Explore the beautiful Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Canada

Kananaskis
Continental Divide Ride 
10- and 13-day Pack Trips

To the south of Banff, Alberta lies the fabled Kananaskis Range of the Rocky Mountains. The rugged topography and open forests of the region have made horses the preferred way to get around for centuries, first by the native Plains Indians and more recently by horseback explorers. This trip commences in the foothills south of Bragg Creek at M & M Ranch. At an elevation of 1,350 meters the ranch is surrounded by the open pine and aspen forest typical of the rolling foothills of the Alberta Rockies. For two days we ride deeper into the mountains, guided by modern day mountain men through hidden passes and along craggy bighorn sheep trails. From an idyllic base camp in the Elbow Valley we will spend a few days exploring such spectacular places as Box Canyon Creek, the Cougar Cap and Tombstone Mountain. Weather conditions, grizzly bear sightings and other natural hazards may cause the itinerary, to vary somewhat, but the trails used are frequently invisible to all but a skilled tracker/guide. Very steep and narrow trails will be encountered and there are spots where riders must dismount and lead their horses.

RTAB18-S
Rates: Incl. all meals starting with breakfast on day 2 and ending with lunch on day 9, 2 nights in local B&B in Bragg Creek, 7 nights camping, 8 riding days
10 days/ 9 nights $ 2,330  Single +$75
... based on Can$ 2,330 / 75
2008 Dates:
06/29-07/08     08/10-08/19    08/31-09/09
HT SPECIAL $80 OFF for Aug trips
 check availability

Special Excursions
High Plains Drifter    $2,450
... based on Can$ 2450
 availability & reservation
'08 Date:  05/23-06/02   10 nights
HT SPECIAL 20% OFF for limited time

Mountain & Prairie Expedition  
'08 Date:  09/13-09/22     8 nights  $2,100
... based on Can$  2,100
 availability & reservation

Meeting: Bragg Creek
Airport:   Calgary
Transfer: included
Taxes:     2.5% GST  
                     (5% for Canadian residents)
Horses:   Canadian, Arab, Missouri
               Foxtrot, Paints
Tack:      Western
Pace:      Slow with some trots and canters
Level:     Good intermediate+ , some long riding days, some steep trails
Min/Max Riders:  3-7
Note: meals are not included for the first and last night at the B&B. Single supplement is only for the overnights at the B&Bs. Single Supplement is only for the B&B stays.

Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer at 4:00 PM from the Calgary airport to Bragg Creek. Dinner (not included) and overnight in local B&B.
Day 2: Riders meet at the ranch in the morning where they will be matched with a horse of appropriate temperament and are taken on the trail. From here on time will be measured by the position of the sun and the onset of appetite rather than such artificial measures as watches, minutes and hours.
It is a four kilometer ride west through the foothills and into the Kananaskis, where upon we swing southward toward the dominating skyline of Mesa Butte, whose flat summit rises 300 meters above the surrounding countryside. 
Crossing Fisher Creek at Betty's ford can be exciting when it is in flood., but is always passable. A dense spruce forest skirts the base of the butte, and the narrow trail almost disappears frequently so the full attention of the guide is required to stay on track. By lunch time, the 1,700 meter high summit of the Butte is reached, and an incredible panorama of the Rocky Mountains spreads across the western horizon. After lunch we begin the trickle descent of 300 meters to Threepoint Creek, and then up its valley for another four kilometers to our first camp. Here we camp in large canvas outfitter tents. The camp is comfortable but not luxurious, because everything must be brought in by pack horse and it is our policy to make the least impact possible on the beautiful but sensitive environment. Supper is cooked over an open fire, and the natural world envelops you with its peace. We have covered approximately 18 km.
Day 3: After a hearty Cowboy breakfast we break camp. Guests will have the opportunity to help the wrangles and guide pack the horses if they so desire. Depending on the route we take, the pack train and riding party head out in different. directions upon leaving the camp because if we ride the Hogsback, the trails are not easily negotiated by laden pack animals.
Around noon we reach the Threepoint Gorge, where run-off from the last ice-age eroded a 200 meter deep gash in the mountains that the creek now runs through. Here we take lunch ', and decide based on weather and other factors whether we go over the top of the 2.200 meter Forgetmenot Ridge, or around it via the Lost Trail. Each has its attractions, the one being safer in good weather and the other being faster and safer when lightning threatens. Neither are easy riding, but both are spectacular. Where they come together again it is clear that one has passed through a portal from the Foothills into the main range of the Rockies. By mid afternoon we cross the height of the land into the Elbow River's drainage basin. and can glance down into the stunning valley 300 meters below us. Across it stand the stark- limestone shapes of Mount GIasgow and Cornwall, nearly 3,000 meters high. Our camp is found in a hidden meadow a few hundred meters from the river. If the weather is nice a refreshing dip in the icy waters of the Elbow is in order to wash away, the fatigue of 28 difficult kilometers on the trail.
Day 4: We’ve pressed hard for two days and so one that isn't so strenuous is a nice change for both horse and rider. The Box Canyon is not an easy route, but can normally be done in four hours. It is richly rewarding in scenery as it takes one into the austere beauty of the Rockies above the tree line. If the riders choose the challenge we'll discover the Cougar Gap. This elusive route into the secretive valley Cougar Creek was only discovered recently, and so is one of our favorites. The complete loop around two towering mountains is almost 30 kilometers and takes between six and seven hours, the option of remaining in camp is available for those who favor relaxation over high adventures.
Day 5: After two nights at the Elbow Camp we break camp early in the morning and begin the journey around Mount Cornwall and Banded Peak via Tombstone Pass. From here we descend into the valley of the Little Elbow River. It begins as a trickle, but within 10 kilometers has picked up enough tributaries to be considered a river. After over 20 kilometers we stop and set up a fly camp of lean-tos. The surrounding mountains are jagged blocks of limestone rising up to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Day 6 and 7: Day rides to Talus Lake or Evan Thomas Pass. The ride to Talus Lake leads the rider to the South into an adjacent valley on the foot of Mount Comwall. The ascent is steady and towards the end relatively steep. There at over 2,200 meters we find a jewel-like lake nestled among the beautiful larch trees. 'The route to Evan-Thomas Pass takes the rider to the north of the camp and is a little bit easier to ride than Talus Lake. 'The distance is between 15 and 20 kilometers. This day ride is as spectacular and picturesque as Talus Lake.
Day 8: Horses and riders leave the camp together with the packhorses and travel past Mount Romulus and Remus down the Little Elbow Valley to the confluence of Big Elbow and Little Elbow. Depending on the overall conditions of riders, horses, weather and trails, the guide will either decide on the spectacular Powderface Ridge leading down into Canyon Creek or the Wildhorse Threepoint Trail to the Threepoint Creek Camp.
Day 9: Depending on the chosen route today, we ride to the Trailhead where vehicles and trailers pick us up or we ride back directly to the ranch and  overnight at local B&B. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (not included).
Day 10: Transfer to Calgary after breakfast.

Riding Skills: This vacation is for riders with moderate or better experience and a keen sense of adventures. 4-7 hours per day will be spent on trail, though people -wishing to spend a day or two doing other activities such as hiking or relaxing will have that option. The horses have been chosen for their endurance, spirit, and sure-footedness in the mountains. Most are Arabians and Arab cross-breeds. Since the pack train uses different trails we will often canter where the trail is suitable. The guests are expected to help in tending to the horses and other camp duties. Most horses will be fitted with western style saddles but those with a distinct preference for English riding may be accommodated. This trip is designed for keen riders who are up to the challenge of covering between 170 and 200 km of rugged mountain trails.

Kananskis Country

Kananaskis Country is a forest reserve of 4200 square kilometers stretching from the foothills to the Continental Divide. Throughout most of Kananaskis motorized vehicles are prohibited, so horse and foot are still the only ways to see the country. The eastern slopes of the Rockies rise from the area of the ranch, where ridges are just less that 5000' (1500m) above see level, to the Continental Divide, where the higher peaks exceed 11000' (3300 m) and remain snow covered throughout the year. The fast flowing rivers issuing from the mountains are crystal clear, having never passed a house or road. Many species of big game call this country home: elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule and white-tailed deer, cougar, black and grizzly bears. Spotting these magnificent but elusive animals is an extraordinary treat.

Kananaskis Explorer itinerary

  see Slide Show