Eastern Rockies Ride

Introduction
Alberta Canada
You would love to explore the beautiful mountains of Kananaskis Country and the Foothills, but also love a bit more comfort? You want to ride all day but return to a warm bed and shower at the end of the day? We’ve got the answer for you! Ride on the Eastern Rockies gives you the most flexibility for your horseback adventure. A shorter 3-day to 7-day wilderness getaway into the breathtaking mountain wilderness of the Kananaskis range - in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This is a rugged, minimum impact ride, in small groups where everyone can get personal attention and develop their abilities and confidence.

This trip is offered all year round to you can choose which beautiful Canadian season to visit. Trails will be adapted according to weather conditions, but there is always plenty to choose from! In the summer, enjoy hiking and canoeing on the lake. Snowshoeing, skating and sleigh rides in the winter months. Massages can also be booked year round.

Ride on the Eastern Rockies is meant for any skill level. Whether you are a first time rider or a seasoned and experienced rider, you have the ability to customize your own experience! Build from our menu of options and ride for as long and hard as you like up to 7 hours in the saddle, or as calm and tranquil as you like. If you have interest in horses and want to sharpen up your skills, you can take private riding lessons and learn all about trail riding and horsemanship with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. We will pair groups only with similar experience levels so as to give the best possible experience to all levels of riders!

This is a genuine, real-life adventure, breathtaking scenery, camaraderie of the trail, excellent food and the opportunity to learn as much as you can about horses, riding and living with nature.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent at the same location.

Description
The ranch lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 13 km south of the picturesque hamlet of Bragg Creek and roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary - a wilderness area stretching to the Continental Divide! This is one of the prettiest areas for riding in the world. On the Eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta has a tradition of ranching that started in the late-1800's and continues today. Riding westward from the ranch toward the Continental Divide, landscape changes from one of rolling ridges and open forests to one of high alpine meadows, thick primal forests, and shear limestone cliffs. The highest peaks in the region are around 11,000 feet with permanent snowfields and glaciers on their shoulders. This variety of ecosystems makes each day’s ride different and beautiful in its own unique way.
The guesthouse has 5 rooms (2 single rooms with one double bed, and 3 rooms with king bed, two twins, or two double beds). There are 2 full bathrooms, which are shared amongst all guests. We provide all bed linen and towels, but please bring your own soap and shampoo. There is a hairdryer in each bathroom.
Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the property except for around the outdoor fire pit. There is no TV or cell service in the guest house, but there is complimentary WIFI. You are welcome use the i-pod docking station, boards games, and a large selection of books and magazines available. There is a telephone in the guest house that can be used for local calls or long distance if you bring a calling card.
Laundry is available for an additional fee at certain times of the day.



Room Occupancy
Single supplement is waived if you are willing to share.

Other Activities on the Ranch
The trails around the ranch are also suitable for walks. There is a small lake at the north end of the property with 2 canoes if you want to enjoy a paddle or watch the beavers. Massages can also be booked for an additional fee. During the winter months snowshoeing, skating or a sleigh ride (needs to be pre-booked) are possible on site and an excellent cross country ski facility is located nearby. 


Meals
All breakfasts are included. If you choose the full day rides, lunches are also included. Dinners are never included in this package but there are plenty of restaurants in the closest city (Bragg Creek - about 15 minutes drive away).

Important note: During the 2022 season, the ranch will not be serving any meals.

All our meals are made fresh using as many local ingredients as possible. In most cases, you will have lunch on the trail, stopping at a scenic place.

Breakfast is typically served around 8.30 AM and features toasts, bagels, jams, honey, eggs, yogurt, fruits... 
You can also choose between coffee, tea, water or juice for breakfast.

Please note that we do not serve alcohol.

Dietary Restrictions
We cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Gluten-free requests are $10 extra per day.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
This trip is meant for any skill level. Whether you are a first time rider or a seasoned and experienced rider, you have the ability to customize your own experience! Build from our menu of options and ride for as long and hard as you like or as calm and tranquil as you like. If you have interest in horses and want to sharpen up your skills, you can take private riding lessons and learn all about trail riding and horsemanship with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. We will pair groups only with similar experience levels so as to give the best possible experience to all levels of riders!
A standard 4-7 hours per day will be spent on trail, though people wishing to spend less tune riding, or a day or two doing other activities such as hiking or relaxing, will have that option.

There are some trails we use where it is necessary to hike over rocky terrain, either to avoid undue risk or to enjoy a vista that cannot be ridden to. For most people this is a refreshing change that allows them to stretch their legs. We recommend that you bring or wear comfortable footwear that you can hike for a kilometer or two in.

Horses
The horses have been chosen for their endurance, spirit, and reliability in the mountains. Our horses are trained western style (neck-reining), but most English trained riders adapt very quickly to this style of riding with a bit of instruction and advice! Most horses will be fitted with western style saddles but those with a distinct preference for English riding may be accommodated.

Itinerary


This is a stationary program with your choice of half-day or full day guided rides. Each riding day is suited to your skill level.

The trip is scheduled with no riding on your arrival day and no riding on your departure day. This of course can be altered. In order to make the half-day ride, please arrive by 1:00pm to the ranch with having already eaten lunch. In order to make the full-day ride, please arrive by 9:00am. Let us know your choice when you book!

During the summer months, full day rides include outings in the foothills and local mountains. Half-day rides during this time of the year are usually 2-3 hours long.
During the winter season, full day rides focus on the area closer to the ranch. Half-day rides during this time of the year are usually 1.5-2 hours long.

While we have a route planned at the outset of every trip, changes are sometimes forced upon us by weather, bear activity or other environmental hazards. The guides reserve the option of changing the day's activity from the published schedule based on any concern they have for the safety of the party. In these cases, various alternatives will normally be presented to the group and a decision made in consultation with them.

Trails are subject to change due to weather and other natural causes.

Rates and Dates for Eastern Rockies Ride

Dates Note:
Custom tour dates available from 3 days/ 2 nights -- please inquiry to confirm availability

Other Info
Meeting: Bragg Creek
Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Transfer: --

Climate:
                                            Bragg Creek area