SOUTH EAST CENTRAL

BANFF NATIONAL PARK has extensive day and overnight trails that access some of Canada’s most iconic mountain regions. Trails and rules are summarized in the park’s horse use guide. A national parks pass is required. There are public overnight horse pens at the Banff Light Horse Association facility in Banff but book ahead and note that riders are not permitted to camp at the facility.

Bighorn Backcountry Public Land Use

ZONES cover a vast area of the Alberta foothills and offer horse camps, trailheads, plus pack trip opportunities. Riding and staging areas include the Clearwater River, Cline River, Crescent Falls, Cutoff Creek, Hummingbird and Panther Corners. Consult the free Bighorn Backcountry brochure for fees, horse camps and trails. It’s big country so plan accordingly.

YA HA TINDA is private property owned and managed by Parks Canada but is not a national park. It offers exceptional riding and is very popular. Friends of the Eastern Slopes Association manages the free Bighorn campsite plus other horse camps in the region. For the best experience, go with someone familiar with the trails.

North West

DRAYTON VALLEY RIVERSIDE HORSE

TRAILS meander along the Pembina River and have a staging area and horse camp. Drayton Valley Horse Club has been building and maintaining the trails since 1992 so contact them for details.

JASPER NATIONAL PARK offers extensive pack trip opportunities but some great day rides, too. Trails and rules are summarized in the park’s horse use guide. Cottonwood Corrals Association provides public overnight horse pens in Jasper. Check for vaccination and Coggins test requirements. A national parks pass is required.

WHITEHORSE WILDLAND PROVINCIAL

PARK is near Cadomin and has trails leading to the Jasper National Park boundary that have excellent mountain scenery. Trailheads are located at the popular Whitehorse Creek Campground which has pens at each campsite. Book in advance.

WILLMORE WILDERNESS PARK is ideal for pack trips but excellent for day rides, too. Horse camps are located at Rock Lake Provincial Recreation Area and along the Smoky River near Grande Cache. Ask Willmore Wilderness Association for details.