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Join a Cattle Drive as only
a cowboy can!
Join us for a Working Ranch Stay!
Enjoy beautiful scenery and a splash of fun on our White
Water Rafting Adventures!
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For years visitors from all over the world have explored the Canadian Rockies
back country on horseback. They have come in search of remote valleys and
alpine lakes, and looked forward to settling into authentic western camps
at the end of the day.
For most people, one day in the mountains is just not enough. Multi-day pack trips are the answer for those who want to get into the real back-country, relax and recharge their batteries in the splendour of nature, learn more about riding, and enjoy the companionship of horses to an extent not possible on shorter treks.
The
outfitters that Home On The Range Adventure Tours has selected
to work with to provide wilderness horse trips encourage active participation
of their guests, including the care of the horses and general camp duties,
creating an authentic atmosphere that is rewarding and fulfilling. They
strive to present an authentic Canadian Rockies horseback adventure.
These outfitters offer western horseback adventures and trail rides from 2 days to 2 weeks in the Canadian Rockies. Join them as they explore rugged and remote trails where people are rarely seen, and experience all the majesty of nature as the first explorers of this magnificent wilderness did before you.
These are not large corporate ranch operations that we work with. Each outfitter prides themselves on leaving as small a footprint as possible on the wilderness areas they explore. There will definitely be less luxury on your Rocky Mountain pack trip than you will find at your local spa. However, in exchange we offer a genuine, real-life adventure, breathtaking scenery, camaraderie of the trail, excellent camp-fire cooked food and the opportunity to learn as much as you can about horses, riding and living with nature.
Come experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains as only a cowboy can see them.
Trip prices may vary depending on time of year, accommodations, amenities, and location.
Each trip includes all equipment & supplies, accommodation, guide, meals and horse.
Pack Trips ranging from 2 Days to 2 Weeks are available on request.
Love the Wild West, Come Join Us for a Great Western Experience
For folks who are looking to take a little bit of home into the back-country, Sundance and Halfway Lodges provide just the right combination. Evenings are spent in a cozy lodge. We call that roughing it the civilized way!
Completed
in 1991, Sundance Lodge now sits on the original site of
the horse corral for Ten-Mile cabin, built by Canadian Pacific Railway back
in the 1920's. Sundance Lodge sits alongside a gentle curve on Brewster
Creek, with the Sundance mountain range as a backdrop. Built entirely with
fir logs, the lodge has 10 sleeping rooms, a large country kitchen, and
a cozy living room area where you can curl up by the woodstove and lose
yourself in a good book. And although it is a remote backcountry lodge,
we decided to add what we felt was an important comfort from home - hot
showers! (Please note that, for environmental reasons, showers are restricted
to one per stay.)
Surrounded by the beauty of towering peaks, Halfway Lodge has been a welcome haven for over 75 years. Rich in tradition, this cabin was used back in the late 1920's as a stopover for guests traveling from Banff to Mount Assiniboine. Halfway has remained pretty much as originally built, with the exception of a second story added in 1967 when a bear made an appearance through an unexpected entrance - the roof!
Thanks to the bear, Halfway now sleeps a maximum of fourteen guests. The lifestyle at this rustic backcountry cabin remains much the same as it was 75 years ago - simple. Propane lanterns and candles provide the lighting, and a woodstove keeps the water hot and the cabin warm and cozy.
Note: At Sundance Lodge, private sleeping arrangements
are possible depending upon trip size, but are not guaranteed. Sundance
has 10 sleeping rooms with 3 beds in each room, rooms are designated on
a choose your own basis once at the lodges. Halfway is equipped with single
beds only and sleeps 14 guests in 4 rooms.
Tours depart early May to mid October.
Departs Wednesdays, late June to mid September.
Riders meet at our office at 9:30 a.m. and are transported by van to Martin Stables. There they are met by their guides and horses and mount up for the ten mile ride to Banff Sundance Lodge via the glacier-fed waters of the Bow River, Healy and Brewster Creeks. For those with a vehicle, free parking is available at Martin stables for the duration of the trip. Once you check-in, directions will be available from our office.
The adventure continues southward with a ride up to Halfway Lodge. The trail winds along the historic Strom pack trail with the rugged Sundance Range dominating the eastern horizon.
