Saddle up this autumn: five Alberta ranches where horseback riding runs well past summer

Most people file horseback riding under summer holidays, but in Alberta the saddles stay warm long after the leaves turn. Several ranches across the province keep their trails open into October — and in one case, all year — which makes autumn a smart window for a ride: fewer crowds, golden scenery and crisp air.

Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis wraps up its season at the end of October. Its shorter option is the two-hour Ridge Ride through the Kananaskis Valley at $194 plus taxes and fees, while the Kananaskis Adventure Ride is a full-day trek across creeks, forest and mountain trails for $425 plus fees. The address to note is 2 Guinn's Rd. on AB-40.

In Banff National Park, Banff Trail Riders runs one- to four-hour trips daily past mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Some tours finish in mid-September, others continue into October, and prices start at $110. It's the easiest option if you're already basing yourself in the Rockies.

Budget riders should look at Heritage Ranch in Red Deer. An hour-long guided tour costs just $68.90 with taxes included, and online bookings are open until the end of October — after that you'll need to phone ahead for availability.

If you'd rather not drive far, Putting Horse Ranch in Spruce Grove sits just west of Edmonton. For $99 plus GST you get hands-on time with a horse — grooming plus a light ride — and the ranch also runs wagon trips. There's no published end-of-season date, so call 780-962-5232 to book and pre-pay.

The most flexible of the lot is Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures in Foothills County, which has been running since 1991 and operates year-round. Trail rides start at $120, with options ranging from short outings to riding clubs and full riding holidays, so you can keep going well into winter if the bug bites.

Whether you want a cheap hour in the saddle near Red Deer or a full-day mountain expedition in Kananaskis, there's a ride for most budgets and fitness levels this season. Book soon for the October options — Alberta's riding calendar thins out fast once the snow arrives.