2-Day Sundance Overnight Backcountry Lodge Trip by Horseback

The best part of this trip is the change of pace. You leave Banff by horseback, follow glacier-fed creeks into Banff National Park, and spend the night at Sundance Lodge, where a proper bed and cooked dinner replace tents and camp stoves. I like the hot cowboy-style lunch by the river and the chance to ride with a small group of no more than 12 people. The guides, including Courtney, Maia, and Mark, help make the outing feel organized and friendly.

I also like that the lodge gives you real backcountry time without asking you to rough it. You get breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a professional guide, while the horses are well cared for. The main drawback is that this is not a casual scenic ride: you must control your own horse, meet the 230-pound weight limit, and accept two full days in the saddle. There is no cell service, electricity, or Wi-Fi.

Key points to know before booking

• A ten-mile first-day ride leads to Sundance Lodge: Expect a substantial day on horseback, not a short trail outing.
• The lodge offers comfort in a remote setting: You sleep in a soft bed and dine on food prepared in a professional kitchen.
• Meals are part of the experience: Trail lunches are simple and hearty, while dinner at the lodge is more substantial.
• The group is capped at 12 riders: That keeps the outing more personal and helps the guide manage the horses.
• You need basic riding independence: Riders must control their horses without assistance.
• The trip is fully disconnected: There is no electricity, mobile service, or internet at the backcountry lodge.

Riding from Banff into the backcountry

Your trip starts at 9:30 a.m. at Banff Trail Riders’ stables, at 100 Sundance Road. You can leave your vehicle there for free during the two-day outing, which is useful because hotel pickup and transportation are not included.

At the stables, you meet the horse selected for you. That pairing matters. A horse ride is far more enjoyable when the horse and rider suit one another, and the staff take your height, weight, age, riding ability, and dietary needs when you book. Give accurate information, especially if you have limited riding experience.

The first day follows a roughly ten-mile trail through Banff National Park. You pass mountains, lakes, and wildlife habitat while riding beside glacier-fed creeks. The setting is the main attraction, but the pace is part of the appeal. Horseback travel lets you move quietly through the forest and stop without the fuss of a motor vehicle.

I would not treat this as a sightseeing ride where you simply sit and look around. You need to pay attention to your horse, follow the guide’s instructions, and stay comfortable in the saddle for several hours. The day includes a riverside lunch stop, giving you time to stretch your legs and enjoy a hot, simple meal outdoors.

The ride reaches Sundance Lodge in the late afternoon. That timing gives you a full day in the backcountry, but it also means you should arrive ready for a long period on horseback. Wear the clothing recommended with your booking information, and plan for changing mountain weather even if the forecast looks promising.

A hot riverside lunch, then a comfortable lodge

The first-day lunch is described as cowboy-style: simple, hearty, and served beside the river. That is exactly the right kind of meal for this trip. You are not stopping at a restaurant, and the point is to eat well enough to keep riding rather than linger over a polished dining service.

At Sundance Lodge, the mood changes. This is a remote backcountry property, but it is not a camping trip. There are no sleeping bags or camp stoves. Instead, you sleep in a soft bed, drink from wine glasses, and eat food prepared by a cook in a professional kitchen.

That contrast is one of the strongest reasons to choose the overnight trip instead of a shorter ride. You get the quiet and isolation of the forest without giving up a warm bed or a cooked evening meal. The lodge is also a natural place to talk with the guide and fellow riders after the day’s ride.

The food earns particular attention. Dinner is described as excellent, and the lodge is kept very clean. The kitchen works with limited supplies because of its remote location, so you should not expect a long list of substitutions or made-to-order dishes.

The available choices include a Backcountry Deluxe Menu, a vegetarian menu, a vegan menu for an additional cost, and a gluten-free menu for an additional cost. Tell the operator about dietary needs when booking. Do not wait until you arrive, since the kitchen cannot handle requests beyond its planned menus.

Alcohol is not included, though alcoholic drinks are available to buy. The minimum drinking age is 18.

A slow morning at Sundance Lodge

Day two begins without an early rush. You have the morning to wake up slowly, eat breakfast, and enjoy the lodge before returning to the trail. That slower start is valuable after a full first day in the saddle.

The lodge itself is the destination for the overnight portion. It gives you time to sit, talk, and take in the quiet rather than immediately pack up and hurry out. If you prefer a packed schedule from dawn to dusk, the leisurely morning may feel too relaxed. I see it as a good balance, especially for riders who want the overnight stay to feel like more than a bed at the end of a long ride.

The return begins in the late morning. You stop for another leisurely lunch along the way and reach Banff Trail Riders’ stables at about 4:30 p.m. The round-trip format keeps the experience simple: one meeting point, one overnight stay, and a return to the same place where you left your vehicle.

You should keep that final arrival time in mind when planning onward transportation. The tour does not provide hotel drop-off or transportation to other attractions, and the return time is approximate rather than a guaranteed connection.

What the $998.42 price includes

The price is $998.42 per person. That is a substantial amount, but it covers the parts of a backcountry trip that can quickly add up:

• One night at Sundance Lodge
• Breakfast
• Two trail lunches
• Dinner
• A professional guide
• The horseback experience
• Parking at the stables during the trip

The value is strongest if you want a complete, guided overnight experience rather than trying to arrange a lodge stay and trail access separately. You also avoid carrying camping equipment and cooking supplies. The lodge’s professional kitchen and comfortable sleeping arrangements are a meaningful step up from ordinary wilderness camping.

