On these wonderful horse riding holidays in Canada you'll join with a small band of fellow adventurers and athletic, sure-footed horses to explore some of the most wild and beautiful places in Alberta. Trips are offered in both the Canadian Rocky Mountains and for those looking for a faster riding holidays, the Great Plains.
All our gear is carried on pack horses although the pack string may take a different route to enable us to ride some more difficult terrain or faster at times. We camp in unspoilt locations surrounded by vast nature as the first explorers of this country did, enjoying food made on camp fires and working together in an awe-inspiring but demanding land.
Multi-day pack trips are the answer for those who want to get into the real back-country, relax and recharge their batteries in the splendour of nature, learn more about riding, and enjoy the companionship of horses.
7 Day Pack Trips These packtrips will typically cover 100-120 km of both foothill and mountain topography in Kananaskis Country. Depending on the interests and abilities of riders the starting point may be the Ranch or Little Elbow Trailhead, and normally camp is moved twice during the week.
Five days gives you lots of time to develop an affection and appreciation for both your horse and the Canadian wilderness, though almost everyone agrees that the time flies quickly and they are left with the urge to return and explore other untracked valleys and ridgelines.
10 Day Pack Trips These are designed for keen riders who are up to the challenge of covering between 170 and 200 km of rugged mountain trails. Over the duration of the trek the basics of horse packing, wilderness horsemanship, low impact horse camping and a myriad of other skills are acquired.
Starting from the foothills, these pack trip holidays move in one direction - progressively westward and deeper into the mountains. Trails vary from difficult game tracks that require a knowledgeable guide to find, through to some that are suitable for cantering. Camp is normally moved 3 times, allowing time to remain for 2 days in two of the prettiest valleys in the Rockies, and do some horseback exploring unencumbered with pack horses and unconcerned about breaking and resetting camp. This also allows for the opportunity to do more or less difficult rides depending on the interests and ability of the group.
Great Plains Trail This trail covers 120 miles in 10 days across the open plains of Southern Alberta, from the Sweetgrass Hills on the Montana border to the Cypress Hills in Saskatchewan. Explore the magical coulees and badlands of the Milk River, and ride along routes that were once used by Indians, whiskey traders, fugitive outlaws, and the North-West Mounted Police. Visit historic Writing-On-Stone, Fort Walsh and other places along the Redcoat Trail. Much of this country has not changed since the time of the buffalo.
This is excellent riding country, with unlimited opportunity for experienced riders to move at a faster pace, this trail is aimed at riders who can confidently control a horse at a canter in open landscapes.
Single supplements - please note that if you choose to pay for a single room at the ranch (where you will stay for a night before and after the ride) you may be taken to a nearby B&B if there is no space available at the ranch.
Sample 10 Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Calgary, be met around 4:00 pm and transferred to the ranch, where there will be a reception with finger food and introductions will be made. Retire to the lodge and some well-deserved sleep.
Day 2
Pack gear required for trip in a duffel bag for the packhorses to take. Meet horses and receive instruction on western saddling and riding. Depart shortly before noon on the trail, taking about 5 hours to reach camp 1. Settle into camp and do necessary chores, including grooming, feeding and watering of horses.
Day 3
Break camp after breakfast, head out on the trail to Camp 2 which is approximately a 7 hour ride further west. Travel through the foothills of increasing height (up to 7600') and reach the valley of the Big Elbow river at the base of the magnificent Rockies (9700').
Day 4 Day ride from base camp, normally 4 hours leaving time to relax, bathe in the river etc.
Day 5
Day ride from base camp, normally 7 hours of rigorous mountain riding.
Day 6
Break camp and load packhorse for move. If a 7 day trek then riders do a 6 hour ride to a trailhead, and trailer the horses home. Supper at the ranch and overnight in lodging. If a 10 day trip riders move further west over Tombstone Pass to the valley of the Little Elbow river and make camp after about 7.5 hours riding.
Return to Calgary airport by noon for those on the 7 day ride.
Day 7 Day ride to Talus Lake. This involves about 2 hours riding each way, and a hike/scramble of about 1 mile.
Day 8
Day ride over Paradise Pass (elev, 8400'). This requires that the horses be led for the final 400' to the summit.
Day 9
Break camp, load packhorses and head out to a trailhead approx 3.5 hrs ride away. Trailer horses home, shower, dinner, laugh, party and overnight in lodging.
Day 10 Departure after breakfast
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The weight limit for this ride is 16 st/220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Transfers from Calgary airport, English-speaking guide (guides available to also speak French and German), riding, all accommodation (assuming willing to share) and meals on the trail, non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, juice) provided with meals.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights, rainwear (rental available at extra cost) alcoholic and canned drinks, items of a personal nature and gratuities.
Riders who booked this ride also considered:
Arizona, Navajoland Trail - USA
This riding holiday crosses three distinct portions of the Navajo Indian Reservation. This is a trip for people who are willing to forego creature comforts to become immersed in the unique culture and dramatic landscape of Navajoland.
Bellstone Ride - Argentina This horseback trail takes you to estancias and rural dwellings over the constantly changing geography and through areas impossible to reach by car.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
21, The Acorn Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 ORA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
Office hours 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday
Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com http://www.unicorntrails.com
This Website and all of its contents are copyright of Unicorn Trails.
Under no circumstances is any part of this site to be copied or used without written permission.
