Canada · HORSE RIDING & SLEIGH RIDES
Good horse riding & sleigh rides tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 6 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Choose a 3 to 6.5-hour rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River near Golden, British Columbia. Guides such as Austin, Ryan, Steffi, and Nico lead the boats through Class III and IV rapids, with gear, shuttle service, snacks, and drinks included. Full-day and family options add a BBQ lunch.
“What an amazing experience. Big rapids bigger fun. Mustache Mike is an awesome guide. Great for everyone”
Spend about an hour touring Stanley Park in a horse-drawn carriage with a guide such as Steph or Emily. Follow Park Drive past the Seawall, Rose Garden, Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, totem poles, Girl in a Wetsuit Statue, and Empress of Japan Figurehead. Expect a five-minute photo stop and views of the Lions Gate Bridge.
“Beautiful horses, well cared for. Steph our driver was very knowledgeable and plenty of time for photos. A lovely way to enjoy the park”
Meet your horse at Banff Trail Riders’ red stables, learn basic riding skills, then follow the Bow River past Cave and Basin Hot Springs. Guides such as Sarah, Jade, Steph, and Mandi share local stories while calm horses carry you through marsh, meadow, and mountain scenery. Bring long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes, and insect repellent.
“Great fun, horses were extremely well kept and guides were super friendly. Me and my girlfriend would definitely do again!”
Ride a calm horse through Banff’s wooded trails, cross the Spray River, view Bow Falls, and pass the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. Guides such as Sam, Summer, Ki, Liv, Samantha, Kate, and Anna have led recent departures. Basic instruction, helmets, and lead and tail guides are included.
“Best tour! Our tour guides were the best - super friendly and were so helpful with us newbies on horses.”
Hydra River Guides takes you 20 km down the Kicking Horse River near Golden, starting with calm Class I water before reaching exciting Class IV rapids. You receive all rafting gear, safety instruction, and guidance from experienced leaders such as Jaro, Kyle, Bill, and Fabian. Hot showers and snacks await back at the river base.
“Had an absolutely fantastic time, this was our first time white water rafting and will definitely do it again. Hennessy was our excellent guide, however all of the staff were lovely. If you’re thinking of white water rafting DO IT!”
Meet your driver at Banff Trail Riders Stables for a 40-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride through mountain meadows. You will hear local stories, watch for elk and deer, and see Rundle and Cascade mountains from under a wool blanket. Guides such as Grace, Emily, Brooklyn, and Nat have been praised for their warm, informative approach. In thin snow, the sleigh may become a wagon.
“The guides are very friendly and excellent with kids. They were very informative. Overall an absolutely wonderful experience.”
Pick a coast, a lake or an old town.
