1 Hour Bow River Ride
Badge of Excellence
Banff, Canada
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure. Get out of the car and onto the trails of the Bow River or the Spray River and enjoy the area’s beautiful outdoor environment, largely unchanged from the days of the pioneers. This equine-themed odyssey includes a guide, use of a horse, and all necessary equipment. Note: guests must be eight years or older and a maximum of 230lbs (104kg)
- Horseback ride through Banff National Park
- Ride a horse to natural sulfur springs
- Ride along the Bow River or the Spray River (depending on option booked)
- Learn about the history of the national park from a guide
What's Included
- Lead and tail guides
- Use of horse
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Basic horseback riding instruction
- Gratuities
- Food and drink
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Banff Trail Riders - Stables100 Sundance Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1B9, Canada
The meeting point for the Bow River Ride is at Banff Trail Riders Stables, the big red stables located on Sundance Road in Banff. **ALL GUESTS MUST CHECK IN 30 MIN PRIOR TO THEIR RIDE START TIME. LATE ARRIVALS WILL NOT BE ACCOMMODATED**
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Get a different perspective of the incredible scenery of Banff, during this horseback riding excursion along the Bow River or Spray River. This riding experience provides visitors with a first-hand taste of the wild landscape around Banff, much as the early settlers would have seen it, while mounted on horseback.
If you choose to cover the Bow River area, head to the natural sulfur hot springs. Follow the trail, which loops around a marsh near the Bow River. As you ride, catch views of Mt. Norquay and the Cascade Mountain in the distance.
While the Spray River, you can trot past untouched wilderness through the golf course and past Boat Falls.
If you choose to cover the Bow River area, head to the natural sulfur hot springs. Follow the trail, which loops around a marsh near the Bow River. As you ride, catch views of Mt. Norquay and the Cascade Mountain in the distance.
While the Spray River, you can trot past untouched wilderness through the golf course and past Boat Falls.
1
Bow River Trail
2
Banff National Park
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- Children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- For safety purposes helmets are mandatory to be worn by all riders.
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Patty_S
We absolutely loved our 1 hour Bow River Trail ride. The views were fantastic and the horses were very gentle and mild. Our guide Crystal was the excellent. She was very kind and genuine, and loves her job and the horses. She pointed out so many interesting sights, including two separate small groups of elk. She shared a lot of history or the area as well as the horse ranch. We would highly recommend Banff Trail Riders and ask for Crystal!
Reviews
4.3
based on 434 reviews
Tessad_L, May 2026
Great experience no previous horse riding knowledge needed. Relaxing time would totally recommend to everyone
Mo_Z, May 2026
We had a GREAT time with the trail riders! They made the experience seemless and fun. Our guides holly and Bailey were very knowledgeable and kept it fun and easy going. Our horses were so calm and friendly. Def recommend this if you’re looking for something calm to do while in Banff. Next time we’ll try doing the 2 hour tour! Thank you again!
George_V, Apr 2026
Bucketlist gone wrong! I brought my daughter for a once in a lifetime experience however, we were a little late (still before the stated departure) and were advised of the policy and had to turn back to Calgary. So sad! No refund either.
Response from Host, May 2026
Im sorry you missed your ride. We do disclose and send you multiple reminders to be on time as we can not wait for late riders. It is unfair to everyone else that turns up on time.
Patricia_J, Apr 2026
The staff at the stables were very nice, very friendly and very informative about the tour. Had a blast!
YeiraMarcela_M, Oct 2025
Must do it experience in Banff. The staff was always taking care of all the participants and all the instructions were clear…. Definitely is an unforgettable ride.
Kerry_H, Oct 2025
The scenery is beautiful. Horses are well behaved and very well taken care of. The guides were very professional and shared a lot of information.
Paul_F, Oct 2025
It was wonderful the crew was very professional and the horses were very friendly. The views on the trail were spectacular.
Kristin_W, Oct 2025
We went in Oct, take layers! Very windy at the stables but was better once on the trial. Guides Zoey and Bailey were great! Very enjoyable and beautiful scenery.
R_M, Oct 2025
Edie and our other guide Leyah (can’t remember her name for sure right now) were great! They made sure we knew what to do, and stopped everyone when someone’s saddle was a bit sideways to ensure the horse was protected as well as the rider. This ensured we stayed together and they taught us how to stop safely.
Our horses were so great and sweet! Great views! Definitely worth it!
MEGAN_H, Oct 2025
The guides were friendly and helpful.
Homer, my horse, was such a dude. Such an excellent experience
Brandon_S, Sep 2025
Excellent horses, helpful and friendly staff, very easy to learn and follow directions from staff, incredible views
Claire_L, Sep 2025
Very professional team -- easy experience for anyone regardless of experience on horseback. It was fun to see all the different breeds of horses at the stable.
