Old Entrance Trailrides near Jasper National Park

Active Adventure

We offer guided trail rides departing from our riding stables at Old Entrance along the scenic Athabasca River valley. A real western riding experience is provided with small groups of up to eight riders. Ride historic trails originally used by early explorers, trappers and forest rangers along the beautiful eastern slopes of the Rockies. These trails are over a variety of terrain; in the river valley, onto open foothill ridges with spectacular mountain views and through mature evergreen forests.

Enjoy many wild flowers and spectacular scenery along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. Wildlife is occasionally spotted while horseback riding; most often a squirrel, deer or coyote. Sighting of birds of many varities is common; hawks, eagles, ravens, ruffed grouse, jays and chickadees to name a few.


Our trail rides are open to the public from May to October. Please e-mail or phone in advance to schedule a trail ride, most late bookings can be accommodated. We prefer to have at least a day in advance bookings. We accept trail ride reservations with payment of a $30 non-refundable deposit by Visa or MasterCard. We do offer rain-checks and will re-schedule a trail ride if rained out.

Typical Day

Scheduled daily trail ride departure times: 11 am, 2 pm, 6:30 pm. Other departure times may be arranged.

Age range, type of group

For those wondering if horseback riding may be an activity that you would like to try, our advice to novices is that if you are in condition to ride a bicycle then you will have no difficulty riding a horse.

Our gentle horses are of mixed blood; some Morgan, Arabian and Quarterhorse breeding. A horse will be selected for you that suits your size and riding ability. We do not run the horses. Riding helmets are mandatory and will be provided for all minors, 17 years old and under. Helmets are also available for adults.

Sleeping and meals

We also offer fully-serviced country cabin accommodations, bed and breakfast guest suite in our main house, riverside Teepees, camping sites and overnight holding corrals for guests traveling with horses.

Restrictions

Minimum age 7 years for novice riders, younger riders may participate but will be led (ponied) by the guide. Minimum trail ride offered is 1 hour, young children under six years old are generally not comfortable on horseback for any longer than a few minutes. We do not double on our horses. Maximum rider weight limit is 280 - 300 pounds.

Rates

Trail Rides - 2011 Rates:

1 hour - Orchard Creek Loop: $35/person

1 1/2 hour - Mountain View Loop: $45/person

2 hour - Athabasca River Ridge: $60/person

2 1/2 hour - Pete's Pond: $75/person

3 hour - Athabasca River Ridge & Pete's Pond: $85/person

Half Day Trip (4 hour) - Indian Camp: $105/person

Full Day Tour (7 hour) - Solomon Mountain-Red Willow Flats: $150/person

Above prices are based on a minimum participation of two riders. Trail rides of 3 hours or longer duration may require participation of 4 riders minimum or extra fees may apply. Advance booking is necessary. Custom full day tours are available, some riding experience is recommended and good conditioning is essential - please inquire.

Prices listed are Canadian dollars plus 5% GST.

Payment: Cash, Travellers cheques, Interac Debit, Visa or MasterCard

Other Information

All riders need to wear sturdy footwear with a narrow toe, a light weight hiking boot is generally best if you do not have riding boots. A hat and rain jacket are recommended. We'll tie the rain jacket to your saddle if the sun is shining. Weather conditions near the mountains can change very quickly.

Waiver of Liability:

We take every precaution to safeguard riders and their property (cameras, sun glasses, jackets, etc.), but ask that participants recognize that horse back trail riding can involve some risk as horses can be unpredictable at times regardless of their past training. Participants are required to acknowledge this risk by signing a waiver of liability prior to departing on our trail rides. We suggest that out-of-province riders check their insurance policies to ensure accident coverage in Alberta and if necessary purchase all inclusive trip insurance.

Alberta Commercial Trail Riding (CTR) permit holder.

Discounts Offered

We provide a 10% group discount on all trail rides with more than 5 riders participating.

Mary Luger (View My Profile)
Adventure tourism operator.