Banff Tenting Ride

Introduction
Alberta Canada

A trip that offers true western heritage experiences in Banff National Park. Exciting horseback riding brings you closer to nature, where you will learn all about life in the west! The cowboys will guide you through the best photographers haven that the Canadian Rockies have to offer. These packtrip takes you and fellow adventurers deep into the heart of the wilderness.

Explore some of Banff National Park's most spectacular back country and join us on a 6-day Wilderness Tenting Ride in the Cascade Valley (4 and 5 day options are available).

The clanging of the dinner bell calls all to delicious ranch-style meals. Coffee is always on and kept hot on the wood stove. The horses, chosen especially to meet your needs and experience, will win you over with their charming personalities and amaze you with their abilities. A strong "partnership" is usually formed by ride's end. During your ride, trails may lead to the tranquil beauty of Rainbow, Sawback or Cuthead Lakes; to the overwhelming views of 40 Mile Summit, Cuthead View Point, or the Rainbow Ridge; the open valleys on the Passes of Elk Lake or 40 Mile Summit, the beauty of the Dormer and Block Valleys or the eerie atmosphere of Mystic Valley. The historic elk corral or wild goat trap should provide you with plenty of opportunities to see and capture on film the abundant wildlife common to the area: elk, deer, bighorn sheep, goats, eagles and the occasional bear or timber wolf. The rides are casual, with breaks and leisurely lunches.

Lunch is served on the trail and there is usually time for some exploring, fishing and even a well deserved snooze in the tall grass.
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Special Departures 2009
Year of the Grizzly Trip
- 6 days  Aug 26 to 31  '09
Paws in the Wilderness
-  5 days  Sept 5 to 9  '09
Mountain Photography Trip
-  6 days Aug 19 to 24  '09

Accomodation

Each of the three 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. is nestled into the base of massive Flints Peak. Open vistas and starry nights highlight this beautiful Flints Park Camp 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. The clanging of the dinner bell calls all to delicious ranch-style meals. Coffee is always on and kept hot on the wood stove.

Although we can cater to some specialty diets, we do not cater specifically to vegetarian diets.  There are always plenty of meat-free options available. However we do not offer a “vegetarian” main course.  

Riding

Itinerary

Day 1 - The riders meet in Banff 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.

Day 2 - 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.

Day 3 - 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.

Day 4 - 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.

Day 5 - 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.

Day 6 - 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.

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.  

Special Departures 2009
Year of the Grizzly Trip - 6 days  Aug 26 to 31  '09
Paws in the Wilderness -  5 days  Sept 5 to 9  '09
Photography Trip -           6 days Aug 19 to 24  '09

Year of the Grizzly Trip
Aug 26 to 31  2009 = 6 days
Year 2001 was emphasized as the "Year of the Grizzly", however due to popular demand we will continue with our interpretive trip to study the Grizzly and it's habitat. This summer, and hopefully for years to come, we will be organizing a six-day horseback trip that will focus on the history, habitat and the future of the grizzly bear. Over the past 100 years of horse travel in the Rockies, we can attest to the compatibility between bears and horseback travel. Whatever the reasons may be, bears take little notice of horse parties.
Knowledge about the needs of a healthy grizzly population is growing as more and more administrators from a variety of jurisdictions work together to improve habitat for all species, humans included. In co-operation with Parks Canada, Dr. Mike Gibeau, one of Canada's leading authorities on grizzlies and their environment, will accompany you for the entire six days. Mike has worked with bears in National Parks for the past 27 years, first as a Park Warden, and now as a biologist. You will enjoy a horseback adventure and share in a rare opportunity to spend time in some of Canada's prime grizzly habitat with professional interpretation.

Paws in the Wilderness
Sept 5 to 9  2009 = 5 days
Wolves have always been a fascinating part of mountain life as their presence contributes greatly to the ecology of the area while remaining mysterious and elusive towards humans. Melanie Percy, accredited wolf researcher in the Bow Valley will take guests into the world of these amazing animals offering insight into pup production, denning habits, high wolf use areas and general wolf presence in the park. Melanies time spent studying these animals and their interaction with other wildlife has also given her a wide spectrum of knowledge regarding Grizzly & Black bears, Cougars, Elk and other animals in the area
Melanie's experience as a wildlife biologist began in 1994 after completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, Ontario. At that time she moved to Banff to assist Carolyn Callaghan (co-director of the Central Rockies Wolf Project) with collecting field data on wolves in the central Rockies ecosystem. Melanie recently completed her Master of Science thesis on the movement patterns of wolves and bears in the Bow Valley of Banff National Park.

