~ Guided horseback trail riding with spectacular mountain views May - October ~
Horseback trail rides in the foothills along the Athabasca River valley Located between Hinton and
Jasper, Alberta on Bighorn Highway #40 North Old Entrance is 50 minute drive from Jasper town-site
and 10 minutes from Hinton
NOTICE BOARD
* Guided
Horseback Trail Rides open daily May 1 - October 31, 2024 (weather permitting)
Advance
bookings are preferred, but some riders may be accommodated at last
minute.
Phone or e-mail an inquiry to schedule a trail ride
General trail ride departure times: 10:30 am, 2:00 pm & 5:30
pm all days during summer months 2024.
Trail rides departure
time: 1:00 pm only during early May and October
(some riding
experience or good athletic condition necessary on longer rides over 2 hr.)
* WINTER WAGON RIDES December to March, 12:30 - 2:30 pm 2+ hr. outing
with 1 hr. campfire/picnic at mid-point Please phone or e-mail in
advance to reserve
Interested in learning harness driving or
training your horse to harness, please inquire. *
OLD ENTRANCE TRAIL RIDES - HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDING WITH
SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF ALBERTA ROCKIES:
Open May 1 to
October 31
We provide guided horseback trail rides departing
from our riding stables at Old Entrance along the scenic Athabasca River
valley. A real western riding experience is provided with small groups of up
to ten riders. Ride historic trails originally used by early explorers,
trappers and forest rangers along the beautiful eastern slopes of the
Rockies. These trails are over a variety of terrain; in the river valley, up
onto open foothill ridges with spectacular mountain views and through mature
evergreen forests and back down to Old Entrance.
Trail riding
is a great way to quietly get in touch with nature. Enjoy many wild flowers
and spectacular scenery along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. Wildlife is
occasionally spotted while horseback riding; most often a squirrel, deer,
coyote and an occasional elk or bear. Sighting of birds of many varieties is
common; hawks, eagles, ravens, northern flickers, ruffed grouse, robins,
jays and chickadees to name a few.
Our gentle horses are of
mixed breeding; some Morgan, Arabian, Quarter-horse and Percheron cross
breeding.
Trail rides will be at walking speed with occasional
trotting. We do not run the horses.
Age Limit: A horse will be
selected for you that suits your size and riding ability. Minimum age of 6 -
7 years for novice riders. Young riders will be led (ponied) by the guide.
We do not double on our horses.
Weight Limit: Maximum rider
weight limit is 230 to 250 pounds and this is dependent on the person's
height, physical condition and level of riding experience. We may make a
exception to maximum weight limit for individuals over 6' in height only.
Our trails are up and down hills carrying heavy loads exceeding 230 pounds
is strenuous work for our largest horses. Some ride requests may be refused.
For those wondering
if horseback riding may be an activity that you would like to try, our
advice to novices is that if you are in condition to ride a bicycle then you
will have no difficulty riding a horse.
Our trail rides are
open to the public from May to October.
Please e-mail or phone
in advance to schedule a trail ride. We prefer to have at least one day in
advance notice although some late bookings may be accommodated. When booking
you will be required to provide children's ages and each rider's height,
weight and level of riding experience ie. Novice (never been on a horse),
Beginner (ridden a 5 to 10 times), Intermediate (rides frequently and
recently) or Advanced (rides competitively). Use a (+) or (-) symbol along
with level of experience to better describe rider's skill and
confidence.
Scheduled daily trail ride departure times: 10:30
am, 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm. In early spring and late fall we generally offer only
one ride per day with departure time in the early afternoon 1:00 pm to enjoy
the warmth of the day.
TRAIL RIDES: 2024 Rates:
1 hour - Orchard Creek Loop: $70/person
1 1/2 hour -
Mountain View Loop: $90/person
2 hour - Athabasca River Ridge
Loop: $125/person
3 hour - Pete's Pond Loop with lunch break:
$175/person
4 hour - River Ridge West & Pete's Pond Loop
with lunch break: $225/person
5 hour - Brule Lake View-Point
Loop with lunch break: $275/person
Full Day Tour (8 hour) -
Solomon Mountain-Red Willow Flats: $ negotiable, minimum 4 participants
Full Day Tour (8 hour) - Folding Mountain (July & August) :
$ negotiable, minimum 4 participants
Prices listed are Canadian
dollars plus 5% GST.
