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!
Learn How To Enjoy What Nature Has To Offer With Saddle Peak Trail Rides
Address: 263039 rr74, Cochrane, AB T4C 1B4, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-922-7430
Pricing:
- 1 hour ride: $75 per person
- 1.5 hour ride: $120 per person
- 2 hour ride: $160 per person
- 3.5 hour ride: $225 per person
- All day Ghost River Ride: $350 per person
- All Day Ride to Base Camp: $350 per person
Tucked into the scenic foothills of Alberta near Calgary, Saddle Peak Trail Rides offers guided horseback adventures for riders seeking both nature and tranquility. With options ranging from hourly rides to multi-day excursions, it’s a great way to experience the outdoors on horseback while disconnecting from the daily rush.
Saddle Peak offers something for every type of rider, from short 1-hour rides to full-day adventures. They also focus on longer stays, offering 2, 3, 4, and 5-day trips—perfect for those looking to truly unwind and explore.
Riders are treated to breathtaking views of Alberta’s eastern slopes and iconic trails like Pringle Ridge and Ghost River. The immersion in nature adds a peaceful, rejuvenating element to every ride.
Now in their 47th season, Saddle Peak brings seasoned knowledge, professionalism, and a strong understanding of the land and horses to every ride. Their longevity adds credibility and confidence for new and returning guests alike.
From May to September, guests can opt for overnight adventure packages, including a cozy stay at the GVR Bunkhouse with meals provided. Saddle Peak also refers riders seeking a 2-day overnight experience to their partner, The Crossing Experience, expanding the options for extended outdoor getaways.
Clear safety protocols are in place, including mandatory waivers, dress code requirements (long pants, closed-toe shoes with heels), and restrictions on age and weight. This ensures a secure and responsible environment for all participants.
| Pro tip: With a cap of just six guests per trip, Saddle Peak ensures an intimate, personalized adventure. This small-group approach allows for more direct guidance, safer rides, and a deeper connection with the horses and surroundings. So make sure to count how many people you have! |
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 Rides $300.00
- 2 hour trail rides $150.00
- Half Day (3 hour) trail rides $195.00
- Day Rides – include saddle bag lunch – $350.00
- Ranch Vacation would be better described as “Cabin Stay” $250.00
- Trail rides offered year round.
Anchor D Guiding & Outfitting Ltd has been providing top-tier horseback riding experiences for over 35 years, offering everything from short guided trail rides to multi-day adventure trips in the breathtaking foothills of Kananaskis Country. Their well-trained horses, experienced wranglers, and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a great choice for riders of all skill levels.
Whether you’re looking for a 2-hour trail ride, a full-day adventure, or a multi-day camping trip on horseback, Anchor D offers a variety of experiences to suit different preferences and skill levels.
The ranch is located just southwest of Calgary, offering riders stunning views of the high foothills and mountains. The trails take you through diverse landscapes, from open meadows to dense forests, making for a memorable riding experience.
One of the standout aspects of Anchor D is their attention to pairing riders with the right horses based on skill level, experience, height, and weight. This ensures a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone, including beginners and children.
The guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. They provide clear instructions, ensuring that even first-time riders feel comfortable and confident. Additionally, they are attentive to both rider and horse safety throughout the journey.
With a minimum riding age of six, Anchor D is a great option for families looking to introduce their children to horseback riding. The wranglers are patient with young riders and even offer to lead nervous children until they feel comfortable steering on their own.
While deposits are required for some rides, Anchor D allows flexible rescheduling with 24-hour notice and accepts multiple payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, debit, e-transfers, and cash.
| Pro tip: They are more than willing to accommodate riders with disabilities or medical conditions, making horseback riding more inclusive. Just make sure to call ahead to discuss any special requirements. |
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! |
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! |