Canada · HORSES
Short on days and long on options. These 15 horse riding are the ones worth a slot, each with its price, its duration and the thing to know before you commit.
Choose a 3 to 6.5-hour Kicking Horse River trip from Glacier Raft Company in Golden, BC. Guides such as Austin, Ryan, Steffi, and Carlos lead groups through Class III and IV rapids, with gear, shuttle service, snacks, and selected-trip lunch included.
“Loved the whole experiance. First time white water rafting. Felt safe the entire time. Alex was an awesome guide.”
Ride through Vancouver’s Stanley Park in a horse-drawn carriage with guides such as Steph and Emily. Hear stories about the park, city, and horses, stop for five minutes at the totem poles, and enjoy views of the Seawall, Coal Harbour, North Vancouver, and Lion’s Gate Bridge. The small group holds up to nine people.
“This is a relaxing and delightful way to see the beautiful Stanley Park.. the guide was really enjoyable and relaxing … she provided great historical information and let us get off to take pics at certain sites … charming way to get around”
Ride a calm horse beside the Bow River and past Cave and Basin, where Banff National Park began. Your English-speaking guide gives basic instruction and shares local stories while lead and tail guides keep the group together. The one-hour outing suits beginners, but bring long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes, and insect repellent.
“Our guide was very helpful and gave us lots of information about Banff and the horses. It was a beautiful ride. My daughter and I really enjoyed ourselves.”
Ride a calm, well-trained horse through Banff’s wooded trails and across the Spray River. Your English-speaking guides provide basic instruction, lead and tail the group, and share local facts near Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. The ride suits beginners aged 8 and older, with a 230-pound weight limit.
“Literally the best time of my life. Everyone working there was super nice and provided us with lots of information during the tour. The horses were super gentle and happy. I will be back.”
Take a four-hour, 20 km rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River near Golden, starting with calm class-one water before tackling class-four rapids. Hydra supplies the raft, wetsuit, jacket, shoes, paddle, and certified guide. The base has hot showers and snacks, and guides such as Jaro, Kyle, Bill, and Hennessy are known for strong safety instruction and lively commentary.
“It was a fun ride. Easy start then some excitement in the second half. Jaro is knowledgeable and entertaining.”
Meet at Banff Trail Riders Stables for a 40-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride through mountain meadows. You’ll hear local stories, watch for elk and deer, and take in Rundle and Cascade mountains from under a wool blanket. Guides such as Grace, Brooklyn, Emily, and Nat have been praised for their warm, informative approach. Finish with a hot drink by the fire when weather allows.
“The guides are very friendly and excellent with kids. They were very informative. Overall an absolutely wonderful experience.”
Ride from Boundary Ranch into the Kananaskis backcountry with a professional guide and a calm, well-trained horse. The two-hour route climbs to a ridge with broad valley views, then passes through forest and wetland. Groups are limited to eight, and guides such as Paige, Sarah, Fran, Diego, and Abigail help beginners feel at ease.
“great guide and a wealth of knowledge. All the staff was very nice and the scenery was unbelievable.”
At Boundary Ranch, you’ll follow a guide at a walking pace through wooded Kananaskis trails, passing the buffalo paddock and watching for deer, elk, squirrels, or marmots. Calm horses, patient staff, and a six-year minimum age make this a solid first ride. Guides such as Jordan, Emily, and Emma have helped beginners feel at ease.
“Our guides were very knowledgeable about the area, the ranch and the horses. The trail was beautiful and provided a varied landscape. The horses were beautiful and each had their own character.”
Ride the Sundance Loop with lead and tail guides through Banff National Park, along the Bow River, past Cave and Basin, and toward Sulphur Mountain. This gentle, walk-only trip suits beginners and children eight and older. Expect a maximum of 12 riders, mandatory helmets, basic instruction, and roughly two hours in the saddle.
“An amazing experience and would highly recommend to anyone who loves the outdoors m, great views, and connecting with nature! Our guides were lovely and the horses were well trained and eased any anxiety we had about the ride. Will definitely be back!”
Raft 12 km of the Kicking Horse River through Middle Canyon, including the thrilling class 4 Portage Shotgun section. Your guide handles the river while you paddle, splash, and enjoy the Rockies. Dan, Nico, Carlos, and Steph are among the experienced guides, with transport, gear, and a post-trip refreshment included.
“Rafting was amazing and full of adrenaline! Everyone from the company were so nice, helpful and knowledgeable and made the whole experience seamless and super fun!”
Ride from Warner Stables through Banff National Park, past the Cave and Basin area and along the Bow River, before climbing toward Windy Knoll on Sulphur Mountain. English-speaking guides such as Sophie, Iona, and Hannah help beginners handle calm horses, while lead and tail guides keep the group together. Expect forest, marsh, mountain views, and a steady walking pace.
“It was great!! My daughter’s horse, Herb, had a mind to go off-trail, and my daughter was also having a terrible allergic reaction (unexpected to us) and the guides were so helpful and calming for her. It was beautiful and fun!”
Meet Kootenay River Runners at their basecamp for a four-hour run through the upper and middle Kicking Horse River canyon. You receive instruction, a wetsuit, river booties, equipment, and a professional guide. Guide Ben is praised for his safety briefing and humor. The trip suits fit beginners age 12 and up, but expect to get very wet.
“Our guide was so great very knowledgeable but made us all laugh.. It was exhilarating and fun and very very wet!!”
Raft 14 km through the calm Upper Canyon of the Kicking Horse River from Golden, with forest and Rocky Mountain views, one class 2 to 3 rapid, a possible swim, and a riverside BBQ. Guides such as Stephie, Pete, Nico, and Diego have earned praise for keeping families safe, informed, and smiling.
“Our guide was awesome! He was funny and informative!”
Take a 40-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through historic Charlottetown with an English-speaking local guide. You’ll pass major sights such as Province House, hear stories about the city and Prince Edward Island, and have time to take photos and interact with the horses and guides. Guides may include Justyn, Capt Craig, Amber, and her husband.
“It’s was awesome! Highly recommend. The guide was great, she engaged everyone and loved her sense of humor! So glad we did it😊❤️”
Join Banff Adventures at the Hydra River Base in Golden for a four-hour Kicking Horse River trip. Your English-speaking guide fits you with a wetsuit, helmet, booties, life vest, spray jacket, and fleece, then leads you through Shot Gun, Man Eater, and Roller Coaster. Guide Vern has earned praise for making first-timers feel ready.
“The guides were great and explained things thoroughly for folks who had never been rafting before. They provided me with everything I needed and it was a fun trip. Would absolutely go back”
Pick a summit, a shoreline or a table.
