Thank you for your interest in Boundary Ranch Pack Trips. Whether you’re an experienced rider or have never been on a horse before, we offer a range of trips that accommodate everyone from the young and inexperienced to the veteran horseman. Our trips are still run in the traditional manner that Alvin Guinn started in the 1930s, with personable, experienced staff plus a few more modern comforts. Boundary Ranch and the Guinn family are committed to the conservation and preservation of the wilderness areas surrounding the ranch and to the opportunity to preserve the ongoing tradition of guiding and outfitting guests wishing to experience our beautiful area. Whether you’re on a short two-day sampler or a longer adventure, the spectacular mountain views, fresh air and tranquility are sure to inspire you. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Happy Trails,
Rick & Denise Guinn
Owners and Operators of Boundary Ranch
PACK TRIP INFORMATION
Experience Kananaskis Country - 4200 square kilometres of towering peaks, high mountain lakes and alpine meadows located just east of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Trips depart from the legendary Boundary Ranch - and travel high into a very remote area with virtually no other users. While other parts of the mountain parks are experiencing more and more mountain bike and hiking traffic; these areas remain untouched. The high-country base camp is a 20 km ride through the beautiful Evan Thomas Valley. The main camp is situated on a high alpine meadow just below the tree line at 7,000 feet. This comfortable tent camp is set up village-style, and guests are accommodated in large weatherproof tents with camp cots. Delicious home cooked meals are prepared in the well-equipped kitchen tent and appeal to the hearty appetites of the guests. In the traditional manner, all gear and food supplies are packed in with the horses. We supply everything for your trip but your sleeping bag and personal gear. Explore a part of the country that you’ve never experienced before and ride, hike or just relax in the mountain sun. Trips run from late June until approximately the September long weekend.
FIRST DAY
Plan to arrive at the ranch promptly at 9:00 a.m.. You will be matched with a compatible horse and given a short orientation. Then it’s an undemanding five hour ride up the Evan Thomas Valley to the main camp at Happy Valley. Along the way enjoy a picnic lunch with plenty of time to take pictures of the spectacular scenery. After settling in at the camp, and taking time to explore the surrounding meadow, listen for the dinner bell. All of the hearty meals are prepared in the large dining tent on a wood burning stove. At the end of the day, what could be better than gathering around a blazing camp fire before turning in. The comfortable camp provides cozy accommodation in large, canvas wall sleeping tents with foam mattresses on camp cots.
SECOND DAY (of 3 day or longer trips)
Day two begins with a hearty camp breakfast. Once the horses are saddled, the group heads into the valley to begin the climb to a ridge with spectacular views and photo opportunities. Lunch is prepared on an open fire beside a beautiful alpine lake. On this ride, you will possibly encounter some elk, sheep or mountain goats. The second day ends with a delicious barbecue back at the camp.
LONGER TRIPS
Our five day and longer trips circle over the Evan Thomas Pass and into the Bighorn Camp on the Little Elbow River. Take advantage of the opportunity to fish (permits required) in one of the many high alpine lakes. Enjoy the solitude and unspoiled beauty of this area that attracts fewer than 20 people in a year. The abundant local wildlife includes goats, deer, and big horn sheep. The return trip climbs over the rugged Paradise Pass (8,700 feet elevation) to the Happy Valley campsite ...An unforgettable experience!
RETURN TO RANCH DAY
Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a short ride around the area adjacent to camp. Then the horses are packed and the homeward ride begins. After lunch on the trail, the group usually arrives back at the Ranch about 3:30 p.m. to enjoy a short reception where you can reminisce with your new friends about the past few days.
WHAT TO BRING
Warm sleeping bag (rentals available for $10/day)
Rain gear
Blue jeans or loose fitting long pants
Riding boots or sturdy boots/shoes with heel
Cowboy hat or hat with brim
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Warm jacket, gloves, casual shoes and extra clothing for around camp
Flashlight, camera, bug repellent, personal toiletries (biodegradable if possible) Earplugs
Alcoholic beverages and snack foods (optional)
All gear should be packed into a soft sided bag (no suitcases) and a maximum 2 bags allowed with a combined weight of not more than 40 lbs. It is a good idea to line the inside of your bags with plastic to prevent any moisture from getting in. Be sure to leave your rain gear out for the trip just in case!
2010 Rates
| Trip Length | Scheduled Departure | Price (CDN per person) + 5% GST |
2 Days/1 Night |
The Weekend Wrangler From Boundary Ranch up the Evan Thomas to Happy Valley, exploring enroute, dinner, overnight, breakfast, then returning next day. | $495.00 |
3 Days/2 Nights |
Whet Your Whistle The perfect trip to experience the backcountry on horseback with a little more time to explore the surrounding area’s mountain lakes and alpine meadows. | $742.50 |
5 Days/4 Nights |
The Mountain Adventurer Travel between our two backcountry camps over high mountain passes and explore the variety that the different valleys have to offer | $1,237.50 |
5 Days/4 Nights |
Backcountry Fishing Adventures Enjoy the scenery and the fishing in high mountain lakes | $1,485.00 |
| Longer trips are available and can be customized to meet your needs - please inquire. | ||
INCLUDED
Trips include all lunches, dinners, and breakfasts while you’re with us, and a light reception upon your return to the ranch.
GRATUITIES
Many of our guests ask us about tipping their guides. We find it helps to remember this adage: ”only tip if you’ve been pleased with the service.” Beyond that, there are no hard and fast rules -- Some general guidelines are 10% -15% of the price of the trip, or $15-$20 per day. Any gratuities that are received are shared among the guides.
BOOKING AND
CANCELLATION POLICY
A 50% deposit is required when booking, and the balance 30 days prior to your arrival. If cancellation is received in writing 30 days prior to the trip, one half of the deposit will be refunded, or the full deposit may be transferred to an alternate trip within the same season.
RELEASE OF RESPONSIBILITY
All riders are required to sign a release waiver. It is recommended that each person has personal insurance coverage. There will be no refunds for trips already in progress. We are not responsible for delays or cancellations due to poor weather conditions, restrictions or other factors we cannot control. You will be responsible for the cost of the helicopter evacuation for medical or personal reasons should it be necessary.
OTHER INFORMATION
TRANSPORTATION
Group transportation from Calgary is available at an extra charge. Shuttle service to Kananaskis Village is available from the Calgary International Airport, downtown Calgary and Banff. Regular taxi service is also available. Transportation from Kananaskis Village to Boundary Ranch is available at 9:00 a.m. on the day of trip departure, and back after your return.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation for pre and post-stays is available in the nearby hotels and campgrounds of Kananaskis at reasonable rates. If you prefer, there are excellent Bed and Breakfast establishments in Canmore, just outside Banff National Park. There are also several campgrounds and R.V. Parks nearby. Give us a call for details or check out the regional accommodation directory on www.albertaskananaskis.com.
