Canada - Wilderness Continental Divide

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Day 1
Guests are picked up at in Calgary at 4:00pm and dropped off at the ranch following a short transfer. At the ranch there will be a reception and meet-and-greet before dinner and settling in for the night.

Day 2
After breakfast, meet and be allocated the ideal horse based on rider experience, followed by an introduction to methods of riding in the wilderness. Once everyone is happy, head out on a full day ride in Kananaskis Country.

Day 3
Following breakfast, saddle up and set off for a full day of riding in the mountains of Kananaskis Country. Enjoy a picnic lunch out on the trail in stunning surroundings. The route will be determined by the conditions and weather.

Day 4
Another opportunity for a full-day riding in the mountains, exploring different trails to the previous day. Routes will be determined by the conditions and the weather, but riders are sure to have an amazing time whichever trail they take. Lunch is a picnic taken on the trail. Dinner is served back at the lodge.

Day 5
Load up the horses in the trailer and drive to Nipika Mountain Resort in British Columbia. It is a 3+ hour scenic drive through Banff and Kootenay National Parks. Upon arrival, enjoy a late afternoon ride in along the beautiful Kootenay River Valley before settling into the cabins.

Day 6
Following a hearty breakfast, enjoy a full day's ride up the Cross River. Lunch will be a picnic taken on the trail before returning to the cabins for dinner and a second night at Nipika

Day 7
After breakfast, saddle up for a 2 hour morning ride before loading the horses for the trip back to the ranch. Arrive at the ranch in time for supper and a final night at the lodge.

Day 8
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. Depart for the airport at 9:30am.

Please note transfers for arrivals from Calgary Airport leave at 4pm. Departure transfers arrive at Calgary Airport at 11am. Please book your flights accordingly.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The pace of the ride is mostly at the walk but there are some opportunities for trotting or cantering when trail conditions are suitable. The horses are chosen and maintained for working in the mountains and local climate, they are all sensible, hard-working and uncomplicated. Ranging from 14hh - 16.1hh. The horses are all used to Western style riding, but some respond to English aids as well.

The terrain covered is often rugged and steep on undeveloped wilderness tracks. It is sometimes necessary to dismount and walk with the horses. Riding is guided at all times by an English-speaking guide and usually starts at 10am and finishes around 5pm with several short breaks and a longer lunch break.

The guides are extremely knowledge of the country and its hazards, and will err on the side of caution if there is a question of threatening weather, wildlife, or other natural hazard, so the trip itinerary may be altered if it deemed wise to do so by the senior guide.

Experience has proved that after 2 or 3 days most people's riding and outdoor skills really begin to improve, and the team, guests and staff mesh together.

Riders must be comfortable at a walk, trot and canter. Riding skills are less essential than a sense of adventure and general fitness. Typical days are between 4 and 8 hours (including an hour for breaks and lunch), and will cover 15-32 kms.

There is a minimum age 8 years old. Anyone under 15 should be a regular and enthusiastic rider, have a keen sense of adventure, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We ask that you judge yourself (and your children) honestly in this regard, as the ride will take your word for it.

The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The first 4 nights and the last night are spent at the ranch in Alberta where there is bunkhouse style lodging, 2 or 3 people to a room with a shared bathroom. The heart of the lodge is a large, bright communal space where groups can socialize, eat, cook, listen to stories or just enjoy the view over the horse pasture.

Nights 4 & 5 are spent in cabins in British Columbia.

All meals are included from dinner on the Sunday to breakfast the following Sunday

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Dependent on your country, Passport and Visa requirements can change from regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. To visit Canada, you will need to meet some basic requirements, such as: • Have a valid travel document, such as a passport • Be in good health • Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions • Convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country. • Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. It depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives). Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Typical summer temperatures (June-August) range from 18-25 C during the day, to near or even a degree or two below freezing at night. Snow has fallen in every month in the mountains so one must be prepared for all possibilities. Most precipitation normally comes in short but intense thunderstorms. Periods of several weeks without any rain are also common, particularly in the later summer. An unusually hot day would be 32 degrees. Humidity is quite low. Best time for autumn colours is mid-September to early October.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

The cost of medical treatment can be very expensive in Canada. For emergency health care you can go to a hospital’s emergency room or to a large number of walk-in clinics where an appointment is not required beforehand.

Giardiasis is present so do not drink water from streams. Tap water is safe to drink.

Rabies is endemic in Canada, do not approach stray dogs.

Lyme disease can be a risk in wooded regions; it is a rare tick borne disease.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Canada and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

This is a trip involves riding in remote areas from which evacuation may take up to 6 hours. It is not recommended for anyone whose health is compromised in any life-threatening way.

In Canada the supply voltage is 120V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).