Last revised #12838.
Reservations: We accept trail ride reservations made within two days
of trail ride with $75.00 payment pre-authorization by Visa or MasterCard,
this will be billed to the credit card for any short notice cancellations of
less than 12 hours and for no-shows. We delay or reschedule trail rides if
rained out depending on availablity.
We require each child's
age, each rider's height, weight and level of riding experience to accept a
reservation ie. NOVICE; never ridden, BEGINNER; have ridden a few times in
recent years, INTERMEDIATE; ride often and in good physical condition or
ADVANCED; ride frequently, own horse or involved in competitive equestrian
sports. NOTE: Do not text rider information by phone, please send an e-mail to oldentrance@yahoo.com
Payment: Travelers cheques, Cash, Visa or
MasterCard
Prices are based on actual riding time. Participants
must arrive 15 minutes prior to trail ride departure time for orientation
and saddle fitting.
We require a minimum participation of two
(2) riders and for the longer rides of 3 hours plus duration we require a
minimum of four (4) participants. Custom full day tours are available, some
riding experience is recommended and good physical conditioning is essential
- please inquire. Day in advance booking is requested, although some late
bookings may be accommodated.
Riding helmets are provided,
mandatory for children under 18 years of age and optional for adults. All
riders must wear sturdy footwear with no open toes. A light weight hiking
boot with a narrow toe is generally best if you do not have proper riding
boots. A rain jacket and hat are recommended. We'll tie the jacket to your
saddle if the sun is shining. Weather conditions near the mountains can
change very quickly.
Saddles are equipped with saddle bags for
carrying an unbreakable water bottle, lunch and other small items. Back
packs are not permitted and we suggest not bringing large, heavy cameras,
binoculars, etc.
Waiver of Liability:
We take every
precaution to safeguard riders and their property (cameras, sun glasses,
jackets, etc.), but ask that participants recognize that horse back trail
riding can involve some risk as horses can be unpredictable at times
regardless of their past training. Participants are required to acknowledge
this risk by signing a waiver of liability prior to departing on our trail
rides. We suggest that out-of-province riders check their insurance policies
to ensure accident coverage in Alberta and if necessary purchase all
inclusive trip insurance.
We advocate ecotourism, low impact
activity and preservation of the natural environment along the eastern
slopes of the Rockies.
Alberta Commercial Trail Riding (CTR) permit holder.
Click on Campfire for Stables, Bed & Bale, Cabins & Teepee Camping
Old Entrance Bed 'n Breakfast Cabins & Trailrides Inquiries Phone: (780) 865-4760
Mary Luger - Trail Guide
Oz, Retired
Rocky, 1998 - 2018
Tex, 1986 - 2023In Service 1999 - 2020
Whinny, 1995 - 2020
Eclipse "Clippy" 2006 -
Sugar, 2002 - 2016
Spice & Sugar
Pete's Pond Trail Ride
Neil Gilliat author of If Moose Could Only Talkon Stewie, retired
Blaze, 1999 - 2018
Kate, 1994 -
Misty, 1990 -
JR, Retired
Spice, 2004 -
Tess, 2009 -
Scenic Trails
Athabasca River Ridge Trail Ride
Patriot, 1995 -
Pal, 2003 -
Mountain View Loop Ride
Folding Mountain Day Trip
~ Winter Wagon Ride Outing and Wiener Roast - Afternoons 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ~
Departs at 1:00 pm for 2 hour outing with
mid-point stop at picnic site with bon-fire, Firewood included, bring your own
snacks and beverages.
Covid-19 Safety Measures: During winter 2021 -
2022 group size is limited to a maximum of ten participants in total consisting of
one family/cohorts. Face covering over nose and mouth (mask, neck gaitor or bandana)
will be worn at all times during the wagon ride and at any time when in closer
proximity than the minimum 6 feet (2 meter) physical distancing requirements to
wagon driver and assistant(s).
$225.00 minimum fee per wagon includes
up to 6 guests (adults and youth), additional Adults $30/adult, Youth (6 - 15 years
old) $20/youth, little ones 5 years old and under are free of charge.
Please phone or e-mail to reserve in advance. We will not operate when
afternoon temperatures are under -15C, including wind chill factor.
