CHECK-IN
Check in is at 9:30 am. It is not necessary to check-in
early or the day before. After check-in, we take you by van
to our stable in Banff where you will meet your guide, who
will explain some basic trail riding guidelines.
GETTING HERE
Banff is only 80 miles (130 km) west of the Calgary
International Airport and is easily accessible by shuttle
bus or rental car. Shuttles depart 7 days a week from the
airport, three times daily. It is important to call and
confirm all shuttle departure times and prices. Most major
car rental agencies have offices at the airport.
Banff Airporter 1-888-449-2901
Brewster Transportation 1-800-661-1152
Rocky Mountain Sky Shuttle 1-888-762-8754
If you are planning on driving into Banff National Park,
please be prepared to pay an entrance fee at the park gates
(~$8). Please be sure to ask about an annual rate (you may
save some money) if you are planning on being in the park
for 7 days or longer. Note: Your Wilderness Pass fee is a
backcountry user fee and does not cover your park entrance.
ACCOMMODATION
It is essential that you make your hotel reservations well
in advance if you are planning to spend any nights in Banff.
The summer season in Banff is extremely hectic, and you may
have great difficulty finding accommodation if you arrive in
Banff without having made any prior arrangements. Enclosed
is a full list of local hotels and bed & breakfasts, all
within 5-15 minutes of us. The Mount Royal Hotel
is conveniently located just two doors down from our main
office and check in point.
CAR AND EXTRA LUGGAGE
Your extra luggage and valuables may be left in our care at
the Trail Rider Store. You can leave your vehicle at our
stables here in Banff (directions given upon check-in). We
do not recommend leaving anything of value in your car while
on your trip.
WHAT TO BRING
The following pages outline the items you NEED to
bring with you. It is essential that our guests be prepared
for all kinds of mountain weather. We have had many years of
personal experience dealing with Mother Nature up here, so
please take our list to heart.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU ON YOUR LODGE TRIP
Mother Nature can be unpredictable up here
in the mountains, so our guests need to come prepared for
every type of weather. Clothing that is easily layered works
the best. You can always remove what you don't need, but you
still have it just in case. Also, bring your most
comfortable gear -- this is not the time to break-in new
boots or a new hat.
| AVERAGE TEMPERATURE |
| Month |
High |
Low |
| June |
19C / 66F |
5C / 41F |
| July |
22C / 71F |
7C / 45F |
| August |
22C / 70F |
7C / 44F |
| September |
16C / 60F |
3C / 38F |
- These are average temperatures at an elevation of
4538 feet. Temperatures will drop at higher elevations.
When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being
packed out to the lodge on a mule and our animals
comfort is very important to us. By following these
guidelines you can help us ensure that.
You must pack your gear in
soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It can not have any hard
edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a Total
maximum weight of 30 lbs. It's a good idea to
line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for
waterproofing. Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are
packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or
tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle.
Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are
taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb
weight restriction.
If you would like to bring saddlebags (we
don't supply them), please fill them only with essential
items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm,
your camera, sunscreen, etc. We reserve the right to limit
the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight. Fanny packs
(a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well.
Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed --
they are hard on your back and hard on the horse's back, and
do not tie properly to the saddle. We have a limited
supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day, however we suggest
you book them early, as last year this was a popular
service. Rentals are available for pick up upon check in
(sorry, no earlier) and are rented out on a cash only basis.
Please note that we provide the bed,
bedding and pillows. The length of your trip will alter what
you need. This list is ideal for a 6-day trip. The following
list details essential items to bring with you:
- A warm coat -- Essential to ward off chilly
nights or a windy day. Also bring a heavy sweater (wool
is a great insulator) or a fleece jacket.
- Rain gear -- A raincoat and rain pants, and
if possible, coverings for your boots and hat. Please DO
NOT bring rain ponchos, they flap in the wind and spook
the horses. If you have one, we recommend an oilskin
slicker. We have a limited supply of full-length
oilskin slickers for rent for $7/day. If you are
interested in this service, please book early. Slickers
are available for pick up upon check in and are rented
out on a cash only basis.
- Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1 long-sleeve shirt
(turtleneck if you prefer) and 2 T-shirts. Adjust
according to the length of your trip.
- Jeans -- We suggest one pair for riding in
during the day and another pair for wearing around camp.
Two pairs of jeans are all you should need on any of our
trips. Also important is a pair of long underwear
for chilly nights.
