Horseback Riding in Kananaskis: Buffalo Loop Trail

You pass a working buffalo paddock with the ranch's bull and his herd as you ride through the forest.

The Buffalo Loop is a one-hour guided horseback trail ride through the Kananaskis Valley at Boundary Ranch, suitable for riders of any level and no experience required. The ride follows wooded terrain at walking pace, passing the ranch's buffalo paddock where you might spot the bull, cows and calves, plus wildlife like elk, deer and marmots. A professional guide leads groups of at least two people; children from age 6 are welcome. You get the horse, all equipment and the guide's instruction; wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.

The Experience

One hour in the saddle starts with a walk through boreal forest surrounding Boundary Ranch. The trail winds through wooded terrain at a steady pace — no galloping, no experience needed — so the ride works whether you've been on a horse before or this is your first time. The guide handles the pacing and the route, which means you can focus on the landscape instead of navigation.

The Buffalo Loop passes by the ranch's paddock where you'll see the bull and his cows, plus calves from previous seasons and any new additions born that spring. Beyond the paddock, the forest opens up chances to spot other wildlife — elk, deer, squirrels and marmots move through the Kananaskis backcountry, and the guide will point them out if they appear. The serenity of the ride comes partly from the walking pace and partly from how few people are out there; you're in remote country, but you're not alone.

Boundary Ranch provides the horse and all necessary equipment, so you show up with long pants and sturdy closed-toed shoes (no skirts, sandals or high heels). The guide is professional and experienced, and groups stay small — a minimum of two people per booking keeps the ride intimate. Three departure times run across the afternoon: 1:30pm, 3:00pm and 4:15pm.

What’s included

• Use of a horse and all necessary riding equipment.
• professional guide leading the trail.
• instruction and pacing suited to your level.
• all taxes and fees.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Boundary Ranch

Is this one for you?Book the 1:30pm or 3:00pm departure if you want daylight deep into the ride and time to explore the forest before the afternoon light shifts. The walking pace and small group size make this ride work for anyone from age 6 onward, so it suits families and first-time riders who want to move through the backcountry without the pressure of speed or experience.

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Top questions

Can I ride the Buffalo Loop if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes. The Buffalo Loop is designed as an introduction to trail riding and welcomes riders of any level with no previous experience required. The guide leads at walking pace and handles the route, so you focus on the ride itself.

What will I see along the Buffalo Loop trail?

The trail passes the ranch's buffalo paddock where you'll see the bull, cows and calves, then winds through boreal forest where elk, deer, squirrels and marmots live. The guide watches for wildlife and points sightings out as you ride.

How old do children need to be to ride?

Children are welcome from age 6 and up. All riders must be able to follow the guide's instructions for safety.

What should I wear for the Buffalo Loop?

Wear long pants and sturdy closed-toed shoes — no skirts, sandals or high heels. Closed-toe footwear is a safety requirement for trail riding.

How many people ride together on the Buffalo Loop?

A minimum of two people is required per booking, and groups stay small. The exact group size depends on the departure time you choose.

Is the one-hour ride time the actual time in the saddle?

The advertised length of one hour is approximate and includes the full experience. The guide leads at walking pace through the forest and past the paddock, so the ride unfolds at a steady, manageable tempo.