Western Horse Pack Trips
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For years visitors from all over the world have explored the Canadian Rockies'
back country on horseback. They have come in search of remote valleys and
alpine lakes, and looked forward to settling into authentic western camps
at the end of the day.
For most people, one day in the mountains is just not enough. Multi-day
pack trips are the answer for those who want to get into the real back-country,
relax and recharge their batteries in the splendour of nature, learn more
about riding, and enjoy the companionship of horses to an extent not possible
on shorter treks.
The
outfitters that Anderson Vacations has selected
to work with to provide wilderness horse trips encourage active participation
of their guests, including the care of the horses and general camp duties,
creating an authentic atmosphere that is rewarding and fulfilling. They
strive to present an authentic Canadian Rockies horseback adventure.
These outfitters offer western horseback adventures and trail rides from
2 days to 2 weeks in the Canadian Rockies. Join them as they explore rugged
and remote trails where people are rarely seen, and experience all the majesty
of nature as the first explorers of this magnificent wilderness did before
you.
These are not large corporate ranch operations with which we work. Each
outfitter prides themselves on leaving as small a footprint as possible
on the wilderness areas they explore. There will definitely be less luxury
on your Rocky Mountain pack trip than you will find at your local spa. However,
in exchange we offer a genuine, real-life adventure, breathtaking scenery,
camaraderie of the trail, excellent camp-fire cooked food and the opportunity
to learn as much as you can about horses, riding and living with nature.
Come experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains as only a cowboy
can see them.
Trip prices may vary depending on time of year, accommodations, amenities
and location.
Each trip includes all equipment & supplies, accommodation, guide,
meals and horse.
Pack Trips ranging from 2 Days to 2 Weeks are available on request.
Love the Wild West, Come Join Us for a Great Western Experience
For folks who are looking to take a little bit of home into the back-country,
Sundance and Halfway Lodges provide just the right combination. Evenings
are spent in a cozy lodge. We call that roughing it the civilized way!
Completed
in 1991, Sundance Lodge now sits on the original site of
the horse corral for Ten-Mile cabin, built by Canadian Pacific Railway back
in the 1920s. Sundance Lodge sits alongside a gentle curve on Brewster
Creek, with the Sundance mountain range as a backdrop. Built entirely with
fir logs, the lodge has 10 sleeping rooms, a large country kitchen, and
a cozy living room area where you can curl up by the woodstove and lose
yourself in a good book. And although it is a remote backcountry lodge,
we decided to add what we felt was an important comfort from home - hot
showers! (Please note that, for environmental reasons, showers are restricted
to one per stay.)
Surrounded by the beauty of towering peaks, Halfway Lodge
has been a welcome haven for over 75 years. Rich in tradition, this cabin
was used back in the late 1920s as a stopover for guests traveling from
Banff to Mount Assiniboine. Halfway has remained pretty much as originally
built, with the exception of a second story added in 1967 when a bear made
an appearance through an unexpected entrance - the roof!
Thanks to the bear, Halfway now sleeps a maximum of fourteen guests. The
lifestyle at this rustic backcountry cabin remains much the same as it was
75 years ago - simple. Propane lanterns and candles provide the lighting,
and a woodstove keeps the water hot and the cabin warm and cozy.
Note: At Sundance Lodge, private sleeping arrangements
are possible depending upon trip size, but are not guaranteed. Sundance
has 10 sleeping rooms with 3 beds in each room; rooms are designated on
a choose your own basis once at the lodges. Halfway is equipped with single
beds only and sleeps 14 guests in 4 rooms.
Tours depart early May to mid October.
Departs Wednesdays, late June to mid September.
Day 1
Riders meet at our office at 9:30 a.m. and are transported by van to Martin
Stables. There they are met by their guides and horses and mount up for
the ten mile ride to Banff Sundance Lodge via the glacier-fed waters of
the Bow River, Healy and Brewster Creeks. For those with a vehicle, free
parking is available at Martin stables for the duration of the trip. Once
you check-in, directions will be available from our office.