After a good night's rest at Halfway Lodge and a hearty breakfast, it's down to the corral to mount up for the day's ride. Trips may take riders to the headwaters of Brewster Creek or to the breathtaking views enjoyed at the top of Allenby Pass, at an elevation of 8,100 ft.
After a warm good-bye to the cook and Halfway, the winding trail leads back along the Brewster creek to Sundance Lodge. This will be home for the next 2 nights.
The day begins with a hot, ranch-style breakfast; fuel for the ride up Fatigue Creek. At midday, both horse and rider enjoy a restful break in the Fatigue Valley, while the lunch mule is unpacked and coffee is brewed. The lofty heights of the Continental Divide provide spectacular vistas of both Alberta and British Columbia.
The gang gets together for one last day on the trail, a "soft" ten-mile ride from Sundance to Martin Stables, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m. The adventure has come to a close, but the magic of your holiday will linger on to be relived and shared.
| 6-Day Lodge trips - Wednesday Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1R | June 27-July 2 | $1,271.00 |
| 2R | July 4-9 | $1,441.00 |
| 3R | July 11-16 | $1,441.00 |
| 4R | July 18-23 | $1,441.00 |
| 5R | July 25-30 | $1,441.00 |
| 6R | August 1-6 |
$1,441.00 |
| 7R | August 8-13 | $1,441.00 |
| 8R | August 15-20 |
$1,441.00 |
| 9R | August 22-27 | $1,441.00 |
| 10R | August 29-Sept 3 | $1,441.00 |
| 11R | September 5-10 | $1,271.00 |
| 12R | September 12-17 | $1,271.00 |
| 13R | September 19-24 | $1,271.00 |
The 3 day ride departs every Monday and Thursday in May, June, September and October. In July and August the 3-day departs on Thursdays only. This trip spends 2 nights at Sundance lodge and enjoys a valley ride on the second day along the Brewster Creek.
| 3-Day Lodge trips - Monday Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1S | May 14-16 | $653.00 |
| 3S | May 21-23 | $653.00 |
| 5S | May 28-30 | $653.00 |
| 7S | June 4-6 | $653.00 |
| 9S | June 11-13 | $653.00 |
| 11S | June 18-20 | $653.00 |
| 13S | June 25-27 | $653.00 |
| 24S | September 3-5 | $653.00 |
| 26S | September 10-12 | $653.00 |
| 28S | September 17-19 | $653.00 |
| 30S | September 24-26 | $653.00 |
| 32S | October 1-3 | $653.00 |
| 34S | October 8-10 | $653.00 |
| 3-Day Lodge trips - Thursday Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2S | May 17-19 | $653.00 |
| 4S | May 24-26 | $653.00 |
| 6S | May 31 - June 2 | $653.00 |
| 8S | June 7-9 | $653.00 |
| 10S | June 14-16 | $653.00 |
| 12S | June 21-23 | $653.00 |
| 14S | June 28-30 | $653.00 |
| 15S | July 5-7 | $738.00 |
| 16S | July 12-14 | $738.00 |
| 17S | July 19-21 | $738.00 |
| 18S | July 27-29 | $738.00 |
| 19S | August 2-4 | $738.00 |
| 20S | August 9-11 | $738.00 |
| 21S | August 16-18 | $738.00 |
| 22S | August 23-25 | $738.00 |
| 23S | August 30-Sept 1 | $738.00 |
| 25S | September 6-8 |
$653.00 |
| 27S | September 13-15 | $653.00 |
| 29S | September 20-22 | $653.00 |
| 31S | September 27-29 | $653.00 |
| 33S | October 4-6 | $653.00 |
| 35S | October 11-13 | $653.00 |
The 4 day ride departs on Sunday and spends the first night at Sundance, the second night at Halfway and returns to Sundance for the final evening.
