When you want to really explore and head deep into Canada’s backcountry, there are outfitters ready to show you the way. Some, like Alberta’s Warner Guiding and Outfitting Ltd. (shown in photo, above), and Tsylos Park Lodge & Adventures, have been in business for years. Others, like Tod Mountain Ranch, in British Columbia, are brand new.

“We ride in almost 30,000 hectares of mountain trails, forest and alpine that surrounds the ranch and is home to bear, deer, moose and coyote,” notes Tracey, of Tod Mountain. “Look up and you just might see a bald eagle or hawk flying overhead.”

Tod Mountain Ranch is a small, cozy facility accommodating up to 16 guests in a setting that is both luxurious and rustic. Buildings have a natural look to them and the services and amenities are high quality with a touch of luxury.

“Our cabins have all the comforts you would expect to find in a luxury hotel,” Tracey adds. Each cabin has a private bathroom and is furnished with custom-designed log furniture and and high-end amenities.

Tsylos Lodge (pronounced sigh-loss) has been around since 1957, set at wild Chilko Lake in British Columbia. It offers wilderness adventures from fully guided fly-fishing trips to pack trips and grizzly adventures.

Warner Guiding and Outfitting Ltd. has both in-town rides (ideal for those with just a day or so), plus longer backcountry trips along the Bow River, or up onto Sulphur Mountain. “Our backcountry rides are perfect for people of all ages and abilities, who have a little more time to spend in the Rockies with us,” contends Jill. They offer tenting or lodge stays from two to six days and horseback packtrips deep into the heart of Banff National Park.

“We’ll take you to the perfect spots for capturing once in a lifetime photos and viewing wildlife in its natural habitat,” says Jill, of Warner Guiding and Outfitting Ltd. “Bring along a fishing rod for a chance to cast in some alpine lakes or mountain streams.”

Warner’s specialty trips, dubbed Holidays on Horseback, offer a number of interpretive trips each summer featuring leading authorities on wildlife and their habitat, environmental issues, conservation, mixed with both fun and history. Choose topics like Mountain Photography or Year of the Grizzly.

One added benefit to a Holiday on Horseback is that you’ll know that you’re helping the local environment: a portion of your trip cost is donated to continuing wildlife research and conservation in Banff National Park through the University of Calgary Grizzly Study, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Friends of Banff programs.