Day 2
The adventure continues southward with a ride up to Halfway Lodge. The
trail winds along the historic Strom pack trail with the rugged Sundance
Range dominating the eastern horizon.
Day 3
After a good night's rest at Halfway Lodge and a hearty breakfast, it's
down to the corral to mount up for the day's ride. Trips may take riders
to the headwaters of Brewster Creek or to the breathtaking views enjoyed
at the top of Allenby Pass, at an elevation of 8,100 ft.
Day 4
After a warm good-bye to the cook and Halfway, the winding trail leads
back along the Brewster creek to Sundance Lodge. This will be home for the
next 2 nights.
Day 5
The day begins with a hot, ranch-style breakfast; fuel for the ride up
Fatigue Creek. At midday, both horse and rider enjoy a restful break in
the Fatigue Valley, while the lunch mule is unpacked and coffee is brewed.
The lofty heights of the Continental Divide provide spectacular vistas of
both Alberta and British Columbia.
Day 6
The gang gets together for one last day on the trail, a "soft"
ten-mile ride from Sundance to Martin Stables, arriving at approximately
4:30 p.m. The adventure has come to a close, but the magic of your holiday
will linger on to be relived and shared.
| 6-Day Lodge trips - Wednesday Departures |
| 1R |
June 23-June 28 |
$1456.00 |
| 2R |
June 30-July 5 |
$1651.00 |
| 3R |
July 7-12 |
$1651.00 |
| 4R |
July 14-19 |
$1651.00 |
| 5R |
July 21-26 |
$1651.00 |
| 6R |
July 28-August 2 |
$1651.00 |
| 7R |
August 4-9 |
$1651.00 |
| 8R |
August 11-16 |
$1651.00 |
| 9R |
August 18-23 |
$1651.00 |
| 10R |
August 25-30 Mountain Photography Trip |
$1751.00 |
| 11R |
September 1-6 |
$1456.00 |
| 12R |
September 8-13 |
$1456.00 |
| 13R |
September 15-20 |
$1456.00 |
The 5 day trip departs on a Monday and spends the first night at Sundance
Lodge, the second and third nights at Halfway Lodge and returns to Sundance
for the final evening.
| 5-Day Lodge trips - Monday Departures |
| 1H |
June 28-July 2 |
$1225.00 |
| 2H |
July 5-9 |
$1388.00 |
| 3H |
July 12-16 |
$1388.00 |
| 4H |
July 19-23 |
$1388.00 |
| 5H |
July 26-30 |
$1388.00 |
| 6H |
August 2-6 |
$1388.00 |
| *7H |
August 9-13 |
$1388.00 |
| 8H |
August 16-20 |
$1388.00 |
| 9H |
August 23-27 |
$1388.00 |
| 10H |
August 30 - September 3 |
$1225.00 |
| 11H |
September 6-10 |
$1225.00 |
| 12H |
September 13-17 |
$1225.00 |
| 13H |
September 20-24 |
$1225.00 |
The 4 day ride departs on Sunday and spends the first night at Sundance,
the second night at Halfway and returns to Sundance for the final evening.
| 4-Day Lodge trips - Sunday Departures |
| 1G |
June 27-30 |
$990.00 |
| 2G |
July 4-7 |
$1118.00 |
| 3G |
July 11-14 |
$1118.00 |
| 4G |
July 18-21 |
$1118.00 |
| 5G |
July 25-28 |
$1118.00 |
| 6G |
August 1-4 |
$1118.00 |
| 7G |
August 8-11 |
$1118.00 |
| 8G |
August 15-18 |
$1118.00 |
| 9G |
August 22-25 |
$1118.00 |
| 10G |
August 29-September 1 |
$1118.00 |
| 11G |
September 5-8 |
$990.00 |
| 12G |
September 12-15 |
$990.00 |
| 13G |
September 19-22 |
$990.00 |
The 3 day ride departs every Monday and Thursday in May, June, September
and October. In July and August the 3-day departs on Thursdays only. This
trip spends 2 nights at Sundance lodge and enjoys a valley ride on the second
day along the Brewster Creek.
