Rather than slog through a long hike or strap on your skis, why not try your next mountain adventure on horseback? These ranches and stables throughout Alberta and British Columbia give you the chance to take in stunning scenery—often in the backcountry—and offer everything from easy trail rides to multi-day pack adventures. Whether you’re a beginner, group, or family, a horseback adventure through the mountains is an unforgettable experience. Check out where to go horseback riding in Western Canada.
Horseback riding near Calgary, Alta.
Boundary Ranch, Kananaskis, Alta.
About an hour’s drive from Calgary, Boundary Ranch is a top choice for horseback riding in this stunning park. Their popular day trail ride takes you through the serene forest and opens to an incredible mountain view, where you get a great photo-op with your horse. The ranch is a sight to behold, with classic Western cabins and design touches throughout.
Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures, Bragg Creek, Alta.
Another great option not far from Calgary (just 45 minutes by car), this ranch is named for nearby Moose Mountain, which you’ll catch views of during your horseback ride. This part of Kananaskis Provincial Park has beautiful meadow and valley landscapes, with many hiking and walking trails open to those on horseback.
Centre Peak High Country Adventures, Crowsnest Pass, Alta.
Crowsnest Pass is a small town only two hours outside of Calgary. It straddles the Alberta/B.C. border and has some of the most pristine nature in the region. The horse experts at Centre Peak offer all kinds of experiences and will guide you out onto the beautiful Livingstone Mountain range. You can also go on specific horse ‘getaways’ where you head deeper into the backcountry with an experienced guide.
Waterton River Trail Rides, Waterton Park, Alta.
Waterton National Park and its surrounding area may be lesser-known, but it is certainly no less beautiful—and what better way to visit than on horseback? The horses traverse parts of the Waterton River on this day trail ride, making this feel like a classic cowboy adventure.
Horseback riding near Jasper, Alta.
Old Entrance B n’ B & Trail Rides, Jasper, Alta.
This getaway destination is a more remote option near the stunning Jasper region and includes beautiful cabins and other accommodations to incorporate as part of a trip. While a little more off the beaten track than others on this list, it’s certainly worth the trek.
Horseback riding near Langley, B.C.
Copper Cayuse Outfitter, Pemberton, B.C.
Drive two hours north of Langley, B.C., and you’ll find this ranch that offers day trail rides and more intense horseback adventures, suiting all kinds of interests, skill levels, and needs. Located in Pemberton, not far from Whistler or Vancouver, it’s an excellent choice, and the scenery couldn’t be better for a memorable horseback ride.
Glen Valley Stables in Langley, B.C.
Just outside the greater Vancouver area, these stables make for an easy day trip for horseback riding near Langley, B.C. They offer ‘destination rides’ to specific areas around the stables, and a popular one takes you along a nearby beach—riding horses by the water? Yes, please.
Whistler Stables Inc., Whistler, B.C.
Who says Whistler is all about skiing and hiking? Formerly known as (and still sometimes called) Pemberton Stables, this ranch is a good go-to option for those who want to explore Whistler differently. It opens for the season in May, so keep it bookmarked for a great spring or summer activity.
Horseback riding near Kamloops, B.C.
Inspire Horsemanship, Merritt, B.C.
Head to Inspire Horsemanship for a choose-your-own-adventure trail ride—you can pick based on your skill level, what length of a trail you’d like, or what kind of landscape you’d like to see. An experienced horse trainer runs this stable; the rides here are well thought out and situated in a pristine, quieter region.
Horseback riding on Vancouver Island, B.C.
Alpine Stables, Victoria, B.C.
You might not think about horseback riding on Vancouver Island, but this ranch located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, only 45 minutes from Victoria, will have you rethinking that quickly. Alpine Stables offer various trail rides of different lengths, as well as ones for beginners and families with children.
