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Best Horseback Riding in Canada: The 8 Best Trails
Are you on the lookout for the best horseback riding in Canada?
There’s nothing like riding through the scenery of Canada on horseback but finding the best horseback riding trails can be a challenge.
With years of research under my belt in finding travel experiences with the highest levels of animal welfare, I feel like I can help!
From finding the best stables to figuring out your experience level, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before booking your horse riding holiday to Canada!
Ready to hit the trail?
My Top 3 Picks: Horseback Riding in Canada
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
Why Go Horseback Riding in Canada?
Horseback riding is the best way to explore the breathtaking nature of Canada. You can visit nearly every part of the country on horseback, from the Rocky Mountains in Banff to the forested trails in Quebec.
And since it is less physically demanding than hiking, horse vacations make it possible for everyone to see the hidden gems of the Canadian wilderness.
Soak in the scenery and practice mindfulness aboard your noble steed. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some iconic Canadian wildlife!
Many barns and stables offer trail riding experiences for all experience levels, from beginner to advanced.
8 Best Trails for Horseback Riding in Canada
1. Covered Wagon Ride in Banff with Western Cookout
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Mount up and enjoy a ride along the Bow River, where you’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery and local wildlife.
Halfway through this trail ride, you’ll arrive at 3-Mile Cabin and experience good old-fashioned western hospitality! Here, you can try lassoing or a game of horse-shoes before digging into some cowboy cuisine.
“Covered wagon with cook out was excellent! Our entires Our Our family enjoyed the adventure! 18 months to 60 years of age. Our wrangler was fantastic who answered many questions from our grandchildren and family.” Bart S (Read more reviews)
If you’re unsure about being on horseback, there is an option to climb into a covered wagon and enjoy the ride to the 3-Mile cabin, where you’ll reunite with the horse riders.
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $101,30 USD for an adult. $76,18 USD for a child
Minimum age: 8 years
Maximum weight: 230lbs
Experience level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
What’s included: Ride or wagon ride and food and drinks
What to bring: Nothing specified
Wheelchair accessible: No
2. 2-Hour Horseback Trail Ride in Kananaskis – Canadian Rocky Mountains
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
Going on a two-hour Kananaskis horseback riding trip is a popular way to explore Kananaskis country.
As you pass over the mountain ridge, you’ll enjoy an unbeatable view of the valley below before descending into the Montane Forest and wetlands.
“What an amazing experience! The ranch itself was beautiful and extremely well maintained. Everyone who worked there was very nice. The trails were beautiful and the horses were well trained and behaved. I will for sure be going back again.” Kristen_P (Read more reviews)
You’ll likely spot some local wildlife on this latter half of the journey.
This horseback riding tour is suitable for all riders, from novice to advanced. This is an excellent choice for a group of friends with riders of varying experience levels.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $122,43 USD
Minimum age: 6 years
Maximum weight: Not specified
Experience level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
What’s included: Ride only
What to bring: Closed-toed shoes and long pants
Wheelchair accessible: No
3. 1-Hour Horseback Ride in Pemberton – British Columbia
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ Book it!
This tour is another fantastic option in Canada, where you can explore British Columbia in style on a one-hour trail ride in Pemberton.
“Part of the journey is when the horses walk in the river. So cool. Guide, Tom was great and just a memorable experience for the family. Cant wait to do it again.” Christine (Read more reviews)
Enjoy spectacular views as you ride through Pemberton Valley, along the banks of the Ryan River, through forests, and across open fields.
This trip is especially memorable in the spring or fall. In the spring, you can time up your trip with the wildflower bloom and get clear views over Mt Curry! In the fall, the trees change color, and the fall foliage is unmatched.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: $70,32 USD
Minimum age: 7 Years (and must be over 4ft tall)
Maximum weight: Not specified
Experience level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
What’s included: Ride only
What to bring: Boots or closed-toed shoes and long pants
Wheelchair accessible: No
4. South Algonquin Trail Ride – Toronto, Ontario
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
You may not expect it, but there is some awesome horseback trail riding in Toronto! The best place to book a ride is the South Algonquin Equestrian Trails on the southern tip of Algonquin Park.
Experienced trail guides lead visitors on horse riding adventures through the numerous trails.
“The ride was very enjoyable. We had a short hike in the middle to a waterfall, which was a good break during the 3-hour ride. The staff handled the horses very well.” Jennifer P (Read more reviews)
Riders of all skill levels are catered to here, with more experienced riders often allowed to go for a nice canter (horses have four paces, walk, trot, canter, and gallop – so canter is the second fastest pace). Don’t worry, beginners can take it slow.
Halfway through the ride, there’s a chance to take a break from riding and hike to a nearby waterfall.
Duration: 3-hours
Price: $161.45 USD ($220 CAD)
Minimum age: 6 Years
Maximum weight: 250lbs
Experience level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
What’s included: Ride only
What to bring: Long pants and hiking boots or running shoes.