| 3-Day Lodge trips - Monday Departures |
| Unscheduled departures may be booked for any day. July/August departures are $845/person. |
| 1S |
May 17-19 |
$749.00 |
| 3S |
May 24-27 |
$749.00 |
| 5S |
May 31-June 2 |
$749.00 |
| 7S |
June 7-9 |
$749.00 |
| 9S |
June 14-16 |
$749.00 |
| 11S |
June 21-23 |
$749.00 |
| 13S |
June 28-30 |
$749.00 |
| 24S |
September 6-8 |
$749.00 |
| 26S |
September 13-15 |
$749.00 |
| 28S |
September 20-22 |
$749.00 |
| 30S |
September 27-29 |
$749.00 |
| 32S |
October 4-6 |
$749.00 |
| 34S |
October 11-13 |
$749.00 |
| 3-Day Lodge trips - Thursday Departures |
| 2S |
May 20-22 |
$749.00 |
| 4S |
May 27-29 |
$749.00 |
| 6S |
June 3-5 |
$749.00 |
| 8S |
June 10-12 |
$749.00 |
| 10S |
June 17-19 |
$749.00 |
| 12S |
June 24-26 |
$749.00 |
| 14S |
July 1-3 |
$845.00 |
| 15S |
July 8-10 |
$845.00 |
| 16S |
July 15-17 |
$845.00 |
| 17S |
July 22-24 |
$845.00 |
| 18S |
July 29-31 |
$845.00 |
| 19S |
August 5-7 |
$845.00 |
| 20S |
August 12-14 |
$845.00 |
| 21S |
August 19-21 |
$845.00 |
| 22S |
August 26-28 |
$845.00 |
| 23S |
September 2-4 |
$749.00 |
| 25S |
September 9-11 |
$749.00 |
| 27S |
September 16-18 |
$749.00 |
| 29S |
September 23-25 |
$749.00 |
| 31S |
September 30-October 2 |
$749.00 |
| 33S |
October 7-9 |
$749.00 |
The 2 day rides depart on Saturdays from May to October. This trip spends
overnight at Sundance Lodge.
| 2-Day Lodge trips - Saturday Departures |
| Unscheduled departures may be booked for any day. Regular rates apply. |
| 1W |
May 15-16 |
$498.00 |
| 2W |
May 22-23 |
$498.00 |
| 3W |
May 29-30 |
$498.00 |
| 4W |
June 5-6 |
$498.00 |
| 5W |
June 12-13 |
$498.00 |
| 6W |
June 19-20 |
$498.00 |
| 7W |
June 26-27 |
$498.00 |
| 8W |
July 3-4 |
$498.00 |
| 9W |
July 10-11 |
$563.00 |
| 10W |
July 17-18 |
$563.00 |
| 11W |
July 24-25 |
$563.00 |
| 12W |
July 31-August 1 |
$563.00 |
| 13W |
August 7-8 |
$563.00 |
| 14W |
August 14-15 |
$563.00 |
| 15W |
August 21-22 |
$563.00 |
| 16W |
August 28-29 |
$563.00 |
| 17W |
September 4-5 |
$498.00 |
| 18W |
September 11-12 |
$498.00 |
| 19W |
September 18-19 |
$498.00 |
| 20W |
September 25-26 |
$498.00 |
| 21W |
October 2-3 |
$498.00 |
| 22W |
October 9-10 |
$498.00 |
Tours depart late June to late September.
These
trips explore some of Banff National Park's most spectacular back country.
Each of the 3 camps on the circuit offer their own particular charms. Stoney
Creek Camp sits at the junction of Stoney Creek and the Cascade River, and
offers the rugged, sculptured peaks of the Palliser Range as a backdrop.
Flints Park Camp is nestled into the base of massive Flints Peak. Open vistas
and starry nights highlight this beautiful camp. The last camp is aptly
called Mystic, with its stands of big, old pine and spruce trees covered
with hanging moss, and open, grassy slides; this camp is set in a truly
mystical location.
