Banff

1 Hour Bow River Ride

Banff, Canada
Banff Horseback Riding Adventure
  • 1 hour
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure. Get out of the car and onto the trails of the Bow River or the Spray River and enjoy the area’s beautiful outdoor environment, largely unchanged from the days of the pioneers. This equine-themed odyssey includes a guide, use of a horse, and all necessary equipment.
  • Horseback ride through Banff National Park
  • Ride a horse to natural sulfur springs
  • Ride along the Bow River or the Spray River (depending on option booked)
  • Learn about the history of the national park from a guide

What's Included

  • Lead and tail guides
  • Use of horse
  • Helmet (mandatory)
  • Basic horseback riding instruction
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drink
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Banff Trail Riders - Stables
    100 Sundance Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1B9, Canada

    The meeting point for the Bow River Ride is at Banff Trail Riders Stables, the big red stables located on Sundance Road in Banff.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Get a different perspective of the incredible scenery of Banff, during this horseback riding excursion along the Bow River or Spray River. This riding experience provides visitors with a first-hand taste of the wild landscape around Banff, much as the early settlers would have seen it, while mounted on horseback.

If you chose to cover the Bow River area, head to the natural sulfur hot springs. Follow the trail, which loops around a marsh near the Bow River. As you ride, catch views of Mt. Norquay and the Cascade Mountain in the distance.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • All riders must arrive 30 minutes prior to their ride time.
  • Guests participating in horseback riding will need to be 8 years or over and a maximum of 230lbs. Banff Trail Riders is committed to the health of our horses and the safety of our guests, which means that the minimum age and maximum weight requirements are strictly enforced. As part of the check-in process, guests may be required to confirm their current weight on a scale and provide proof of the child’s age. In the event that these requirements are not met, the booking will be forfeited without a refund.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Please note that children will not be paired with an adult – they must ride their own horse.
  • For our foreign visitors we require an understanding of basic English for our horseback rides, so that you can understand simple instructions from our guides.
  • Near public transportation
  • Children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • For safety purposes helmets are mandatory to be worn by all riders.
  • Riders must wear long pants and sturdy closed toed shoes enclosed to the ankle - no open toe shoes or shoes with big heels.
  • Adults must sign a waiver for all activities, and a waiver must also be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any person under the age of 18 (documentation may be required to confirm the signatory’s authority).
  • Riders must be physically capable of controlling the horse during the ride without assistance and for the health and safety of all riders we regrettably cannot accommodate any disabilities or special needs riders. We recognize that disabled riding is a unique and respected skill set that we at the barns do not have the appropriate equipment or skills to safely execute.
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Kamal_P
I did horseback riding with my two daughters. We were all first-timers and were very scared but wanted to try it. Clear instructions were provided prior to the experience. Our Guide was very knowledgeable and cognizant of all riders' needs. She created a fun and friendly environment and ensured all riders were comfortable during the ride. Mountains and Bow River views were amazing on our way! I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves horses!

