Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

Rockies Wilderness Ride

7 days - Calgary to Calgary

Kananaskis Country lies on the Eastern slope of the Canadian Rockies. A forest reserve of 4200 square kilometres, it stretches from the foothills to the Continental Divide. Throughout most of Kananaskis, motorised vehicles are prohibited, so horse and foot are still the only ways to see the country. In the east, bordering the ranch country of Western Alberta, the foothills range from 1385 to 1500 metres above sea level. Along the Continental Divide, higher peaks exceed 3300 metres and remain snow covered throughout the year. The fast flowing rivers issuing from the mountains are crystal clear, having never passed a house or road. Many species of big game call this country home: elk, Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, Mule and White-tailed deer, cougar, Black and Grizzly bears. Spotting these magnificent but elusive animals is an extraordinary treat.

This ride is a true wilderness adventure that offers breathtaking scenery, the camaraderie of the trail, excellent camp-fire cooked food and the opportunity to learn as much as you can about horses, riding and living with nature. The accommodation on the trail is extremely basic and night time temperatures can easily drop below freezing even in summer. You will need to be physically fit, ready to rough it and have a sense of adventure.

The ride starts from either the Ranch or Little Elbow Trailhead and will normally move camp twice during the week. Five days gives you lots of time to develop an affection and appreciation for both your horse and the Canadian wilderness, though almost everyone agrees that the time passes too quickly and they are left with the urge to return and explore other untracked valleys and ridgelines.
Day 1
You will be met and transferred from Calgary to the ranch in the afternoon. Here you will review the week's schedule and be issued with kit before transferring to a bed and breakfast for overnight accommodation. (D)
Day 2
After grooming and tacking the horses, leave the ranch and head out west through meadows, forests and creeks to reach your first camp in the afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 3
A long day in the saddle awaits the group. Pack up camp and ride further west, gradually climbing out of the foothills and into the Rocky Mountains. This is a very scenic and breathtaking ride with nice canters and trots as well as fantastic views. Get to the second camp in the valley of the Elbow River late in the afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 4 and 5
You won't have to pack up camp for the next two days. There are a variety of scenic trails in the area to choose from. All of them have their own beauty and fascination. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Today you will pack up camp and leave the valley with the packhorses. By midday the packhorses will be picked-up, while the group continues the ride over Powderface Ridge, a steep climb up to alpine meadows with a great overview of the area you rode in for the last 5 days. Return to ranch in the afternoon and then have a farewell dinner. Overnight in the same B&B as day one. (B,L,D)
Day 7
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Calgary (B)
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  • DEPARTURE DATES: 21 Jun, 12, 19 Jul, 23 Aug, 12 Sep. Departures from UK need to be one day earlier.
  • PRICES (2009 LAND ONLY): £925 per person
  • Includes: Transfers from Calgary, accommodation and meals as indicated, 5% federal tax and all riding.
  • PRICE WITH FLIGHTS FROM LONDON: From £1635 per person, depending on the season and any additional accommodation required.
  • Single Supplement: None. You must be willing to share whilst on the ride. Supplement for nights at B&B available on request.
  • Non-Riders: Not suitable.
  • Children: Not suitable.
  • Riding ability required: Novice upward.
  • Type of ride: Trail ride / ExpeditionCanada
    Canada
  • Trip Code: ECRW