All the camps are of a similar set up. Simple luxuries abound: wash stands
and hot water, a fire pit for evening socializing, tales and song, a large
kitchen tent where meals are cooked and served, plenty of "A"
frame canvas tents which make for cozy accommodations, and rustic rail corrals
for the horses. Rivers flow nearby for the fishermen or brave swimmers.
Each "A" frame tent has a wood floor and campers sleep in a sleeping
bag on a foam - the bag and foam can be rented for CAN$3 to $5/day.
The 4 day trip departs Mondays and stays one night in Stoney Creek, Flints
Park and Mystic camps. The 5 day trip departs Saturdays and stays one night
in Stoney Creek camp, two nights in Flints Park camp and one night in Mystic
camp. The 6 day trip departs on Wednesdays, stays two nights in Stoney Creek,
two nights in Flints Park and one night in Mystic.
Day 1
The riders meet at our office at 8:30 a.m. and are transported by van to
the trailhead corral at Mount Norquay. There they are met by their guides
and horses, and mount up for the eleven mile ride over Elk Lake Summit between
Brewster Mountain and Cascade Mountain, and down into Stoney Creek Camp.
Day 2
A ride is taken toward the headwaters of Stoney Creek, returning to camp
for the night. This area is a favorite haunt of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep,
who are often grazing in the high meadows, providing ample opportunity for
pictures.
Day 3
The riders roll up their duffel, mount up, and ride the ten miles to Flint's
Park Camp. This camp, located in the center of open, grassy ridges topped
with high peaks, has become a favorite of many of our riders. Wildlife is
commonly seen and photographed in this area.
Day 4
A day ride is conducted from camp to Block Mountain, or perhaps to Cuthead
Viewpoint - just two of the many points of interest accessible from Flint's
Park. This area has much to offer the rider, photographer, hiker and fisherman
alike.
Day 5
Once again the riders roll up their duffel in preparation for the ride
to the Mystic Valley Camp. At this time the guests have the opportunity
to observe the historic art of horse packing, using the famous diamond hitch.
When everything is securely in place, the riders mount up and ride into
Mystic Valley for the final night. It is traditional with our guides to
have a real western dinner for the last night. By this time everyone has
become friends, and all are ready for a wind-up get-together.
Day 6
Unfortunately, every trip has a last day, but what better way to end the
trip than with the scenic nine mile ride from Mystic Valley to the Mount
Norquay Corral. The "Full Circle" has been completed and the riders
return to Banff at approximately 5:00 p.m.
| 6-Day Tent trips - Wednesday Departures |
| 1B |
June 23-28 |
$1293.00 |
| 2B |
June 30-July 5 |
$1496.00 |
| 3B |
July 7-12 |
$1496.00 |
| 4B |
July 14-19 |
$1496.00 |
| 5B |
July 21-26 Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies (TRCR) |
$1496.00 |
| 6B |
July 28-August 2 (TRCR) |
$1496.00 |
| 7B |
August 4-9 (TRCR) |
$1496.00 |
| *8B |
August 11-16 (TRCR) |
$1496.00 |
| *9B |
August 18-23 |
$1596.00 |
| *10B |
August 25-30 |
$1596.00 |
| *10C |
August 28-September 1 (TRCR) |
$1596.00 |
| 11B |
September 1-6 |
$1293.00 |
| 12B |
September 8-12 |
$1293.00 |
| 13B |
September 15-20 |
$1293.00 |
| 5-Day Tent trips - Saturday Departures |
| 1C |
June 26-30 |
$1087.00 |
| 2C |
July 3-7 |
$1257.00 |
| 3C |
July 10-14 |
$1257.00 |
| 4C |
July 17-21 (TRCR) |
$1257.00 |
| 5C |
July 24-28 |
$1257.00 |
| 6C |
July 31-August 4 |
$1257.00 |
| 7C |
August 7-11 Brad Camerson ile Clinic |
$1257.00 |
| 8C |
August 14-18 |
$1257.00 |
| 9C |
August 22-26 (TRCR) |
$1257.00 |
| *11C |
September 4-8 – Paws in the Wilderness |
$1187.00 |
| 12C |
September 11-15 |
$1087.00 |
| 13C |
September 18-22 |
$1087.00 |
| 4-Day Tent trips - Monday Departures |
| 1A |
June 28-July 1 |
$878.00 |
| 2A |
July 5-8 |
$1013.00 |
| 3A |
July 12-15 (TRCR) |
$1013.00 |
| 4A |
July 19-22 |
$1013.00 |
| 5A |
July 26-29 |
$1013.00 |
| 6A |
August 2-5 |
$1013.00 |
| 7A |
August 9-12 |
$1013.00 |
| 8A |
August 16-19 (TRCR) |
$1013.00 |
| 9A |
August 23-26 |
$1013.00 |
| 11A |
September 6-9 (TRCR) |
$878.00 |
| 12A |
September 13-16 |
$878.00 |
| 13A |
September 20-23 |
$878.00 |
The 3 Day Mystic Valley Pack trip is perfect for people who don't have
a lot of time, but would still like to enjoy the memorable mountain experience
offered by this taste of the back country. Mystic Valley Camp is located
10 miles north of Mt. Norquay, situated on the banks of Forty Mile Creek.
