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.
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Bow River Trail
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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
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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 455 reviews
Christina_M, Jun 2026
The trail ride was very informative and extremely well operated. It was very safe and thoughtfully planned, and, of course, lots of fun.
Patricia_C, Jun 2026
Very enjoyable ride. The guides and staff very knowledgeable and well trained. Horses were gentle and knew the trail well.
Jacqueline_P, Jun 2026
Great time. Both of us were seniors and havent ridden a horse in 40 yrs. Horses were great and the views were beautiful
Tyler_H, Jun 2026
There was no experience. Because of your company’s poor communication, my wife and I weren’t able to actually partake in the excursion…on our 5-year anniversary no less.
Linda_Z, Jun 2026
Wonderful views! Only recommendation is for them to cut the branches more because so many times we had to duck down or to the side. Even got scratches on my leg. Recommend wearing thicker pants and def long pants/long sleeves
Patrick_G, Jun 2026
Showed up and was told I was too heavy to ride. Booked online and did not see anything about weight limit. Really frustrating. No money back and the folks at the barn just kept saying that the weight limit was clearly evident online and it was not
Hilary_P, Jun 2026
We had such a lovely time on the bow river ride! Despite the recent flooding blocking some of the trail, the ride was skilfully diverted through some other lovely countryside. The staff were all wonderful, helpful and informative and made our experience so memorable. Sam in particular was so lovely and we had a great chat, it was so surprising that it was only her first day on the job!
My only feedback would be that communication through the viatour platform didn’t seem to work and the links in the email were broken.
Aimee_E, Jun 2026
No backpacks allowed. Boot with a heel would have been helpful.
Great way to see the stunning scenery. Staff is very helpful. Great opportunity for beginners.
joseph_b, May 2026
Very easy way to see the great scenery. Even if never been on a horse this is a great trail ride. Just do it
Anonymous, May 2026
Well run. Guide Lauren spoke several languages and well‼️. Horses are exceptionally clean and well kept, as are the stable grounds. It’s a gorgeous saunter through woods and mountains and lakes at a walk pace; no trot or canter (I.e., may not satisfy serious equestrians but is appropriate and excellent for a tourists’ trail ride. Not flexible at all on reservations but they do have a business to run. And they do an excellent job. Highly recommend.
Liana_C, May 2026
This was a highlight of my visit to Banff National Park! The trail through the tall spruce trees and along the river bank was EXACTLY what I had been wishing for!! The price, the time on Tucker and the views were perfect.
The only thing that saddened me was that the young lady behind me was on a more spirited horse and she was getting increasingly anxious - which Rumour was sensing. Staff member Naomi who was at the back of our group had little to no sympathy. In the last 10 minutes of the ride, I was keeping Rumour and his rider calm. She ended the ride in tears. This shouldn’t have happened.
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
From $69.46
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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