too much time in the woods and there was no stopping by the views. The only stop was to adjust saddles in a shaded wooded area to get eaten by mosquitos.
Pictures on their website showed riders without helmets but were mandatory to walk very slowly on at times harsh trails for the horses.
Overall enjoyed the ride but only one step above a kiddy ride.
Written May 14, 2018
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.

emma210
Essex97 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Booked as part of a package through Banff Adventures - neither me nor my husband are horse riders but we both thoroughly enjoyed this ride. The route takes you past some stunning scenery and it was so peaceful and relaxing. We did think it would have been nice if at the end you got a chance to have your photo taken on your horse but everyone was off pretty quick and you were sent on your way which was a bit of a shame, otherwise though we loved it.
Written May 5, 2018
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 review. We do usually try and take a picture for our guests if they ask, sorry if you did not get this opportunity. Im glad you enjoyed the ride.
Written June 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Banff Trail Riders - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)