Once in camp, guests can relax in the kitchen tent, take a short hike, or
try their luck at fishing in the creek.
| 3-Day Mystic Valley Tent trips - Friday Departures |
| 1M |
July 2-4 |
$765.00 |
| 2M |
July 9-11 |
$765.00 |
| 3M |
July 16-18 |
$765.00 |
| 4M |
July 23-25 |
$765.00 |
| 5M |
July 30- August 1 |
$765.00 |
| 6M |
August 6-8 |
$765.00 |
| 7M |
August 13-15 |
$765.00 |
| 8M |
August 20-22 |
$765.00 |
| 9M |
August 27-29 |
$765.00 |
| 10M |
September 3-5 |
$663.00 |
| 11M |
September 10-12 |
$663.00 |
| 12M |
September 17-19 |
$663.00 |
Experience
the wonder of Kananaskis Country - 4200 square kilometres
of towering peaks, high mountain lakes and alpine meadows located in the
heart of the Alberta Rockies. The 2008 season is offered in partnership
with “Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies” (TRCR), who are
celebrating their 85th year of riding throughout the Rocky Mountains. These
back country pack trips are operated in a truly unique area, riding into
remote locations in the high country with virtually no other users.
Each
day riders will enjoy a picnic lunch and have lots of time to take pictures
of the spectacular scenery. All of the staff are very personable and have
an abundance of experience. The head guide has been running pack trips for
over 30 years. In the traditional manner, all gear and food supplies are
packed in with the horses. Everything, except sleeping bags and personal
gear, is supplied for your trip.
The camps offer comfortable accommodation, in weatherproof tents or painted
tepees, with foam mattresses on camp cots. And, for those mountain air appetites,
hearty, home-cooked meals are prepared on a wood-burning stoves in the large
kitchen tents.
Every day is a once in a lifetime experience, with unique destinations
including high passes and high alpine lakes. Fishing is good in these parts
and the views and photography opportunities are extraordinary. To round
out each day, what could be better than a sing-song around a blazing campfire
before turning in for the night.
Explore a part of the country that you’ve never experienced before
and ride, hike or just relax in the mountain sun.
DAY 1
Plan
to arrive at the ranch promptly at 9:00 a.m.. You will be matched with a
compatible horse and given a short orientation, then it’s an undemanding
13 mile ride up the Evan Thomas Valley to the main camp. Along the way enjoy
a picnic lunch with plenty of time to take pictures of the spectacular scenery.
After settling in at the camp, and taking time to explore the surrounding
meadow, listen for the dinner bell. All of the hearty meals are prepared
in large kitchen tents on a wood burning stove. At the end of the day, what
could be better than gathering around a blazing camp fire before turning
in for the night. The comfortable camp provides cozy accommodation in large,
canvas wall sleeping tents or painted tepees with foam mattresses on camp
cots. Plan to arrive at the ranch promptly at 9:00 a.m.. You will be matched
with a compatible horse and given a short orientation, then it’s an
undemanding 13 mile ride up the Evan Thomas Valley to the main camp. Along
the way enjoy a picnic lunch with plenty of time to take pictures of the
spectacular scenery. After settling in at the camp, and taking time to explore
the surrounding meadow, listen for the dinner bell. All of the hearty meals
are prepared in large kitchen tents on a wood burning stove. At the end
of the day, what could be better than gathering around a blazing camp fire
before turning in for the night. The comfortable camp provides cozy accommodation
in large, canvas wall sleeping tents or painted tepees with foam mattresses
on camp cots.
