We offer an impressive range of horse riding holidays in Canada, covering various regions of the country's vast and beautiful scenery. From the majestic Rocky Mountains and the picturesque landscapes of Banff to the untamed wilderness of Yukon, the endless prairies and the extraordinary Chilcotin Ark in British Columbia, our Canadian horse-riding holidays offer something for every rider. Canada has a cowboy culture similar to the USA and a warm hospitality all of its own, providing riders with the chance to experience the spirit of the Wild West. With its expansive wilderness, pristine lakes and dense forests teeming with wildlife, Canada promises a holiday that combines thrilling rides with a deep appreciation of nature and culture.
At Unicorn Trails, we are experts in equestrian vacations in Canada, with years of experience and a deep understanding of the country’s diverse landscapes and riding opportunities. Our in-depth knowledge enables us to provide you with independent, personalised advice and guidance, ensuring you find the perfect trip tailored to your needs.
Canada is a Truly Huge Country
This is just how vast: it is 3,447 miles from east to west -spanning 6 time zones! - and 2,716 miles north to south. It's known for having the longest coastline of any country in the world, which stretches for over 137,000 miles. Canada is the second largest country in the world by area after Russia and occupies almost 7% of the world's land mass. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Greenland and the polar ice cap to the north, and the United States to the south, Canada is a country of varied terrain and endless opportunities for adventure.
Canada is a perfect blend of the best of Europe mixed with the best of the United States. The great prairies are situated in the centre of this vast country with the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Great Lakes to the south east. It is sparsely populated with most people gathering in cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Quebec and Montreal. English and French are the two joint official languages but if you venture north, you'll find the Inuit’s speak a variety of unusual local tongues. Canada has a series of National Parks, and when you consider the size of this gigantic country, you'll soon realise that this makes for a perfect back-to-nature horse riding holiday. You can ride all day without seeing another soul.
History of Horses in Canada
Horses have played an important role in Canadian history. The first horses arrived in Canada with the French settlers in the early 17th century and were mainly used for agriculture and transportation. As European exploration and settlement expanded westward, horses were also very important to the fur trade and the development of Canada's frontier. In the 19th century, horses were used for the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. These 'Mounties,' relied on their horses to patrol and maintain law and order across the vast Canadian territories.
The horse also became a symbol of the Canadian West as ranching and cowboy culture thrived in provinces like Alberta. Today, horses continue to be an important part of Canadian culture. They are still used on ranches and trails and in events like competitive show jumping. Canada's equestrian traditions are celebrated in events such as the Calgary Stampede which showcases rodeo skills and Western horsemanship.
Our Horseback Riding Vacations in Canada
We offer a wide range of horseback riding vacations in Canada that cater to all riding abilities from beginners to advanced, and for those who love a challenge and want to ride fast, we also have exhilarating fast-paced rides. Our range of holidays includes everything from trail rides to beach gallops and ranch experiences. Non-riders and families are welcome on selected holidays, which makes Canada an ideal destination for group trips and family vacations. We also offer plenty of options for solo travellers, providing an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals.
While most rides do have weight restrictions, our pack trips and ranch holidays have suitable horses for heavier riders. Beach riding is always a great favourite with Unicorn clients, and in Canada we offer impressive riding vacations with gallops along the coast. Why not come for the glorious Fall or a truly white Christmas?
Alberta Horseback Riding Vacations
Alberta, situated in the south/mid-west of Canada, embodies the spirit of ranch and cowboy culture. It is the westernmost of the 'prairie and plains' provinces, and it is also home to the Rocky Mountains. There's lots of wildlife in Alberta and you stand a great chance of seeing moose, bear, mountain goats, big-horn sheep etc. Visitors can take the Icefields Parkway and walk out onto the frozen icefields. Nature lovers will love seeing the lakes, glaciers and ancient forests. The province is also home to several national parks, including the world-famous Banff and Jasper parks.
Banff, a famous jewel, is a picturesque town that is set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. As a popular year-round destination, it offers breathtaking views from Sulphur Mountain and Lake Louise. Our Banff Mountain Lodge Trail is a 4-day riding adventure through Canada's oldest national park, following historical routes used by early explorers in the 1900s. This riding holiday is perfect for riders of all levels, but you'll need a strong stomach for heights as you may ascend to 8,100 feet!
Pack Trips
For advanced and adventurous riders who want to experience the pioneering spirit, we offer an excellent selection of pack trips. These expeditions allow riders to explore some of the wildest and most beautiful places in Canada. The trips are based around a small group of travelers, and you will get the chance to ride on challenging terrain while your belongings are transported on pack horses. These holidays also include camping in unspoilt locations surrounded by the vastness of nature, just as the first explorers of this country did, enjoying meals cooked over campfires, and working together in an awe-inspiring but demanding land.
Our Canadian pack trips include:
• Alberta Rockies High Mountain Ride - This 7-day pack trip includes two of the most breath-taking high mountain rides, traversing through three major river basins, providing riders with new adventures along the Continental Divide. These trails reach elevations of 9,000 feet (2,750 meters).
• Wilderness 10 Day Trip - This trip combines high mountains and grasslands across three iconic Alberta landscapes. It starts in the forested foothills of the Rocky Mountains, travels 350 km to the Southeastern Alberta grasslands, and ends on the Cypress Hills plateau near the Saskatchewan border. The journey includes camping under the stars and four lodge nights.
