Canada - Wilderness Longrider Pack Trip

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from HW of Manly Vale on 19/09/2024

Day 1
After being picked up from Calgary in the afternoon, either from the international airport or a hotel, guests are just a short 1hr transfer from the ranch where they will be greeted with a BBQ and an opportunity to meet the other guests and staff. This will also provide an opportunity to ask any questions and go over the plans for the next few days, including expected weather and what to pack. Riders will be issued a sturdy duffle bag, sleeping bag and mattress. After checking into the room, there is time to pack and prepare for the trip and socialize with the other guests.

Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to meet the horses! Riders will be carefully matched to a horse to suit their abilities and physical size. After saddling and preparing the horses there is a chance to ride in the arena before setting off. Once lunch is packed, set off either on horseback or by loading the horses onto a trailer and departing from a nearby trailhead. It is an easy ride on the first day, through the forests and meadows of the Foothills until reaching the first camp. (5hrs)
Once the horses are groomed and fed, it is time to rest with a good cup of cowboy coffee or tea round the campfire. The first camp is located near a small river that is refreshing on a hot day for those who like to take a splash!

Day 3
After breakfast, pack up and depart for the longest riding day of the week. It takes more than 7 hours to get to the second camp. On route, pass through breath-taking foothills of ever-increasing height and marvel at the scenery. On reaching the second camp riders will be pleased to sit and relax while enjoying a delicious dinner cooked over an open fire. Sleep in large-wall tents that offer enough space and shelter for the group.

Day 4
The route returns to the same camp today, allowing a leisurely start. After breakfast, take a short but dramatic ride up the hidden valley, returning early enough for a refreshing swim in the river near the camp before settling down for another scrumptious meal cooked over the open fire.

Day 5
Weather permitting, the plan is to navigate around a mountain range using some very challenging trails. It will take more than 7 hours to complete this tricky loop that is often described as an equestrian obstacle course. Return to the same camp in the late afternoon. Once the horses are taken care of riders can sit back and relax.

Day 6
After breakfast, pack up the horses and move up the valley, crossing a low pass into the drainage basin of the Sheep River. This ride leads past the highest mountain on the trip (3200m). It’s a fairly easy day in comparison to some of the previous rides, covering about 24 kms.

Day 7
Pack up and head north, past some alpine lakes where the group will stop for lunch and maybe a swim if it is warm enough. Arrive at the new camp in a beautiful meadow. After setting up camp we can sit back and enjoy dinner by the campfire.

Day 8
There are several options in Paradise Valley, but if conditions are suitable, a favourite is to climb to Paradise Pass (2575M). If the group are feeling strong, consider continuing around a nameless mountain range and making the way back to camp by descending a rugged and steep valley.

Day 9
After breakfast, break camp for the last time, pack the horses and ride down the valley to be met by the truck and trailer. After 8 days of riding through Kananaskis Country, riders return to civilization to enjoy a shower and a delicious dinner in the company of new found friends. This last night is spent in the lodge at the ranch.

Day 10
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. The shuttle will collect guests around 9.30 AM tfor the transfer to Calgary.

Riders must be willing to share while on the trail 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, but some respond to English aids as well and they range between 14hh - 16.1hh. The pace of the ride is mostly at the walk but long trots and canters when trail conditions are suitable.

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

The trips are customised, using a network of over 300 km of trail that your hosts have access to. They must consider a variety of factors in route planning, like bear activity, river conditions and snow depth in the high passes, so detailed schedules and trail descriptions are not published. During the trip riders will encounter forest trails, open alpine meadows, rugged and rocky trails, exposed passes, and river crossings. This 10-day pack trip will provide 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 all mesh together.

This ride is for confident riders with a good sense of adventure. Riders must be comfortable at all gaits and have independent control of the horse. There are occasions when riders may be required to dismount and lead horses through difficult sections. There will be some hiking on rugged ground at elevations between 7,000 and 8,400 feet. Typical days are between 4 and 8 hours (including an hour for breaks and lunch), and will cover 15-32kms. Riders are expected to participate by grooming and saddling their horses as well as assisting on other camp chores such as watering and feeding horses.
The minimum age for pack trips is 10 years old and the weight limit is 100kg. 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. People in their 70's have been on these 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 we will take your word for it and plan the trip accordingly.

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 at a ranch, 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, but 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 pack 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 lodge nights so we recommend you bring plenty of batteries or a solar charger for camera or video 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 to 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.

10d / 9n / 8 riding days. 2 set dates each year.

2025: 29 - 8 July (Full); 3 - 12 Aug (Full); 24 Aug - 2 Sep (Full)
2026: 19 - 28 July; 23 Aug - 1 Sep

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

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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 kilometres. 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 and westerns such as The Forgiven, were filmed in this area.

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.