| 4-Day Lodge trips - Sunday Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1G | July 1-4 | $976.00 |
| 2G | July 8-11 | $976.00 |
| 3G | July 15-18 | $976.00 |
| 4G | July 22-25 | $976.00 |
| 5G | July 29 - Aug 1 | $976.00 |
| 6G | August 5-8 | $976.00 |
| 7G | August 12-15 | $976.00 |
| 8G | August 19-22 | $976.00 |
| 9G | August 26-29 | $976.00 |
| 10G | September 2-5 | $863.00 |
| 11G | September 9-12 | $863.00 |
| 12G | September 16-19 | $863.00 |
| 13G | September 23-26 | $863.00 |
The 5 day trip departs on a Monday and spends the first night at Sundance Lodge, the second and third nights at Halfway (L)odge and returns to Sundance for the final evening.
| 5-Day Lodge trips - Monday Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1H | July 2-6 | $1,211.00 |
| 2H | July 9-13 | $1,211.00 |
| 3H | July 16-20 | $1,211.00 |
| 4H | July 23-27 | $1,211.00 |
| 5H | July 30-August 3 | $1,211.00 |
| 6H | August 6-10 | $1,211.00 |
| *7H | August 13-17 | $1,211.00 |
| 8H | August 20-24 | $1,211.00 |
| 9H | August 27-31 | $1,211.00 |
| 10H | September 3-7 | $1,069.00 |
| 11H | September 10-14 | $1,069.00 |
| 12H | September 17-21 | $1,069.00 |
| 13H | September 24-28 | $1,069.00 |
Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
Tours depart late June to late September.
These
trips explore some of Banff National Park's most spectacular back country.
Each of the 3 camps on the circuit offer their own particular charms. Stoney
Creek Camp sits at the junction of Stoney Creek and the Cascade River, and
offers the rugged, sculptured peaks of the Palliser Range as a backdrop.
Flints Park Camp is nestled into the base of massive Flints Peak. Open vistas
and starry nights highlight this beautiful camp. The last camp is aptly
called Mystic, with its stands of big, old pine and spruce trees covered
with hanging moss, and open, grassy slides; this camp is set in a truly
mystical location.
All the camps are of a similar set up. Simple luxuries abound: wash stands
and hot water, a fire pit for evening socializing, tales and song, a large
kitchen tent where meals are cooked and served, plenty of "A"
frame canvas tents which make for cozy accommodations, and rustic rail corrals
for the horses. Rivers flow nearby for the fishermen or brave swimmers.
Each "A" frame tent has a wood floor and campers sleep in a sleeping
bag on a foam - the bag and foam can be rented for CAN$3 to $5/day.
The 4 day trip departs Mondays and stays one night in Stoney Creek, Flints Park and Mystic camps. The 5 day trip departs Saturdays and stays one night in Stoney Creek camp, two nights in Flints Park camp and one night in Mystic camp. The 6 day trip departs on Wednesdays, stays two nights in Stoney Creek, two nights in Flints Park and one night in Mystic.
The riders meet at our office at 8:30 a.m. and are transported by van to the trailhead corral at Mount Norquay. There they are met by their guides and horses, and mount up for the eleven mile ride over Elk Lake Summit between Brewster Mountain and Cascade Mountain, and down into Stoney Creek Camp.
A ride is taken toward the headwaters of Stoney Creek, returning to camp for the night. This area is a favorite haunt of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, who are often grazing in the high meadows, providing ample opportunity for pictures.
The riders roll up their duffel, mount up, and ride the ten miles to Flint's Park Camp. This camp, located in the center of open, grassy ridges topped with high peaks, has become a favorite of many of our riders. Wildlife is commonly seen and photographed in this area.
A day ride is conducted from camp to Block Mountain, or perhaps to Cuthead Viewpoint - just two of the many points of interest accessible from Flint's Park. This area has much to offer the rider, photographer, hiker and fisherman alike.
Once again the riders roll up their duffel in preparation for the ride to the Mystic Valley Camp. At this time the guests have the opportunity to observe the historic art of horse packing, using the famous diamond hitch. When everything is securely in place, the riders mount up and ride into Mystic Valley for the final night. It is traditional with our guides to have a real western dinner for the last night. By this time everyone has become friends, and all are ready for a wind-up get-together.
