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2 hours
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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 2-hour horseback ride and experience the park at a relaxed pace. Led by your cowboy guide, saddle up and and get a feel for what it was like for pioneers first settling in this once-wild area.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Basic horseback riding instruction
Use of horse
Helmet (mandatory)
Lead and tail guides
Gratuities
Food and drink
Hotel pickup and drop-off
You’ll explore stunning sections of wilderness on this two-hour trip, providing a chance to spot wildlife that you might not get to see while on foot. Plus, our friendly, experienced guides will teach you a few cowboy tricks along the way. Pass by natural sulphur hot springs as you make your way to one of Banff’s national historic sites: the Cave and Basin. Trek along the tranquil Bow River and take in magnificent views of the Bow Valley before pressing through thick marshes as you climb Sulphur Mountain. You’ll then continue up to Windy Knoll where you can take striking photos of the sweeping landscape.
2-hour Sundance Loop Ride
145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Shannon W,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
This was a great experience for inexperienced riders. The horses were very behaved and easily handled. The guides were very attentive and made sure everyone was safe and enjoying themselves. The trail was beautiful as well!
Rebecca K,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
This was by far the biggest highlight of our trip to Banff! We had two guides, one leading the front and one in the back of the line. They were knowledgeable, funny, and made us feel safe the entire time. This is a must-do for anyone’s visit! A few notes: (1) If possible, plan to take an epsom salt bath or get a massage after. You’ll definitely be sore if you’re new to horseback riding! (2) Bring Canadian cash with you to tip the guides after. They’re incredible and deserve it! (3) My only suggestion for improvement is if they can offer to take a photo of you on the horse while on the trail with the amazing views in the background. They did offer to take a photo at the end of the trip which was already a nice touch! If you’re nervous, do yourself a favor and book it! You won’t regret it!
Christine M,
Sep 20, 2025
- Viator
Great for novice rider. Walk only which they don't really advertise. I would have appreciated the opportunity to at least trot a bit. Horses should be trained so you can stop for a minute and take a pic of the views. Disappointed there was no view at the top of Sulphur Mountain, it was just a trek up and back down in the forest. Front tour guide tries to talk/explain but I was toward the back of a full ride and couldn't hear a thing she said. Otherwise, this is a professionally run organization. Horses were great. They know what they are doing and are very good with older riders and novice riders.
Melanie R,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
So much fun !!! And felt very safe. Would highly recommend. Got to see lots of the park and 2 hours is perfect amount of time
Jan R,
Sep 7, 2025
- Viator
Very nice horses. But 12 people in a row is just too many. Not possible to hear anything that the guide said😔
Operated by Banff Trail Riders