Mountain & Prairie Expedition

Introduction
Alberta Canada

Who says You can't have it All?
Ride 5 days in Kananaskis Country and finish with a Competitive Trail Ride in Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, Southern Alberta. It is the perfect combination for all those who can't decide whether to enjoy the quiet wilderness of the Canadian Rockies or gallop across the Prairies and through the badlands of Southern Alberta. A wilderness getaway into the breathtaking mountain wilderness of the Kananaskis range - in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains – then you are off to the wide open plains for the prairies. This is a  rugged, minimum impact wilderness adventure, in small groups where everyone can get personal attention and develop their abilities and confidence. The first five days in the mountains give you lots of time to develop an affection and appreciation for both your horse and the Canadian wilderness, though almost everyone agrees that the time flies quickly and they are left with the urge to return and explore other untracked valleys and ridgelines. After a short overnight rest at the B&B we are then off to ride across the open windswept plains of Southern Alberta.  It is excellent riding country, with unlimited opportunity for experienced riders to move at a faster pace.

This is not are not a big "corporate" ranch or pack outfitter. Indeed "big" is incompatible with our desire to leave as small as possible a footprint on the wilderness. We don't offer opulent luxury with simulated but tightly scripted "adventure". We don't stage mock gun-fights or hold-ups for the amusement of "tourists". This is a genuine, real-life adventure, breathtaking scenery, camaraderie of the trail, excellent camp-fire cooked food and the opportunity to learn as much as you can about horses, riding and living with nature.

Accomodation

The ranch lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 13 km south of the picturesque hamlet of Bragg Creek and roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary - a wilderness area stretching to the Continental Divide.
The trip includes all meals. You will stay 3 nights in local B&B in Bragg Creek, and camp 6 nights. We will either sleep in large tents (up to 7 per tent), or leantos to enjoy the night sky whenever practical. Sometimes we are treated to a display of the Northern lights by doing so. We have found that most people are happy to sleep in close proximity to each other when in the wilds.

Riding

This vacation is for riders with moderate or better experience and a keen sense of adventures.
Four to seven 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. 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.

There are some trails we use where it is necessary to hike over rocky terrain, either to avoid undue risk or to enjoy a vista that cannot be ridden to. For most people this is a refreshing change that allows them to stretch their legs. We recommend that you bring or wear comfortable footwear that you can hike for a kilometer or two in.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer at 4:00 PM from the Calgary airport to Bragg Creek. Meet and greet at ranch. Review the week's schedule and issue kit. Transfer to B&B Dinner (not included) and overnight in local B&B.
Day 2:   First you will be matched with a horse of appropriate temperament, pack up the horses and then the  horseback-riding adventure can begin. We head out west through meadows, forests and creeks and reach our first camp in the afternoon.
Day 3:   A long day in the saddle awaits the group. We pack up camp and ride further west, gradually climbing out of the foothills and into the Rocky Mountains. This is a very scenic and breathtaking ride with nice canters and trots as well as fantastic views. We get to the second camp in the valley of the Elbow River late in the afternoon.
Day 4 and 5:   We don't have to pack up camp for the next two days. There are a variety of scenic trails in the area we can choose from . All of them have their own beauty and fascination.
Day 6:   We pack up camp and leave the valley with the packhorses. By midday the packhorses will be picked-up, while the group continues the ride over Powderface Ridge, a steep climb up to alpine meadows with a great overview of the area you rode in for the last 5 days. Return to ranch in the afternoon and farewell dinner. Overnight in same B&B
Day 7   Drive to Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
Day 8   Ride the WOS Competitive Trail Ride
Day 9   Leasureley ride in Milk River Valley, return to Bragg Creek, accommodation in B&B
Day 10 Transfer to Calgary after breakfast
 

Rates and Dates for Mountain & Prairie Expedition

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Bragg Creek
Airport: Calgary
Transfer: Calgary Airport 4 PM

Climate: