Where to Ride: the 4 Best Banff Horseback Riding Tours

1.1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 518 reviews · 1 hour · from $78Our pick

Ride a calm horse beside the Bow River and past Cave and Basin, the birthplace of Banff National Park. Guides provide basic instruction, lead and tail support, and local stories. The ride suits beginners age 8 and up, but you need long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, fluent English, and the ability to control your horse.

“Very enjoyable. It rained lightly the first 15 minutes but then the rain stopped. Although the trail was a bit sludgy the ride was still worth it. The horses were gentle and our guide gave interesting history along the way.”

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2.1-Hour Spray River Horseback Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 315 reviews · 1 hour · from $83

Ride a calm, well-trained horse through Banff’s Spray River with lead and tail guides, basic instruction, and views of Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. You’ll cross the water, follow wooded paths, and make a short climb toward Sulphur Mountain. Guides such as Samantha, Summer, and Kate have been praised for friendly help and local stories.

“Wonderful tour with wonderful guides and wonderful horses, felt safe and secure the entire time even when encountering a bear along the trail. Would recommend to any and all people that are interested”

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3.2 Hour Banff Horseback Riding Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 145 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $160

Ride a gentle two-hour loop from Banff Trail Riders along the Bow River, past the Cave and Basin, and up forested Sulphur Mountain trails. Lead and tail guides provide riding help and local details. The horses suit beginners, but all riders must be at least 8 years old, under 230 pounds, and able to follow basic English instructions.

“This was a great activity for everyone in our group - kids and adults. The guides were great and knowledgeable, the horses were well trained, and the scenery was spectacular! I would definitely recommend for anyone looking to get out into nature a bit more while in Banff.”

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4.2-Hour Sundance Loop Horseback Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 128 reviews · 2 hours · from $152

Ride from Warner Stables along the Bow River, past Cave and Basin and hot springs, through marsh and forest, then up Sulphur Mountain to Windy Knoll. Guides teach first-time riders, explain local plants and wildlife, and help you get comfortable with your horse. Plan on long pants, closed shoes, and arriving 30 minutes early.

“Sometimes, you can have too much time to think about a trip to the point the idea of it is better than the actually experience. This is not the case with the operators of Banff Trail riders. the staff were exceptional, easily one of the best experiences of my life. it was so good we chose to come back the next day to try the 1 hour Bow river route which was just as exceptional. the highlight of our trip to Banff by far. you will not be disappointed and the staff will steal your hearts”

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