Canada - Wilderness Three Mountain Pack Trip

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This pack trip covers 100-120 km of both foothill and mountain topography in Kananaskis Country. The itinerary is an outline of what to expect rather than a fixed agenda, and may change due to conditions like weather and river levels.

Day 1
Guests are picked-up from Calgary in the afternoon, either from the international airport or a hotel. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour. Once at the ranch there is a welcome BBQ with all guests and the staff that allows a chance to get to know each other. Riders have an opportunity to ask questions and go over the plan for the next few days, including weather forecast and reminders of what needs to be packed. Riders are issued a sturdy duffle bag, sleeping bag and mattress, and can discuss riding skills and preferences or dislikes in a horse. This allows a match with the perfect steed. After checking into the room, there is time to pack and prepare for the trip before socialising with the other guests.

Day 2
After breakfast, riders are introduced to, and allocated a horse. There is chance to get know the horses before grooming and saddling up. Riders are transferred to the Elbow Valley where the riding begins. Set out on a 4 hour hack through the beautiful countryside to Elbow Camp. Once at the camp there will be time to rest with a good cup of cowboy coffee or tea. The camp is located near a small river which can provide a refreshing splash on a hot day. Dinner is made over an open fire.

Day 3
After breakfast, load up the packhorses and ride along the Elbow River, Calgary's second largest river, and over a pass to Rae Creek to make camp for the night.

Day 4
After breakfast, pack up and ride over Tombstone Pass. The trail takes riders through alpine meadows with breath-taking snowy mountains in the backdrop as they make their way to Little Elbow camp.

Day 5
Explore the majestic Opal Range mountains. These mountains were once covered by a shallow warm sea and the area is composed mainly of limestone. If lucky, riders might even find some fossilized corals or shark teeth.

Day 6
After breakfast, pack up for the last time and head to a pickup point where the trucks and trailers await to return to the ranch for supper and a cosy night’s sleep.

Day 7
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye. The shuttle will pick guests up around 9.30 am for the transfer back to Calgary.

Single rooms may be available for lodge nights at C$50 per night.
Riders must be willing to share while on the ride as single tents are not an option.
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 horses are chosen and maintained for working in the mountains and local climate, they are all sensible, hard-working and uncomplicated. The horses are all used to Western style riding and range from 14hh - 16.1hh; some will respond to English aids as well. The pace of the ride is mostly at walk but there is some trotting or cantering when trail conditions are suitable.

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 knowledgeable 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.

This trip is customised, using a network of over 300 km of trails that the hosts have access to. Because they must consider a variety of factors in route planning, like bear activity, river conditions and snow depth in the high passes, they resist the temptation to publish a detailed schedule and trail description. After all, this is a back country-adventure you're embarking on, not a bus trip!

Encounter forest trails, open alpine meadows, rugged and rocky trails, exposed passes and river crossings. This 7-day pack trip provides more opportunity to get into the really high country, and 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. There are occasions when riders may be required to dismount and lead horses through difficult sections. Typical days are between 4 and 8 hours (including an hour for breaks and lunch), and will cover 15-32 km. Guests are expected to participate by grooming and saddling their horses as well as assisting on other camp chores such as watering and feeding horses. 7 riders are considered to be optimal group size for the back-country trips.
Age and Weight Restrictions
The minimum age for pack trips is 10 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. They have had people in their 70's on pack trips, but again, they were fit, in good health and rode regularly prior to their holiday. We ask that you judge yourself (and your children) honestly in this regard, as the ride will take your word for it and plan the trip accordingly. Weight limit for riders is 100kg

For all age groups: It is important that you feel fit and healthy before going on the trail. You are travelling in the wilderness, and medical services (beyond first aid) will not be readily available.

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

The first and last nights are spent in bunkhouse style lodging, 2 or 3 people to a room with a shared bathroom. Other nights are spent camping in large wall tents capable of sleeping up to 6 or smaller tents sleeping 2-3 (additional C$10/day). Ablution facilities are minimal on trail. It is easy to wash one's hands and face, anything more requires a visit to a nearby stream. The ride provides thermarest mattresses as well as duffel bags and sleeping bags so riders don't have to bring their own.

