Horseback riding can truly bring you closer to nature than ever, amidst the peaceful solitude and incredible beauty of the Rocky Mountain back-country! Here you will learn all about the lifestyle in the West as the cowboys will guide you through Banff National Park, the photographers haven of the Canadian Rockies. These pack trips take fellow adventurers deep into the heart of the rugged North American wilderness to explore some of the most spectacular landscapes. You can join us on a 6-day Wilderness Tenting Ride in the Cascade Valley or select one of our shorter versions. The clanging of the dinner bell each night will bring all to our delicious ranch-style meals. The coffee is always on and kept hot on the wood stove, ready and waiting! The horses, chosen especially to meet your needs and experience, will win you over with their charming personalities and amaze you with their versatility and trail abilities. You will no doubt form a "partnership" during your ride and come to respect your new friend immensely! The trails may lead to the tranquil beauty of Rainbow, Sawback or Cuthead Lakes; to the overwhelming views of 40 Mile Summit, Cuthead View Point, or the Rainbow Ridge; the open valleys on the Passes of Elk Lake or 40 Mile Summit, the beauty of the Dormer and Block Valleys or the eerie atmosphere of Mystic Valley. The historic elk corral or wild goat trap should provide you with plenty of opportunities to see the abundant wildlife - most commonly the elk, deer, bighorn sheep, goats, eagles - and capture them all on film! And if you are lucky, your may also get the occasional bear or timber wolf sighting! The riding is casual, with plenty of breaks and leisurely picnic lunches. Lunch breaks also lend you time for some exploring on foot, fishing and even a well deserved snooze in the tall grass!

We are also pleased to offer a number of exciting and educational interpretive trips each summer featuring leading authorities on wildlife, photography, mule-manship, the Banff National Park!

Each of the three camps on the circuit offer their own particular charms. Stoney Creek Camp sits at the junction of Stoney Creek and the Cascade River, and offers the rugged, sculptured peaks of the Palliser Range as a backdrop. is nestled into the base of massive Flints Peak. Open vistas and starry nights highlight this beautiful Flints Park Camp camp. The last camp is aptly called Mystic, with its stands of big, old pine and spruce trees covered with hanging moss, and open, grassy slides; this camp is set in a truly mystical location.

Each camp is set up with A-frame canvas tents on raised wooden platforms, large cozy kitchen tents for meals and socializing, rail corrals for the horses, treated drinking water, even a shower at Flints Park! Simple luxuries abound: wash stands and hot water, a fire pit for evening socializing, tales and song, a large kitchen tent where meals are cooked and served, - which make for cozy accommodations. There are rustic rail corrals for the horses.

Rivers flow nearby for the fishermen or brave swimmers. The clanging of the dinner bell calls all to delicious ranch-style meals. Coffee is always on and kept hot on the wood stove.

Although we can cater to some specialty diets, we do not cater specifically to vegetarian diets. There are always plenty of meat-free options available. However we do not offer a “vegetarian” main course.

Banff Backcountry Lodges

Riding

With over 300 horses we can accommodate any rider level, from novice to advanced. Happy to help you with some riding instruction, feel free to ask your guide any questions!

Day 1 - The riders meet in Banff at 8:30 a.m. and are transported by van to the trailhead corral at Mount Norquay. There they are met by their guides and horses, and mount up for the eleven mile ride over Elk Lake Summit between Brewster Mountain and Cascade Mountain, and down into Stoney Creek Camp.
Day 2 - A ride is taken toward the headwaters of Stoney Creek, returning to camp for the night. This area is a favorite haunt of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, who are often grazing in the high meadows, providing ample opportunity for pictures.
Day 3 - The riders roll up their duffel, mount up, and ride the ten miles to Flint's Park Camp. This camp, located in the center of open, grassy ridges topped with high peaks, has become a favorite of many of our riders. Wildlife is commonly seen and photographed in this area.
Day 4 - A day ride is conducted from camp to Block Mountain, or perhaps to Cuthead Viewpoint - just two of the many points of interest accessible from Flint's Park. This area has much to offer the rider, photographer, hiker and fisherman alike.
Day 5 - Once again the riders roll up their duffel in preparation for the ride to the Mystic Valley Camp. At this time the guests have the opportunity to observe the historic art of horse packing, using the famous diamond hitch. When everything is securely in place, the riders mount up and ride into Mystic Valley for the final night. It is traditional with our guides to have a real western dinner for the last night. By this time everyone has become friends, and all are ready for a wind-up get-together.
Day 6 - Unfortunately, every trip has a last day, but what better way to end the trip than with the scenic nine mile ride from Mystic Valley to the Mount Norquay Corral. The "Full Circle" has been completed and the riders return to Banff at approximately 5:00 p.m.

The 4 day trip departs Mondays and stays one night in Stoney Creek, Flints Park and Mystic camps.

The 5 day trip departs Saturdays and stays one night in Stoney Creek camp, two nights in Flints Park camp and one night in Mystic camp.

