We got a little saddle sore, but exploring Calgary’s best horseback riding spots was worth every ache!
The first time I went horseback riding in Calgary, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As my horse trotted along a scenic trail with the Rockies in the distance, I felt a mix of excitement and calm I’d never experienced before.
There’s something about seeing Alberta’s rugged beauty from the saddle that just can’t be beaten.
If you’re looking to add a bit of adventure to your time in Calgary, check out our list of the best horseback riding spots—you might just find your new favorite trail!
Explore Scenic Trails at Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures
– Media credit: m.m.ranch
Address: AB-762, Foothills County
Contact details: +1 403-949-3329
Pricing:
May 1 to October 15
- 1.5 hour ride: $105 per person
- 2 hour ride: $130 per person
- 3 hour ride: $170 per person
- 4.5 hour ride: $230 per person
- 5+ hour ride: $305 per person
October 16 to April 30
- 1.5 hour ride: $105 per person
- 2 hour ride: $130 per person
- 3.5 hour ride: $199 per person
- 4.5+ hour ride: $235 per person
Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures, located just a short drive from Calgary and within easy reach of Banff National Park, invites you to saddle up for a ride through breathtaking landscapes, complete with majestic mountains, sparkling waterfalls, river crossings, and lush meadows.
You’ll be in the company of none other than Robert, the ranch owner. Available year-round, they provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with horses against the backdrop of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Foothills and Kananaskis Country.
For those looking for an adventure that lasts longer, they offer pack trips ranging from 4 to 8 days. These journeys are perfect for exploring diverse terrains, including mountain prairies, alpine meadows, and thick forests, while truly immersing yourself in the wilderness.
Pro tip: Just remember to check the height, weight, and experience levels of everyone in your group before booking! |
Experience the Wild Beauty at Banff Trail Riders
– Media credit: horsebackbanff
Address: 100 Sundance Road
Contact details: +1 403-762-4551
Pricing:
- Bow River Ride (1 hour): $92
- Spray River Ride (1 hour): $99
- Sundance Loop Ride (2 hours): $180
- Bow Valley Loop Ride (3 hours): $239
- Sulphur Mountain Ride (4 hours): $279
- Banff Downtown Private Carriage Rides (3 hours): $98 to $274
- Wagon Ride with BBQ Cookout: $129 to $139
- Horseback Trail Ride with BBQ Cookout: $219
With Banff Trail Riders, get ready for an unforgettable horseback adventure that takes you across rivers, valleys, mountains, and even through the charming town of Banff.
They offer a range of experiences, some complete with BBQ cookouts that add a tasty touch to your ride.
If you opt for the campsite experience, you’ll enjoy cowboy games and a dinner featuring a variety of non-alcoholic drinks and hearty dishes like steak, cornbread, and soup—it’s seriously delicious!
For families with young kids or seniors, the wagon option is a great alternative. Tickets are available online or in-store, with walk-ins potentially costing more based on the day’s demand.
Pro tip: Don’t forget your horse’s name—you’ll be riding the same one on the way back, and guides may give instructions by calling your horse’s name. |
Discover Stunning Landscapes with Anchor D Guiding and Outfitting
– Media credit: anchordranch
Address: 450001 312 St W, Turner Valley
Contact details: +1 403-933-2867
Pricing:
- Sleigh Wagon Ride: $250.00 per wagon
- 2-hour rides: $125
- Half-day Rides: $160
- Mountain Day rides: $300 per person
- Ranch Vacation (4 people): $200.00 per night
- The Weekender: $1300 per person
- 4-day Adventurer: $1950 per person
- Ride with Mantracker!: $1500 per person
- Great Divide Ride: $3650 per person
- 6-day Ride: $3200
- Lost Trail: $3800
- North Rim To Ranch: $3900
Banff Trail Riders offers a truly unique experience, taking you deep into the remote backcountry of Banff National Park, where few others venture.
You’ll ride through untouched wilderness, surrounded by rugged peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear streams—it’s a horseback adventure that goes beyond the ordinary.
They cater to all ages, with trail rides perfect for beginners and families, as well as multi-day lodge trips for those seeking a more immersive journey.
Whether you’re setting out on a short trail or embarking on a multi-day lodge stay, you’ll explore the park’s wild beauty in a way that few get to experience.
Pro tip: For an extra special experience, request the John Wrye ride—you’ll get an incredible overlook of the ranch where Heartland is filmed. |
Gallop through Open Fields at Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis
– Media credit: boundaryranch
Address: AB-40, Kananaskis
Contact details: +1 403-591-7171
Pricing:
- Buffalo Loop: $89 per person
- Valley Vista Trail: $140 per person
- Ridge Ride: $175 per person
- Ridge Ride n’ Burger Lunch: $197 per person
- Ridge Ride n’ Steak Lunch: $207 per person
- Trailblazer: $249 per person
- Kananaskis Adventure: $395 per person
- Pony Rides: $25 per person
- Backcountry Pack Trips: Contact for pricing
Boundary Ranch is simply stunning—a must-visit for anyone who’s a fan of Yellowstone. The picturesque ranch offers incredible views, including a midway stop to snap some amazing photos with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop.
