We really enjoyed our trail ride and it was just the perfect length for us. The front and rear guides were knowledgeable and helpful. They spoke loudly enough that we could all hear their commentary. The check in was quick and the horses were well trained. There was some riding on roads, but the trails were beautiful and the highlight was riding through the Spray River twice. It was a lot of fun and we will do it again the next time we're in Banff!

Overall the experience was Ok - we booked for the Spray river crossing ride for 1hour. This was my first time, and I was very nervous as I am quite scared/fearful around animals. Initially, they assign a horse to you and let you hold the reins, no instructions or any headsup on what to do - I was a bit surprised here just give the reins. I was clueless what to do and how to react when the horse approched towards me sometimes - when I called out for one of them for help, she behaved like as if I should have known how to react. I understand for people who are comfortable around animals it might seem easy but for someone like me it was not the same - I was expecting them to be more understanding and considerate about it and help me ease out. Later, they give instructions on how to ride. After we started riding, there were only 2 guides for a group of 10 people - One at the front and another at the tail end. For those in the middle, it was so tough to hear what the guide was saying or to even call for help/guidance. Not sure if it was only our experience but neither of them bothered to ask or find out how we were doing. At one point, my horse was walking on the edge and I was confused and called out but she never responded - I somehow managed to manouver it back on trail. At the end, they take pictures. One of the guides took pictures of the family in front of us (both together and individually) but for us, she literally walking away and only after I called her again, she came back and only took mine and not my husband's (for others she specifically asked and took pictures). I was quite disappointed at this point and just wanted to leave. On the positive side, the views are great along the trail. If possible be at the front or end (unlike us!!) so that you can hear to the history and other anecdotes that the guides share. The river crossing is only for less than a minute at 2 places- I guess near Spary and Bow rivers. Their title and advertising is misleading here (not the entire trail ride is along the river, most of the times in the woods, sometimes near the road and then river).