Our Banff Trail Riders Adventure

Since the pandemic started, it has really hit me that often times I look to travelling outside of our province to find family activities to explore for the summer months. With the world upside down and travel restricted in place, I have made it my mission to find everything Alberta has to offer for my family to explore this summer. That's when I stumbled on Banff Trail Riders.

Brooklyn Catching a photo. Note the lysol wipes! Everything is throughly sanitized between rides.

Banff Trail Riders is located in Banff National Park just an hour 1/2 drive from Calgary. They offer loads of options for trips to do as a family or a couples getaway. A few options to choose from are:

1. 15 or 30 minute carriage ride.

2. Hourly or day horse back trail ride.

3. Overnight trail ride to a lodge or tent weekends away.

Click here to view the full Banff Trail Rides website.

We opted for a 30 minute carriage ride along the beautiful Bow River that flows through the town as my son Luke was too young for horseback. You need to be a minimum age of 8 to choose the horse back. We were to arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers. One needs to be done per rider. Note: Even with our travel restrictions in place there are tons of families visiting the rockies and it is still very busy even without our abroad tourists! Make sure you give yourself ample travelling time.

Our Carriage Driver Oliver

After finishing our waivers we went out back of the building to meet our driver and horse.

Oliver our carriage driver was so friendly and inviting and introduced us to Pat, our trusty leader who had been leading carriage rides for 9 years! Our family loaded into the covered carriage (bonus for those rainy days) and we were off to explore.

We passed the town church and Oliver informed us that during the pandemic the lady who does the church bells has been learning new songs to keep the locals entertained. We were so lucky to hear Its a Small World as we drove by!

We passed over the bridge that covers the Bow River and looped down along the river. The views were breath taking.

Mountain Views

Once down by the river it became peaceful and quiet. As busy as the streets were above it was as if we were in our own little world. I made a comment that I could have literally closed my eyes and had a quick catnap during the ride as it was so calming. So mommas who visit Banff with a fussy baby or toddler this definitely will be what you need to calm your little one!!

We learned that not far from the bridge is where the Warner Stables were located (where they keep all the horses) and if you choose so you can go visit the horses after your carriage ride.

Upon our arrival back to the store we had the option to choose a souvenir or pick up a pair of cowboy boots for the whole family. We truly had a wonderful time. Our next adventure we plan to take with Banff Trail Riders will be the Cowboy Cookout.

The cowboy cookout rides to 3 miles cabin for western barbecue lunch or dinner along the scenic bow river. It is one of the most popular family friendly adventures (you can either choose from trail riding or wagon riding).

Note: Banff Trailer Riders has a coupon available for 10% off when you book an adventure 7 days in advance. Click here for code.

Thank you so much to Banff Trail Riders for having our family for the day we had the most wonderful time with Oliver and Pat.