from 6 y.o
From the horse’s mouth
Itinerary
Highlights
- Experience the fabulous scenery of British Colombia, just a few hours south of Banff National Park
- Varied activities, perfect for families and non-riders
- An excellent selection of horses for beginners to more experienced riders.
- Please contact us for your extension to Banff National Park and self-drive programs.
Dates & prices
Price details
- Rates a per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin standard room.
- The usual group size is 1 - 6 of international riders plus guide.
- Transfers are included and available from Cranbrook airport. First shuttle is 2pm on day or arrival (please aim to arrive in the late afternoon at the latest), last shuttle is 11:30 am on day of departure.
- Non-riders welcome and benefit from a special rate - please contact us.
- Children aged 6-12 are welcome, with special discounts available (please contact us).
- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. approx. £540/€625/$680 in the high season and £340/€400/$440 in the low season in 2025. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.
- You can rent cowboy boots for CA$35 for the week
Activities included (depending on the season:
Unlimited guided horseback riding – every morning and afternoon (Mon-Fri).
Full multi-sport program.
Shooting sports (archery, clay pigeon and rim fire)
River Rafting (July and August only)
Guided hike , E-Bike tours & mapped hiking trails, & mountain biking.
Fly fishing equipment and unlimited access. fishing opens June 15th on the river.
River Rafting is not available in Spring or Fall (July and August only).
All ranch amenities - indoor heated swimming pool, hot tut, fitness facility & tennis.
Full evening entertainment program.
Additional activities that can be organised but are not included:
Guided fly fishing trips on the St. Mary’s River (Fishing is best mid July – Oct)
Massage by appointment at lodge.
Local Golf – 5 major – 18 hole courses within 20 minutes of the ranch
Private & semi-private riding lessons – ranch arena
Full service bar – Beer, wine list etc.
If you’re planning off ranch adventures you will need to rent a car.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.
Price includes
Staff and guides
Logistics
Domestic transportation
Accommodation
Meals
Extra
Extra
10% gratuity and 6,2% tax
Price doesn't include
Meals
Transports
International flights
Insurance
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
Optional
Accommodation
Equestrian info
Horses
Guide & local team
Minimum riding ability
Minimum riding ability
Weight limit: 270 lbs - 120 kg - 19 st
Pace
Tacking ability and participation
Trip conditions and Requested experience
Riders who are unable to mount unassisted from the ground may not be eligible for fast rides.
Equestrian equipment
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.
Travel info
Comfort
Families have the option of staying in bigger chalets that can accommodate up to 4 people. Please contact us.
Meals
Lunch: hot and cold options, salads, grilled meats, dessert
Dinner: American style, potatoes, meat, salads, bread, dessert, BBQ dinners or Mexican dinners...
Extra drinks can be purchased locally.
Climate
Tips
Packing list
Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays. Helmets are mandatory for children.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and keep you cooler
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper
- Waterproof jacket - it can rain and there are frequent thunderstorms
- Swimming costume - for the Jacuzzi
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps as an extra layer against inclement weather. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for moving around the ranch in the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun.
Evening wear
- Casual clothes for the evening
Nightwear
- Pyjamas or nightdress
Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Other useful items
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding you can put them in your saddlebag
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
In your hold luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Rehydration sachets
Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you just in case.
Provided equipment:
- First aid kit
- Saddle bags
- Fully equipped room, with towels, bed linen etc
- Free laundry service
Sustainable tourism
- Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
- Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
- Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
- Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
- Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
- Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885 in the Rocky Mountains. It is the third-oldest national park in the world and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 due to its impressive scenic landscapes and wildlife. While riding in this breathtaking natural park, you will be able to see ancient glaciers, many crystal-clear lakes and maybe spot a few of the 53 species of mammals (elk, bighorn sheep, mountains goats, moose, bears and wolves) that roam the area. The Park is open all year round, with peak seasons being in July for the warm temperatures, and August for the possibility to see the Northern Lights.
This ranch holiday is only a few short hours away from Banff National Park. After your ranch vacation, why not spend a few extra days in Canada and explore this beautiful part of the country?