Indian Summer Ride Alberta Canada Fall scenery in the Rockies. Many people around the Rockies will tell you that their favourite time of year is when the aspen trees turn golden yellow and the mountains get their first dusting of snow. We call it Indian Summer: when warm and clear days with blue skies generate crisp, vibrant colours. The air smells fresh, the play of light and shadow is dramatic and foreshadows the change of season. The foothills and lower slopes of the Eastern Rocky Mountains are an ideal setting to experience this natural spectacle. We will take you to the best locations to witness this annual event. Fall is statistically the driest season of the year. Night time temperatures are often below zero, but the day time highs are typically in the high teens and can reach the mid-20s.What better way to immerse yourself in nature than on horseback? At the beginning of the week we will pair you with a horse partner to match your skill set to be your companion for the week. You may however enjoy trying a variety of different horses through out your stay, and that is possible. You will be staying in our cozy ranch- the ideal place to get together, enjoy the scenery of the foothills and experience western hospitality. The heart of the guest quarters is a large, bright communal space where we socialize, eat, cook, listen to stories or just enjoy the view over the horse pasture. No other places experiences the breathtaking golden hues of the fall colours as well as the Rockies. Come watch the Mother Nature offer her best work yet! Guest Ranch Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Bragg Creek Airport: Calgary Transfer: Calgary Airport 4 PM Riders: Min 1 riders Max 8 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 8 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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    GST (VAT)  5%

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick up at Calgary Airport at 4:15pm. Return transfer leaves at 9:30am on departure day. (Please don't book domestic flight before 12:00pm and international flights before 1:00pm)
Pickup from hotel near airport or downtown Calgary is possible after airport pick up

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
We pick you up from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) around 4:00 in the afternoon. It is about a 1 hour drive to ranch, welcome and check-in.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 2 (Monday): Introductory Ride
After breakfast, you will meet “your” horse. After grooming and tacking you can get comfortable in our arena first before we head on our first ride to Whiskey Ridge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 3 (Tuesday): Bragg Creek Ride
A four hour ride is planned in the foothills west of Bragg Creek, followed by some time to tour and shop in the hamlet of Bragg Creek before returning home for supper
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 4 (Wednesday): North Fork Ride
North Fork is a 23 km loop southwest of the ranch offering some stunning views of the Rockies. This one takes us through the aspen forest, which should be stunning in late September.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 5 (Thursday): Elbow Valley Ride
We’ll trailer the horses a bit further into the mountains this time, and explore the upper Elbow Valley. There are more evergreens in this area where you will pass beneath 3000m mountains and splash through the icy waters of the Elbow. Our route will depend on how hard everyone wants to ride, but there are many trails to choose from.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 6 (Friday): Powderface Ridge Ride
We’ve saved a ride over Powderface Ridge for the last day as a culmination of the week. From the 2100m high summit you will enjoy sweeping views of over a hundred kilometers to the east, and almost as far to the north and south.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Departure is normally scheduled for 9:30, which will have you at the airport (or other Calgary location by 10:30).
Meals included: Breakfast



Non-Riding 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 and 2 canoes are docked there if you want to enjoy a paddle or watch the beavers. Massages can also be booked for an additional fee.

                                            Bragg Creek area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	30	36	41	50	59	66	72	71	62	54	40	32
Average Low Temperature (°F)	1	7	13	23	31	38	41	40	32	24	11	4
Average High Temperature (°C)	-1	2	5	10	15	19	22	22	17	12	4	0
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-17	-14	-11	-5	-1	3	5	4	0	-5	-11	-16
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	4	6	7	10	10	8	8	7	5	4	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
During the riding season of June to September, temperatures will range widely, with the hottest daytime temperatures reaching 30 C (85 F). We are riding at elevations ranging from 1400 m (4400') to well above the tree line at 2700m (8400'), so wide fluctuations in temperature can be expected. This region always cools off at night, and frequently experiences frost even in mid-summer. We always take our rain gear with us on the saddle. Even if it doesn't rain, it may be necessary to cut the wind when we're above the tree line

We suggest to bring
- 2 pair of jeans or riding pants
- 3 long sleeve shirts
- Fleece or sweater (fleece is lighter)
- Jacket or vest as wind breaker
- Brimmed hat (protects from rain, sun and low branches) 
- Healed, ankle-high, water-repellant boots
- Gloves
- Toque (warm hat)
- Warm socks (1 pair per day)
- Underwear (1 set per day)
- Personal hygiene items
- Warm underwear
- Camera (please not that there is no possibility to charge batteries!)
- Chaps (if available)
- Reusable water bottle 750-1000 ml- plastic or steel only- (no glass)

* If you have any medical condition like allergies, or are on medication, please tell your guide.

Available to borrow (no extra charge)
- Rainwear (oil-skin slicker)
- Riding Helmet

Saddle bags
Your trail horse will have 2 saddlebags tied to the saddle. One is for your personal items to carry on the trail, such as camera, sun protection, water bottle, extra layer of clothes, etc. The other bag is reserved for "group items" such as lunch or first aid kit. Your rain wear will also travel with you tied behind the saddle.

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

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. We have an outdoor fireplace with picnic area. 
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. Note there are only 2 single rooms available at the ranch.


Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

All our meals are made fresh using as many local ingredients as possible. The menu changes daily and offers typical local dishes but also internationally inspired cuisine. As much as we take pride in preparing all meals from scratch, we are not a restaurant and typically, there is only one choice for a meal. Following the tradition of the “Good old days ranch life” we sit down all together, staff and guests, and enjoy a good meal and company together.

Breakfast is typically served around 8.30 AM, dinner around 6.30 PM. In most cases, you will have lunch on the trail. We will stop at a scenic place, enjoying a picnic lunch in great scenery.

Coffee, teas, water, juice for breakfast, and hot chocolate are complimentary while you stay with us.
Please note that we do not serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own as well as any other favorite drink you like.

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

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Canadian, Arab, Quarter Horse, Morgan, Welsh pony, Paint and cross breeds
Pace:		Mostly walk on easy to rugged trails; trots and canters, some trail sections are very technical and require good balance and full control over the horse, rides range from 4 to 8 hours/day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate +
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 8

Pace
Intermediate level required. Moderate pace. Slow in the mountains, but nice opportunities for faster paced riding across open meadows, 4 -7 hours per day. Some dense forest areas and extreme steep and rocky terrain sections.

Horses
We have Canadian, Arab, Missouri Foxtrotters, Paints and Quarter horses. The horses have been chosen for their endurance, spirit, and sure-footedness in the mountains. Most horses will be fitted with western style saddles but those with a distinct preference for English riding may be accommodated.

Trails and Terrain
All our trips are customized, using a network of over 300 km of trail that we have access to. Because we must consider a variety of factors in route planning, like bear activity, river conditions and snow depth in the high passes, we resist the temptation to publish a detailed schedule and trail description. After all, this is a back country-adventure you’re embarking on, not a bus trip! The amount of terrain and spectacular scenery you will experience depends largely on the length of trek you take. You will encounter forest trails, open alpine meadows, rugged and rocky trails, exposed passes and river crossings.

Guides
Our team includes a number of enthusiastic and knowledgeable people, some are family, and the rest are like family. The amazing and dedicated people who work here never tire of sharing their passion for this lifestyle with our guests.
 

Passports

Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:

(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;

(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;

(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).

Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);

(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.

Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Passport Note

Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:

(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;

(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;

(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.

Validity

Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)

Working Days Required

10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	1
USA	2
Other EU	3
Visa Required?
British	No/4
Australian	No
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	5
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.