This trip takes you on our Wilderness Tenting route through the tent camps of Stoney Creek, Flints Park and Mystic Valley.

Mountain Photography Trip - 6 days
For the past 2 years we have featured a photography trip to share our remote wilderness with those eager to visit these special places. Professional instruction can help you take the next step towards that perfect imagine. The abundance of spectacular scenery, wildlife and cowboy lifestyle provide any enthusiastic artist with incredible landscape, portrait and action photos.
Raymond will once again be our photo instructor for 2011. He is a long-time contributor to National Geographic Magazine, Books and Traveler's Magainze. He will share come of his secrets and hints for getting the most out of your artist eye and camera's creative potential.
This trip takes you on our Wilderness Tenting route through the tent camps of Stoney Creek, Flints Park and Mystic Valley. Each camp is set up with A-frame canvas tents on raised wooden platforms, large cozy kitchen tents for meals and socializing, rail corrals for the horses, treated drinking water, even a shower at Flints Park!

Paws in the Wilderness - 5 days
With Melanie Percy
Wolves have always been a fascinating part of mountain life as their presence helps to maintain ecological health, yet the animals remain mysterious and elusive towards humans. While few visitors to the mountains ever see wolves, their presence can be confirmed by paw prints on the trail, and by the occasional howl on a moon-lit night. Melanie Percy, a local wildlife ecologist who has spent may years tracking wolves in Banff National Park will take guests through the traditional territory of the Cascade Valley wolf park. Melanie will share her knowledge of wolf biology, social behavior, predator-prey relationships, pup production and denning, and will discuss the history of wolves, wolf research and research techniques in Banff National Park. Melanie's experience as a wildlife ecologist has also given her a wide spectrum of knowledge regarding grizzly and back bears, cougars, lynx, wolverine, elk and other animals in the area. This trip takes you on our Wilderness Tenting route through the tent camps of Stoney Creek, Flints Park and Mystic Valley.

Other Info
Meeting: Banff
Airport: Calgary
Transfer: Pick up: Banff at 8:30 AM - drop off at 4:30 PM

It is no coincidence that visitor activities available in Banff National Park are as varied as the park's climate. A year in Banff National Park would give a visitor a taste of everything in terms of weather and recreation. The summer sees sunny, warm days for such things as horseback riding, hiking, biking, camping, and climbing. The winter brings crisp, snowy days for tracking, skating, and alpine and nordic skiing.

July is the warmest, with average highs of 22°C (71 F) in the Town of Banff. January is the coldest month with average lows of -15°C (5 F), though the mercury can drop into the minus thirties.

The relative dryness of the air in Banff, however, makes even extreme temperatures more bearable.

Likely the most reliable characteristic of the weather in Banff National Park is its variability. The weather at one point in the park may be quite different from that of other points relatively near by. At one specific location the weather can vary considerably from year to year, and from day to day, so be prepared!

Even if it is warm and sunny, always take rain gear and a sweater. You might need them by the time you reach your destination.

The weather can also change dramatically throughout the day. The dryness of the air causes temperatures to vary considerably from night to day. The temperature on a summer night can drop to a few degrees above freezing even if daytime temperatures climbed into the upper twenties (80's F).

Vacationing in such a variable climate means thinking ahead and having a sense of adventure!

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Town of Banff (Elevation 1397m / 4540 ft)

Climate, more than any other factor, determines what will exist in an ecosystem. The climate is the primary determinant of what types and amounts of vegetation will exist in an area. The types and amounts of vegetation determine the types and numbers of herbivorous and omnivorous animals. At the top of the ladder are the carnivores, dependent on all below them. So the answer to the above question is, "Climate influences everything in Banff National Park!"

Wildlife habitat is sculpted by the weather. During the winter some animals, like bears, can hibernate. Others animals, like voles, adapt by traveling through tunnels in the snow. Still others, like bighorn sheep, are dependent on the grass that hides beneath the snow. In the winter, they must make their way down toward the valleys or to the few windswept slopes to find food. Their long term populations are determined by the numbers that their winter habitat will support.

Humans in Banff National Park have habits similar to those of the wildlife, and we respond to the changes in weather in a similar way. In winter, we may choose to hibernate in our own way. Those that do not, stay pretty much to the montane valleys, perhaps traveling to the few high mountain slopes where the conditions are right for skiing. In the summer we again range high up into the mountains to hike, ride horses, bike, climb.

Visitors to Banff National Park must remain aware of the effect that climate has on all the animals (humans included) in the Park. Make sure that you are informed, and prepared to enjoy and endure all of the kinds of weather that you will encounter. Please be sensitive to Banff's wildlife and to their efforts to respond to the park's climatic cycles. Remember that humans share Banff's valleys and mountains with the park's wildlife and vegetation.

When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal's comfort is very important to us. By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that. You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It can not have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a total maximum weight of 30 lbs (including sleeping bag, thermorest pad, and your duffel). However, you may pack your sleeping bag and mattress separately from your other gear.

It's a good idea to line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for waterproofing. Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb weight restriction.

