Calgary: 2-Hour Ridge Ride Horseback Trail in Kananaskis

Ride High Above Kananaskis Valley on a Mountain Ridge

You ride a mountain ridge high above Kananaskis Valley for two hours with a professional guide, suitable for any riding level. The trail descends through forest and wetland where wildlife lives, passes a historic teepee site, and delivers views across the entire valley. Arrive 30–45 minutes early, wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and bring a camera. Horse, equipment, and guide are all included.

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see the Kananaskis landscape from above without arranging your own transport or worrying about riding ability—the fixed departure times and all-inclusive format mean you just show up, get on, and ride.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 2-hour Ridge Ride in Kananaskis

• Arrive 30-45 minutes early
• Meet friendly professional guides
• Begin 2-hour horseback trail ride
• Traverse mountain ridge above valley
• Enjoy views of Kananaskis Valley
• Descend through montane forest and wetland
• Spot local wildlife along trail
• Pass by Teepee Village from The Revenant
• Complete ride and return to ranch

The Experience

"You'll see the whole valley from up there—bring your camera," our guide said as we tightened the saddle straps at Boundary Ranch. That's the thing about the Ridge Ride: it's not a walk through a paddock. The 2-hour trail climbs high enough that the landscape below actually opens up, and you're riding along a ridge with views across the entire Kananaskis area. The route takes you through montane forest and wetland, and if you're paying attention, you might spot wildlife that lives in that ecosystem. It's the kind of ride where the scenery does most of the work.

The whole thing is built for people who've never been on a horse. Novice riders aren't an afterthought here—the pace stays at a walk, and the guides are used to talking first-timers through the basics before you leave the ranch. You do need to show up 30 to 45 minutes early so there's time to get fitted and comfortable, and long pants and closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable for safety. Groups stay small enough that the guide can actually watch everyone, and the minimum is just two people, so you're not waiting around for a full roster to book.

One detail that sticks with people: you pass by the Teepee Village on the way down, and one of those teepees was used in The Revenant with Leonardo DiCaprio. It's not the main event—the ridge and the forest are—but it's the kind of thing that makes you reach for your camera again. Departures run at 9:30am, 1pm, and 3:30pm, so you can fit it around the rest of your Calgary day without too much planning. The horse, saddle, bridle, and all the gear you need are included, and so is the guide who knows the trail and the animals.

Top questions

Do I need riding experience for the Ridge Ride?

No. The trail is suitable for novice to experienced riders, and no previous experience is required. The pace stays at a walk.

What time do rides depart?

Departures are at 9:30am, 1:00pm, and 3:30pm. Arrive 30–45 minutes early.

What's included in the price?

Horse, saddle, bridle, all necessary equipment, professional guide, and taxes and fees.

What should I wear?

Long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes are required. Skirts, sandals, and high heels are not permitted.

How many people do I need to book?

Minimum of 2 people per booking.

What age can children ride?

Participants must be a minimum of 6 years old.

Will I see wildlife?

The trail passes through montane forest and wetland where wildlife lives in the area. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the ecosystem is active.

How long is the actual ride?

The Ridge Ride is approximately 2 hours.

What’s included

Use of horse and all necessary equipment (saddle, bridle, reins), professional and experienced guide, all taxes and fees. You'll also pass the Teepee Village during the descent.