6-Day Halfway Lodge Backcountry Trip by Horseback

6-Day Halfway Lodge Backcountry Trip by Horseback

The ultimate backcountry trip, few folks ever get to experience a place like this. 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. On this six-day, five night trip 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 quintessential mountain cabins with comfortable beds.

Please note that this trip departs on Sundays and Thursdays from late June to early September.

Itinerary

Day 1: Backcountry Ride to Sundance Lodge

Stop At: Banff Trail Riders, 132 Banff Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T0L 0C0 Canada
The adventure starts by meeting at 9:30am at Warner Stables, where you can park your vehicle for free for the duration of the trip. You’ll meet your personable expert guides, fellow riders and the horse specifically chosen for you. Your horse will know just where to step even on the most precarious of trails, so you can trust them to get you where you are going.

This 6 day expedition gives you a chance to really unwind and relax into the rhythms of the Rockies. Leave your phone behind and escape from the constant ping of emails – it’s the perfect opportunity to clear and reset your mind.

Don’t worry if you are a complete greenhorn, the trusty horses, knowledgeable staff and talented cooks will ensure you are comfortable every step of the way. Things happen on “Western Time” here so you may not leave right on the dot and you’ll have time to get to know your horse and ask any questions.

Once the group has organised the gear and saddled up, you will begin the 10 mile journey to Sundance Lodge – following the rushing waters of the Bow River and Healy and Brewster Creeks. On the way we’ll stop for a cowboy cook-out along the banks of the river – the perfect fuel to give you energy for a day on the trail.

You’ll saunter into Sundance Lodge at around 4:30pm, where you will be greeted by the friendly lodge host and shown to your room where you can freshen up with a warm shower and settle in. Your lodge host will cater to your every need and make you feel welcome at the lodge, like you are a guest in their home.

This is no simple, basic lodge – you’ll be pampered in backcountry luxury, sleeping in a comfortable bed and dining on gourmet cuisine whipped up by your talented host in the professional kitchen. You’ll be surrounded by the beautiful backcountry of Banff, yet you’ll still enjoy the luxuries of life.
Duration: 14 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sundance Lodge, a rustic 10-room log cabin with solar power, wood heating, indoor washrooms and showers.

Day 2: Ride the Erling Strom Trail to Halfway Lodge

Stop At: Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
The adventure continues as you journey 9 miles southward to Halfway Lodge. The rugged peaks of the Sundance Range loom over the eastern horizon as you follow the winding historic Erling Strom Trail. You’ll be following in the footsteps that the early explorers of the Canadian Rockies took nearly a century ago. You’ll stop along the way for a picnic in the fresh air of an open mountain meadow.

Tonight you’ll stay at Halfway Lodge, located at the midway point between Banff and Assiniboine Mountain where weary riders have been stopping to rest since the 1920s. As you approach you’ll notice the trees start to thin out and the mountains peeking up above the treeline all around you. It is tucked into a postcard-perfect setting, with a striking cauldron of mountains all around it.

This lodge was constructed by Erling Strom in the 1920s as a stopover spot for the guests he lead on trips from Banff to Mount Assiniboine. With propane lanterns and candles providing lighting and a woodstove providing warmth, it hasn’t changed much in the last 80 years. (The only big change occurred in 1967 when a second story was added, due to a bear making a surprise entrance through the roof!)

Ride time: Approx 5-6 hours including lunch

Ride distance: Approx 9 miles
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Halfway Lodge, a rustic 4-bedroom cabin with woodstove heating, propane lanterns, outhouses and a shower.

Day 3: Climb Allenby Pass on horseback to 8,100 feet

Stop At: Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
After a hearty breakfast you can leave your belongings at the lodge and set off on another adventure.

Today you’ll make the thrilling climb up Allenby Pass on horseback, an elevation of 8,100 feet. For many this is the highlight of the trip, as you’ll get a breathtaking view of the jagged rock formations, the enormous amphitheatre of mountains stretching out all around you.

It’s mind-boggling to imagine that Allenby Pass was a seafloor millions of years ago. If you look closely, you can still spot fossils of sea creatures visible among the rocks.

At the end of the day, you’ll return to your familiar room at Halfway Lodge, where you already feel comfortable and at home. As the sun sets behind the mountains, you can sit back and relax, drink wine and share stories and photos with your fellow adventurers.

Ride time: Approx 4-6 hours plus leisurely lunch

Ride distance: Approx 3-5 miles pending time of year and trail conditions
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Halfway Lodge, a rustic 4-bedroom cabin with woodstove heating, propane lanterns, outhouses and a shower.

Day 4: Rest Time to Enjoy the Backcountry

Stop At: Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Today is a rest day at Halfway Lodge. An optional hike is available today to a shimmering glacial fed lake at the end of the valley, where you can enjoy views of the valley below.

But if you’d rather relax, there’s no pressure. This lodge is a lovely place to find some quiet time, far away from the pinging of notifications and the pressure of your endless to-do list.

It’s a chance to take a breather, perhaps by sitting on the deck while getting lost in the pages of a good book. You may even take some time to groom your horse, who has no doubt become your best friend by this point.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Halfway Lodge, a rustic 4-bedroom cabin with woodstove heating, propane lanterns, outhouses and a shower.

Day 5: Follow Brewster Creek to Sundance Lodge

Stop At: Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Say goodbye to the lovely staff at Halfway Lodge, it’s time to hit the winding trail along Brewster Creek back to Sundance Lodge. Be warned: you won’t want to leave Halfway Lodge once you have experienced this gorgeous retreat in the Rockies.

Your guide will lead you through the backcountry on a scenic and exciting trail, criss-crossing the valley in the historic footsteps of the early pioneers and stopping for lunch along the way.

You’ll arrive back at Sundance Lodge again, a luxurious retreat you will have fallen deeply in love with. Pamper yourself after your ride with a warm shower and a glass of wine, then enjoy another delicious meal prepared by your professional chef lodge host.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sundance Lodge, a rustic 10-room log cabin with solar power, wood heating, indoor washrooms and showers.

Day 6: Return to Warner Stables

Stop At: Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
It’s your last morning at Sundance Lodge, which by now will feel like home due to the warm hospitality of your host. Wake up in your comfortable bed one last time, gather around for a delicious breakfast and wave goodbye as you begin the journey back to Banff.

It’s your final day on the trail – a gentle 9 mile ride from Sundance back to Warner Stables. Your guide will lead you through the backcountry along winding river trails and through the thick pine forests, with the jagged peaks of the Rockies always standing proudly on the horizon. You’ll stop along the banks of Healy Creek for a lunch of fresh sandwiches, baked goods and fruit.

You’ll return at approximately 4:30 pm, with plenty of great tales from the backcountry to tell your family and friends.
Duration: 17 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.

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