If you would like to bring saddlebags please fill them with only those essential items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm, your camera, sunscreen, etc. We reserve the right to limit the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well. Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed -- they are hard on your back and hard on the horse's back, and do not tie properly to the saddle.

We have a limited supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day, however we suggest you book them early, as last year this was a popular service. These are available for pick up upon check in (sorry, no earlier), and are rented out on a cash only basis.

A warm sleeping bag -- We recommend a bag rated to -15 degrees Celsius or 5 degrees Fahrenheit. You may not need it, but it sure comes in handy if you do. To further keep you snug and warm, we also recommend that you bring a flannel sheet or non-bulky blanket that fits inside your sleeping bag.
A treated canvas tarp -- used to wrap under and around your sleeping bag to help keep you warm and dry during the night. This can also be used during the day to waterproof your sleeping bag (see instructions below on how to make a bedroll). Tarps can often be found at army surplus stores. Heavy cotton found at a fabric store can be waterproofed and serve the same purpose. Although canvas tarps are what we use and recommend, you are welcome to bring the bedroll of your choice. We have a limited supply of 8'x10' treated canvas tarps for rent for $5/day. If you are interested in this service, please book early. These are available for pick up upon check in and are rented out on a cash only basis.
A mattress -- A self-inflatable mattress (e.g. thermarest) works the best to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
A warm coat -- Essential to ward off chilly nights or a windy day. Also bring a heavy sweater (wool is a great insulator) or fleece jacket.
Rain gear -- A raincoat and rain pants, and if possible, coverings for your boots and hat. Please DO NOT bring rain ponchos, they flap in the wind and spook the horses. If you have one, we recommend an oilskin slicker. We have a limited supply of full-length oilskin slickers for rent for $7/day. If you are interested in this service, please book early. These are available for pick up upon check in and are rented out on a cash only basis.
Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1 long-sleeved shirt (turtleneck if you prefer) and 2 t-shirts.
Jeans -- We suggest one pair for riding in over the six days and one other pair for wearing around various camps at night. Also important is a pair of long underwear for chilly nights.
Riding boots -- A boot with a heel that can easily slip in and out of stirrups. Alternatives would be a narrow style of hiking boot or solid sneaker. For safety reasons, clunky hiking boots are not recommended. Plastic bags inside your boots will keep your feet dry on rainy days.
Sneakers -- or an extra pair of shoes for wearing around camp, an extra pair of DRY socks is also recommended.
Toiletries -- towel, facecloth, biodegradable shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razors, etc. Please note that we do not have any electricity at the camps. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP AT ALL CAMPS.
Flashlight -- Remember to check your batteries!
Hat -- A cowboy hat offers the most protection from the elements. Baseball caps or canvas-type hats are also fine. Please ensure that your hat fits snug or ties on and will not blow off in the wind.
Gloves & a Scarf -- Lined leather or suede gloves provide protection from the elements and a sure grip on the reins (bring two pair just in case one gets wet). A silk or cotton scarf is recommended for extra warmth.
Sunscreen-- sunglasses and mosquito repellent.
Your camera -- Please ensure your batteries are well charged. Please note that we do not have any electricity at the camps.
Liquor -- Please make sure that all bottled liquor is well-wrapped in plastic and placed in the middle of your duffel to prevent it from breaking. Plastic bottles are preferred. Please pack canned beer separate from your duffel. Canned mix and beer is available for sale in all of the camps .Please remember that alcohol is included in your 30lb weight limit.
Cellular phones do not work in the areas you'll be riding in so leave them somewhere safe.
Water bottle - for refreshment while you are riding.
Please note: If you are planning on making your final trip payment with cash, please arrange to bring exact change with you to speed up the sign-in process. If you are planning on making your final payment with a credit card, please contact the credit card company ahead of time to make them aware of the future charge amount (often, to protect you, credit card companies will not allow a legitimate charge to go through if they are not aware that you are traveling in another country)

How To Make Bed Roll
Lay out your canvas tarp on the ground. Lay your thermos in the middle of the tarp with the air valve pointing to the top of the bedroll (open the valve so that the air will escape as you roll). Line your sleeping bag with a flannel sheet or extra blanket. Place your closed sleeping bag in the middle of the tarp, on top of the thermos. Put a pillowcase in the middle of your sleeping bag. (Once you are ready for bed, you can use your warm coat inside the pillowcase as a pillow). Fold one side flap of the tarp over the sleeping bag. Fold in the other side of the tarp over the sleeping bag. Fold the bottom flap over and start rolling towards the top of the sleeping bag. Once you are near the head of the sleeping bag, reach in and close the valve on your thermos pad. Fold in the top flap of canvas tarp and finish rolling. Using a rope with a slipknot, tie the bedroll securely.

It's a good idea to reserve ahead if you are interested in renting saddlebags or rain slickers.

Cellular phones do not work in the areas you’ll be riding in so leave them somewhere safe.

Banff Tenting Ride - 4 days

Rates include:

Packages and Options

Rates do not include: