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Kananaskis Continental Divide Ride


Itinerary for Kananaskis Continental Divide Ride




Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

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.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
We will arrange pick-up from Calgary in the afternoon, either from the international airport or a hotel. The exact pick up time will be coordinated with you directly, but typically we don’t schedule pick-ups before 4:00pm. After approximately a 1 hour drive, you will be dropped off at the Ranch where we have a welcome meet & greet BBQ with all guests and the staff to give you and us the chance to get to know each other a bit, ask questions, and – most importantly – go over the plan for the next days, including weather forecast and reminders of what you need to bring. We will talk to you about your riding skills and preferences and dislikes in a horse so we can select a good match for you to ride over the next days. You will then be issued a sturdy duffel bag, sleeping bag, and mattress. After you check into your room, you will have time to pack and prepare for the trip and socialize with the other guests.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 2 (Monday): Introductory Ride
After a short test ride in our arena, we will pack a lunch and leave the ranch – either on horseback or by loading them on a trailer and departing from a near trailhead. We take it easy the first day and ride through the forests and meadows of the Foothills until we reach our first camp. It takes 5 hours to get to the first camp.
When arriving in camp, we take care of the horses, groom and feed them and then have time to rest ourselves with a good cup of cowboy coffee or tea. The camp is located near a small river that is refreshing on a hot day for those who like to take a splash!
Dinner is made over an open fire. We have put up large wall tents that offer enough space and shelter for the group.
Riding approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at Threepoint Camp

Day 3 (Tuesday): Threepoint Camp to Elbow River
If the weather for the day is favorable we will break camp after breakfast and depart for our longest day of the week. A breathtaking ride through the foothills and across a mountain range will take the better part of 7 hours to get top our next camp. This ride can’t be done in poor weather conditions.
Riding approx. 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Elbow River

Day 4 (Wednesday): Elbow River on Horseback
The plan is to make a short but dramatic ride up a hidden valley. Because we’ll be returning to the same camp, we can make a leisurely start, and we should be back early enough in the afternoon for a refreshing swim I’m the river near camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Elbow River

Day 5 (Thursday): Elbow River on Horseback
Weather permitting, the plan is to navigate our way around a mountain range using some very challenging trails. It will take more than 7 hours to complete that loop that is well described as an equestrian obstacle course. Return to the same camp late in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Elbow River


Day 6 (Friday): Sheep River Ride
After breakfast, we will break camp, pack up the horses and move up valley, crossing a low pass into the drainage of the Sheep River. This ride takes us past the highest mountain we’ll see, rising 3200m. It’s a fairly easy day covering about 24 kms
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Sheep River

Day 7 (Saturday): Ride to Paradise Valley
We pack up again and head north, past some alpine lakes where we’ll take lunch and maybe a swim if it is warm enough. We’ll arrive in our new camp in a beautiful meadow before supper.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Paradise Valley


Day 8 (Sunday): Paradise Pass
There are several options in Paradise Valley, but if conditions are suitable our favourite is to climb to Paradise Pass (2575M). If people feel strong we might continue around a nameless mountain range and make our way back to camp by descending a rugged and steep valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Paradise Valley


Day 9 (Monday): Ride back to Elbow River Valley
After breakfast, we break camp for the last time, pack the horses, and ride down the valley where we will be met by the truck and trailer. After 8 days of riding through Kananaskis Country, you will return to civilization, where you can enjoy a shower and a nice dinner in the company of your new found friends.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 10 (Tuesday): Departure
After breakfast, it’s time to say good bye. The shuttle will pick you up around 9.30am to take you back to Calgary. With you will be the memories of an unforgettable adventure in Kananaskis Country.
Meals included: Breakfast


Note: Elevations range between 4400' at the Ranch, to over 8400' at Paradise Pass. Routes may vary due to a variety of natural conditions.
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. A reasonable level of personal fitness is required.
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Kananaskis Continental Divide Ride
Tour Code: RTAB18-S
10 days / 9 nights
Dates : July to August

Trip Rating :
Difficulty : Riding Level
Riding Level Explained
ABeginner
Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
BNovice
Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
CIntermediate
Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
D Strong Intermediate
Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
EAdvanced
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
Lodging: Standard
Lodging Level Explained
   
= Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
   
Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
 Accommodations with superior comforts.
   
 = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
   
Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
   
 = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
   
Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

Online Reservation

Check here for details and availability
Season Tour Dates  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 06/30 - 07/09 10d / 9n 10 day trip - 7 nights campi... 3 /8 Sold Out
A 2024 08/18 - 08/27 10d / 9n 10 day trip - 7 nights campi... 3 /8 Sold Out
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack: Western
Horses: Canadian, Arab, Quarter Horse, Morgan,...
Pace: Moderate pace. Slow in the mountains, ...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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