Unfortunately, every trip has a last day, but what better way to end the trip than with the scenic nine mile ride from Mystic Valley to the Mount Norquay Corral. The "Full Circle" has been completed and the riders return to Banff at approximately 5:00 p.m.
| 6-Day Tent trips - Wednesday Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1B | June 27-July 2 | $1,126.00 |
| 2B | July 4-9 | $1,311.00 |
| 3B | July 11-16 | $1,311.00 |
| 4B | July 18-23 | $1,311.00 |
| 5B | July 25-30 | $1,311.00 |
| 6B | August 1-6 | $1,311.00 |
| *7B | August 8-13 – Dave Day Mountain Ecosystem | $1,411.00 |
| 8B | August 15-20 | $1,311.00 |
| *9B | August 22-27 – Year of the Grizzly |
$1,411.00 |
| 10B | Aug 29 - Sept 3 | $1,311.00 |
| 11B | September 5-10 | $1,126.00 |
| 12B | September 12-17 | $1,126.00 |
| 13B | September 19-24 | $1,126.00 |
| 4-Day Tent trips - Monday Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1A | July 2-5 | $891.00 |
| 2A | July 9-12 | $891.00 |
| 3A | July 16-19 | $891.00 |
| 4A | July 23-26 | $891.00 |
| 5A | July 30 - Aug 2 | $891.00 |
| 6A | August 6-9 | $891.00 |
| 7A | August 13-16 | $891.00 |
| 8A | August 20-23 | $891.00 |
| 9A | August 27-30 | $891.00 |
| 10A | September 3-6 | $768.00 |
| 11A | September 10-13 | $768.00 |
| 12A | September 17-20 | $768.00 |
| 13A | September 24-27 | $768.00 |
| 5-Day Tent trips - Saturday Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1C | June 30 - July 4 | $949.00 |
| 2C | July 7-11 | $1,103.00 |
| 3C | July 14-18 | $1,103.00 |
| 4C | July 21-25 | $1,103.00 |
| 5C | July 28-Aug 1 | $1,103.00 |
| 6C | August 4-8 | $1,103.00 |
| 7C | August 11-15 | $1,103.00 |
| 8C | August 18-22 | $1,103.00 |
| 9C | August 25-29 | $1,103.00 |
| 10C | September 1-5 | $949.00 |
| *11C | September 8-12 – Paws in the Wilderness | $1,049.00 |
| 12C | September 15-19 | $949.00 |
| 13C | September 22-26 | $949.00 |
The 3 Day Mystic Valley Pack trip is perfect for people who don't have a lot of time, but would still like to enjoy the memorable mountain experience offered by this taste of the back country. Mystic Valley Camp is located 10 miles north of Mt. Norquay, situated on the banks of Forty Mile Creek. Once in camp, guests can relax in the kitchen tent, take a short hike, or try their luck at fishing in the creek.
| 3-Day Mystic Valley Tent trips - Friday Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1M | June 29 - July 1 | $582.00 |
| 2M | July 6-8 | $675.00 |
| 3M | July 13-15 | $675.00 |
| 4M | July 20-22 | $675.00 |
| 5M | July 27-29 | $675.00 |
| 6M | August 3-5 | $675.00 |
| 7M | August 10-12 | $675.00 |
| 8M | August 17-19 | $675.00 |
| 9M | August 24-26 | $675.00 |
| 10M | August 31 - Sept 2 | $675.00 |
| 11M | September 7-9 | $582.00 |
| 12M | September 14-16 | $582.00 |
| 13M | September 21-23 | $582.00 |
Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
Experience
the wonder of Kananaskis Country - 4200 square kilometres
of towering peaks, high mountain lakes and alpine meadows located just east
of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. These trips travel high
into a very remote area with virtually no other users. The high-country
base camp is a 20 km ride through the beautiful Evan Thomas Valley. The
main camp is situated on a high alpine meadow just below the tree line at
7,000 feet.
This comfortable tent camp is set up village-style, and guests are accommodated in large weatherproof tents with camp cots. Delicious home cooked meals are prepared in the well-equipped kitchen tent and appeal to the hearty appetites of the guests. In the traditional manner, all gear and food supplies are packed in with the horses. We supply everything for your trip but your sleeping bag and personal gear. Explore a part of the country that you’ve never experienced before and ride, hike or just relax in the mountain sun. Trips run from late June until approximately the September long weekend.
