This information package is for Expedition trips
only!
If you are booked on a Tent trip click here.
If you are booked on an Lodge trip click here.
INFORMATION PACKAGE FOR EXPEDITION TRIPS
YOU ARE BOOKED ON TRIP NO. ________
DATES: ___________________.
CHECK-IN POINT 132 BANFF AVENUE, THE TRAIL RIDER STORE
CHECK-IN TIME IS 8:00 AM
CHECK-IN
Check in is at 8:00 am. It is not necessary to check-in early or the day before. After check-in, you will be taken by van to your departure point where you will meet your guide, who will explain some basic trail riding guidelines.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the expense and staff involved in the Adventure Expeditions, we require a non-refundable/non-transferable deposit of $600.00 CDN per person to confirm your space on a ride. Cancellation of your ride will result in forfeiture of your entire deposit. Please note that our cancellation policies are non negotiable; for this reason we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Final payment for the trip is due the morning that you check in for the ride.
GETTING HERE
Banff is only 80 miles (130 km) west of the Calgary International Airport and is easily accessible by shuttle bus or rental car. Shuttles depart 7 days a week from the airport, three times daily. It is important to call and confirm all shuttle departure times and prices. Most major car rental agencies have offices at the airport.
Banff Airporter 1-888-449-2901
Brewster Transportation 1-800-661-1152
ACCOMMODATION
It is essential that you make your hotel reservations well in advance if you are planning to spend any nights in Banff. The summer season in
Banff is extremely hectic, and you may have great difficulty finding accommodation if you arrive in Banff without having made any prior arrangements. Enclosed is a full list of local hotels and bed & breakfasts, all within 5-15 minutes of us. The Mount Royal Hotel is conveniently located just two doors down from our main office and check in point.
CAR AND EXTRA LUGGAGE
Your extra luggage and valuables may be left in our care at the Trail Rider Store. You can leave your vehicle at our stables here in Banff (directions given upon check-in). We do not recommend leaving anything of value in your car while on your trip.
WHAT TO BRING
The following pages outline the items you NEED to bring with you. It is essential that our guests be prepared for all kinds of mountain weather. We have had many years of personal experience dealing with Mother Nature up here, so please take our list to heart.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU ON YOUR EXPEDITION TRIP
Mother Nature can be unpredictable up here in the mountains, so our guests need to come prepared for every type of weather. Clothing that is easily layered works the best. You can always remove what you don't need, but you still have it just in case. Also, bring your most comfortable gear -- this is not the time to break-in new boots or a new hat.
| AVERAGE TEMPERATURE |
| Month | High | Low |
| June | 19C / 66F | 5C / 41F |
| July | 22C / 71F | 7C / 45F |
| August | 22C / 70F | 7C / 44F |
| September | 16C / 60F | 3C / 38F |
- These are average temperatures at an elevation of 4538 feet. Temperatures will drop at higher elevations.
When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal's comfort is very important to us. By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that.
You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It can not have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a Total maximum weight of 30 lbs (sleeping bag, thermorest pad, and your duffel). It's a good idea to line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for waterproofing. You may pack your sleeping bag and mattress separately from your other gear. Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb weight restriction.
If you would like to bring saddlebags please fill them with only those essential items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm, your camera, sunscreen, etc. We reserve the right to limit the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well. Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed -- they are hard on your back and hard on the horse's back, and do not tie properly to the saddle. We have a limited supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day, however we suggest you book them early, as last year this was a popular service. These are available for pick up upon check in (sorry, no earlier).
The following list details essential items to bring with you:
- A warm sleeping bag -- We recommend a bag rated to -15 degrees Celsius or 5 degrees Fahrenheit. You may not need one quite that warm, but it sure comes in handy if you do. To further keep you snug and warm, we also recommend that you bring a flannel sheet or non-bulky blanket that fits inside your sleeping bag.
- A treated canvas tarp -- used to wrap under and around your sleeping bag to help keep you warm and dry during the night. This can also be used during the day to waterproof your sleeping bag (see instructions below on how to make a bedroll). Tarps can often be found at army surplus stores. Heavy cotton found at a fabric store can be waterproofed and serve the same purpose. Although canvas tarps are what we use and recommend, you are welcome to bring the bedroll of your choice. We have a limited supply of 8'x10' treated canvas tarps for rent for $5/day. If you are interested in this service, please book early. These are available for pick up upon check in and are rented out on a cash only basis.
