Ride on the Eastern Rockies Alberta Canada You would love to explore the beautiful mountains of Kananaskis Country and the Foothills, but also love a bit more comfort? You want to ride all day but return to a warm bed and shower at the end of the day? We’ve got the answer for you! Ride on the Eastern Rockies gives you the most flexibility for your horseback adventure. A shorter 3-day to 7-day wilderness getaway into the breathtaking mountain wilderness of the Kananaskis range - in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This is a rugged, minimum impact ride, in small groups where everyone can get personal attention and develop their abilities and confidence. This trip is offered all year round to you can choose which beautiful Canadian season to visit. Trails will be adapted according to weather conditions, but there is always plenty to choose from! In the summer, enjoy hiking and canoeing on the lake. Snowshoeing, skating and sleigh rides in the winter months. Massages can also be booked year round. Ride on the Eastern Rockies is meant for any skill level. Whether you are a first time rider or a seasoned and experienced rider, you have the ability to customize your own experience! Build from our menu of options and ride for as long and hard as you like up to 7 hours in the saddle, or as calm and tranquil as you like. If you have interest in horses and want to sharpen up your skills, you can take private riding lessons and learn all about trail riding and horsemanship with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. We will pair groups only with similar experience levels so as to give the best possible experience to all levels of riders! This is a genuine, real-life adventure, breathtaking scenery, camaraderie of the trail, excellent food and the opportunity to learn as much as you can about horses, riding and living with nature. Guest Ranch Short Getaway Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Bragg Creek Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC) Transfer: -- Riders: Min 1 riders Max 7 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 8 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

    GST (VAT)  5%

Transfers not included for this trip. Best to rent a car or schedule a shuttle through Corporate Shuttle. Please arrive between 4:00pm- 6:00pm on the first day of your trip.

This is a stationary program with your choice of half-day or full day guided rides. Each riding day is suited to your skill level.

The trip is scheduled with no riding on your arrival day and no riding on your departure day. This of course can be altered. In order to make the half-day ride, please arrive by 1:00pm to the ranch with having already eaten lunch. In order to make the full-day ride, please arrive by 9:00am. Let us know your choice when you book!

During the summer months, full day rides include outings in the foothills and local mountains. Half-day rides during this time of the year are usually 2-3 hours long.
During the winter season, full day rides focus on the area closer to the ranch. Half-day rides during this time of the year are usually 1.5-2 hours long.

While we have a route planned at the outset of every trip, changes are sometimes forced upon us by weather, bear activity or other environmental hazards. The guides reserve the option of changing the day's activity from the published schedule based on any concern they have for the safety of the party. In these cases, various alternatives will normally be presented to the group and a decision made in consultation with them.

Trails are subject to change due to weather and other natural causes.

                                            Bragg Creek area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	30	36	41	50	59	66	72	71	62	54	40	32
Average Low Temperature (°F)	1	7	13	23	31	38	41	40	32	24	11	4
Average High Temperature (°C)	-1	2	5	10	15	19	22	22	17	12	4	0
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-17	-14	-11	-5	-1	3	5	4	0	-5	-11	-16
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	4	6	7	10	10	8	8	7	5	4	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
During the riding season of June to September, temperatures will range widely, with the hottest daytime temperatures reaching 30 C (85 F). We are riding at elevations ranging from 1400 m (4400') to well above the tree line at 2700m (8400'), so wide fluctuations in temperature can be expected. This region always cools off at night, and frequently experiences frost even in mid-summer. We always take our rain gear with us on the saddle. Even if it doesn't rain, it may be necessary to cut the wind when we're above the tree line

We suggest to bring
- 2 pair of jeans or riding pants
- 3 long sleeve shirts
- Fleece or sweater (fleece is lighter)
- Jacket or vest as wind breaker
- Brimmed hat (protects from rain, sun and low branches) 
- Healed, ankle-high, water-repellant boots
- Gloves
- Toque (warm hat)
- Warm socks (1 pair per day)
- Underwear (1 set per day)
- Towel and swimsuit (optional)
- Personal hygiene items
- Warm underwear
- Camera
- Chaps (if available)

* If you have any medical condition like allergies, or are on medication, please tell your guide.


