REVIEW · BANFF
2-Day Sundance Overnight Backcountry Lodge Trip by Horseback
Book on Viator →Operated by Banff Trail Riders · Bookable on Viator
Horseback in the Banff backcountry changes your pace. You spend the night at Sundance Lodge, with guided trail riding, hearty meals, and a real “off-grid” vibe.
I especially love the horseback-to-lodge setup: you’re not hauling gear for camp, and you’re rewarded with soft beds and meals made in a proper kitchen. The other big win for me is the food rhythm—simple hot lunches on the trail plus a full breakfast and dinner at the lodge.
The main drawback to consider is this isn’t a hands-off ride. You must be physically capable of controlling your horse during the trek, and the trip isn’t recommended for people with back problems.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning for
- Entering Sundance Lodge: the overnight part that makes this feel special
- Getting set up at Banff Trail Riders: your horse, your pace, your safety
- Day 1: The ten-mile ride into the backcountry (plus that hot lunch)
- Sundance Lodge at night: meals, conversation, and total off-grid time
- Day 2: a late-morning return with another lunch stop
- Price and value: what $998.42 is really buying you
- Who this horseback overnight suits best (and who should skip it)
- Practical tips to make your ride more comfortable
- Should you book this Sundance Lodge horseback overnight?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- Where do I meet the guide, and where does it end?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is transportation or pickup included?
- Is lunch and dinner included on both days?
- What are the minimum age and maximum weight requirements?
- Are helmets required?
- What dietary options are available?
- Is alcohol included?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights worth planning for
- Sundance Lodge overnight comforts with soft beds and wine-glass dining, no sleeping bags or camp stoves
- A guided backcountry horse ride through scenery that includes glacier-fed creeks and mountain views
- Meals included for the whole 2 days, including lunches on the trail plus breakfast and dinner
- A small group experience with a maximum of 12 riders, so you get real attention on the trail
- No electricity or cell service, which makes the evening at the lodge feel truly different
- Set dietary menus only (vegetarian included; vegan and gluten free cost extra) to keep operations simple
Entering Sundance Lodge: the overnight part that makes this feel special
Most Banff tours give you a day’s worth of scenery and then send you back to the road. This one flips that. You ride in, stay overnight at Sundance Lodge, and spend the next morning slowly before heading out again.
The lodge experience is a big part of the value. It’s described as luxurious for the backcountry, with a real cook and dining served from a professional kitchen. You also sip from wine glasses and sleep on a soft bed—so you’re not “roughing it” in the usual sense.
A few more Banff tours and experiences worth a look
Getting set up at Banff Trail Riders: your horse, your pace, your safety
Your day starts at Banff Trail Riders – Stables at 100 Sundance Rd, Banff. Check-in is for a 9:30am start, and you can park your vehicle there for free during the trip.
Then comes one of the most important parts: you meet the horse picked for you. Because the trip requires you to control the horse during the ride without assistance, this setup matters more than you might expect. If you’re not confident managing your horse, this is the moment to speak up.
Safety rules are also straightforward. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18, and the tour includes helmets for those younger riders. You’ll also want basic English so you can understand the guide’s simple instructions on the trail.
Day 1: The ten-mile ride into the backcountry (plus that hot lunch)
Day 1 is all about the transition from Banff-area roads to real Alberta backcountry. You’ll start in the morning and follow a trail described as a ten-mile route that passes glacier-fed creeks.
There are stops along the way, and the scenery is more than just views. Think mountains and lakes, plus wildlife opportunities, all from horseback and at a pace you can actually enjoy. The guide helps you read what’s happening around you, not just move from point A to B.
The ride includes a simple, hearty cowboy-style hot lunch on the banks of the river. That lunch stop is usually the kind of moment you remember later, because it breaks the ride into manageable chunks.
You’ll arrive at Sundance Lodge late afternoon. And here’s a key detail that changes the feel: there are no sleeping bags or camp stoves. You’re welcomed into the lodge setup, with dinner handled for you afterward instead of cooking in the backcountry.
Sundance Lodge at night: meals, conversation, and total off-grid time
Once you’re at Sundance Lodge, the tone shifts. You get a night in a cozy lodge environment where you’re meant to relax, eat well, and talk with your fellow riders. The tour runs with a small group (up to 12), so evenings tend to feel more personal than chaotic.
No electricity and no cell service means the lodge evening is about being present. No doom-scrolling. No checking messages. Just warm food, conversation, and the quiet that comes with a remote location.
Dinner is included, and it’s prepared by a skilled cook using limited resources on-site. Because the kitchen has set menus, you’ll want to choose your dietary option ahead of time. Options include Backcountry Deluxe, Vegetarian (included), and Vegan or Gluten Free (additional cost). If you try to request special off-menu items, they may not be able to accommodate.
