Great Divide Ride

Introduction
Alberta Canada
Explore the beautiful mountains of Alberta and British Columbia!

The "Great Divide Ride” is designed for keen riders who want to experience the incredible wilderness of both Alberta and BC. You will have the ability to ride in the midst of the Rockies, in the gorgeous Kananaskis Country of Alberta and then explore Nipika Mountain Resort in BC.
Over the duration of the trek, you will learn about wilderness horsemanship, the different types of nature in Alberta and BC and a myriad of other skills.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in various locations.

Description
Most nights will be spent at the ranch, and 2 nights will be spent at the Nipika Mountain Resort, in British Columbia.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes
Night 1 to 4: Ranch
Night 5 & 6: Nipika Mountain Resort
Night 7: Ranch



Ranch
The ranch lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 13km south of the picturesque hamlet of Bragg Creek and roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary - a wilderness area stretching to 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 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.
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.

Nipika Mountain Resort
For two nights, we will stay in cozy cabins at the scenic Nipika Mountain resort in British Columbia. Here, you will enjoy stunning views of Kootenay National Park! This is an eco-resort which makes use of the natural resources around the lodge in order to reduce its impact on the environment. Each of the cabin has been hand built using log from the local forest and they all come equipped with a fireplace, a patio and a full kitchen. Number of rooms and bathroom vary from unit to unit.

Room Occupancy
The single supplement fee is mandatory if you are not 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.

At the Ranch: Full breakfast and dinner, prepared with local and fresh ingredients. Breakfast is typically served around 8.30 AM, dinner around 6.30 PM.

Please note that we do not serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own as well as any other favourite drink you like.

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 vacation is for riders with intermediate or better experience and a keen sense for adventures. The horses have been chosen for their endurance, spirit, and sure-footedness in the mountains. Since the pack train uses different trails we will often canter where the trail is suitable. This is why it is important you are well balanced and comfortable at trots and canters! Over the duration of the trek you will learn the basics of horse packing, wilderness horsemanship, low impact horse camping and a myriad of other skills to fully enjoy horse trekking.
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! The guests are expected to help in tending to the horses and other camp duties. Most horses will be fitted with western style saddles but those with a distinct preference for English riding may be accommodated.

Guides
Interesting and entertaining guides share their knowledge of the different areas we visit. You can learn about horsemanship, back-country navigation, survival skills, and living in nature.
 Depending on the group size you will have one or two backcountry guides with you at all times. Wranglers lead the packhorses with your gear into camp, usually on a different, easier and less scenic route than the one the group takes. We all share the same love and pride for this country and are delighted to pass it on to our guests.

Requirements
We consider 8 to be optimal maximum group size for our back-country trips, but can handle groups as large as 10 if you are one big group who book together!
The minimum age for pack trips is 8 years old. Anyone under 15 should be a regular and enthusiastic rider and be adventurous, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We have  also had people in their 70's on pack trips, but again, they were fit, in good health, and rode regularly prior to their holiday. We ask that you judge yourself (and your children) honestly in this regard, as we will take your word for it and plan the trip accordingly. 
The maximum weight for riders is 220 lbs. Exceptions may be made for very experienced/athletic riders!
For all age groups: It is important that you feel fit and healthy before going on the trail. We are traveling in the wilderness, and medical services (beyond first aid) will not be readily available.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: The itinerary below is an outline of what to expect, rather than a fixed agenda. We may have to alter the plan if conditions like weather, bear activity or river water levels make a trail unsafe.

Day 1: Arrival
We will a pick up from Calgary around 4:00pm. Drop off at the Ranch followed by a reception and meet-and-greet.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 2: Introductory Ride
After breakfast it’s time to meet your horse! We carefully pick a companion from our herd to match your abilities and physical size. While grooming and saddling, you get the chance to acquaint yourself with your new friend. We will do an introduction to our methods of riding in the wilderness followed by a full day ride in Kananaskis Country.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 3: Full Day Ride
We will do a full day ride in the mountains of Kananaskis Country. Route will be determined by the conditions and weather.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 4: Full Day Ride
We will do a full day ride in the mountains of Kananaskis Country. Route will be determined by the conditions and weather.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 5: Kootenay River Valley Ride
We will load the horses in the trailer and drive to Nipika Mountain Resort in British Columbia. Its a 3+ hour scenic drive through Banff and Kootenay National Parks. Upon arrival, we will go for a late afternoon ride along the beautiful Kootenay River Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Nipika Mountain Resort

Day 6: Cross River Ride
After breakfast, we go for a full day ride up the Cross River.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Nipika Mountain Resort

Day 7: Last Ride
We will go for a 2-hour ride in morning and then load the horses for our trip home. We will arrive back at the ranch for supper.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, it’s time to say good bye. Departure for the airport at about 9:30 am.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Great Divide Ride

Dates Note:

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

Climate:
                                            Bragg Creek area