They offer a variety of guided rides suitable for riders aged six and up, accommodating all skill levels. Options range from one-hour beginner rides for those just starting out to full-day adventures that take you deep into the Rockies.
The ranch also hosts group events like BBQs, staged gunfights, wild west rodeos, and wagon or sleigh rides, making it more than just a horseback riding experience.
The trails are a fun mix of flat sections and steeper spots, adding a bit of excitement while still feeling perfectly safe thanks to the calm trail horses and skilled guides.
Pro tip: Depending on the season, be sure to bundle up—a puffer jacket worked great for rides in 5-8°C weather. |
Saddle Up for Adventure with Painted Warriors
– Media credit: paintedwarriorsofficial
Address: 31341 RR 5.1, Mountain View County
Contact details: +1 403-637-9138
Pricing:
- 4 day rides: $850
- 5 day rides: $1500
- 10 day rides: $3299
- The Warriors path: 325
Painted Warriors, an Indigenous outdoor adventure company located just one hour northwest of Calgary, offers a truly unique horseback riding experience. It immerses you in Indigenous culture while exploring the landscapes of the Canadian Rockies.
Their rides are thoughtfully designed to connect you with the rich traditions and stories of Indigenous peoples. You’ll have the chance to learn valuable skills such as navigation, geology, animal tracking, and medicinal plant identification, along with horse riding and essential backcountry basics.
A standout offering is the Warriors Path, which provides an immersive experience filled with storytelling and lessons while you explore the natural beauty of the land in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Pro tip: As you make your way there, be sure to turn left after you see the Elkton Valley sign—missing that turn might mean a few extra miles of backtracking! |
Ride along Mountain Paths at Rafter Six Ranch in the Bow Valley
– Media credit: raftersixranch
Address: NE S.27 T. 24 R. 8 W5, Exshaw
Contact details: +1 403-673-3622
Pricing:
- Pony Ride: $40 per person
- 45 Minute Ride; $79 per person
- 1 Hour Rides: $95 per person
- 1½ Hours of Intermediate Level Ride: $189 per person
- 1½ Hours of Advanced Level Ride: $225 per person
- 2 Full Hours: $159 per person
- Half Day rides: $235
- 7 Hour rides: $375
- Sunset Saddlebag Horseback Trail Ride: $215
- Private Horseback Riding Lesson: $90 to $150
- Wagon ride: $325 per hour
Most of Rafter Six Ranch’s rides include a journey around the Rafter Six Ranch Mountain Meadows, through the foothills of pine, spruce, and aspen forests, alongside the turquoise waters of the Kananaskis River, and around a mountain marsh.
The views are simply breathtaking—it’s a slice of paradise! With the Kananaskis River framed by majestic mountains, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. In the fall, the bright yellow leaves add an extra touch of beauty!
A fantastic perk is that you can choose a ride tailored to your skill level, which isn’t something you find at most ranches in the area.
If you want to extend your stay, camping at the ranch is available for just $29 per night per unit, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors for up to 16 nights. Overnight RV parking is also available for campers.
Pro tip: For those not riding, there’s a Tim Hortons coffee shop just two miles away, perfect for grabbing a warm drink or enjoying a leisurely stroll. |
Escape into Nature at Eagle Feather Riding
– Media credit: eagle_feather_riding
Address: 242221, Range Rd 42
Contact details: +1 403-686-0120
Pricing:.
- Adult Class Independent Riders: $75 per lesson
- Connecting with the Horse: $47 per lesson
- Embracing Unity Independent Riders & Walkers: $47 per lesson
- Teen Class Independent Riders: $75 per lesson
- Opening Doors: $47 per lesson
- Heart to Heart: $$47 to $85 per lesson
- Private lessons: $60 per person
Eagle Feather Riding serves up beginner adult lessons in a laid-back setting, just a half-hour drive west of Calgary. They specialize in bareback riding lessons for all ages, running from September through June.
Students bond with the same horse all year long, guided by a “co-pilot”—an experienced rider who walks alongside to lend a helping hand. The focus of lessons is all about fostering that special connection between horse and rider.
With a variety of options available for kids, teens, and adults of every skill level, there’s something for everyone. Plus, if you prefer a more personal touch, they offer private lessons for one-on-one instruction.
For the little ones, Eagle Feather Riding also hosts summer camps starting in February each year, costing $400 per week, with a $150 deposit due upon registration.
Pro tip: Keep in mind that since you’ll be riding bareback, the pace is much slower than traditional lessons, so come ready to enjoy a more relaxed ride! |