Emily_B, Sep 2025
Do not book this experience. We arrived late due to unforeseen circumstances and they were not understanding at all. We came a long way even after being stuck on the highway due to car troubles. They told us it was too late and didn’t even try to fit us in a later booking, or offer another day. When I tried to request a refund, it was an immediate no. That is over $300 down the drain for nothing. This experience is over priced and they treat paying customers horribly.
Patty_S, Sep 2025
We absolutely loved our 1 hour Bow River Trail ride. The views were fantastic and the horses were very gentle and mild. Our guide Crystal was the excellent. She was very kind and genuine, and loves her job and the horses. She pointed out so many interesting sights, including two separate small groups of elk. She shared a lot of history or the area as well as the horse ranch. We would highly recommend Banff Trail Riders and ask for Crystal!
Cate_L, Sep 2025
Very relaxed way to see so much beauty up close.
The Aussie tour guides are fantastic!
Weather was perfect also
Emely_K, Sep 2025
They are not autism friendly my child has been on horses before but this time he just got
Really scared we all
ended up
Not riding and no refund
Radiant_V, Sep 2025
The horses are all so well taken care of a great riding partners! Beautiful views! Great guides! Great experience!
Meredith_M, Sep 2025
The bow river ride was fantastic! Summer the main guide was great at giving information about the area and the horses. The other guide (sorry can't recall her name) was very helpful correcting riders and gear throughout the ride. As a newcomer to riding a horse, they made sure everyone got on and off the horse correctly as well as gave tips to make the ride enjoyable.
Jarrett_M, Sep 2025
Informative ride and nice horses. Trail was easy and the guides were helpful. Very nice facility here
Angela_O, Sep 2025
Lovely little trip out. We got to see a small deer on our trip, as well as several squirrels. Workers were friendly and helpful ☺️
Asad_A, Sep 2025
They would not refund me a ticket because they said I am a little bit overweight to the horse and I did not ride with my family, but I did not look at the paper when I booked, but that doesn’t mean they cannot refund me one ticket
Melissa_L, Sep 2025
We booked same day and were happy to get a spot . So glad we did. It was wonderful to be around the horses and friendly wranglers in a beautiful setting.
Christy_S, Aug 2025
We had one of the worst experiences here. I booked a horse ride as part of my birthday celebration, and when I arrived, I was told I couldn’t ride because I was 3 pounds over the weight limit. While I understand there may be safety policies in place, the way the staff handled it was absolutely unprofessional and disrespectful.
They were completely unwilling to work with us, or even refund our money. I explained it was my birthday and hoped for at least some compassion or flexibility—but instead, we were met with rudeness and zero empathy.
I’ve never felt so dismissed as a customer. If you’re looking for a place that values people or has decent customer service, this is NOT it.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi,
First, we’re truly sorry that your birthday plans were affected. Celebrations should feel special, and we understand how disappointing and frustrating that moment must have been.
We do have a strict weight limit in place for the health and long-term soundness of our horses. Many of them are rescues, and even a few pounds over the limit can place additional strain on their backs and joints over time. For that reason, our team must apply the policy consistently and cannot make exceptions on site, as difficult as those conversations can be.
That said, we’re very sorry if the interaction felt lacking in empathy. While the policy itself cannot be flexible, the way it is communicated should always be respectful and compassionate. Your feedback regarding how this was handled will be reviewed internally and used for training purposes.
We genuinely regret that this experience left you feeling dismissed, especially on your birthday, and we appreciate you sharing your concerns.
Charlotte_T, Aug 2025
I had the most amazing time on this experience - Kermit the horse was an absolute dream and I had the loveliest chat with one of the guides throughout (I didn’t get her name but she was from Australia). The whole experience just made my trip to Banff!! Thank you so much x
Tony_H, Aug 2025
It is very calm, the horses behave great, be hydrated before you go, make sure you wear long pants, and comfortable shoes
Joshua_S, Aug 2025
This was a great experience although I wish we could’ve moved faster on the horses. Still a great time and will be back
Kellie_A, Aug 2025
It was fabulous !! The horses and stable are beautiful . The guides and everyone who works there are wonderful .
Richard_B, Aug 2025
Great experience! There was lots of mud on the trail from previous rainfall, but the guides assured us the horses were used to these conditions. It was also quite an easy ride for a couple of seniors in their late 70’s.
Paul_P, Jul 2025
Great time
Knowledgable staff members. Would definitely do this again. We had a great time of day and weather
Andrea_C, Jul 2025
Great experience. Horses are well taken care of and guides are very helpful. Beautiful
Location. Highly recommend.
From $84.19
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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