- Riding boots -- A boot with a heel that can
easily slip in and out of stirrups. Alternatives would
be a narrow style of hiking boot or solid sneaker. For
safety reasons, clunky hiking boots are not recommended.
Plastic bags inside your boots can help to keep your
feet dry on rainy days.
- Sneakers -- or an extra pair of shoes for
wearing around the lodge, and a pair of slippers or
indoor shoes to wear inside the lodge. An extra pair of
dry socks is also recommended.
- Toiletries -- Towel, facecloth, biodegradable
shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razors, etc.
Please note that we do not have any electricity at our
lodges. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP AT BOTH
LODGES
- Flashlight -- Remember to check your
batteries!
- Hat -- A cowboy hat offers the most
protection from the elements. Baseball caps or
canvas-type hats are also fine. Please ensure that your
hat fits snug and will not blow off in the wind
- Gloves and a scarf -- Lined leather or suede
gloves provide protection from the elements and a sure
grip on the reins (bring two pair just in case one gets
wet). A silk or cotton scarf/bandana is recommended for
extra warmth.
- Sunscreen -- sunglasses and mosquito
repellent.
- Your camera -- Don't forget extra film.
- Liquor -- Please make sure that all bottled
liquor is well-wrapped in plastic and placed in the
middle of your duffel to prevent it from breaking.
Plastic bottles are preferred. Canned mix and beer is
available for sale at both lodges. Please remember that
alcohol is included in your 30lb limit. All camps are
supplied by mule or pack horse.
- Water bottle -- for refreshment while you are
riding.
... back to
Lodge Rides
| Banff Accommodation |
Toll Free # |
| Banff Accommodations |
1-877-226-3348 |
| Banff Avenue Inn |
1-800-772-0155 |
| Banff Caribou Lodge |
1-800-563-8764 |
| Banff Intl Hostel |
1-800-444-6111 |
| Banff Intl Hotel |
1-800-665-5666 |
| Banff Park Lodge |
1-800-661-9266 |
| Banff Ptarmigan Inn |
1-800-661-8310 |
| Banff Rocky Mtn Rsrt |
1-800-661-9563 |
| Banff Springs Hotel |
1-800-441-1414 |
| Banff Voyager Inn |
1-800-879-1991 |
| Best Western Siding 29 |
1-800-528-1234 |
| Bow View Motor Lodge |
1-800-661-1565 |
| Brewster Mtn Lodge |
1-800-691-5085 |
| Buffalo Mtn Lodge |
1-800-661-1367 |
| Bumper's Inn |
1-800-661-3518 |
| Charlton's Cedar Court |
1-800-661-1225 |
| Charlton's Evergreen |
1-800-661-1379 |
| Douglas Fir Resort |
1-800-661-9267 |
| Dynasty Inn |
1-800-667-1464 |
| Hidden Ridge Chalet |
1-800-661-1372 |
| High Country Inn |
1-800-661-1244 |
| Homestead Inn |
1-800-661-1021 |
| Inns of Banff |
1-800-661-1272 |
| Irwin's Mountain Inn |
1-800-661-1721 |
| King Edward Hotel |
1-800-344-4232 |
| Mount Royal Hotel |
1-800-267-3035 |
| Red Carpet Inn |
1-800-563-4609 |
| Rimrock Resort Hotel |
1-800-661-1587 |
| Rundlestone Lodge |
1-800-661-8630 |
| Sunshine Village Inn |
1-800-661-1363 |
| Swiss Village Lodge |
1-800-661-1272 |
| Traveller's Inn |
1-800-661-0227 |
| Tunnel Mtn Chalets |
1-800-661-1859 |
|
|
| Banff Bed & Breakfast |
Telephone # |
| A Good Night's Rest |
403-762-2984 |
| B & B Beside the Bow |
403-762-2517 |
| Banff B & B |
403-762-8806 |
| Blue Mountain Lodge |
403-762-5134 |
| Cascade Court B & B |
403-762-2956 |
| Eleanor's House |
403-760-2457 |
| Hillside Bungalows |
403-762-3408 |
| Holiday Lodge |
403-762-3648 |
| Misty Pines B & B |
403-762-5496 |
| Odenthal's B & B |
403-762-2081 |
| Park Ave B & B |
403-762-2025 |
| Rocky Mountain B & B |
403-762-4811 |
| Spray Valley B & B |
403-762-2846 |
| Woodside Cottage |
403-762-2441 |
|