DAY 2
Today
begins with a hearty camp breakfast. Then the horses are saddled, and the
group heads out to a wonderful 360 degree panoramic view point looking back
down the valley you rode up yesterday and forward to two passes. The higher
of these passes, which you’ll visit in the next few days, is over
8,000 feet. Later in the day, after lunch by an Alpine lake, you’ll
ride down a box canyon, crossing a winding creek several times, before arriving
at camp.
Day 3 (of 4 day or longer pack trips)
From
Happy Valley it’s on to the TRCR traditional Tepee Town Camp, home
for the remaining days of your adventure. Accommodation at this location
is in painted Indian Tepees and tents beside the north fork of the Little
Elbow River.
LONGER TRIPS (days 5 and 6)
On the remaining days of the Five and Six day pack trips, you will ride
to unique destinations including high passes and high alpine lakes. Fishing
is good in these parts and the views and photography opportunities are extraordinary.
RETURN TO RANCH DAY
On the final day, you continue riding south, enjoy lunch by a beautiful
alpine lake and then travel onward to your rendezvous point in the Highwood
Pass. From here you will be transferred by road back to your starting point
at the ranch. On the final day, you continue riding south, enjoy lunch by
a beautiful alpine lake and then travel onward to your rendezvous point
in the Highwood Pass. From here you will be transferred by road back to
your starting point at the ranch.
6 Day/5 Night:
Scheduled Departures: Mondays; June 28, July 5,12,19,26, August 2,9,16,23,30, 2010
5 Day/4 Night:
Scheduled Departures: Mondays; June 28, July 5,12,19,26, August 2,9,16,23,30, 2010
3 Day/2 Night:
Scheduled Departures: Fridays; July 2,9,16,23,30 August 6,13,20,27, 2010
2 Day/1 Night:
Scheduled Departures: Saturdays; July 3,10,17,24,31 August 7,14,21,28
5 Day/4 Night:
Scheduled Departures: Mondays
Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
2, 3, AND 4 DAY PACK TRIPS
Saddle
up for an exceptional horseback riding adventure. Ride alongside cowboys
that carry on western traditions and heritage. Enjoy riding a gentle, responsive
horse. Head for the high country on a 2, 3, or 4 day all inclusive horseback
adventure, and ride across open meadows filled with a dazzling array of
wildflowers. Meander through silent, shady pine forests, and crest high
ridges for a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains.
Relax and rejuvenate at our rustic high-country wilderness base camp, with
log-style cabins, handcrafted cedar hot tub, clean out houses, delicious
meals, canoeing, and more.
Arrive at the Ranch at 10:30 am for sign up and introduction to horses
and guides. Return time is around 4:00 pm on the last day of your package.
Overnight trips usually start by the last week in May once the snow pack
is gone in the high country. These packages continue until the beginning
of October (weather permitting).
- 4 day packages leave on Mondays and return Thursday
- 3 day packages leave on Mondays and return Wednesdays
- 2 day packages are available on Thursday & Friday and on Saturday
& Sunday
You
ride into a secluded valley to the remote base camp, a sanctuary of peace
and tranquility. The camp is free from electricity, and yet our guests still
enjoy the comfort, privacy, and security of four log-style sleeping cabins,
nestled among tall majestic pines. Each of these charming pine cabins has
comfortable double & single beds, and each booking is ensured their
own private cabin. Well maintained outhouses are conveniently situated nearby,
and for those who want to spruce up after a long days ride we have the added
luxury of a cedar enclosure for hot showers.
There
is a hand crafted cedar hot tub, heated by a unique submerged wood stove.