Mountain Photography Trip
August 19 - 24  2009= 6 days
We are proud to announce the addition of a new interpretive photography trip this summer! Join world-renowned photographer Raymond Gehman for a 6-day Wilderness Tenting ride August 19 – 24 and share in his knowledge and experiences gained as a National Geographic photographer. Raymond’s desire is to show you how to envision a compelling and timeless image true to the National Geographic level of photography as well as some secrets and hints for utilizing you and your camera’s creative potential. The abundance of spectacular scenery, wildlife, and cowboy lifestyle should provide any enthusiastic artist with prospective portraits.
Raymond Gehman is a long-time contributor to National Geographic Magazine, Books, and Traveler Magazine as well as an expert on photographing in the Canadian Rockies. A resident of Waynesboro, PA where he lives with his wife and two sons, Raymond continues to photograph and teach workshops in western Canada. The addition of a high level photographer to our trip lineup has been in the works for a few years, we are excited to be able to offer the opportunity to ride with Raymond in 2009. 

Rates and Dates for Banff Tenting Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Banff
Airport: Calgary, AB
Transfer: Pick up: Banff at 8:30 AM - drop off at 4:30 PM

Climate:

It is no coincidence that visitor activities in Banff National Park are as varied as the Park's climate. A year in Banff National Park would give a visitor a taste of everything in terms of weather and recreation. The summer sees sunny, warm days for such things as horseback riding, hiking, biking, camping, and climbing. The winter brings crisp, snowy days for tracking, skating, and alpine and nordic skiing.

July is the warmest, with average highs of 22°C in the Town of Banff. January is the coldest month with average lows of -15°C, though the mercury can drop into the minus thirties. The relative dryness of the air in Banff, however, makes even extreme temperatures more bearable.

Likely the most reliable characteristic of the weather in Banff National Park is its variability. The weather at one point in the park may be quite different from that of other points relatively near by. At one specific location the weather can vary considerably from year to year, and from day to day, so be prepared! Even if it is warm and sunny at the trailhead, take rain gear and a sweater. You might need them by the time you reach your destination.

The weather can also change dramatically throughout the day. The dryness of the air causes temperatures to vary considerably from night to day. The temperature on a summer night can drop to a few degrees above freezing even if daytime temperatures climbed into the upper twenties.
Vacationing in such a variable climate means thinking ahead.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Town of Banff (Elevation 1397m / 4540 ft)

What does the climate in Banff National Park affect?

Climate, more than any other factor, determines what will exist in an ecosystem. The climate is the primary determinant of what types and amounts of vegetation will exist in an area. The types and amounts of vegetation determine the types and numbers of herbivorous and omnivorous animals. At the top of the ladder are the carnivores, dependent on all below them. So the answer to the above question is, "Climate influences everything in Banff National Park!"

Wildlife habitat is sculpted by the weather. During the winter some animals, like bears, can hibernate. Others animals, like voles, adapt by traveling through tunnels in the snow. Still others, like bighorn sheep, are dependent on the grass that hides beneath the snow. In the winter, they must make their way down toward the montane valleys or to the few windswept slopes to find food. Their long term populations are determined by the numbers that their winter habitat will support.

Humans in Banff National Park have habits similar to those of the wildlife, and we respond to the changes in weather in a similar way. In winter, we may choose to hibernate in our own way. Those that do not, stay pretty much to the montane valleys, perhaps traveling to the few high mountain slopes where the conditions are right for skiing. In the summer we again range high up into the mountains to hike, ride horses, bike, climb.

Visitors to Banff National Park must remain aware of the effect that climate has on all the animals (humans included) in the Park. Make sure that you are informed, and prepared to enjoy and endure all of the kinds of weather that you will encounter. Please be sensitive to Banff's wildlife and to their efforts to respond to the park's climatic cycles. Remember that humans share Banff's valleys and mountains with the park's wildlife and vegetation.

**You need to bring your sleeping bag and water bottle. 

When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal’s comfort is very important to us.  Cellular phones do not work in the areas you'll be riding in so leave them somewhere safe.
By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that.

You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag.  It can not have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a Total maximum weight of 30 lbs. (sleeping bag, thermorest pad, and your duffel). It’s a good idea to line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for waterproofing.  You may pack your sleeping bag and mattress separately from your other gear.  Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb weight restriction.
If you would like to bring saddlebags please fill them with only those essential items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm, your camera, sunscreen, etc.  We reserve the right to limit the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well.  Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed -- they are hard on your back and hard on the horse’s back, and do not tie properly to the saddle. 

We have a limited supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day, however we suggest you book them early, as last year this was a popular service. These are available for pick up upon check in (sorry, no earlier), and are rented out on a cash only basis.
 

EQUIPMENT RENTAL
It's a good idea to reserve ahead if you are interested in renting saddlebags or rain slickers. Saddle bags rent for $2 a day. Rain slickers rent for $7 a day. 
Sleeping bags and ground mats are about $12 a day