This information package is for Lodge trips
only!
If you are booked on a Tent trip click here.
If you are booked on an Expedition trip click
here.
INFORMATION PACKAGE FOR LODGE TRIPS
YOU ARE BOOKED ON TRIP NO. ________
DATES: ___________________.
CHECK-IN POINT 132 BANFF AVENUE, THE TRAIL RIDER STORE
CHECK-IN TIME IS 9:30 AM
CHECK-IN
Check in is at 9:30 am. It is not necessary to check-in early or the day before. After check-in, we take you by van to our stable in Banff where you will meet your guide, who will explain some basic trail riding guidelines.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Your deposit is completely non-refundable; however it is transferable to another person or trip in the next season, if our office receives notice at least 14 days prior to your trip departure date. Deposits may not be transferred to anyone already booked on a ride. Any money paid over and above your deposit will be refunded to you. No refunds are given on any trip in progress.
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 to 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 at all 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 and 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 LODGE 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 |
| May | 14C / 57F | 2C / 34F |
| June | 19C / 66F | 5C / 41F |
| July | 22C / 71F | 7C / 45F |
| August | 22C / 70F | 7C / 44F |
| September | 16C / 60F | 3C / 38F |
| October | 10C / 50F | -1C / 31F |
- 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 to the lodge on a mule and our animals 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. It's a good idea to line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for waterproofing. 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 (we don't supply them), please fill them only with 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. Rentals are available for pick up upon check in (sorry, no earlier).
Please note that we provide the bed, bedding and pillows. The length of your trip will alter what you need. This list is ideal for a 6-day trip. The following list details essential items to bring with you:
- A warm coat -- Essential to ward off chilly nights or a windy day. Also bring a heavy sweater (wool is a great insulator) or a fleece jacket.
- Rain gear -- A raincoat 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 one, we recommend an oilskin slicker. We have a limited supply 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.
- Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1 long-sleeve 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 can help to keep your feet dry on rainy days.
- Sneakers -- or an extra pair of shoes for wearing around the lodge, and a pair of slippers or indoor shoes to wear inside the lodge. 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 our lodges. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP AT BOTH LODGES
- 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. Please ensure that your hat fits snug and will not blow off in the wind
- Gloves and a scarf -- Lined leather or suede gloves provide protection from the elements and a sure grip on the reins (bring two pair just in case one gets wet). A silk or cotton scarf/bandana is recommended for extra warmth.
- Sunscreen -- sunglasses and mosquito repellent.
- Your camera -- Don't forget extra film.
- 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. Canned mix and beer is available for sale at both lodges. Please remember that alcohol is included in your 30lb limit. All camps are supplied by mule or pack horse.
- 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).
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