Wheelchair accessible: No
5. Trail Ride Niagara Riding Stables – Ontario
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 50 mins. | ✅ Book it!
Head out on a trail ride along the only public trail along the Niagara Escarpment!
The short trail rides at Niagara Riding Stables are a great introduction to horse riding and for those with less experience.
“it was me and my husbands first time riding, we felt so comfortable after getting to know our horses, we highly recommend this place!! the owner was amazing and showed us the ropes, it was a great adventure!” Stephanie K (Read more reviews)
Niagara Stables have seven well-trained and well-cared-for horses to ride, including one horse that used to work in the film industry!
Duration: 45-50 minutes
Price: $51.37 USD + taxes ($70 CAD + taxes)
Minimum age: 10 years old
Maximum weight: 240lbs
Experience level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
What’s included: Ride only
What to bring: Closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bug spray during summer
Wheelchair accessible: No
6. Ranch Mont Tremblant – Near Montreal West Island
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you’re an advanced rider looking for some horseback riding near Montreal west island, head out to Ranch Mont Tremblant for an unforgettable journey
After climbing rocky trails, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the valleys below.
“I brought my two children who had no experience riding. Margot was unbelievable teaching them how to ride the trail. She was so encouraging, motivating and positive with them. I have riding experience so she gave me a horse that fit my experience level. It far exceeded what I expected! It was one of our favourite activities.” – Anonymous (Read more reviews)
The best part of this ride is catching a glimpse of the ranch’s bison.
But it is important to note that this horseback riding tour is only for advanced riders looking for some extra thrill.
Minimum age: 13 years
Maximum weight: 210lbs
Experience level: Advanced
What’s included: Ride only
What to bring: Long pants, closed-toed shoes, plus clothes suitable for the season
Wheelchair accessible: No
7. Captiva Farms – Wakefield, Quebec
⭐️ RATING: 4/3/5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ Book it!
It is one of the few trail operators that provide a 30-minute intro lesson! This makes sure you have a good understanding of how to communicate with your horse.
“Such a great experience. Absolutely stunning property, beautiful horses, expert staff. Go here. It’s beyond worth it.” Laura G (Read More Reviews)
Once your lesson is complete, you’ll venture out onto their network of trails with your instructor.
Captiva Farms is huge, with over 40 KM of trails, rated from beginner to advanced.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: $51,38 USD Adult. $47.71 USD for youth 10-17 years. ($70 CAD adult. $65 CAD youth)
Minimum age: 10 years
Maximum weight: Not specified
Experience level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
What’s included: Pre-trail ride lesson + trail ride
What to bring: Long pants, closed-toed shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Wheelchair accessible: No
8. Sun Hills Horseback Riding Osoyoos Canada
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Sun Hills Riding is a unique trail riding operator, as most of their horses are rescues! Focused on providing the highest level of welfare, all of their horses go bitless and barefoot.
Join them for their gold mine trail ride, where you’ll have the unforgettable experience of riding past an abandoned gold mine.
“Wonderful experience today @sunhillsriding All the rescue horses are amazing and so are their human family as well, would highly recommend this riding centre, they have heart” Kim R (Read more reviews)
Visitors will ride through Canada’s only desert, close to the US border, and enjoy the views of the lake and valley below!
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: $77.07 USD + tax ($105 CAD + tax)
Minimum age: Eight years
Maximum weight: 230lbs
Experience level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
What’s included: Ride only
What to bring: Long pants and closed-toed shoes.
Wheelchair accessible: No
The Best Time of Year to go Riding in Canada
The best time of year to go horseback riding in Canada is between April and September. This is when the weather will be warmer and better suited to outdoor activities.
Winter in Canada can be harsh, but if you have your heart set on a snowy experience, it is still possible to find trail rides during the winter months.
Alberta and British Colombia are two provinces that offer winter riding, but sudden changes in the weather can result in postponed or canceled trips.
Ultimately the best time of year to book horse riding holidays to Canada depends on your schedule and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Know Your Experience Level Before Riding in Canada
To get the most out of your trail riding experience in Canada, you need to book a ride that fits your experience level.
Staying safe on horseback is incredibly important, and knowing what you are capable of will play a key role in the trip being safe and enjoyable.
Here are the basic descriptions for each type of rider to help you know where you stand.
Beginner rider
A beginner rider has either never ridden before or has ridden a few times. They may have tried walking, trotting, and steering the horse.
Intermediate rider
An intermediate rider has ridden several times; they’re comfortable guiding the horse in every direction at walk, trot, and canter.
Advanced rider
The advanced rider can do everything that the intermediate rider can, plus they’re comfortable at a gallop, navigating obstacles such as crossing water, opening gates, and jumping over obstacles.
Horseback Riding Trails For Horse Owners
If you’re lucky enough to have your own horse and want to find some of the greatest riding trails in Canada. We’ve got you covered!
Let’s explore some hidden horse-riding gems across some of the most popular Canadian provinces.