Plan to arrive at the ranch promptly at 9:00 a.m.. You will be matched with a compatible horse and given a short orientation, then it’s an undemanding five hour ride up the Evan Thomas Valley to the main camp at Happy Valley. Along the way enjoy a picnic lunch with plenty of time to take pictures of the spectacular scenery. After settling in at the camp, and taking time to explore the surrounding meadow, listen for the dinner bell. All of the hearty meals are prepared in the large dining tent on a wood burning stove. At the end of the day, what could be better than gathering around a blazing camp fire before turning in. The comfortable camp provides cozy accommodation in large, canvas wall sleeping tents with foam mattresses on camp cots.
Day two begins with a hearty camp breakfast. Once the horses are saddled, the group heads into the valley to begin the climb to a ridge with spectacular views and photo opportunities. Lunch is prepared on an open fire beside a beautiful alpine lake. On this ride, you will possibly encounter some elk, sheep or mountain goats. The second day ends with a delicious barbecue back at the camp.
Our five day and longer trips circle over the Evan Thomas Pass and into the Bighorn Camp on the Little Elbow River. Take advantage of the opportunity to fish (permits required) in one of the many high alpine lakes. Enjoy the solitude and unspoiled beauty of this area that attracts fewer than 20 people in a year. The abundant local wildlife includes goats, deer, and big horn sheep. The return trip climbs over the rugged Paradise Pass (8,700 feet elevation) to the Happy Valley campsite ...An unforgettable experience!
Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a short ride around the area adjacent to camp. Then the horses are packed and the homeward ride begins. After lunch on the trail, the group usually arrives back at the Ranch about 3:30 p.m. to enjoy a short reception where you can reminisce with your new friends about the past few days.
2 Days/1 Night: Up the Evan Thomas to Happy Valley, exploring enroute, dinner, overnight, breakfast, then returning.
$395/person plus Tax and 10% gratuity.3 Days/2 Nights: Explore the area surrounding Happy Valley – mountain lakes, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife.
$590/person plus Tax and 10% gratuity.5 Days/4 Nights: Happy Valley for two nights, then over the Evan Thomas Pass and into the Bighorn Camp on the Little Elbow River for one night, then over Paradise pass (8200') back to Happy Valley for the final night.
$975/person plus Tax and 10% gratuity.Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
Saddle
up for an exceptional horseback riding adventure. Ride alongside cowboys
that carry on western traditions and heritage. Enjoy riding a gentle, responsive
horse. Head for the high country on a 2, 3, or 4 day all inclusive horseback
adventure, and ride across open meadows filled with a dazzling array of
wildflowers. Meander through silent, shady pine forests, and crest high
ridges for a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains.
Relax and rejuvenate at our rustic high-country wilderness base camp, with log-style cabins, handcrafted cedar hot tub, clean out houses, delicious meals, canoeing, and more.
Arrive at the Ranch at 10:30 am for sign up and introduction to horses and guides. Return time is around 4:00 pm on the last day of your package. Overnight trips usually start by the last week in May once the snow pack is gone in the high country. These packages continue until the beginning of October (weather permitting).
$175/person/day (based on double occupancy) plus
Tax and 10% gratuity.
You
ride into a secluded valley to the remote base camp, a sanctuary of peace
and tranquility. The camp is free from electricity, and yet our guests still
enjoy the comfort, privacy, and security of four log-style sleeping cabins,
nestled among tall majestic pines. Each of these charming pine cabins has
comfortable double & single beds, and each booking is ensured their
own private cabin. Well maintained outhouses are conveniently situated nearby,
and for those who want to spruce up after a long days ride we have the added
luxury of a cedar enclosure for hot showers.
There
is a hand crafted cedar hot tub, heated by a unique submerged wood stove.
This 8 person hot tub is situated in the heart of the base camp, surrounded
by tall stately pines. Envision yourself soaking and relaxing in steaming
hot spring water, amidst the aroma of cedar and pine.
Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
4 Days/3 Nights – CAN$1189.00/Person plus GST (based on double occupancy)
The Cowboy Trail – Waterton Lakes National Park – Waterton Lakes Lodge
We
will pick you up in Calgary. Your adventure starts immediately as we set
off on our journey down The Cowboy Trail. Along the foothills
of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains is a narrow band of mixed forests and
grasslands known for its moderate climate, a wide variety of wildlife species
and broad ecological diversity. Alberta ranching families first settled
the territory in the 1880s and transformed the rolling grasslands into cattle
country. Today, communities along this corridor are linked together by The
Cowboy Trail, a ribbon of pavement extending from Cardston to Mayerthorpe.
The Old West is still evident in the art, history, food, hospitality and
culture of the foothills residents. Along the way, you may see cowboys out
herding cattle, sometimes right along the highway, and families out for
a horseback ride.
You end today’s journey in the quiet, uncrowded Waterton Lakes National Park. The Perfect place to view spectacular scenery, wildlife and discover nature at its best. A rare gem tucked into the south-western corner of the province of Alberta, Canada. In this breathtaking part of the world, the majestic Rocky Mountains rise suddenly out of the rolling prairies. Amid the peaks are the lakes of Waterton Lakes National Park, carved out of the rock by ancient glaciers.
Waterton Lakes National Park borders Glacier National Park in Montana to the south, and together they make up the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first of its kind in the world. A place like no other, the uniqueness of Waterton Park is a blend of unusual geology, mild climate, rare wild flowers, and an abundance of wildlife. It is a scene which has remained unchanged for centuries.
Your accommodation for tonight is at the Waterton Lakes Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Village of Waterton, with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains on all sides, the Lodge is an "environmentally friendly resort.” There are 80 well-appointed guest rooms in nine buildings which can best be described as a series of country inns with a variety of room sizes and features. There is also a guest recreation centre, including fitness facilities, and an indoor saltwater swimming pool and whirlpool hot tub, sauna and steam room. Special attention has been taken to provide a comfortable, natural decor which complements the beauty of the surrounding area. Every room is individually decorated, its theme representing the natural and cultural resources of the park.
Mountain Meadow Trail Rides Pack Trip
After
a delicious breakfast in the Lodge’s Roof Top Dining Room,
and a short 20 minute drive in the foothills, you arrive at the Mountain
Meadow Trail Rides to begin preparations for your 3-day pack trip.
This historic ranch, owned and operated by Dan & Terri Nelson and their
family was homesteaded over 100 years ago, in 1898, by Dan's Grandfather.
The legacy of raising and training horses is carried on today. The Nelson
family strive to maintain the integrity of a western lifestyle. This 2,000
acre working cattle and horse ranch has around 300 cows & 40 horses.
By preserving western traditions and lifestyles, they are able to share
the colorful legends, history and culture of the area with their guests.
You will now be introduced to a riding experience that is unsurpassed in quality. Your 3-day "all-inclusive" riding trip will be guided by one of the Nelson cowboys. So saddle up and head for the high country, where you’ll ride across open meadows filled with a dazzling array of wildflowers, meander through silent shady pine forests, and feel yourself relax and rejuvenate in the serenity of nature. And at the end of the day, you arrive at the remote private wilderness base camp with cabins, cedar hot tub & shower. All around you is beauty and peace … and this is only day one.
Mountain Meadow Trail Rides Pack Trip
After another hearty western breakfast, you can take a trail ride from your base camp to further enjoy the magnificent scenery. Your enjoyment is enhanced by the fact that the folks at the ranch ensure that each rider’s experience level is matched with an appropriate horse. You will travel in a small group that allows the guide to interact with the riders, help with riding instructions or just share stories about the area, past and present.
At the end of the day you return to the base camp for some time in the hot tub, a great meal, and some stories around the campfire.
Mountain Meadow Trail Rides Pack Trip – Calgary
This morning you’ll saddle up and head back across the countryside, through the open meadows and shady pine forests, to the ranch house. You can take a little time to relax, and then you head back to Calgary.
Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
5 Days/4 Nights – CAN$1,399.00/Person plus GST (based on double occupancy)
The Cowboy Trail – Waterton Lakes National Park – Waterton Lakes Lodge
We will pick
you up in Calgary. Your adventure starts immediately as we set off on our
journey down The Cowboy Trail. Along the foothills of Alberta’s
Rocky Mountains is a narrow band of mixed forests and grasslands known for
its moderate climate, a wide variety of wildlife species and broad ecological
diversity. Alberta ranching families first settled the territory in the
1880s and transformed the rolling grasslands into cattle country. Today,
communities along this corridor are linked together by The Cowboy Trail,
a ribbon of pavement extending from Cardston to Mayerthorpe. The Old West
is still evident in the art, history, food, hospitality and culture of the
foothills residents. Along the way, you may see cowboys out herding cattle,
sometimes right along the highway, and families out for a horseback ride.
You end today’s journey in the quiet, uncrowded Waterton Lakes National Park. The Perfect place to view spectacular scenery, wildlife and discover nature at its best. A rare gem tucked into the south-western corner of the province of Alberta, Canada. In this breathtaking part of the world, the majestic Rocky Mountains rise suddenly out of the rolling prairies. Amid the peaks are the lakes of Waterton Lakes National Park, carved out of the rock by ancient glaciers.
Waterton Lakes National Park borders Glacier National Park in Montana to the south, and together they make up the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first of its kind in the world. A place like no other, the uniqueness of Waterton Park is a blend of unusual geology, mild climate, rare wild flowers, and an abundance of wildlife. It is a scene which has remained unchanged for centuries.
Your accommodation for tonight is at the Waterton Lakes Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Village of Waterton, with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains on all sides, the Lodge is an "environmentally friendly resort.” There are 80 well-appointed guest rooms in nine buildings which can best be described as a series of country inns with a variety of room sizes and features. There is also a guest recreation centre, including fitness facilities, and an indoor saltwater swimming pool and whirlpool hot tub, sauna and steam room. Special attention has been taken to provide a comfortable, natural decor which complements the beauty of the surrounding area. Every room is individually decorated, its theme representing the natural and cultural resources of the park.
Mountain Meadow Trail Rides Pack Trip
After breakfast, and a short 20 minute drive in the foothills, you arrive at the Mountain Meadow Trail Rides to begin preparations for your 4-day pack trip. This historic ranch, owned and operated by Dan & Terri Nelson and their family was homesteaded over 100 years ago, in 1898, by Dan's Grandfather. The legacy of raising and training horses is carried on today. The Nelson family strive to maintain the integrity of a western lifestyle. This 2,000 acre working cattle and horse ranch has around 300 cows & 40 horses. By preserving western traditions and lifestyles, they are able to share the colorful legends, history and culture of the area with their guests.
You will now be introduced to a riding experience that is unsurpassed in quality. Your 4-day "all-inclusive" riding trip will be guided by one of the Nelson cowboys. So saddle up and head for the high country, where you’ll ride across open meadows filled with a dazzling array of wildflowers, meander through silent shady pine forests, and feel yourself relax and rejuvenate in the serenity of nature. And at the end of the day, you arrive at the remote private wilderness base camp with cabins, cedar hot tub & shower. All around you is beauty and peace … and this is only day one.
Mountain Meadow Trail Rides Pack Trip
After another hearty western breakfast, you can take a trail ride from your base camp to further enjoy the magnificent scenery. Your enjoyment is enhanced by the fact that the folks at the ranch ensure that each rider’s experience level is matched with an appropriate horse. You will travel in a small group that allows the guide to interact with the riders, help with riding instructions or just share stories about the area, past and present.
At the end of the day you return to the base camp for some time in the hot tub, a great meal, and some stories around the campfire.
Mountain Meadow Trail Rides Pack Trip
When you wake, you can feel the peacefulness in the mountain air. Your pace of life is changing and you are becoming truly relaxed. It’s time to enjoy another of those wonderful western breakfasts, and set out from your base camp to savour more of the magnificent scenery. As always, your experience is enhanced by the folks at the ranch who ensure that your day is filled with comfort, pleasure, and memorable moments. Your guide is always there to help with riding instructions, and you can be sure that there will be no shortage of western stories about the area, past and present.
By now you have learned to anticipate your return to the base camp for some time in the hot tub, another of those great meals, and some more stories around the campfire.
Mountain Meadow Trail Rides Pack Trip – Calgary
This morning you’ll saddle up and head back across the countryside, through the open meadows and shady pine forests, to the ranch house. You can take a little time to relax, and then you head back to Calgary.
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