• Wilderness Long Rider Pack Trip - This pack trip is ideal for adventurous riders eager to conquer 170 to 200 km of challenging mountain trails in Kananaskis Country. You'll camp at four distinct wilderness sites, beginning in the foothills of the Rockies and venturing westward into the heart of the mountains.
• Wilderness Pack Trips - Ride through the forests and meadows of Kananaskis country before exploring the Rocky Mountains on this 7-day trip. Camp in untouched locations surrounded by nature, and enjoy hearty food by the campfire. Or, try the longer 10-day Mountain Prairie program.
• Wilderness Three Mountain Pack Trip - Embark on a 100km journey over five days, traversing three stunning mountain valleys in Kananaskis Country. Experience the beautiful Opal Range and conquer the Tombstone Pass, reaching altitudes of up to 2,800m. Given the challenging terrain and trails, most of the ride is conducted at a walk.
• Wild River Lodge Trail – Explore the wild mountains and valleys of Banff National park on this 6 day horse riding holiday. Enjoy comfortable lodge accommodations nestled within the park. Shorter itineraries are also available.
• Wildlife Research Pack Trips - Experience nature by joining conservation projects on a horse riding trip through the Chilcotin Ark in British Columbia. Discover the instincts and habits of wildlife like bears, eagles, mountain goats, moose, cougars, and wolves, and learn how to protect their habitat.
Ranch Riding Holidays in Canada
We also offer ranch riding holidays in Canada, giving riders the opportunity to experience life on a real working ranch. These trips allow for an authentic cowboy experience and the chance to learn about horse care and ranch activities.
Some of our popular ranch riding holidays in Canada include:
• Coast Mountains Ranch Stay - Experience Canada's wild west on this working guest ranch at the foot of the Coast Mountains in western Canada. Escape the hustle of modern life in this untouched landscape, enjoying 2 to 3 hours of horseback riding each day in small groups on quality horses. Non-riders will find plenty of activities to stay engaged. This destination combines the peacefulness of a secluded location with comfortable accommodations and riding opportunities suitable for all skill levels.
• Prairie Working Ranch Stay - This relaxed guest and cattle ranch in Saskatchewan offers plenty to explore. Ride along trails once traveled by the Blackfoot Indians and embrace the cowboy lifestyle beneath the vast skies of the Canadian prairies. Spend your nights in cozy log cabins with en-suite rooms. Riders of all skill levels are welcome.
• Wildlife Research Ranch Stay - Discover the adventurous spirit of a dude ranch in Canada's Chilcotin Ark, offering a blend of ranch comfort and wildlife conservation. Enjoy wide-open skies, fresh mountain air, and wild terrain while connecting with nature. Perfect for families or non-riders, the itinerary features half and full-day rides, returning to the ranch each evening.
Experience the Natural Beauty of Yukon
A rare chance to experience from horseback the pristine natural beauty of the Yukon, the westernmost of Canada's territories that borders Alaska. A wonderful location for a horse trip, the Yukon, or "Great River" in the old language, is supplied by the great lakes that characterise the landscape along with the ancient glacial valleys, volcanoes, alpine meadows, forests and tundra. We currently offer two different trips in the Yukon. The first is the Yukon Expedition, a 13-day adventure that takes riders far off the beaten path. You'll travel with all necessary supplies on packhorses, with a single resupply by float plane halfway through the journey. For a shorter experience, try the Yukon Mountain Explorer, available in 3 or 4-day itineraries, perfect for those seeking a brief yet exhilarating pack trip.
Best Time of Year to Travel
The diverse climate in Canada means that there is a perfect time for every type of riding holiday. Summer (June to August) is the peak season for most horseback riding vacations in Canada. Long days and warm temperatures make it ideal for mountain pack trips and ranch stays. It's also the best time to spot wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities. Fall (from September to October) has cooler temperatures and stunning fall colors, especially in eastern Canada. This is a magical time for trail rides through forests with red, orange and gold foliage.
Winter (from December to March) offers opportunities for snow rides at some of our ranches. Riders can gallop through pristine snow-covered landscapes or take a peaceful trail ride through a winter wonderland. Spring (April to May) can be a beautiful time for riding, but be prepared for variable weather and potential muddy conditions on trails.
Book your Equestrian Vacation in Canada with the Experts at Unicorn Trails
We offer the finest equestrian experiences in Canada and our team of experts is dedicated to making sure that your riding holiday exceeds your expectations. Our equestrian holidays in Canada cater to all riding abilities, and we also have holiday options suitable for families, solo travellers and groups. With our extensive range and knowledge of Canadian riding destinations and our commitment to quality and safety, you can trust Unicorn Trails to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Extensions to your Canadian Riding Holiday
To make the most of your Canadian adventure, we are also happy to arrange extensions to your riding vacation. We offer a range of options to complement your equestrian experience, including the chance to spend a few nights in Calgary, especially during the famous Calgary Stampede, or to explore the vibrant city of Vancouver with a week-long stay. There is also the opportunity to visit Toronto and climb the iconic CN Tower for impressive views or visit the French-Canadian culture of Montreal or Quebec City. Many visitors also enjoy taking a trip to the Niagara Falls on the Canadian/US border. Whatever you have in mind, our team can make all the arrangements for a hassle-free and memorable trip.
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