Reviews

4.0
267 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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0
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 267 reviews
Sunday Morning Horseback Trail
Kenzie_B, May 2024
Lola was our guide lead for the tour and she was fantastic to have ridden with. The tour was so informational, and the views were unbeatable. All of the horses seemed so calm and confident regardless of their rider's skill level. I had the pleasure of riding with Sly and he was so sweet and made me feel so safe with him. If I have the fortune of visiting Banff again I would definitely book the 2 or 3 hour ride to see more of the park and spend more time with the dudes.
Love it
Rohit_S, Apr 2024
Very Excellent experience, Staff was great. Horse riding was so smooth well trained. Enjoyed it.....
The staff was great with...
Phil_M, Oct 2023
The staff was great with the riders getting everyone ready for the ride. The horses were all good with no hiccups along the ride. I would definitely do the ride agin with my daughter.
Horseback Sauntering
William_L, Oct 2023
The horses were very calm and reliable, the scenery was stunning, and the guides were engaging and professional
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We're delighted you had a great experience with our calm and reliable horses, stunning scenery, and engaging, professional guides. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable rides.
Very disappointing. Won’t be recommending you to anyone soon!
Wendy_H, Oct 2023
While I can appreciate your weight limitations, our more than fit companion, an experienced rider, could have easily rode one of your larger horses. You need to revise your protocol to accommodate advanced riders.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thank you for your understanding. Our protocols are crafted with care to ensure a positive experience for all, prioritizing both customer service and the well-being of our horses.
Amazing
Enkopa_M, Oct 2023
This was the most amazing experience. The staff was very patient with us first time riders especially Aliya! It was worth every penny!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Delighted you had an amazing experience, Aliya and the team are here to make your first-time ride enjoyable and valuable. Thank you!
So much fun!!
Nicole_H, Oct 2023
This place was beautiful! The horses were all very well behaved, the staff was great and the facilities were clean. The ride was fantastic! I would highly recommend it!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We're thrilled you found it beautiful, enjoyed well-behaved horses, great staff, clean facilities, and a fantastic ride. Thanks for the high recommendation!
Great time in beautiful Banff
Tracy_M, Oct 2023
We had the best ride! The horses were so well cared for and the stable was amazing. All the staff was so helpful and friendly and explained everything! The ride was beautiful! Macy our guide was the best! Highly recommend if you want beautiful views, loads of fun and a perfect time on your trip!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We're thrilled you had the best ride with well-cared-for horses, an amazing stable, friendly and helpful staff, and a beautiful ride guided by Macy. Thanks for the high recommendation! 🏇🌟🏞️😊
Great for couples :)
Sunny_P, Oct 2023
It is definitely worth it. I want to bring my parents and then try it with them once more. I love how kind and helpful the staff are. Thank you so much!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We're thrilled to hear that you found your experience worthwhile. We look forward to hosting you and your parents again for another memorable adventure. Our team takes pride in being kind and helpful, and we appreciate your kind words. Thank you!
Amazing experience
Hayley_S, Sep 2023
Banff was our last stop as part of our road trip, and we joined the 10am ride - great weather, very traditional stables and only just outside of Banff.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
It's fantastic to hear that your visit to Banff was the last stop on your road trip and that you joined the 10am ride. The great weather, traditional stables, and the proximity just outside of Banff added to your experience. We're delighted you chose to ride with us!
Adventures in Banff
Helen_M, Sep 2023
The staff and the horses were awesome. The horses were well cared for and staff extremely helpful and patient.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We're thrilled to hear that you had an awesome experience with our staff and horses. It's important to us that our horses are well cared for, and our team strives to be helpful and patient. Thank you for your kind words!
Great guides, beautiful setting, perfect day
Maria_J, Sep 2023
The trail was beautiful, guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and we were able to walk to stables from the Banff Arts center where we were staying. It was a beautiful walk through town and then on to the stables
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We're delighted to hear that you found the trail beautiful and our guides knowledgeable and friendly. It's great that you could conveniently walk to the stables from the Banff Arts Center where you were staying, enjoying a beautiful walk through town. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Good
Ganzhong_L, Sep 2023
Good! The stuff is friendly and horses are so cute! This is a really fun experience to enjoy the wild.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We're glad to hear you had a good time! Our friendly staff and adorable horses certainly add to the enjoyment of this fun wild experience. Thank you for sharing your positive feedback!
Unforgettable
Lisa_D, Sep 2023
Watching my family enjoy their first horse back ride in the mountains was spectacular. My husbands horse went to meet him and gave him a horse hug.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
It must have been a spectacular sight to watch your family enjoy their first horseback ride in the mountains. The moment when your husband's horse approached him for a "horse hug" sounds truly heartwarming. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience with us!
A. Nice ride, great views.
Marilyn_S, Sep 2023
I had a very nice time on my ride. The facility/ stables seemed efficient. I unfortunately mistook the ride time so arrived late. They were able to rebook me immediately. Dannie was a delightful guide. My horse Levi tried to take advantage of my inexperience by trying to rub me off on a couple of trees but I find that kind of typical of horses. It was a pleasant ride. Helpful tip: wear sturdy shoes that you don't mind wearing in the muck of a muddy horse pen.
Thieves took our money
Amninder_K, Sep 2023
Did even go on. It was raining so bad and they still continued the ride. I didn't had rain coat and didn't wanna get sick. So, i requested to go on next slot, they denied even tho they had so many slots available
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We regret any inconvenience you experienced due to the rain and your request to reschedule. Unfortunately, as per our terms and conditions, rescheduling may not always be possible. We understand your concern for your well-being and will consider your feedback for future improvements. Thank you for your understanding.
Highly recommend Bow river horse trail ride
Lorraine_P, Sep 2023
Lovely quiet horse Riding through beautiful scenery Staff very competent and friendly Very enjoyable experience all round
Great experience overall...
Nuzhah_N, Sep 2023
Great experience overall but if you are in the middle or the back, you can barely hear the guide talk. And if it's your first time riding the guides really don't care they expect you to know what to do or how to guide the horse. They talk really fast during the orientation you can barely understand if you're a first time rider.
Divinely Perfect
Khadijah_A, Sep 2023
Thank you for this incredible experience and offering the space. I would do this again in a heartbeat.
A very very easy ride. We...
Crystal_F, Aug 2023
A very very easy ride. We opted for an hour ride and it was pleasant. If you’re an experienced rider, you might want something more adventurous. It was perfect for us. Adrian was very informative and super patient with the inexperienced (I wouldn’t have been as patient) riders.
...
Likely to Sell Out

From $71.89

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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