Horseback Riding Ontario Canada
1. McCarston’s Lake, carriage, and spillway trail
Length: 9 km (5.59 miles)
Duration: 2hrs 40mins
Experience level: Easy
Rating: 4.4 stars (441 alltrails reviews)
2. Headwaters Trail – Dundas Water Conservation Area
Length: 7.4 km (4.6 miles)
Duration: 1hr 55mins
Experience level: Moderate
Rating: 4.5 stars (746 alltrails reviews)
3. Ganaraska Forest Trail
Length: 44.4 km (27.59 miles)
Duration: 11hrs 33 mins
Experience level: Hard
Rating: 4.4 stars (160 alltrails reviews)
Horseback Riding Canadian Rockies
1. Coral Creek Canyon Trail, Landslide Lake Natural Area
Length: 8.9 km (5.53 miles)
Duration: 2hrs 39mins
Experience level: Easy
Rating: 4.4 stars (301 alltrails reviews)
2. Portal Camp, Jasper National Park
Length: 7.7 km (4.78 miles)
Duration: 2hr 21mins
Experience level: Moderate
Rating: 4.3 stars (81 alltrails reviews)
3. Tonquin Valley Trail via Astoria Trailhead, Jasper National Park
Length: 41.5 km (25.79 miles)
Duration: 11hrs 49 mins
Experience level: Hard
Rating: 4.6 stars (291 alltrails reviews)
Horseback Riding Trails Quebec Canada
1. Gentilly River Park, Rivière Gentilly Regional Park
Length: 6.8 km (4.23 miles)
Duration: 1hrs 40mins
Experience level: Easy
Rating: 4.4 stars (141 alltrails reviews)
2. Mont Rigaud Cross Loop, Rigaud
Length: 7.1 km (4.41 miles)
Duration: 1hr 56mins
Experience level: Moderate
Rating: 4.1 stars (298 alltrails reviews)
3. Mont Fenouillet via le Sentier de l’Ours, Beaucanton
Length: 15.9 km (9.88 miles)
Duration: 3hrs 56 mins
Experience level: Moderate
Rating: 5 stars (3 alltrails reviews)
Horseback Riding Trails British Columbia Canada
1. Houston Trail, Derby Reach Regional Park
Length: 3.4 km (2.11 miles)
Duration: 57mins
Experience level: Easy
Rating: 4.3 stars (593 alltrails reviews)
2. Seal Bay Horse and Bike Loop, Seal Bay Regional Nature Park
Length: 8.7 km (5.4 miles)
Duration: 2hr 7mins
Experience level: Moderate
Rating: 4.4 stars (262 alltrails reviews)
3. Silver King Basin, Babin Mountains Provincial Park
Length: 18 km (11.18 miles)
Duration: 5hrs 22mins
Experience level: Hard
Rating: 4.6 stars (60 alltrails reviews)
FAQs About Horseback Riding in Canada
Can you ride horses in Banff National Park?
Absolutely, there are many trails where you can ride horses in Banff National Park. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to explore the area! But, taking your own horse requires applying for a permit and following strict rules.
Do I need experience to go horseback riding in Canada?
No. In Canada, horseback riding is available for all experience levels. Some barns will require a certain fitness level or a weight limit to ensure you and your horse have a safe and comfortable experience.
What’s the minimum age for a rider?
The minimum age for kids to join a trail ride depends on the stable. This is due to physical limitations and whether the stable has the correct horses for children.
What to wear when you go riding?
You should wear boots or shoes with a small heel, long pants, and a comfortable top. If you have long hair, tie your hair in a low ponytail. For those with sensitive hands, bring gloves.
I have a disability. Can I ride?
Yes, as long as the tour operator has the equipment and specially trained horses.
Calling them is an easy solution if you’re unsure whether a barn caters to riders with disabilities.
Wrap Up: Best Horseback Riding in Canada
Horseback riding vacations in Canada are a once-in-a-lifetime experience! With incredible landscapes across the country and diverse terrain from mountains to deserts to explore.
There are many reputable trail outfitters across the country that offer guided trail rides and tours for every experience level.
And if you are a horse owner, you can find many horse trails to explore on your own, ranging from easy to moderate and difficult.
Whether you go on a riding adventure in Canada during summer or winter, it will most definitely be an unforgettable experience.
As a certified Canadia, my #1 Horseback Riding Trail recommendation is the Covered Wagon Ride in Banff with Western Cookout.
More Great Canada Tours
- 13 Best Canada Northern Lights Tour and When to Go
- 21 Best Places to Go Kayaking in Canada
- 11 Epic Sites for Backcountry Camping in Canada
- 9 Best Places for Whale Watching Canada: Know Before You Go!
- 13 Best Sunsets in Canada to See Before You Die
- Renting a Car in Canada: 41 Important Local Tips & Tricks
- 86 Bucket List Canada Things to Do: The Ultimate Must Do List
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
