Mounted Men
Horsin’ Around in Banff National Park
July 16 – 23, 2004
SADDLE UP
Dudley Do-Right always had a big, stupid grin plastered on his face,
whether rescuing Little Nell from the railroad tracks or foiling the
dastardly schemes of Snidely Whiplash. Was it his after-hours fraternization
with fellow Canadian Mounties that caused him to be so deliriously happy?
Perhaps it was the 1,500 pounds of rippling horse flesh gripped between
his legs every day that made him sit so tall in the saddle. Most likely
it was the spectacular Canadian Rockies scenery of ice-clad peaks, blue
skies, brilliant sunshine, turquoise lakes, abundant wildlife and invigorating
mountain air.
During this adventure explore on horseback
some of Banff National Park’s most spectacular backcountry. Our
five day “full circle” ride takes us through mountains and
valleys to remote lakes, high meadows and grassy ridges topped with
high peaks. Be sure to bring your camera, since you are almost assured
of photographing elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and sometimes
even a grizzly bear mother and her cubs! Once we leave our trusty steeds
behind, we conclude the tour with a day of sightseeing, shopping, and
relaxing in the famous Hot Springs in the town of Banff.
You will come away from this tour with a swagger
in your stride, and the wonderful feeling of having immersed yourself
in some of the most awe-inspiring grandeur that nature has ever produced.
Whether you are a city slicker who has never been on a horse before,
or an experienced rider, join us for one of the most beautiful rides
in the world and become one of Toto’s elite group of Canadian
“Mounted Men.”
ITINERARY
Friday, July 16, 2004
Arrival in Calgary
Schedule a flight into Calgary, Alberta today. Try to arrive by early
afternoon in order to connect with the shuttle buses that regularly
carry passengers the 70 miles from the Calgary Airport to Banff. (See
“Tour Preparation”) You need to be at our Banff hotel today
as we depart early tomorrow morning for our wilderness ride. If you
cannot arrive in time for our welcome dinner tonight, we strongly recommend
that you consider arriving a day early (we'll help with your hotel reservations).
This evening get acquainted during a Welcome Dinner, then prepare for
the next few days “on the trail.” (Dinner
Included)
Saturday, July 17 – Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Mounted Tour of Banff National Park
Saturday morning we are transported by van to the trailhead corral
and met by our guides and horses. We receive a brief orientation on
horsemanship and safety, then mount up and head for the wilds, away
from the tourist crowds in Banff.
Each morning we arise to a cowboy breakfast
and organize our gear (which is sent ahead by packhorse) for the day’s
ride. A typical day’s horseback adventures might include ascending
a mountain ridge to a picture-postcard lake for a quick dip, tracking
a grizzly bear from a distance, coming upon a herd of elk, fording rushing
rivers, and enjoying a leisurely picnic lunch amidst visual splendor.
Each afternoon we ride into camp in time
for hiking and/or splashing in a nearby stream. In the evening we eat
a hearty western dinner prepared by a skilled cook, and then socialize
in the cook tent or around an outdoor campfire.
We will spend two nights in Stoney Creek
camp and one night each in Flint’s Park and Mystic Valley. These
are permanent campsites leased to our outfitters by the Park Service,
and they have been established with your comfort and safety in mind.
Each is in a beautiful setting near a rushing mountain stream for bathing.
Toilet facilities are traditional outhouses. Large sleeping tents are
mounted on smooth wooden bases so you don’t have lumpy earth or
hard rocks under your sleeping bag. The entire campsite is surrounded
by a fence that is electrified at night to safeguard against surprise
visits by curious wildlife. (All Meals)
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
At Trail’s End
On Wednesday we complete our full-circle mounted tour and return to
our original hotel in Banff. The rest of the day is free to freshen
up, collapse, belly up to the bar to swap grizzly bear stories, or do
some sightseeing and bar-hopping in this quaint town. Tonight would
be a good time to treat our cowboy guides to dinner at Wild Bill’s
Salon and present our group tip to thank them for all of their hard
work on our behalf. (Breakfast)
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Banff
This morning visit Banff Hot Springs for a dip in the warm waters,
arriving before it gets too crowded with summer tourists. Upon return
to our hotel, the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing.
Stroll through the town, take advantage of some of Banff’s great
hiking trails, or ride a gondola to a mountaintop. You may also want
to rent a car and travel to nearby Lake Louise to take “high tea”
at the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. This evening our group gathers
for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Friday, July 23, 2004
Banff to Calgary / Departure
The tour ends officially after breakfast. Check out and transfer back
to Calgary on your own for return flights home. The Brewster Airport
Bus departs from our hotel daily as follows:
8:15 am – 10:30 am Calgary Airport
arrival
12:10 pm – 2:30 pm Calgary Airport
arrival
3:50 pm – 6:30 pm Calgary Airport
arrival
7:10 pm – 9:30 pm Calgary Airport
arrival
Please plan your return flights to coordinate with this schedule, as
you will not want to risk a missed connection. (Breakfast)
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