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Experience a 1-Hour Bow River Ride in Banff, Alberta
Set out from Banff National Park in Canada for a simple, unforgettable hour on horseback that brings you closer to the park’s celebrated landscape; you’ll saddle up with a cowboy guide and ride at a relaxed pace past natural sulphur springs along the gentle Bow River, soaking in the same wide-open scenery that welcomed early pioneers to this once-wild area-an ideal Outdoor & Nature experience for anyone looking to book a scenic, family-friendly or adventure-focused activity in the park.
About this activity in Banff
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Saddle up for a relaxed 1-hour horseback ride through Banff National Park led by an experienced cowboy guide.
- Ride along the gentle Bow River and past natural sulphur springs for authentic mountain scenery and pioneer-era vibes.
- Suitable for families and first-time riders - you’ll receive basic riding instruction and be accompanied by lead and tail guides.
- All necessary riding gear is provided, including mandatory helmets, so you can focus on the scenery and the experience.
Important Information
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ride to complete check-in and safety briefing.
- Maximum rider weight is 230 lbs and all riders must be 8 years or older; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers; riders must understand basic English to follow guide instructions.
- Gratuities, food and drink, and hotel pickup/drop-off are not included; public transportation options are available nearby.
Meeting Point
Meet at the stable/trailhead beside the Bow River parking area in Banff. Look for the riding barn and check in at the reception desk; staff will direct you to the mounting area.
Includes
- You’ll receive basic horseback riding instruction before your ride in Banff to help you feel confident on the trail.
- Use of a horse is included so you can explore the area from the saddle.
- A helmet is mandatory and is provided for every rider for your safety.
- Lead and tail guides accompany rides to support beginners and maintain safe group spacing on the trail.
Excludes
- Gratuities are not included - please plan to tip guides separately if you choose.
- Food and drink are not provided as part of the booking.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; please plan your own transport to the meeting point.
Other
- Public transportation options are available nearby, making it easy to reach the meeting point without a car in Banff.
- This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers for safety reasons.
- Rides are suitable for all physical fitness levels, with guides prepared to pace the group appropriately.
- You must arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled ride time to check in and get fitted with equipment.
- For foreign visitors, you must understand basic English so you can follow simple instructions from guides during the ride.
- All riders must weigh under 230 lbs; Banff Trail Riders enforces this limit to protect horse health and guest safety. You may be asked to confirm your weight on a scale at check-in, and bookings that do not meet the requirement will be forfeited without refund.
- Participants must be at least 8 years old; children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Children must ride their own horse and will not be paired with an adult during the trail ride.
- Minimum age is strictly enforced; you may be required to provide proof of a child’s age at check-in, and failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the booking without refund.
- Helmets are mandatory for all riders at all times while mounted for your protection.
- All adults must sign a waiver; a parent or legal guardian must sign for anyone under 18 and documentation may be required to confirm signing authority.
- You must be physically capable of controlling your horse without assistance; for the health and safety of everyone, the barns cannot accommodate disabilities or special needs riders.
- Banff Trail Riders is committed to the health of the horses and the safety of guests, and enforces these policies consistently to protect both.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
First of all, the ranch is truly beautiful, and above all, it's beautifully situated.
The tour itself was wonderful. Enjoying this magnificent landscape on horseback was the icing on the cake of my stay in Banff. The team is super friendly, and shared a lot about the surroundings and nature along the way with us. It was fun to escape the hustle and bustle of Banff this way.
Thank you so much for this experience!
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Summary:
The scenery is beautiful. Horses are well behaved and very well taken care of. The guides were very professional and shared a lot of information.
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Summary:
It was wonderful the crew was very professional and the horses were very friendly. The views on the trail were spectacular.
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Know more about Banff
You’ll saddle up with a cowboy guide for a relaxed 1-hour horseback ride through Banff National Park, riding past natural sulphur springs along the gentle Bow River. The ride offers basic horseback riding instruction, use of a horse, a mandatory helmet, and lead and tail guides so you can experience the park at a pioneer-era pace.
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your ride time and be prepared to sign waivers; adults must sign for themselves and parents or legal guardians must sign for riders under 18. Helmets are mandatory and basic riding instruction is provided, so wear comfortable clothes suitable for trail riding.
The booking includes basic horseback riding instruction, use of a horse, a mandatory helmet, and lead and tail guides. Gratuities, food and drink, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Yes, the ride is family-friendly: children aged 8 and over may participate and those 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children must ride their own horse, and minimum-age and documentation requirements are strictly enforced as part of check-in.
Yes. Riders must be physically capable of controlling their horse without assistance, must not exceed the maximum weight limit of 230 lbs (you may be asked to confirm weight at check-in), and pregnant travelers are not recommended to join. The operator cannot accommodate disabilities or special-needs riders due to safety and horse welfare considerations.
Public transportation options are available nearby for reaching the departure point. You should plan your own transport because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
