Canada · HORSE RIDING & SLEIGH RIDES
Good horse riding & sleigh rides tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 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.”
Ride from Boundary Ranch into the Kananaskis backcountry on a two-hour, walking-pace trail ride for up to eight people. Guides such as Sarah, Paige, Fran, and Diego lead beginners and experienced riders through forest, wetland, and ridge country. Watch for deer and bison, and pass the teepee used in The Revenant.
“Beautiful scenery and wonderful team members. Everyone was friendly and gracious. We went for two hours, which was perfect for our family, but may get long with younger children.”
Ride a gentle horse at Boundary Ranch on a guided one-hour loop through wooded Kananaskis trails. You’ll pass the buffalo paddock, look for deer, elk, marmots, and squirrels, and learn from experienced guides such as Jordan, Emily, or Emma. The ride stays at a walking pace and suits beginners and children age six and older.
“Excellent experience, very friendly staff. Nice trail through the forest. Children enjoyed it so much.”
Ride a calm, well-trained horse from Banff Trail Riders along the Sundance Loop, past the Bow River, Cave and Basin, marshes, and Sulphur Mountain. Lead and tail guides provide basic instruction and local stories. The ride is walk-only, suits beginners and children 8 and older, and has a strict 230-pound limit.
“It was nice to be on a horse. The guides were knowledgeable and gave us good information as we rode along.”
Join Glacier Raft Company in Golden for a three-hour Kicking Horse River trip through Middle Canyon. You’ll ride 12 km of class 2 to 4 rapids, including the thrilling one-kilometre Portage Shotgun section. Guides such as Dan, Steph, Nico, and Carlos have led recent trips, while buses, river gear, a PFD, paddle, and a post-rafting refreshment are included.
“Excellent rafting and nice guide. I would really advise to book it!”
Spend two hours on horseback through Banff’s forest, marshes, and Bow River corridor. You’ll receive basic riding instruction, follow lead and tail guides, pass the Cave and Basin area, and climb to Windy Knoll for mountain views. Guides including Sophie, Iona, Hannah, Angela, and Nicole have led rides praised for calm horses and clear local stories.
“One of the best experiences off my life . This tour did not disappoint always dreamed of being able to horseback ride in the country. The guides were so informative and helpful such cheery folk who have such a great passion for the job. (Wish it was my job) also all the horses were great all had their own wee personalties. would definitely do again and would recommend anyone who love horses and nature to do this tour .”
Meet Kootenay River Runners at 1 pm for a four-hour run through the upper and middle Kicking Horse River canyon. Your guide handles the route, safety briefing, wetsuit, booties, and raft gear. Guides such as Ben bring steady instruction and humor, while the river supplies class 3 and 4 rapids, mountain views, and plenty of spray.
“The rafting guide, Ben, was very professional and witty to help my family enjoy the rafting. The rafting itself suited well the level of my family including one minor.”
Spend four hours rafting 14 km through the Upper Canyon of the Kicking Horse River from Golden. You’ll get wetsuit gear, a guide, bus transport, a waterfall stop, gentle class 2 to 3 rapids, an optional swim, and a riverside BBQ lunch. Guides such as Stephie, Pete, Diego, Nico, and Will have helped make this a warm, reassuring family outing.
“Loved all of it! We opted for the”Family Float” because we really wanted to take in the scenery- it did not disappoint! The rafting was fun and had a little thrill to it but we could absorb all the beautiful landscape. Our guide was the best and provided great information and had a great sense of humor. He was warm and welcoming and we always felt safe. They even added a little hike up a waterfall. It was the perfect excursion!!!!”
Join Emerald Isle Carriage Tours at Founders Hall for a 40-minute ride through historic Charlottetown. Your English-speaking guide shares local stories, points out landmarks such as Province House, and gives you a quick feel for the city. The carriage is drawn by two horses, and you can take photos and meet the horses afterward.
“Amber and her husband were great fun and excellent guides. They knew and obviously loved the area. The tour was a very interesting look at Charlottetown.”
You’ll spend four hours rafting 12 miles of the Kicking Horse River through the Canadian Rockies. Guides provide a wetsuit, helmet, life vest, booties, spray jacket, fleece, raft, and paddle. A calm opening stretch teaches you the commands before Shot Gun, Man Eater, and Roller Coaster arrive.
“The guides were great and explained things thoroughly for folks who had never been rafting before. They provided me with everything I needed and it was a fun trip. Would absolutely go back”
Pick a coast, a lake or an old town.