Available to borrow (no extra charge)
- Rainwear (oil-skin slicker)
- Riding Helmet

Saddle bags
Your trail horse will have 2 saddlebags tied to the saddle. One is for your personal items to carry on the trail, such as camera, sun protection, water bottle, extra layer of clothes, etc. The other bag is reserved for "group items" such as lunch or first aid kit. Your rain wear will also travel with you tied behind the saddle.

Average ratings from 3 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date kim tait 7/6/2018 karen adkin 5/5/2017 nancy bearg 7/24/2016

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent at the same location.

Description
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! This is one of the prettiest areas for riding in the world. On the Eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta has a tradition of ranching that started in the late-1800's and continues today. Riding westward from the ranch toward the Continental Divide, landscape changes from one of rolling ridges and open forests to one of high alpine meadows, thick primal forests, and shear limestone cliffs. The highest peaks in the region are around 11,000 feet with permanent snowfields and glaciers on their shoulders. This variety of ecosystems makes each day’s ride different and beautiful in its own unique way.
The guesthouse has 5 rooms (2 single rooms with one double bed, and 3 rooms with king bed, two twins, or two double beds). There are 2 full bathrooms, which are shared amongst all guests. We provide all bed linen and towels, but please bring your own soap and shampoo. There is a hairdryer in each bathroom.
Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the property except for around the outdoor fire pit. There is no TV or cell service in the guest house, but there is complimentary WIFI. You are welcome use the i-pod docking station, boards games, and a large selection of books and magazines available. There is a telephone in the guest house that can be used for local calls or long distance if you bring a calling card.
Laundry is available for an additional fee at certain times of the day.



Room Occupancy
Single supplement is waived if you are willing to share.

Other Activities on the Ranch
The trails around the ranch are also suitable for walks. There is a small lake at the north end of the property with 2 canoes if you want to enjoy a paddle or watch the beavers. Massages can also be booked for an additional fee. During the winter months snowshoeing, skating or a sleigh ride (needs to be pre-booked) are possible on site and an excellent cross country ski facility is located nearby. 


Meals
All breakfasts are included. If you choose the full day rides, lunches are also included. Dinners are never included in this package but there are plenty of restaurants in the closest city (Bragg Creek - about 15 minutes drive away).

Important note: During the 2022 season, the ranch will not be serving any meals.

All our meals are made fresh using as many local ingredients as possible. In most cases, you will have lunch on the trail, stopping at a scenic place.

Breakfast is typically served around 8.30 AM and features toasts, bagels, jams, honey, eggs, yogurt, fruits... 
You can also choose between coffee, tea, water or juice for breakfast.

Please note that we do not serve alcohol.

Dietary Restrictions
We cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Gluten-free requests are $10 extra per day.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Canadian, Arab, Quarter Horse, Morgan, Welsh pony, Paint and cross breeds
Pace:		Can cater to all riding levels from beginners to experienced. Slow in the mountains, but nice opportunities for faster paced riding across open meadows, 4 -7 hours per day. Some dense forest areas and extreme steep and rocky terrain sections.
Level:		(1 to 4 out of 5)    Beginner
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 7 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 8

Riding Experience
This trip is meant for any skill level. Whether you are a first time rider or a seasoned and experienced rider, you have the ability to customize your own experience! Build from our menu of options and ride for as long and hard as you like or as calm and tranquil as you like. If you have interest in horses and want to sharpen up your skills, you can take private riding lessons and learn all about trail riding and horsemanship with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. We will pair groups only with similar experience levels so as to give the best possible experience to all levels of riders!
A standard 4-7 hours per day will be spent on trail, though people wishing to spend less tune riding, or a day or two doing other activities such as hiking or relaxing, will have that option.

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.

Horses
The horses have been chosen for their endurance, spirit, and reliability in the mountains. Our horses are trained western style (neck-reining), but most English trained riders adapt very quickly to this style of riding with a bit of instruction and advice! Most horses will be fitted with western style saddles but those with a distinct preference for English riding may be accommodated.

Passports

Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:

(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;

(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;

(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).

Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);

(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.

Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Passport Note

Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:

(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;

(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;

(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.

Validity

Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)

Working Days Required

10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	1
USA	2
Other EU	3
Visa Required?
British	No/4
Australian	No
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	5
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.