Still, the price does not cover everything. You pay for alcoholic drinks separately, and the Banff National Park entry fee is not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also excluded, so you need to reach the stables yourself.

For me, the price makes sense for someone who values the combination of horseback travel, backcountry scenery, and lodge comfort. It is less convincing if your main goal is a low-cost way to see Banff’s mountains. You can find less expensive outdoor activities, but they will not provide this particular two-day mix of riding, meals, and overnight accommodation.

The riding requirements matter

The minimum age is nine, and children must ride their own horses. They are not paired with an adult horse. Anyone aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and the required waiver must be completed by the appropriate adult.

The maximum rider weight is 230 pounds, or 104 kilograms. Adult pricing applies to every rider, including children.

Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18. Adults must sign a waiver, and a parent or legal guardian must complete one for anyone under 18. Bring documentation if it may be needed to confirm the adult’s authority to sign.

The most important rule is the riding ability requirement. You must be physically able to control your horse without assistance. The operator cannot accommodate riders with disabilities or special needs because it does not have the equipment or skills required for adaptive riding.

This trip is also not recommended for people with back problems or for pregnant women. Be honest about your physical condition before booking. Two days of riding can be demanding even when the trail pace is comfortable.

Basic English is required so you can understand simple instructions from the guides. That is a safety issue, not a language preference. You need to respond clearly to directions involving your horse and the group.

A small group and hands-on guiding

The maximum group size is 12. That is a useful limit for a horseback outing. A guide can keep track of the riders more easily, and the group is small enough for conversation without feeling like a large organized procession.

The guide leads the ride and helps keep the day moving, but you remain responsible for handling your own horse. The staff may include Courtney, Maia, and Mark, along with a cook and support staff. The operation has received strong praise for its professional approach, the condition of its horses, and the quality of the meals.

That does not mean every part of the experience will feel effortless. Horses have their own habits, weather can shift, and riders with little experience may feel tired by the second day. I would choose this trip because you want an active backcountry outing, not because you expect a passive ride where everything happens around you.

The small group also gives you a better chance to ask questions and learn about the route. An organized guide-led ride can be a good choice if you want the scenery but do not want to plan navigation, food, horses, or lodging on your own.

Prepare for a true digital break

There is no electricity, cell service, or internet access at the lodge. That is a major part of the experience, but it deserves a clear warning.

You will not be able to count on charging your phone, checking messages, or posting photos from Sundance Lodge. Bring only the devices you need, and consider carrying a portable battery if you want to preserve phone power for photos. Do not assume you can make a call once you reach the lodge.

The lack of service also affects practical planning. Tell family or friends where you will be and when you expect to return. Keep the operator’s meeting details handy before leaving Banff.

The remote setting is most rewarding when you accept it fully. You get a quieter evening, fewer distractions, and a stronger sense of being away from town. If staying connected is important to you, the overnight portion may feel inconvenient rather than special.

Who will enjoy this two-day ride

I would recommend this experience to an active couple, a family with older children who already meet the riding and age rules, or anyone who wants a comfortable introduction to overnight backcountry travel.

It suits you particularly well if you:

• Enjoy horses and can control one independently
• Want mountain scenery at a slower pace
• Prefer a bed and cooked meals to tents and camp food
• Like small-group guided activities
• Are happy to spend two days without phone service
• Want a structured outdoor trip with meals included

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike long periods in the saddle, have a back condition, are pregnant, or need assistance controlling a horse. It is also a poor match if you want a flexible booking, since the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

The trip is offered in English and confirmation is normally provided at booking. Bookings made within seven days of departure may receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability. The experience is often reserved about 52 days ahead, so planning early is sensible if your dates are fixed.

Should you book the Sundance Lodge ride?

Book this trip if you want Banff backcountry scenery with the comfort of a clean lodge, real beds, and cooked meals. The best features are the ten-mile trail ride, the quiet night away from roads and signals, the riverside lunches, and the chance to share the evening with a small group.

Skip it if you are looking for a short, easy horseback ride or a low-cost outdoor activity. The price is high, the cancellation terms are strict, and you must be ready to ride independently for two days.

For the right rider, this is a rare middle ground: not camping, not a resort stay, and not simply a quick trail loop. You work for the views in the saddle, then enjoy a warm meal and a soft bed at the end of the day.

FAQ

Where does the Sundance Lodge horseback trip start?

It starts at Banff Trail Riders’ stables, 100 Sundance Road, Banff, Alberta. You can park your vehicle there for free during the trip.

What time does the trip begin and end?

Day one begins at 9:30 a.m. Day two returns to the stables at about 4:30 p.m., though the return time is approximate.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. The price includes one night at Sundance Lodge.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Trail lunches are provided on both riding days.

What is the minimum age and maximum weight?

The minimum age is nine, and the maximum rider weight is 230 pounds, or 104 kilograms. Children must ride their own horse.

Is a helmet required?

Helmets are mandatory for all backcountry riders under 18 years of age.

Is there cell service or Wi-Fi at Sundance Lodge?

No. The lodge has no electricity, cell service, or internet access.