This 8 person hot tub is situated in the heart of the base camp, surrounded
by tall stately pines. Envision yourself soaking and relaxing in steaming
hot spring water, amidst the aroma of cedar and pine.
Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
These
inspiring pack trip adventures use two comfy tent camps based in the Bighorn
Wildlands (foothills of the Rocky Mountains, west of Caroline, Alberta)
to accommodate guests. Each tent comes with beds, foam mattresses, a woodstove
and cosy sleeping-bags to offer all the comfort you need for a pleasant
rest after a full day of riding through the beautiful Clearwater River Valley.
Both the Base Camp and the Adventure Camp have a wash tent with a shower
compartment and a homey kitchen tent. The Base Camp has a fire tent and
the Adventure Camp has a tipi where guest can gather around the campfire
to share stories, laughter and memories.
The
Base Camp is surrounded by great trails waiting to be explored on day-rides
that journey through the forest, flowery meadows and by clear mountain streams.
Each day at Base Camp starts with a rich cowboy breakfast. Then, its off
to ride the scenic trails – a new and unique riding adventure awaits
you each day. Along the way you may pass herds of wild horses grazing in
a meadow. Come midday, you will be ready for a hearty picnic lunch in the
pristine quiet of this wilderness wonderland. Later in the afternoon, you
will arrive back at Base Camp. After the horses are turned out in the pasture,
munching on their well deserved hay, there is time to go for a walk, cool
off in Cutoff Creek or just relax until the bell rings for a hearty evening
meal.
As
soon as the snow-melt is finished and the Clearwater River is low enough
(starting in July), we follow it deep into the Rockies to the “Adventure
Camp”. Our team of horses, Mac and Rocket, pull the covered wagon
loaded with luggage and supplies for your one week adventure.
Your senses will carry away a multitude memories to draw you back to this
magical wilderness getaway … the ringing of bells on the horses, so
they won’t be lost while grazing; the singing of crickets in the evening;
the crackling of the campfire; the sounds of music in the background; and
who could forget the aroma of coffee, frying bacon and hot cakes as you
awaken in the morning.
Discover endless adventure, including opportunities for hiking and exploring,
wildlife and nature observation, and relaxing in rare solitude. Ride winding
trails to alpine lakes, clear mountain streams, wide meadows and secluded
campsites. All this and much more come together to provide the memories
you will carry with you from your wilderness adventure.
| 2010 - 8 Day/8 Night Tent Camp Trips – Saturday to Saturday |
| MC 1 |
June 26 – July 3 |
(Base Camp) |
| MC 2 |
July 10 – 17 |
(Base Camp & Adventure Camp *) ** |
| MC 3 |
July 24 – 31 |
(Base Camp & Adventure Camp) |
| MC 4 |
August 7 – 14 |
(Base Camp & Adventure Camp) |
| MC 5 |
August 21 – 28 |
(Base Camp & Adventure Camp) |
| MC 6 |
September 4 – 11 |
(Base Camp & Adventure Camp) |
| MC 7 |
September 18 – 25 |
(Base Camp & Adventure Camp) |
Base Camp: Bighorn Wildlands in the foothills of the
Rocky Mountains at Cutoff Creek.
Adventure Camp: Deep in the Rockies on a cliff above the
Clearwater River.
First night is spent in a hotel in Sundre - included in price.Walled outfitters tents with beds, foam mattresses, sleeping bags and
a wood stove. There is also a large kitchen tent, a wash tent with a shower
compartment and a fire tent at each site.
Wholesome, hearty meals are provided from supper on arrival in camp on Sunday to breakfast
on the last day. Breakfast and supper are served in camp, lunch is served on the
trail. Dietary restrictions (Allergies, Vegetarian) are happily accommodated
with advance notice. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate a vegan
diet. Alcoholic beverages are NOT included with meals.
Day 1
Pick-up in Calgary prior to 4:00pm. Journey through Alberta’s rolling
foothills to the Base Camp just west of Caroline. Driving directions are
available for those with their own vehicles. After a hearty home cooked
dinner, you will settle into your warm and comfortable tent for a restful
night’s sleep.
