Some trips take on a whole different feel when you take the time to explore them on horseback. And when you find yourself at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, it’s hard to resist the temptation to head out and discover those wide-open spaces the cowboy way!
Last July, during a family trip to discover Canada, we made a stop in Alberta. It was a great opportunity to explore this spectacular province, with its mountain scenery and, of course, its Western horse culture. Naturally, we couldn’t pass up the chance to enjoy a horseback riding adventure together as a family.
Our destination: Rafter Six Ranch, located in the Kananaskis region, just a few minutes from Canmore and at the doorstep of Banff National Park.
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Rafter Six Ranch: A Horseback Riding Experience Tailored to Your Needs
Why did we choose this ranch? Quite simply because they offer horseback riding experiences suited to different levels of riders. Not everyone in our group had the same experience in the saddle. Some were quite comfortable on horseback, while others were beginners. So we needed to find an option that would allow everyone to enjoy the day without turning our family outing into an endurance test!
Leroy, the ranch manager, put together a great custom itinerary for us. The plan was simple: ten seasoned horses, about fifteen kilometres of riding along the trails of Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, a barbecue picnic by the Kananaskis River, and a return ride following the same river.
A great day was waiting for us!
Horseback Riding Through Alberta’s Mountain Forests
After getting the horses ready, we were off for several hours of exploring.
There’s something special about discovering a new environment on horseback. You take the time to look around, enjoy the smell of the forest, and simply settle into the rhythm of your horse.
Here, Alberta’s wide-open spaces provide a magnificent backdrop. Towering coniferous forests, mountain landscapes, and winding waterways create a wilderness setting that makes you want to keep riding.
We were accompanied by several members of the ranch team, including Brooke and Andrew, as well as Mike, a rancher from Hay River in the Northwest Territories, who was spending part of his summer in Alberta with his friends from Rafter Six Ranch.
Beyond the trail ride itself, these are the kinds of encounters that make travelling so worthwhile. Horses are a wonderful way to discover a new territory, but they’re also a great way to meet the people who know the land and call it home.
A Barbecue Break Along the Kananaskis River
After several kilometres on the trails, it was time for a well-deserved break! We made our way down to the banks of the Kananaskis River for a barbecue picnic in the middle of the wilderness.
That’s one of the pleasures of trail riding: taking your time. You step away from the trail for a while, enjoy the scenery, share a few stories, and simply appreciate the moment.
You don’t have to look very far to find an incredible setting. The Alberta mountains and the river provide more than enough scenery.
Back at the Ranch: Enjoying Time with the Horses
After our break, we saddled up again and headed back, following the river along the way. All told, the ride lasted about five hours. It was a wonderful day on horseback, suitable for the whole family and long enough to give us a real sense of adventure. But the day wasn’t quite over when we swung out of the saddle.
I made the most of every last minute and gave the ranch crew a hand unsaddling the horses before they were turned out into their large pasture for the night. That’s a part of ranch life I particularly enjoy. Beyond the pleasure of riding, looking after the horses and lending a hand with the everyday chores are also part of the experience.
And after spending several hours together, there’s something satisfying about being able to wrap up the day that way.
A Great Western Experience with the Family
Our visit to Rafter Six Ranch will certainly remain one of the highlights of our time in Alberta. Whether you’re an experienced rider or simply someone looking to discover Western riding, this kind of trail ride offers a different sort of experience, bringing you closer to horses and some truly spectacular scenery.
You don’t necessarily come here to work on a particular exercise or improve your riding technique. You come to enjoy the horses, discover a new part of the country, and share an adventure. And sometimes, that’s all you need!
If you ever find yourself in the Canmore or Banff area, a horseback ride around Kananaskis could be a wonderful way to experience the Canadian Rockies.
A big thank-you to the entire Rafter Six Ranch team for their warm welcome and for making this such a memorable day!