Banff Trail Riders celebrating 100 years of trail riding

BANFF – It was back in 1923 that a club of 14 backcountry enthusiasts came together to form the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies.

To celebrate that long history, and the many people who helped make it happen, the Banff Trail Riders will be hosting two intimate concerts on June 2 and 3 at the Banff Trail Rider Barns.

“It is an exciting event,” said Julie Canning, operating partner with Banff Trail Riders. “We are excited because it is focused on our local community and our town partners and for us to celebrate that we have been sharing trails for 100 years.”

On June 2, Tim Hus and Mariya Stokes will take the stage with their blend of country and western music followed by Corb Lund, a Juno Award winner, who will take to the stage June 3 in a performance.

“The June 3 event is exciting because that is a big opportunity to be in a concert series with him in an intimate way,” Canning said. “He loves everything western and that is what we are celebrating.”

The century celebration is not just a celebration for the Banff Trail Riders, but the legacy of trail riding in Banff National Park.

“When we think about what makes Banff unique and authentic, it is the long-standing history in the backcountry,” said Canning. “We see the horses on Banff Avenue in historic photos, and the long history of wardens in the backcountry and 100 years of guiding and outfitting in our national parks.”

Canning said she hopes the community comes out to celebrate trail riding and how the activity helps to create an authentic experience within the park, as well as the legacy of trail riding.

“We are hoping to really celebrate with our community and the fact we have held onto our historic activity which is part of the essence of who we are as a national park,” Canning said. “The 100 years of trail riding is truly special, and it has helped shape the fabric of the national park and our community.”

The concert series will also celebrate the many people over the years who have helped keep Banff Trail Riders going and made it the club it is today.

“Celebrating the 100 years is incredibly special but also embedded in that history is thousands of people who have contributed to that legacy,” Canning said. “It is our opportunity to celebrate those individual contributions and celebrate that unique characteristic that makes Banff National Park what it is.”

To purchase tickets for the concerts, visit https://horseback.com/concert.