Day 2: a late-morning return with another lunch stop
On Day 2, you’re not rushed out the door. You have the entire morning to wake up slowly and enjoy the lodge setting before you ride back.
Then the return starts late morning. You’ll ride out along the way back to Banff with another leisurely lunch stop. It’s a nice rhythm: morning calm, mid-ride fuel, then an afternoon finish.
You’ll return to Banff Trail Riders around 4:30pm at the original meeting point. That timing is helpful if you want to plan the rest of your day without sprinting to catch a connection.
A few more Banff tours and experiences worth a look
Price and value: what $998.42 is really buying you
At $998.42 per person for a 2-day overnight, this is not a budget activity. But it’s also not priced like a quick sightseeing add-on. You’re paying for several hard-to-fake pieces all at once: horses, professional guide time, trail meals, lodge accommodation, and a cooked dinner plus breakfast.
It’s also value in the “you don’t have to figure this out” sense. Trying to DIY a safe horseback overnight in the Banff backcountry would mean sourcing horses, guides, meals, and lodge-style sleeping arrangements. Here, those pieces are bundled into one plan with a defined schedule and small group limit.
The included meals are especially relevant. Two lunches plus dinner and breakfast aren’t just extras; they reduce what you’d otherwise spend on food and planning. Add in the fact that Sundance Lodge handling replaces backcountry camp cooking, and the price starts to look more like a premium guided package than a simple trail ride.
One more value point: the lodge and trail experience are designed to be off-grid. That’s not just a quirk. It’s part of why the overnight feels different from day trips.
Who this horseback overnight suits best (and who should skip it)
This trip fits riders who want an authentic backcountry experience without the DIY workload. You should be comfortable with long hours outdoors and with the idea that you’ll spend real time on horseback, guided by a team.
It also helps if you enjoy conversation and a small-group vibe. With a maximum of 12 riders, you’ll likely spend more time talking with other people on the trip than you would on larger excursions.
This is not the right fit if you have back problems or if you’re pregnant. It’s also not recommended if you can’t control the horse during the ride without assistance. And there are age and weight limits: minimum age is 9 years, and the maximum weight is 230 lbs (104 kg). Children under 18 must ride their own horse; they’re not paired with an adult.
Practical tips to make your ride more comfortable
A few details here can make a big difference:
Dress for backcountry riding. The tour notes that you must dress appropriately as stated on your voucher. Since you’ll be outdoors in a remote setting, plan for changing conditions and wear clothes you can move in while seated.
Plan for limited menus. The kitchen can’t accommodate requests beyond its set menus. If you need vegan or gluten free, that’s listed as an additional cost, so confirm your choice early.
Bring patience for the off-grid reality. With no electricity, no cell service, and no wifi, you’re going to feel the time passing. That’s great if you’re seeking a digital break, but it’s frustrating if you need constant connectivity.
Think about alcohol timing. Alcohol isn’t included, but it is available to purchase. The minimum drinking age is 18, so plan accordingly with any family members in your party.
Should you book this Sundance Lodge horseback overnight?
If you want a guided Banff-area horseback adventure that ends with a real lodge night, this is a strong choice. The best reason to book is the combination: horseback trail time plus a comfortable overnight setup, with meals handled from lunch on the trail to dinner and breakfast back at Sundance Lodge.
You should skip it if horseback control is a stress point for you, or if back issues are part of your situation. The physical and independence requirements are part of the design, not an optional extra.
Also, if you hate the idea of going fully off-grid, remember this one is intentionally remote. No electricity or cell service isn’t a side effect—it’s the point.
If you fit the age and weight limits and you’re ready for a real two-day rhythm, this trip is exactly the kind of Banff experience that’s hard to replicate on your own.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 9:30am at Banff Trail Riders – Stables (100 Sundance Rd, Banff).
Where do I meet the guide, and where does it end?
You meet at Banff Trail Riders – Stables at 100 Sundance Rd, Banff. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s included in the price?
The price includes 1 night of accommodation at Sundance Lodge and breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also includes a professional guide, and helmets are included for mandatory helmet use for riders under 18.
Is transportation or pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and transportation to/from attractions is not included.
Is lunch and dinner included on both days?
Yes. The plan includes meals on the trail and at the lodge, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included during the 2 days.
What are the minimum age and maximum weight requirements?
Minimum age is 9 years old. Maximum weight is 230 lbs (104 kg).
Are helmets required?
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years old.
What dietary options are available?
There are set menus: Backcountry Deluxe and Vegetarian are available, and Vegan and Gluten Free are available for an additional cost.
Is alcohol included?
No. Alcoholic drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase. The minimum drinking age is 18.
What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
