Canada · HORSES
28 reviewed
Canadian seasons are short and the good horseback riding tours fill up inside them. Here are the 15 best, with current prices and what makes each different, so you can book before the window shuts.
Raft the Kicking Horse River in Golden, BC with included gear, snacks and BBQ lunch (on select trips) and expert guides.
“So much fun! Staff really went out of the way to make everyone feel comfortable. Great outdoor activity and very “refreshing!””
1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour of Stanley Park in Vancouver, with Seawall views, totem poles, and Lion's Gate Bridge.
“Steph was very informative and the horses were awesome! It was better than taking a hop on and off tour especially considering the weather was beautiful”
A 1-hour horseback ride along Banff’s Bow River with calm horses, helmet guidance, and Cave and Basin sights for $78 per person.
“Jade and Steph were fantastic guides! The one hour Bow River ride was a great experience for our family of five.”
A 1-hour horseback ride in Banff featuring Bow Falls views and Spray River crossings near the Fairmont. Beginner friendly, calm horses, helmet included.
“This place is beautiful. The horses are well-trained and handled very professionally. The staff are friendly and kind, and they genuinely care about the horses’ comfort, which I think reflects great animal friendliness. However, the listing mentioned that parking is included, but when I asked where to redeem the parking ticket, they told me that they do not offer free parking. I’m not sure if this is a mistake on the platform or something else—I just hope the next person is aware of this.”
4-hour whitewater rafting on Canada’s Kicking Horse River with Class I to IV rapids, gear included, expert guides.
“It was a fun ride. Easy start then some excitement in the second half. Jaro is knowledgeable and entertaining.”
A 40-minute Banff horse-drawn sleigh ride with wool blankets, big mountain views, and included hot drinks by the campfire.
“Absolutely beautiful views, lovely warm barn, and fire area.”
Two hours horseback riding in Kananaskis, small-group ridge views, wildlife chances, and a pass by The Revenant teepees, from $151.72.
“The place is amazing and the stuff very friendly. The only reason I won't give 5 starts is because at the last moment the horse that my 8 year-old daughter was riding got ready and started running, which could have ended in a tragedy. Fortunately, everything was OK. So, my recommendation is to offer helmets to everyone, especially inexperienced riders and kids. Beside, that very very intense moment, the ride was simply gorgeous and fantastic!”
A beginner-friendly 1-hour horseback trail ride around Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis, with gentle horses, wildlife chances, and great guides.
“Great experience! We will come back for a 2 hrs or a day ride Next time, one 1 hr ride is too short for us!”
A gentle 2-hour horseback loop from Banff Trail Riders along the Bow River, Cave and Basin, and Sulphur Mountain.
“Everyone was so kind and friendly! The guides were able to tell us about the land as we ride through as well!”
Golden, BC half-day rafting on the Kicking Horse River, 12 km of class 2-4 rapids, including Portage Shotgun, with Glacier Raft Company.
“So much fun! Highly recommend for anyone who likes adventurous activities.”
2-hour Sundance Loop horseback ride in Banff: Bow River views, Windy Knoll photos, beginner lessons, helmets included.
“Great trail ride! Scenery was beautiful and the guides were fun!”
A private 1-hour horse-drawn carriage loop through Beacon Hill Park, the Salish Sea waterfront, and James Bay, with warm blankets and story-rich guiding.
“Great ride, Debbie our guide was really great---very informative and friendly. We saw many sites and learned so much. Clay, the horse, was very gentle.”
Extreme Kicking Horse River rafting with expert guides and full wet-weather gear. A 4-hour private afternoon ride in Canada’s Rockies.
“Our guide Ben was super helpful and informative although he scared the crap out of us during the safety briefing! Rapids we were told we’re really low for the the time of year- pretty sure at least one of us would have fallen out if it had been high.”
30-minute horse-drawn carriage through Victoria’s James Bay with cozy blankets, lanterns on evening tours, and a guide telling local stories.
“Can be a tad difficult for seniors to get up into the carriage. Our driver & horse “Clay” were incredible. Our driver was very informative & friendly and Clay was smart! We enjoyed ourselves. 30 minutes was just too short……45 mins would be perfect.”
Half-day family rafting on the Kicking Horse River in Golden, BC, with calm paddling, a class 2-3 splash, and a riverside BBQ lunch.
“We had a great time. It was pitched perfectly for the kids (9 & 12) who were first timers. All the staff were very professional and lovely. Our instructor Nico was brilliant and great with the kids.”
