Halfway Lodge – 5 Nights
Guaranteed departure. This tour runs as scheduled with no minimum group size — book with confidence, it won’t be cancelled for low numbers.
Overview
Sky-piercing mountains stretch out across the landscape, their peaks crusted with ice and snow. The air is cool and fresh. And best of all, there’s an almost zen-like quiet out here. This is just another day on the trail when you go on our 6-day Halfway Lodge horseback adventure. You’ll pass by the shimmering waters of the Bow River, travel along a historic pack trail and then ride up Allenby Pass, where jagged rock formations line the route.
And although you do climb to an elevation of 8,100 feet on this trip, the terrain is gentle for the entire way. And for all the rugged scenery you’ll get to gaze at on this trek, the adventure itself is far from ‘roughing it.’
Unwind in rustic luxury at the spacious Sundance Lodge and later at the cozy Halfway Lodge – both are quintessential mountain cabins. Comfortable beds, a crackling fire and some of the most delicious backcountry cuisine you’ll ever try can be found at these lodges.
Highlights
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
Allenby Pass
Halfway Lodge
Sundance LodgeItinerary
What each day of your trip looks like, from saddle-up to the ride home.
- 1
Backcountry ride to Sundance Lodge
Your adventure begins at 9:30 AM at Banff Trail Riders Stables, where complimentary parking is available for the duration of your trip. After checking in, you'll meet your experienced guides, fellow riders, and the horse carefully selected for you. You'll receive your slicker and saddlebags before your guides provide a riding orientation and answer any questions. Things tend to run on "Western Time," so you'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with your horse before setting off.
Once everyone is ready, you'll saddle up for the 10-mile ride to Sundance Lodge, following scenic trails alongside the glacier-fed Bow River, Healy Creek, and Brewster Creek. Along the way, you'll stop to enjoy a hearty cowboy-style lunch beside the river.
Arriving at Sundance Lodge in the late afternoon, you'll be welcomed by your lodge host and shown to your room. Take time to freshen up with a warm shower, settle into your comfortable accommodations, and unwind after your first day on the trail.
In the evening, gather with your fellow riders for a gourmet dinner prepared by your lodge host before relaxing in the cozy lodge. With the distractions of everyday life left behind, you'll quickly settle into the slower pace of the Rockies and begin your backcountry adventure in comfort.
- 2
Ride the Erling Strom Trail to Halfway Lodge
After breakfast at Sundance Lodge, you'll continue your journey approximately 9 miles south along the historic Erling Strom Trail toward Halfway Lodge. Following the route once travelled by the early explorers of the Canadian Rockies, you'll ride beneath the rugged peaks of the Sundance Range through beautiful mountain scenery. Midway through the day, you'll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch in a peaceful alpine meadow.
Arrive at Halfway Lodge in the late afternoon, nestled among towering peaks at the midpoint between Banff and Mount Assiniboine. Originally built by Erling Strom in the 1920s as a stopover for horseback travellers, the lodge has retained its authentic backcountry character. Lit by propane lanterns and candles and warmed by a wood stove, it offers a true step back in time while providing a cozy place to relax after a rewarding day in the saddle.
Ride Time: Approximately 5–6 hours, including lunch
Ride Distance: Approximately 9 miles
- 3
Climb Allenby Pass on horseback to 8,100 feet
After a hearty breakfast, leave your overnight belongings at Halfway Lodge and set off on a memorable day ride to Allenby Pass.
Today's ride takes you on a steady climb to an elevation of approximately 8,100 feet, where panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges reward your efforts. For many guests, this is the highlight of the journey, with rugged peaks, dramatic rock formations, and sweeping alpine vistas stretching in every direction.
Take time to appreciate the unique landscape along the way. Millions of years ago, Allenby Pass lay beneath an ancient sea, and if you look closely, you may even spot marine fossils preserved in the rocks.
Return to Halfway Lodge in the late afternoon to relax after your day's adventure. Enjoy another delicious dinner, unwind with a glass of wine, and share stories from the trail as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Ride Time: Approximately 4–6 hours, plus a leisurely lunch
Ride Distance: Approximately 3–5 miles (depending on the time of year and trail conditions)
- 4
Rest time to enjoy the backcountry
Today is a well-earned rest day at Halfway Lodge, giving you the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Banff's backcountry.
If you'd like to explore, you can join an optional hike to a beautiful glacier-fed lake at the end of the valley, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley below.
Prefer to relax? Spend the day however you choose. Read a book on the lodge deck, take in the mountain scenery, chat with your fellow riders, or spend some time grooming and getting to know your horse. With nowhere to rush off to, it's the perfect chance to unwind and embrace the slower pace of life in the backcountry.
- 5
Follow Brewster Creek to Sundance Lodge
After breakfast, say farewell to the friendly staff at Halfway Lodge and saddle up for the ride back to Sundance Lodge.
Following the scenic trail alongside Brewster Creek, your guide will lead you through the heart of Banff's backcountry, retracing part of the historic route once travelled by the region's early outfitters and explorers. Along the way, you'll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by mountain scenery before continuing on to Sundance Lodge.
Arrive at Sundance Lodge in the late afternoon, where you can settle back into your room, enjoy a warm shower, and relax before another delicious chef-prepared dinner. Spend your final evening in the backcountry sharing stories with your fellow riders and reflecting on the adventures of the past five days.
- 6
Return to Banff Trail Riders Stables
Enjoy one final morning at Sundance Lodge before gathering for a hearty breakfast and saying goodbye to your lodge host. Then it's time to saddle up for the final ride back to Banff Trail Riders Stables.
Today's 9-mile journey follows scenic trails through Banff's backcountry, winding alongside Healy Creek, through towering pine forests, and beneath the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Midway through the ride, you'll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh sandwiches, baked goods, and fruit before continuing on to Banff.
You'll arrive back at Banff Trail Riders Stables at approximately 4:30 PM, where your backcountry adventure comes to an end. Leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a special bond with the horse that carried you through the Rockie
Tour Details
Included
- 5x nights accommodation
- Small group size (up to 6 guests per guide)
- A friendly horse for every rider
- Basic horseback riding instruction
- Trail fees
- Helmet
Frequently Asked Questions
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Booking Terms
- Rates are based on double occupancy and a single room supplement is available for an additional fee.
- Riders must be at least 9 years old.
- Riders aged 17 and under must be accompanied on the ride by a legal guardian.
- Riders must weigh less than 230lbs / 104kg, fully dressed (your weight may need to be verified on our scales).
- Riders must wear fully enclosed shoes (no heels).
- Each rider must be able to speak and understand fluent English.
- Riders must be in good physical condition.
- Helmets are mandatory and to be worn by all riders under 18 years. Helmets are optional but recommended for riders aged 18 years and over.
- All adult riders must sign a waiver prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any rider under the age of 18 (documentation may be required to confirm the signatory’s authority).
- All backcountry trips are subject to a 60 day cancellation & change policy.
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
- Refunds are not issued if guests are disqualified from riding due to not meeting these requirements.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Real, verified reviews from guests who explored the Canadian Rockies with us.