Horseback Riding in Banff: A Must-Do Adventure with Timberline Tours
Banff, Alberta, Canada, Travel

Horseback Riding in Banff: A Must-Do Adventure with Timberline Tours

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience Banff’s stunning natural beauty, horseback riding with Timberline Tours is a must-do. Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, Timberline Tours offers a variety of trail rides perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. During our recent stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we couldn’t resist trying this iconic adventure, and it was one of the highlights of our trip—especially for the kids!
A Great Alternative to Hiking
While hiking is a popular activity in Banff, horseback riding offers a unique way to explore the wilderness without the physical demands of hiking. It’s perfect for families or anyone looking for a scenic and peaceful adventure with a bit less effort. The views are just as stunning, and it’s an excellent way to cover more ground while soaking in the beauty of Banff National Park.
Timberline Tours offers kid-friendly horseback riding, making it easy for even the youngest adventurers to enjoy the beauty of Banff National Park-1
Timberline Tours offers kid-friendly horseback riding, making it easy for even the youngest adventurers to enjoy the beauty of Banff National Park-2
Timberline Tours offers kid-friendly horseback riding, making it easy for even the youngest adventurers to enjoy the beauty of Banff National Park-3

Timberline Tours offers kid-friendly horseback riding, making it easy for even the youngest adventurers to enjoy the beauty of Banff National Park.

Different Riding Experiences to Choose From

Timberline Tours offers several horseback riding options, ranging from short introductory rides to full-day backcountry adventures. Whether you’re new to riding or looking for an all-day exploration, there’s something for everyone. The available rides include:

  • 10-minute themed loop: Perfect for all ages.
  • 15-minute ride: Includes the adventurous Death Valley loop.
  • 45-minute Peyto Trail loop: Ideal for a scenic ride through beautiful surroundings.
  • 2-hour ride: Includes scenic views of Lake Louise from the lake head.
  • 3-hour ride: Takes you to the historic Lake Agnes Teahouse.
  • 3.5-hour ride: Combines Lake Agnes and the Little Beehive trail.
  • 4-hour ride: Explore the Plain of Six Glaciers.
  • 5-hour ride: Extend your adventure to the Plain of Six Glaciers via the Highline Trail.
  • All-day rides: Explore Baker Lake, Skoki Lodge, Paradise Valley, or the Highline Trail.
  • Skoki Drop Off/Pick Up: Ideal for guests staying at Skoki Lodge, a rustic backcountry retreat.

For our family, we opted for the 45-minute Peyto Trail loop, which was just the right amount of time for the kids to enjoy a fun, scenic ride without feeling overwhelmed. One of the highlights of this trail is that it takes you along the Continental Divide, or the Great Divide which separates British Columbia and Alberta.  Riding alongside such a significant landmark made the experience even more special.

For a scenic ride without the hike, the 45-minute Peyto Trail loop gave us incredible views of the mountains, plus a memorable journey along the Continental Divide-1
For a scenic ride without the hike, the 45-minute Peyto Trail loop gave us incredible views of the mountains, plus a memorable journey along the Continental Divide-2

For a scenic ride without the hike, the 45-minute Peyto Trail loop gave us incredible views of the mountains, plus a memorable journey along the Continental Divide.

Our experience was seamless from start to finish. Timberline Tours is conveniently located right next to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, making it an easy activity for anyone staying at the hotel. We simply walked over to the stable, making it one of the most accessible adventures during our stay. If you’re staying at the Fairmont, I highly recommend this activity for its convenience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings.
One of the best parts for us was that Timberline Tours accommodates young riders. My 3-year-old and I shared a horse (the ability to double up depends on combined weight), and the kids were thrilled to ride their own horses. Helmets are required for all young riders, and Timberline Tours provides a variety of sizes, so our kids had no trouble finding the perfect fit.
Kid-Friendly and Scenic
The kids absolutely loved the whole experience, from choosing their helmets to meeting the beautiful horses. Timberline Tours is incredibly family-friendly, allowing children as young as 1 year old to participate in rides. We saw smiles all around as our kids were guided along the trail, taking in the stunning views of Banff National Park.
Pricing and Reservations

If you’re planning to book a horseback ride with Timberline Tours, here’s what you need to know about pricing:

  • 10-minute ride: $25.00 (CAD)
  • 15-minute ride: $30.00 (CAD)
  • 45-minute ride: $75.00 (CAD)
  • Additional charge for a third horse (45-minute ride): $37.50 (CAD)

Please note that prices exclude GST and gratuity. It’s a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time, as mornings can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.

For younger riders, an adult will need to accompany them on the ride. Each person, including children, is $75 CAD for the 45-minute trail ride. In our case, we shared a horse, and it worked out perfectly for our family.

Whether you're a first-time rider or seasoned adventurer, Timberline Tours has a variety of rides to suit every level. The 45-minute ride was perfect for our family-1
Whether you're a first-time rider or seasoned adventurer, Timberline Tours has a variety of rides to suit every level. The 45-minute ride was perfect for our family-2

Whether you're a first-time rider or seasoned adventurer, Timberline Tours has a variety of rides to suit every level. The 45-minute ride was perfect for our family.

The Magic of Timberline Tours: Options for Every Adventurer
While we chose the 45-minute Peyto Trail loop, Timberline Tours offers a range of rides to suit different preferences and skill levels. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can embark on a longer ride, such as the 2-hour scenic ride to Lake Louise or even the 3-hour journey to Lake Agnes Teahouse, where you can enjoy a half-hour stop for refreshments. The more adventurous riders can experience the Plain of Six Glaciers, which offers incredible views of the rugged backcountry. All day rides are also available for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Banff’s wilderness.
Whether you’re riding for 10 minutes or an entire day, Timberline Tours ensures that every rider enjoys a safe, scenic, and memorable experience.
Whether you’re looking for a great alternative to hiking, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of Banff in a unique way, Timberline Tours has something for everyone—including the youngest of adventurers.
If you’re visiting Banff, don’t miss out on this iconic horseback riding experience—it’s a unique way to explore the natural beauty of Lake Louise.
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