Canada · HORSES
A shortlist to send to whoever is planning: 15 horse riding tours that hold up, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
Guided whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River in Golden, BC, with Class III-IV options, gear, shuttle, and lunch on select trips.
“Loved the whole experiance. First time white water rafting. Felt safe the entire time. Alex was an awesome guide.”
Hop into a horse-drawn carriage for about an hour through Stanley Park. See totems, the Seawall, Rose Garden, and Lions Gate views.
“Nice excursion and the commentary was good. Only thing that maybe could be improved is the audio as sometimes it was difficult to hear.”
Ride the Bow River in Banff on a calm, beginner-friendly 1-hour horseback hack with great views, helmets, and friendly guides.
“It was an interesting experience. For someone like me who had never ridden a horse and had no riding skills, it was excellent. The staff were respectful, and the tour guide (Mandi) was very kind and friendly. I highly recommend it, even if you have never ridden a horse before.”
1-hour Banff horseback ride with Bow Falls views and Fairmont golf-course sights, plus Spray River crossings on calm horses.
“Enthusiastic crew and very friendly. The horses were well trained and we were given good instruction.”
Ride the Kicking Horse from class 1 to class 4 with Hydra River Guides, included gear, pro, funny guides, and a riverfront base camp.
“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!”
A 40-minute family-friendly horse-drawn sleigh ride in Banff with mountain views, possible wildlife, and a cozy hot drink by the fire.
“Fabulous time. Weird how they sat out whole family of ten on one side of the wagon rather than across from each other so we could be together for the ride. Fabulous guide driver. Fabulous footman. Loved the way they cared for the horses.”
Two hours of gentle horseback riding in Banff, looping the Bow River, visiting Cave and Basin, and climbing toward Sulphur Mountain viewpoints.
“Great for novice rider. Walk only which they don't really advertise. I would have appreciated the opportunity to at least trot a bit. Horses should be trained so you can stop for a minute and take a pic of the views. Disappointed there was no view at the top of Sulphur Mountain, it was just a trek up and back down in the forest. Front tour guide tries to talk/explain but I was toward the back of a full ride and couldn't hear a thing she said. Otherwise, this is a professionally run organization. Horses were great. They know what they are doing and are very good with older riders…”
Half-day Kicking Horse River rafting in British Columbia. Class 2 to 4/4+ rapids with gear and pro guides, plus Rocky Mountain views.
“They were fantastic all in all an absolutely memorable experience. So much fun and the guide was great”
Half-day rafting on the Kicking Horse River in Golden, BC, with class 3-4 rapids, Rocky Mountain views, gear, and transportation for $72.
“we arrived from revelstoke and missed that there is a 1 hr time difference to golden where the tour starts. even though we arrived 30min late for the tour they were superkind and managed to accommodate us for the trip! thank you again so for that! transport to the starting point was in old school busses, a touch we personally loved. instructions were detailed and fun. our guide nico was an entertaining and SUPER COOL dude (no matter what the kids say about your style of socks;). we enjoyed the rapids and the entire tour. all was superbly organized with fun people who love their job. absolutely recommend!”
2-hour Banff horseback loop with Bow River views, Sulphur Mountain climb, and Windy Knoll photos. Helmet and instruction included.
“Loved the loop we went, could see some nice views. The trail was easy to handle even for beginnners”
Take a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage through historic James Bay in Victoria, with lantern-lit evening rides, blankets, and local stories.
“Wonderful horse and carriage ride. Would recommend. Really enjoyed seeing all the sites. Loved that the company is family owned.”
Golden BC family rafting on the Kicking Horse River with wetsuit gear, a waterfall stop, and riverside BBQ lunch. 4 hours.
“Organized and adventurous. Glad they provided appropriate outerwear for the cooler weather so I could stay warm. Lunch was great!”
3-hour horseback ride in Banff National Park, looping past Bow River and Cave and Basin to Sulphur Mountain views.
“The guide did not have control over the horses especially Pacman and her horse clearly did not get along with him. It was very scary when Pacman kept backing up and was out of control. Only 2 people got pictures by the river because it was chaotic. I felt horrible for the rider of Pacman. The guide kept saying he was new and maybe not ready for a trail ride. For a three hour ride all the horses should be trained. The guide at one point even mentioned that she hadn’t been on that trail for a while. It would have been nice to see more then just woods. There…”
A 40-minute horse-drawn carriage tour in Charlottetown with local stories, Province House sights, and easy family fun for $23.
“Justyn and Capt Craig did a fine job...we've done dozens of these...top 3!”
Ride Class IV rapids on the Kicking Horse River near Golden, BC. 4 hours of coaching, included gear, and named rapids for $116.
“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”
Six time zones of days out, sorted by the kind of day.
