Horseback Riding Vacation, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Rain clouds hang overhead, poised to follow along on our horseback riding vacation in Lake Louise, Canada. A pack of tail-wagging Jack Russell Terriers greet us, along with a curious, yet shy, part wolf/part dog mixed breed, as we pull into Timberline Tours ranch. My husband and I are celebrating our 24 year wedding anniversary and he agreed to accompany me on a Canadian Rockies horseback riding vacation. This is no small feat; as my husband prefers motorcycles and hunting over horses and scenic trail riding.
Horseback Riding Vacation Through the Larches
Our first visit to the Canadian Rockies coincides with the Lake Louise Fall Festival and a horseback riding vacation through the golden larch trees. Surrounded by the turquoise-blue waters of Lake Louise, and evergreen valley of trees, as far as the eye can see, a horseback riding vacation in Banff National Park is an experience not to be missed.
Owners Paul and Sue Peyto of Timberline Tours prefer arranging family-friendly, small size horseback riding vacations and specialize in ‘design your ride’ horseback trail rides.
My husband and I take the three and a half hour “Into the Larches” trail that includes a ride to the Little Beehive, a natural rock formation, and a short stop at the Lake Agnes Tea House. Priced at $119 Canadian, this horseback riding vacation provides an intimate trail ride, climbing 7,000 feet elevation, with a stop at a former fire lookout. Riders will see why the Little Beehive once served as a fire lookout station, as the view of the outstretched valley goes on for miles. Not only is this a great photo opportunity on horseback, the September trail ride offers us light rain, snow and sunshine, all in one spectacular afternoon horseback riding vacation.
Take a horseback riding vacation to a Canadian Tea House
As our guide, Ron Arnett, mentions in the video, he has been leading equestrians and riders with no prior horseback riding experience through miles of trails in the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. To my eye, Arnett serves as an ambassador for the equitrekking rider, as we share the trail with hikers. Most of the hikers stop to take our picture or smile and wave as we pass by on horseback. I admire the spirit of the mountain climbers, but silently give thanks that I am assending this scenic trail on horseback!
A time or two during our ride, Arnett dismounts to retrieve the stray granola bar wrapper or piece of garbage that humans have left behind. Like the boy scout motto of “leave no trace.” Arnett prefers pointing out where a bear has scratched claw marks in a tree or how squirrels leave picked mushrooms to air-dry in sun-dabbled tree branches. His promise holds true – I will have memories of this horseback riding vacation etched in my mind forever.
What are your favorite things to do in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada?
If You Go:
Timberline Tours 1 (888) 858-3388
Located behind Deer Lodge on St. Piran Road, Lake Louise
P.O. Box 14, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada TOL 1EO
For more information visit Banff Lake Louise and Travel Alberta.
Related Post:
Big Bar Guest Ranch, British Columbia, Canada
Photos, YouTube video and article by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip. I was a guest of Timberline Tours and Travel Alberta provided my rental car.
A great idea for a wedding anniversary celebration with some wonderful memories to go home with.
Ah, wonderful. I would so love to do this, but I am not a good enough rider for trail riding. But it’s in my dreams…. ;)
I’d love to visit Canada one day & this looks like a great way to explore it!
@ Fida
As I mentioned in my post, my husband is an entry level rider and he had a great time! You can make this dream a reality.
@bec
This was only my second visit to Canada and I enjoyed every minute of the stunning scenery. I will be back.