Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest and most celebrated national park - and one worth getting out of the car and onto a trail for. Go back to a simpler time with a 1-hour horseback ride and experience the park at a relaxed pace. Led by your cowboy guide, saddle up and cross through the tranquil Spray River, and get a feel for what it was like for pioneers first settling in this once-wild area.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All riders must arrive 30 minutes prior to their ride time.
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.
All riders must be under 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 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. In the event that this requirement is not met, the booking will be forfeited without a refund.
Guests participating in horseback riding will need to be 8 years or over and children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please note that children will not be paired with an adult – they must ride their own horse. Minimum age is strictly enforced and as part of the check-in process, guests may be required to provide proof of the child’s age. In the event that this requirement is not met, the booking will be forfeited without a refund.
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.
What To Expect
The 1 hour Spray River Ride takes you across the tranquil Spray River in Banff. Take in the beautiful views of the Bow Falls and the surrounding Mountains.
Options
1 Hr. Spray River Ride
1pm Spray River Ride: 1 hour horseback riding tour departing at 1pm. Please arrive at 12:30pm at Banff Springs Corrals, Spray Ave (behind the tennis courts, next to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel) Banff.
What‘s Included
Basic horseback riding instruction
Use of horse
Helmet (mandatory)
Lead and tail guides
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drink
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
211 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience through the forest and river with professional friendly guides.
Carolyn A,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed the whole experience with the horses, scenery, crossing the river and forest environment. It was Sophie and I apologise I don’t remember other lady who led the party. Very professional, helpful, friendly and we had a great time. Horses clearly well cared for and fully understood their quirky features. Loved it all and would highly recommend.
Awesome ride
Rachel B,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a fun ride, and easy enough for our kids, 12 and 8. Two River crossings, beautiful scenery, really fun!
Nice out door activity...
kim p,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice out door activity with good instructions on riding a horse. Good commentary about some local history.
Horse ride
fiftytreat,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was brilliant. We had never been on a horse before but the girls who led/followed were attentive informative and friendly. The horses were beautiful, gentle, and knew exactly what was expected of them. Riding across the river was of course the highlight! Safety was ensured with hats provided. All round first class.
Interesting/enjoyable...
Diane P,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting/enjoyable ride in forest and across 2 rivers. Suitable for those who do not ride and the staff will provide good instruction to keep you safe and ensure the welfare of the horses. Do turn up in good time - the half an hour before hand is essential for helmet fitting and instruction. A mounting block is used which helps get on and off the horse.
No refund
Jawaadzama S,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00My dad had medical conditions and they had so many policies in the waiver form and we couldn’t complete due to that. And they refused to return the money back.
Great adventure
Stephen S,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly staff, well behaved horses, and a great trail crossing several rivers which was a great experience
Excellent experience
Rachel B,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We very much enjoyed our riding experience. Our original trip was changed due to weather (totally understandable), we're grateful they were still riding despite the cold and snow that day. Our guides were kind and helpful, the scenery was beautiful and the horses were lovely. We hope to come back and do the real river ride in warmer weather!
Had an amazing time!
Jennifer W,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Has such an amazing time, Erin was a great help and so fun to talk to, the whole trip was amazing and meeting someone from scotland made it even better. 10/10 cannot recommend more!
Great horseback ride!
Rick P,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful ride in and around the Fairmont Banff property! The guides were friendly and knowledgeable! Great way to spend an hour!
Related Experiences
Operated by Banff Trail Riders