Where to Ride: the 9 Best Canada Horseback Riding Tours

1.Rafting Adventure on the Kicking Horse River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 590 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $82Our pick

Meet Glacier Raft Company in Golden for a guided Kicking Horse River trip lasting 3 to 6.5 hours. Choose the Half Day Express, Full Day Discovery, or Gentle Family Rafting option. Guides such as Austin, Ryan, Steffi, and Nico lead the way, with gear, shuttle service, and lunch on selected tours.

“This was amazing experience! Our family had a great time. Glacier Rafting supplied all that we needed (included the much appreciated wetsuits). Nico was an amazing guide and we felt safe the whole time. It was so FUN!!! We can’t recommend this more!!”

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2.1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride

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

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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3.1-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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4.Whitewater Rafting Adventure | Kicking Horse River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 291 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $123

Hydra River Guides takes you 20 km down the Kicking Horse River in about four hours, beginning with calm class-one water before reaching class-four rapids. You’ll receive a wetsuit, jacket, shoes, paddle, and safety instruction. Guides such as Jaro, Kyle, Bill, and Hennessy combine river skills with local stories.

“Had an absolutely fantastic time, this was our first time white water rafting and will definitely do it again. Hennessy was our excellent guide, however all of the staff were lovely. If you’re thinking of white water rafting DO IT!”

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5.Ridge Ride 2-Hour Horseback Trail Ride in Kananaskis

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $151

Ride from Boundary Ranch into the Kananaskis backcountry on a guided two-hour trail ride. You’ll cross a high ridge, pass through montane forest and wetlands, watch for deer and bison, and stop near a teepee used in *The Revenant*. Small groups of up to eight make this a friendly choice for beginners and experienced riders.

“Guide was great and very informative. They go rain or shine, but they have rain wear available. There is a nice little gift shop on site and quaint coffee shop.”

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6.Buffalo Loop 1-Hour Horseback Trail Ride in Kananaskis

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 152 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $77

Ride at a walking pace through the forest around Boundary Ranch with an experienced guide. You’ll pass the buffalo paddock, watch for deer, elk, marmots, and squirrels, and learn the basics on a calm, well-trained horse. The ride suits beginners and children age six and older, with groups capped at 10.

“Excellent experience, very friendly staff. Nice trail through the forest. Children enjoyed it so much.”

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7.2 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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8.Golden, BC: Kicking Horse River Half Day Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 141 reviews · 3 hours · from $72Best value

Spend three hours rafting 12 km of the Kicking Horse River near Golden, BC. An experienced English-speaking guide leads you through class 2 to 4 rapids, including the powerful 1 km Portage Shotgun section. Transport, rafting gear, a PFD, paddle, and a post-trip refreshment are included.

“It was amazing. The staff were amazing. Highly organized. Fantastic fun. I would do this again in a heartbeat!! Loved it!!!”

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9.2-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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