Mobile phones do not work in the riding area. Internet access is not available either. Electricity is only available on the first and last nights so bring plenty of batteries or a solar charger. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves - can come in handy for riding, picking up a hot pot from the fire and other activities.
- Trousers suitable for riding (jeans or breeches, whichever you prefer)
- Chaps - half chaps are recommended if you choose to wear breeches. Otherwise chaps are handy but not necessary to bring
- Boots - choose boots or shoes you are comfortable in. You will be wearing these shoes all day, walking and riding. Light hiking boots are often a better choice than fancy western boots. Boots should be water-repellent, at least ankle high and have a small heel. Some people like to bring light weight camp shoes or sandals to wear around the camp site.
- Long sleeve shirt - We recommend that over a short sleeve as you can roll up the sleeves when it is warm and down when in the shade or dense forest to avoid scratching your forearms.
- Bandana - this is an optional item. We find a bandana handy as it serves many purposes: protection of your neck from sun burning, cooling you off when dipped in a mountain stream or simply tie something together when needed.
- Brimmed hat or ball cap. If you are used to wearing a helmet at home please don’t stop now! The cowboy hat is a very useful piece of gear to protect your face and neck from the sun, rain and low branches. It does not, however, protect your head if you fall.
- Sun cream - you are starting at an elevation of 1350m (4400 ft) and are getting up to well above 2200 m (7000 ft). The sun is very strong at this altitude. Please be sure to protect your skin from burning.
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding The scenery is stunning!
- Rain gear - the “slicker” will be tied behind your saddle so it is with you during the day. The weather in the mountains can change rapidly so you must be prepared all the time.
- Pocket knife (to cut lunch items and maybe some string)
You can leave any luggage you don’t need at the ranch while you are in the back-country.

Clothing should be comfortable and well-tested. The high altitude and low humidity mean sun cream will be necessary in the summer months for fair skins, but biting insects are rarely a problem.

Provided by hosts
Riding hat
You will also be provided with a set of saddle bags to tie behind the saddle of your horse. Part of the
saddlebags will be needed to pack “group” provisions such as lunch items or part of the horse first aid kit. The remaining volume can be packed with items you may need during the day
Rent an oilskin slickers for C$5 per day

8d / 7n programme with 6 riding days. One set date in Sept.

2025: 4 - 11 October (Full)

Single rooms are available for a small supplement of CA$50 per night.
Must be requested at time of booking and are subject to availability, payable on site.

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All major charismatic species native to the Rockies can be found in this area, including Grizzly and Black bear, Cougars, Wolves, Coyotes, Moose, Elk, Bighorn sheep, Mule and Whitetail deer, and wild horses. The rides begin in the foothills ecosystem and move progressively into subalpine and alpine regions. This allows guests to immerse themselves in and learn about the different ecologies present at different elevations. It should be noted that while many species of large mammals are present in the region through which we ride, some are very elusive and are unlikely to be seen, even when close. For example, there have been occasions of no grizzly sightings in previous pack trips, and normally cougars are seen only once every few years although this area has one of the highest densities in North America. Given their general preference to avoid humans and the huge area with good cover in which they can roam, this shouldn’t be a surprise.

In general, none of these animals mean trouble to us as we travel in groups on horseback.

Guides and Wranglers
Interesting and entertaining guides share their knowledge of the different areas you will visit. You can learn about horsemanship, back-country navigation, survival skills and living in nature. Depending on the group size you will have one or two backcountry guides with you at all times. They all share the same love and pride for this country and will be delighted to pass it on to guests.

You will be provided with:
* 3 hearty, delicious meals
* A surefooted and well trained horses that will suit your riding abilities, size and weight
* Comfortable western and endurance saddles with saddle bags
* An enthusiastic team that will do its best to provide you with an unforgettable adventure together with a handful of likeminded horse people.

Located within an hour’s drive of both Banff and Calgary, the Bragg Creek region offers the rare combination of nearby urban conveniences with ready access to an enormous wilderness region. Brokeback Mountain was filmed here, as were a number of westerns like The Unforgiven.

People migrating from Asia crossing the Bering Strait first settled on the North American continent. They formed a number of tribes that can be distinguished by language: the Algonquian in the eastern sub-arctic and maritime areas spreading into the prairies and plains of the mid-west; the Iriquioian speaking tribes mostly in the St Lawrence Valley and around Lakes Ontario and Erie; the Salishan, Athabascan and other linguistic groups lived along the rivers and coastline of British Columbia. Small, isolated Inuit bands developed a unique culture in the harsh environment of the Arctic. John Cabot, a Venetian working in the service of the English sailed to Newfoundland in 1497. This and later explorations formed the basis of the English claim to Canada. The Frenchman Jacques Cartier undertook a series of explorations, mainly along the route of the St Lawrence River during the 1530s and 1540s and he claimed the land for France. It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society. Canada is between 3.5 and 8 hours behind GMT depending on where you are in the country. They use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code is +1.