About this tour
When Mia from our BugBitten team saddled up for this 2-day overnight horseback trip into the Canadian backcountry, she found a genuinely unplugged escape that lives up to the hype. You ride about 16 kilometres from Banff town to Sundance Lodge, following the Bow River valley with time to stop for campfire coffee and meals cooked on-site. The lodge itself sits remote enough to feel wild—no cell service, no electricity—but close enough to civilisation that it's not a slog. The trip runs Saturdays, May through October, and suits families, groups, and solo riders of varying experience. It's two nights of proper food and a real bed, not a rough camp.
Highlights
- Campfire coffee ritual mid-ride, genuinely quieter than town
- Lodge meals cooked fresh despite remote kitchen limitations
- Starry nights and fireplace time with zero phone signal
- Bow River valley scenery without needing weeks of time
- Kids can ride their own horse, not tag along on adults
- Suitable for moderate fitness levels, not just horse experts
- Saturday departures fit regular working-week schedules
What to expect
The ride itself is steady rather than strenuous. You'll cover ground at a walk, stopping for a proper break with cowboy coffee and snacks mid-morning. The trail winds through river valley, and guides handle all the technical stuff—your job is to stay in the saddle and soak it in. Lunch happens at the lodge when you arrive, then you've got the afternoon free to rest, explore the grounds, or sit on the porch. Dinner's communal and hearty. That night, no Wi-Fi or mobile signal means you're genuinely disconnected—which is the whole appeal. Breakfast comes early, and day two follows a similar rhythm back to town.
Mia noted the lodge is comfortable but basic—wood stove heating, outdoor activities, simple furnishings. The meals cater to vegetarian and gluten-free diets (some at extra cost), and they won't bend the menu, so know your dietary needs upfront. Weather can swing in the Rockies, so pack layers. Kids as young as nine can do this, though they ride their own horse (no double-riding), and all under-18s must have a parent or guardian present.
What travellers say
- Remote backcountry access without requiring weeks of time commitment
- All meals and one night lodging included; no hidden cooking costs
- Works for families, groups, and solo riders of mixed abilities
- Genuine digital disconnect—no phone service by design
- Saturday schedule fits standard working weeks
- Professional guides handle logistics so you relax
- Not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems
- Physically demanding ride; expect sore legs the next day
- Kids must ride independently; not a parent-child shared experience
- Cannot accommodate disabled riders requiring specialist equipment
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is genuinely doable for families and mixed-fitness groups. Riding experience isn't essential, and the lodge food is proper fuel, not freeze-dried mush. Two days is enough to feel remote without overdoing it, and Saturday scheduling suits people with day jobs. No phone signal is a feature, not a bug, if you want genuine quiet.
Horseback riding is physically demanding—you'll feel your legs and back for days after. It's not suitable if you're pregnant or have significant back issues, and the outfit can't accommodate riders with disabilities requiring special equipment. The 230 lbs weight limit is firm. Kids must ride independently, so very young or nervous riders need some confidence. Helmets are mandatory under 18. Alcohol isn't included and must be purchased on-site. You'll need your own transport to/from the departure point, and the National Park entry fee is separate. Bring warm layers (mornings are cold), a waterproof jacket, sturdy jeans or riding pants, and proper footwear. The lodge has no electricity or Wi-Fi—that's deliberate, but confirm you're okay with it. Group size varies; ask when you book. Peak season is July–September.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.