- A mattress -- A self-inflatable mattress (e.g. Thermarest) works the best to ensure a comfortable night's sleep. You will be sleeping on a wooden floor in your tent.
- A warm coat -- Essential to ward off chilly nights or a windy day. Also bring a heavy sweater (wool is a great insulator) or fleece jacket.
- Rain gear -- A rain coat and rain pants, and if possible, coverings for your boots and hat. Please DO NOT bring rain ponchos, they flap in the wind and spook the horses. If you have an oilskin slicker, we definitely recommend that you bring it. We have a limited number of full length oilskin slickers for rent for $7/day. If you are interested in this service, please book early. Slickers are available for pick up upon check in and are rented out on a cash only basis.
- Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1 long-sleeved shirt (turtleneck if you prefer) and 2 t-shirts. Adjust according to the length of your trip.
- Jeans -- We suggest one pair for riding in during the day and another pair for wearing around camp. Two pairs of jeans are all you should need on any of our trips. Also important is a pair of long underwear for chilly nights.
- Riding boots -- A boot with a heel that can easily slip in and out of stirrups. Alternatives would be a narrow style of hiking boot or solid sneaker. For safety reasons, clunky hiking boots are not recommended. Plastic bags inside your boots will help keep your feet dry on rainy days.
- Sneakers -- or an extra pair of shoes for wearing around camp. An extra pair of DRY socks is also recommended.
- Toiletries -- Towel, facecloth, biodegradable shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razors, etc. Please note that we do not have any electricity at the camps. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP AT ALL CAMPS.
- Flashlight -- Remember to check your batteries!
- Hat -- A cowboy hat offers the most protection from the elements. Baseball caps or canvas-type hats are also fine.
- Gloves -- Lined leather or suede gloves provide protection from the elements and a sure grip on the reins (bring two pair just in case).
- Scarf -- A silk or cotton scarf/bandana is recommended for extra warmth.
- Sunscreen-- sunglasses and mosquito repellent are important as well.
- Your camera -- Don't forget extra film.
- Chaps -- If you have them, bring them.
- Liquor -- Please make sure that all bottled liquor is well-wrapped in plastic and placed in the middle of your duffel to prevent it from breaking. Plastic bottles are preferred. Please remember that alcohol is included in your 30 lb weight limit on your duffel (all camps are supplied by mule or pack horse).
- Cellular phones do not work in the areas you'll be riding in so leave them somewhere safe.
- Water bottle - for refreshment while you are riding.
- Please note: If you are planning on making your final trip payment with cash, please arrange to bring exact change with you to speed up the sign-in process. If you are planning on making your final payment with a credit card, please contact the credit card company ahead of time to make them aware of the future charge (often, to protect you, credit card companies will not allow a legitimate charge to go through if they are not aware that you are traveling in another country).
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Banff now has an equipment rental agency! Email Bactrax/Snowtips at snowtips@telusplanet.net,
for information regarding sleeping bags/liners, thermo-rest sleeping pads, duffel bags etc. Located at 225 Bear Street (just a block away from Holiday on horseback), Snowtips offers a convenient rental service. They are open from 8am until 8pm, and would love to receive your inquiries. If you would prefer to contact them by telephone, they can be reached at (403) 762-8177, or fax at (403) 760-6289.
HOW TO MAKE A BEDROLL
Lay out your canvas tarp on the ground. Lay your thermorest in the middle of the tarp with the air valve pointing to the top of the bedroll (open the valve so that the air will escape as you roll). Line your sleeping bag with a flannel sheet or extra blanket. Place your closed sleeping bag in the middle of the tarp, on top of the thermorest. Put a pillowcase in the middle of your sleeping bag. (Once you are ready for bed, you can use your warm coat inside the pillowcase as a pillow). Fold one side flap of the tarp over the sleeping bag. Fold in the other side of the tarp over the sleeping bag. Fold the bottom flap over and start rolling towards the top of the sleeping bag. Once you are near the head of the sleeping bag, reach in and close the valve on your thermorest pad. Fold in the top flap of canvas tarp and finish rolling. Using a rope with a slipknot, tie the bedroll securely.
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