There's probably no better way to get around the Radium Hot Springs area than on horseback. A horse, after all, is way more intelligent than a car or a mountain bike, and usually knows the way home. Riding options in the area range from a one-hour trail ride to a multi-day backcountry adventure and all skill levels are welcome.
Luxor Corrals at Spur Valley
Based just north of Edgewater, about 15 minutes north of Radium Hot Springs, Luxor Corrals offers trail rides of from one to two hours duration. Children 10 and up are welcome. Half of the animals are horses, half are mules - one of which is purported to be a descendent of an animal owned by George Washington. A two-day package is offered during the summer, with overnight accommodation at a hunting cabin on Muledeer Mountain.
Pyute Trails Riding Stables
Operating from from mid-June to mid-September, Pyute Trails offers one hour rides on the lower slopes of the Kootenay Rockies. Pre-booking is recommended, but the owners do their best to accommodate spontaneous visitors. Pyute is on Highway 95, just north of the village of Radium Hot Springs.
Deuce of Diamonds Trail Rides
Located next to the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Deuce of Diamonds offers 60 and 90 minute trail rides on the lower slopes of Fairmont Mountain. Children as young as six are welcome.
Findlay Creek Outfitters
From a cabin located 20km/12mi west of Canal Flats, guides Mike and Shannon Christensen offer three and five day horseback riding packages. While the three-day package involves single day local rides, the five-day package goes deeper into the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy, with overnight stops at other rustic cabins along the way.
The Cabins at Whitetail
Whitetail Lake is a popular spot for fishing, and the site of an adventure tourism operation that includes guided multi-day horseback riding trips into the Purcells. With overnight cabin accommodation included, the five-day trip is an expedition to the source of the Columbia River. Get more information on horseback riding and tours from the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre, 7556 Main St East.