In memory of Carl Luger (1917 - 2007), Guide & Outfitter (1937 - 1961) ENTRANCE, Alberta
The spelling of the word Teepee varies throughout North America, you may see Teepee, Tee Pee, Tepee or Tipi. The word is derived from the Lakota Sioux word tipistola. In Canada the anglicized variation Teepee is most commonly used.
The Plains Indian Teepee pattern is cut in the shape of a half circle with two smoke flaps attached near the center. When a Teepee is erected it forms a cone shape with straight overlapping edges held together with lacing pins below the extended smoke flaps at the front of the Teepee. A double row of stitch reinforced buttonholes run up the double canvas overlapped strip for the lacing pins. The row of buttonholes on the inside strip will be slightly closer together than those in the outside strip. The smoke flaps can be styled for the slight variations used by the Cheyenne, Sioux, Crow and Blackfoot. Cheyenne style are standard and are the most weather proof.
The door opening is cut out in an oval shape half out of each edge strip so that when the edges are brought together a complete oval door opening is formed. The door cover provided with the Teepee cover is made of rectangular shaped double layer canvas turned in on edges and hemmed. Three willows or saplings about 3/4" diameter are inserted through three pocket hems to stiffen the door cover and support it across the door opening. Webbing ties for hanging and closing the door cover are double stitched into the top and bottom corners and at center points.
Three cornered canvas pockets are sewn to the tips of the smoke flaps for the smoke flap poles. Reinforcing pieces of canvas are sewn to points where extra strain is expected, on the smoke flaps.
Teepee Sizing Chart
Teepee "SIZE" is average size of the floor diameter. The floor shape in a properly set up Teepee is not round, but oval or egg shaped. The distance measured from the inside of the front door pole to the inside of the back lifting pole will be roughly one foot less than radius of the pattern and the side to side measurement will be slightly less than the front to back. Tip: For accurate size comparison of various Teepees check the pattern style, radius dimension of the pattern and compare finished weights of canvas Teepee covers of comparable materials.
TEEPEE SPECIFICATIONS:
We provide competitively priced, high quality teepees of superior workmanship using the authentic Plains Indian pattern. Our teepees are made-to-order in sizes ranging from Size 10' increasing in increments of 2' up to Size 24' maximum.
We classify a Size 12' Backyard Teepee as Extra Small, suitable for sleeping two single adults or children.
Size 14' Teepee is a small size shelter suitable for sleeping two to four adults with no inside open fire. This size of teepee was about the maximum size traditionally used by nomadic Plains Indians, before light weight canvas and horses became available for helping to move camp.
Size 16' Teepee has ample space for storage of camp gear and to sleep two adults comfortably with a small inside open fire or four adults with no center fire.
Size 18' Teepee provides a large camp shelter with space to sleep six adults or eight children without an open inside center fire or four adults with an inside fire.
Size 20' Teepee is Extra Large, suitable for a large family or for smaller group gatherings.
Size 22' and Size 24' Teepee are very large and suitable for a large family or for group gatherings. The larger Teepees are made of heavier 13 oz. Sunforger Canvas.
The Size 10' Teepee makes a great Teepee for display at Trade Shows, Parks and Museums. It can be made using the authentic Plains Indian pattern or with the inline door with a clear bottom opening (Wigwam style) for easy access instead of the cut oval opening. This Teepee can be used as a back yard playhouse or can be set up inside with 10 foot high room ceiling height.
Please e-mail for a firm price quotation for customized order. Each teepee order will be individually quoted, determined by the size of teepee and options specified. Prices are Canadian dollars, plus 5% GST.
Delivery time for custom made teepees is generally three to four weeks from date of order. Shipping costs are extra, we ship collect via Greyhound Courier Express within western Canada or pre-paid via UPS to eastern Canada or to the US. A non-refundable deposit of $100 CAD, payable by either Visa or MasterCard, is required when a teepee order is placed. Product satisfaction guaranteed.
Materials:
Canvas: Our Standard for Teepees from Size 10' to Size 18' is 10.38 oz. Sunforger 100% double-fill cotton FR Army Duck, a light weight, water repellent, mildew resistant and flame-retardant canvas. For larger Teepee covers, Size 20', Size 22' and Size 24' we use heavier weight 13 oz. canvas which has a 30% higher tear strength than 10.38 oz. canvas. We also recommend upgrading to 13 oz. canvas for winter camping and year round use. Other canvas options are available by special order.