Banff National Park, Canada's oldest national park, is located 130 km from Calgary in the middle of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. If you love untouched nature but don't want to compromise on comfort, this Riding tour is the right place for you! You will explore the landscape and enjoy the breathtaking views of Alberta and British Columbia. On the Lodge ride, you will stay overnight in cozy accommodations, the Sundance and the Halfway Lodge. Both are located in the middle of the wilderness - here everything is transported by mule!

Itinerary

Day 1: The meeting point for the lodge ride is at 9:30 a.m. at the stable on the first day of your trip. There you will meet your ride guide and get to know the horses. Then the necessary luggage will be loaded onto the mules and you will be assigned your horse for this ride. Saddle up and let's go!
Along the glacial rivers Bow River, Healy, and Brewster Creek, you will ride to the comfortable and idyllically located Sundance Lodge in the middle of the wilderness. In between, you will enjoy a picnic lunch with freshly grilled food right in front of a picturesque mountain back by the river, which makes it taste twice as good!
The trails are a little wider at first, but they become narrower later on. While you may encounter a few hikers at the beginning, by the end of the day you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Majestic mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and forests are the main attractions. You will spend the night at Sundance Lodge. This very luxurious lodge is located in the beautiful mountain landscape of Banff National Park.

Day 2: The adventure continues south along the historic Pack Trail with the Sundance Range in the background. Beautiful views of the partly snow-capped peaks await you! In the evening, you will reach the Halfway Lodge, where a delicious dinner awaits you. Afterwards, you can end the day comfortably by the stove.

Day 3: After a hearty breakfast, you will set off on today's stage. You will either ride to the upper reaches of Brewster Creek or up to Allenby Pass (approx. 2,470 m) and enjoy fantastic views. The Canadian wilderness is breathtaking and you are sure to encounter some wildlife along the way! Don't forget to bring your camera. Overnight stay again at Halfway Lodge.

Day 4: Today is a day off from riding. Go hiking, take some time out and enjoy the day. Those who want to take care of their horses are welcome to do so – after all, you've probably become good friends by now.

Day 5: The day begins with a warm, hearty breakfast – just the right fuel for the ride to Fatigue Creek. Afterwards, you will have to say goodbye to the friendly staff at Halfway Lodge and set off. You may see wildlife such as bears, moose, or lynxes. Enjoy a lunch break in the Fatigue Valley, where you will be served a picnic and freshly brewed coffee. As you continue your ride, you will have great views of both Alberta and British Columbia from a high ridge! Nature in its most pristine form!

Day 6: Your last ride takes you through rivers and wooded areas back to civilization in Banff. Lunch is served fresh off the grill against a picturesque back : a crystal-clear glacier river winds its way through the valley at the foot of the mountains. In the late afternoon, you will reach the stables. Then it's time to say goodbye to your horse and an unforgettable journey into the Canadian wilderness.

Accomodation
Sundance Lodge: 
This Lodge was built on the site of a historic riding station and completed in 1991. The house is located on the banks of Brewster Creek in a secluded mountain area and is built entirely of wood. It has 10 bedrooms spread over two floors, a large kitchen and a cozy living room where you can relax by the wood stove. A certain level of comfort, such as hot showers, is provided. Enjoy a drink on the terrace and see if you can spot the resident marmots. Chipmunks and bears have also been spotted here.

Halfway Lodge: 
Surrounded by towering peaks, the Halfway Lodge has been a welcoming place to stay for 60 years. The Lodge is still largely in its original 1920s condition, but now has a second floor. The simple rooms can accommodate up to 14 guests. Lanterns and candles provide cozy lighting and a wood-burning stove keeps the Lodge warm and cozy. Alternatively, this trail can also be booked with comfortable camp accommodation. 

Catering: Breakfast and dinner are freshly prepared at Lodge or in the camp. Varied, delicious and sumptuous - the perfect start and end to every riding day! At lunchtime there is a saddlebag picnic en route in the most beautiful natural scenery. A fresh barbecue is also prepared from time to time.

Saddle & Tack: Western.

Experience: From approx. one year riding experience, slow riding pace (only walk) but 4-6 hours in the saddle per day.

Horses: Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Paints, Draft Cross.