Single rooms may be available for lodge nights at C$50 per night.

Riders must be willing to share while on the ride as single tents are not an option.

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. Sleeping bags rated to -5 degrees are provided should guests prefer not to bring their own. 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 wilderness trip in a remote area from which evacuation may take up to 6 or 8 hours. It is not recommended for anyone whose health is compromised in any life-threatening way. There is no electricity anywhere en route, so medication that must be kept chilled or unfrozen poses a problem.

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 for film and camera equipment. 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.

You will be provided with a waterproof duffel bag to pack all your gear and personal items for the week. The weight limit for the packed duffel bag (including sleeping bag and mat) is 11kg (25 lbs). Please respect this limit as the wranglers and horses have to be able to handle the bags for you.

What you need to pack into your duffel bag:
- Sleeping bag rated for -5 degrees Celsius or warmer (you can borrow one at no extra cost)
- Therm-a-rest (you can borrow one at no extra cost)
- Change of clothes for the week: it varies per person and length of trip how much you need to pack.
We recommend at least 1 extra pair of trousers (in addition to the ones you will be wearing during
the day), 2 or 3 long sleeve shirts, 2 t-shirts, warm underwear (mostly for the night), 1 pair
of socks and set of underwear per day, warmer outer layer (fleece), windproof layer (jacket or vest)
- Warm hat (toque), mostly for sleeping and in the mornings
- Toiletry bag and personal items (please refrain from packing too many perfumed creams or soaps
as they do attract wildlife). Ideal is biodegradable soap, a small microfiber towel, toothpaste
and brush and deodorant.
- Flashlight

What do wear during the day:
- Brimmed hat, riding helmet or ball cap. If you are used to wearing a helmet at home please don’t
stop now! You can bring your own helmet or borrow one from the ranch. 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.
- 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.
- Pocket knife (to cut lunch items and maybe some string)
- 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.

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:
- 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.
- Camera: whether it’s a DSLR, pocket camera or smart phone - bring a camera! The scenery is
stunning!
- Gloves: can come in handy for riding, picking up a hot pot from the fire and other activities.
- 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. If you do not have
suitable rain gear you can rent oilskin slickers for C$5 per day.
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. A broad-rimmed hat is useful, although again the centre has some hard hats that can be borrowed. Nights can be cold so a sleeping bag is useful, although the centre has some that guests are welcome to use. 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.

7d / 6n programme with 5 riding days on set dates.

2025: 17 - 23 (FULL) Aug; 7 - 13 Sep (FULL)
2026: 9 - 15 Aug; 11 - 17 Sep

Riders should be willing to share on this ride. Single rooms available only on first and last night for a C$50 per night, single tents also available for C$50 per night. These must be requested at time of booking, are subject to availability and payable on site.

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Switchbacks: True Stories from the Canadian Rockies - Sid Marty

Tales from the Canadia Rockies - Brian Patton

The Green Horse - Dale Portman

Icefields by Thomas Wharton.

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com 

A fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

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. Oddly enough, there are more wildlife sightings on the Great Plains ride than in the mountains. This is because: 1. There is no cover, and one can see everything within 5 or 10 kilometers. The animals living there are also unperturbed by humans at these distances; and 2. The prairies are actually a more animal-friendly habitat, with milder climate and ample grasses for grazing animals to eat.

In general, none of these animals mean trouble to us as we travel in groups on horseback. We are careful not to attract bears in camp by hoisting the food on a high tree. Please DO NOT store any food within your personal gear but hand it to the guide at the end of the day.

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. Wranglers lead the packhorses with your gear into camp, usually on a different, easier and less scenic route than the one the group takes. They all share the same love and pride for this country and will be delighted to pass it on to guests.

Gear and Equipment provided

You will be provided with:
* Canvas wall tents, sleeping mattress and sleeping bag (warm enough for local climate) and a duffle bag
* 3 hearty, delicious meals cooked over the open campfire
* 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.