Horseback Adventures in the Canadian Rockies

Author: Jean T.
Date of Trip: July 2006

My husband and I, novice horseback riders, went on our first trail ride in 2001 with the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies. It is a 75-year old volunteer organization that wants to continue the tradition of riding in the Rockies. It was such a superb experience that we have ridden with them each summer since.

The six-day adventure includes riding 4-6 hours each day, staying in Indian-style teepees in “Teepee Town”, having delicious meals, seeing incredible sights, and meeting people from all over the world. My husband celebrated his 64th birthday last July by doing a snow angel in a glacier — what an experience!

Each summer the rides go into different areas of the Banff National Park. We spent a few extra days in Banff, which is a wonderful little town nestled in the middle of the mountains, visited Lake Louise and several other beautiful areas and saw lots of wildlife.

We are busy now searching for cheap tickets in preparation for our seventh summer of riding in the Rockies. Flying into Calgary from the East coast is always a challenge, but well worth the effort –even with flight delays, cancellations and horrendous re-routing. When we finally arrive, worn and weary, I wonder why we are doing this, but then the horseback ride begins, and I am quickly reminded that the awe-inspiring scenery is well worth the hassles of getting there.