Paws in the Wilderness 5-Day Tenting Horseback Trip from Banff

This special trip explores some of Banff National Park's most interesting wildlife. Join noted wolf researcher Melanie Percy on this 5-day Tenting Ride in the Cascade Valley to learn about wolves and their interaction with other wildlife.

For many, September is the most beautiful time to ride in the Rockies. Willow brush and larch trees change their colour into brilliant fall hues of red, amber and gold. Wildlife tends to migrate down from their loftier perches to graze in the lower valleys. The days are pleasantly cool, ideal for riding. "Paws in the Wilderness" is back by popular demand - EXCLUSIVELY FOR ADULTS.

This special 5-day trip stays one night in Stoney Creek camp, two nights in Flints Park camp and one night in Mystic camp. Each camp on the circuit offer its particular charms. Stoney Creek Camp sits at the junction of Stoney Creek and the Cascade River, with rugged, sculptured peaks of the Palliser Range as a backdrop. Flints Park Camp is nestled at the base of massive Flints Peak, featuring open vistas and starry nights. Mystic, with its stands of tall old trees covered with hanging moss and open grassy slides, is set in a truly mystical location.

Melanie Percy - Your Guide

Wolves have always been a fascinating part of mountain life as their presence contributes greatly to the ecology of the area while remaining mysterious and elusive towards humans. Melanie Percy, accredited wolf researcher in the Bow Valley will take you into the world of these amazing animals, offering insight into pup production, denning habits, high wolf use areas and general wolf presence in the park. Melanie's time spent studying these animals and their interaction with other wildlife has also given her a wide spectrum of knowledge regarding Grizzly & Black bears, Cougars, Elk and other animals in the area.

Melanie's experience as a wildlife biologist began in 1994 after completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, Ontario. At that time she moved to Banff to assist Carolyn Callaghan (co-director of the Central Rockies Wolf Project) with collecting field data on wolves in the central Rockies ecosystem. Melanie recently completed her Master of Science thesis on the movement patterns of wolves and bears in the Bow Valley of Banff National Park.

The Camps

All the camps are of a similar set up. Simple luxuries abound: wash stands and hot water, a fire pit for evening socializing, tales and song, a large kitchen tent where meals are cooked and served, plenty of "A" frame canvas tents which make for cozy accommodations, and rustic rail corrals for the horses. Rivers flow nearby for the fishermen or brave swimmers.

The clanging of the dinner bell calls all to delicious ranch-style meals. Coffee is always on and kept hot on the wood stove. The horses, chosen especially to meet your needs and experience, will win you over with their charming personalities and amaze you with their abilities. A strong "partnership" is usually formed by ride's end. During your ride, trails may lead to the tranquil beauty of Rainbow, Sawback or Cuthead Lakes; to the overwhelming views of 40 Mile Summit, Cuthead View Point, or the Rainbow Ridge; the open valleys on the Passes of Elk Lake or 40 Mile Summit, the beauty of the Dormer and Block Valleys or the eerie atmosphere of Mystic Valley. The historic elk corral or wild goat trap should provide you with plenty of opportunities to see and capture on film the abundant wildlife common to the area: elk, deer, bighorn sheep, goats, eagles and the occasional bear or timber wolf. The rides are casual, with breaks and leisurely lunches.

Lunch is served on the trail and there is usually time for some exploring, fishing and even a well deserved snooze in the tall grass...

The 5-day trip departs on Saturday and stays one night in Stoney Creek camp, two nights in Flints Park camp and one night in Mystic camp.

Important Notes

With a herd numbering over 300 horses, we can accommodate just about anyone but please note that some restrictions on age and weight may apply.

Check-in is in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Transportation to Banff is not included in this tour. After check-in, you will be taken to our pack station by van, where you will meet your guide, who will explain some basic trail riding guidelines.

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. Your extra luggage and valuables may be left in our care in Banff. You can leave your vehicle at our stables (directions given upon check-in). We do not recommend leaving anything of value in your car while on your trip.

The Canadian Goods & Services Tax is included in your ticket price. Also included in the ticket price is a $40.00 Parks Canada backcountry user fee. This fee is to help offset the costs of maintaining a national park visited and used by over 2 million travelers every year. Your contribution will help to cover trail maintenance and repair, warden services, wildlife monitoring, and public information and safety.

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel, health, and cancellation insurance. Each rider will be required to sign a liability waiver. Safety experts recommend hard hats and narrow boots.

Gratuities - not included in your ticket price - are customary and very much appreciated.

What to Bring

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! 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
May: High...14C/57F...Low...2C/34F
June: High...19C/66F...Low...5C/41F
July: High...22C/71F...Low...7C/45F
August: High...22C/70F...Low...7C/44F
September: High...16C/60F...Low...3C/38F
October: High...10C/50F...Low...-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 on a mule and our animals' comfort is very important to us. By following our guidelines, you can help us ensure that.

You must pack your gear in a 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 POUNDS (sleeping bag, thermorest pad, and your duffel). 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 30 lbs 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.

The length of your trip will alter what you need to bring. The list below details ESSENTIAL items ideal for a 5-day trip.

- A warm sleeping bag -- We recommend a bag rated to -15 degrees Celsius or 5 degrees Fahrenheit. You may not need it, 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.
- A mattress -- A self-inflatable mattress (e.g. Thermorest) works the best to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
- 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.
- Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1 long-sleeved shirt (turtleneck if you prefer) and 2 t-shirts.
- Jeans -- We suggest one pair for riding in over the six days and one other pair for wearing around various camps at night. 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 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. Please ensure that your hat fits snug and will not blow off in the wind,
- Gloves -- 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).
- Scarf -- A silk or cotton scarf 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. Please pack canned beer separate from your duffel. Canned mix and beer is available for sale in all of the camps. Please remember that alcohol is included in your 30 lbs weight limit.
- Water bottle -- for refreshment while you are riding. - Cellular phones do not work in the areas where you'll be riding, so leave them somewhere safe.

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.

This rate is only for the specified September tour date and is for ADULTS ONLY. For our 5-day tenting events in June, July and August, please order 5-Day Wilderness Tenting Horseback Ride from Banff. Children are allowed on the summertime trips. We also offer two ADULTS ONLY 5-day September Wilderness Tenting tours on September 13 & 20. For one of those tours, please order 5-Day Wilderness Tenting Horseback Ride from Banff - September.

THIS TOUR IS FOR ADULTS ONLY; MINIMUM AGE IS 21. Hotel pickup and transportation to the check-in point in Banff are NOT included. Rates are per person in US dollars and include taxes. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-235-2251.