Day 2
After a rich cowboy breakfast, weather and water level permitting, you
will travel up the Clearwater River to the Adventure Camp.
If conditions dictate continuing your adventure at the Base Camp, you will
set out on one of the many uniquely scenic trails that abound throughout
the area. Along the way you may pass herds of wild horses grazing in a meadow.
Come midday, you will be ready for a hearty picnic lunch in the pristine
quiet of this wilderness wonderland. Later in the afternoon, you will arrive
back at Base Camp. After the horses are turned out in the pasture, munching
on their well deserved hay, there is time to go for a walk, cool off in
Cutoff Creek or just relax until the bell rings for a hearty evening meal.
The
journey to Adventure Camp takes you up stream along the Clearwater River,
deep into the Rocky Mountains, for approximately 26 miles (40 kilometres).
You will cross the river as many as 17 times along the way. On this leg
of your journey you are accompanied by the covered wagon loaded with luggage
and supplies for your one week adventure.
Day 3 to Day 5
Each day you will discover endless adventures, including opportunities
for hiking and exploring, wildlife and nature observation, and relaxing
in the rare solitude of this mountain hideaway. Your daily rides will take you
along winding trails to alpine lakes, clear mountain streams and wide meadows.
All this and much more come together to provide the memories you will carry
with you from your wilderness adventure.
Day 6
Today will see you make the return journey along the Clearwater River
to Base Camp. Here you will spend the evening around the campfire recalling
the multitude of memories that will draw you back to this magical wilderness
getaway again and again.
Day 7
After another of those hearty cowboy breakfasts that you have come to
look forward to each morning, you will depart on your return journey to
Calgary. Exactly when you hit the trail will depend on your specific flight
departure time or further travel plans. You should allow approximately four
hours travel time to return to the Calgary Airport.
Guest Capacity: 1 to 8 persons
8 Day/8 Night: $1625/person plus Tax and 10% gratuity.
Welcome to the Brewster Mountain Backcountry Horseback Pack Trips. Many Brewsters, and those who have worked for them, have enjoyed some of the most spectacular scenery in the world in the backcountry of Alberta.
The Mountain Horse has been an important part in the exploration and enjoyment of the Canadian Rocky Mountains for more than 250 years. Legends in the Canadian Rockies, Banff’s Brewster family has helped the past stay alive. For six generations the family has been sharing the spectacular nature of the Rockies and its remarkable surroundings with visitors from all over the world.
Brewster Mountain Horse Pack Trips provide backcountry vacations for guests who want to experience this type of adventure. The horses, guides, meals, and cabin accommodations are all provided. Guests need only relax and enjoy the scenery. Trips to Hussey’s Cabins and to Meadow Creek explore the Ghost river areas northwest of the Kananaskis Ranch. The trips leave from the Ranch and can be 2 to 5 days in duration.
Meadow Creek has been the winter grazing grounds for the Brewster’s horses since the early 1900’s. Over the years the family has run as many as 600 head of horses, but today run about 150. Hussey’s Cabin location is named after Brewster family friend, Fred Hussey, who had an old cabin in this private mountain location, where he came to get away from it all.
A soul-cleansing sense of peacefulness is yours as you breathe the fragrant air, gaze at the mountain panoramas, and enjoy your horseback adventure.
These pack trips travel in some of the most spectacular areas of the Rockies, where seeing is definitely believing! While crossing streams and traveling through wooded areas, we climb to elevations of approximately 5,500 feet on well kept switchback trails up and over the Yamnuska Mountain on the border of Banff National Park.
- Ride the Historic Horse Drive Trail to the famed Brewster Company Ranch.
- Enjoy a two to five day backcountry horse trip.
- Explore some of the most scenic areas of the Alberta Foothills and the Canadian Rocky Mountains bordering Banff National Park.
Summer 2010 Rates are $225.00 plus GST per person / per day.
The following are the rates based on the type of trip booked:
- 2-Day Packtrip - $450.00
- 3-Day Packtrip - $675.00
- 4-Day Packtrip - $900.00
- 5-Day Packtrip - $1125.00
Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
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