Banff: Covered Wagon Ride & Western Cookout BBQ Meal

Summary

Scenic wagon ride by Bow River with BBQ & old west games

You’ll roll through Banff’s wild scenery by covered wagon, hear stories from your local guide, try your hand at roping or horseshoes, then dig into a proper western BBQ cookout with steak or vegetarian options. That smoky campfire scent and mountain air will stick with you longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we climbed up into that covered wagon in Banff — it just felt like something you do if you’re even a little bit curious about the old west. The canvas roof flapped a bit in the breeze and I could smell pine needles, maybe some horses too (not in a bad way). Our guide, Mark, had this easy way of pointing out things along the Bow River — he spotted a bald eagle before any of us did. I was still fumbling with my camera when everyone else had already seen it. The mountains looked almost too big for real life, honestly.

The ride itself was slow in a good way, kind of lulling. My nephew tried to count how many times he heard the river before giving up and just watching the sunlight flicker through the trees. When we finally rolled up to 3 Mile Cabin, there was this smoky smell hanging in the air — steak on the grill, beans bubbling somewhere nearby. I’d barely stepped down before someone handed me a mug of hot chocolate (I went for dinner, so it was getting cool out). There were horseshoes clanking and a couple kids trying to lasso a wooden steer head. I tried too; let’s just say nobody was impressed.

Dinner wasn’t fancy but it hit all the right notes: thick steak (they ask how you want it), potatoes roasted till they’re just crispy at the edges, cowboy beans that tasted sweet and smoky at once. The cornbread disappeared fast at our table. Mark told stories about early ranchers and his granddad’s old horse—he made us laugh more than once. You could see Sulphur Mountain glowing pink as the sun dropped behind it. I think that’s the part I’ll remember most — everyone quiet for a second, chewing or sipping coffee or just looking out at those mountains like they might never come back here again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Covered wagon ride and western cookout

• Ride along Bow River
• Watch for wildlife and scenery
• Arrive at 3 Mile Cabin
• Play western games like lassoing and horseshoes
• Enjoy BBQ steak dinner with sides

Top questions

Is this covered wagon ride suitable for kids?

Yes, families are welcome and kids can join in games like horseshoes and lassoing.

How long is the Banff covered wagon tour?

The whole experience lasts about 2 hours including the cookout meal.

What food is included during the cookout?

You get an 8oz steak or vegetarian dinner with baked beans, potatoes, cornbread, salad, dessert, juice and hot drinks.

Do I need to book in advance?

Advance booking is recommended since spots are limited due to remote location.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the starting point near Banff townsite.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

The menu is set with either steak or vegetarian options only due to kitchen limitations.

Are there morning and evening departures available?

Yes, you can choose between lunch or dinner departures when booking.

Will we be riding horses ourselves?

No horseback riding is involved; all guests travel by covered wagon only.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour covered wagon ride along Banff’s Bow River with a friendly local guide sharing stories as you go, plus all food and drinks: either an 8oz steak or vegetarian dinner with homemade sides like baked beans and cornbread, dessert, plus coffee, tea or hot chocolate served up at 3 Mile Cabin before heading back through those mountain views.