Commercial Trail Riding (CTR) Permits

• A Commercial Trail Riding Permit is required by a business enterprise that provides recreational horseback riding trips of varying duration. This may also include wagon trips in some cases.
• This does not include horseback riding trips for the purpose of hunting, which is considered guiding and outfitting.
• CTR permits may be issued for varying term lengths of: a single event (up to one week), and up to ten years.
• Review Applicant Information and Guide for details.

CTR Permit Requirements

• An application must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the preferred start date.
• The application must include:
• Proof of ownership or leasing of sufficient number of horses and equipment for the trail riding operation
• Proof that the applicant has guided in a Commercial Trail Riding operation in Alberta for at least 3 of the 5 years preceding the application or has equivalent CTR operation experience satisfactory to Parks Division
• The permit fee as per the CTR Fee Schedule
• Evidence of the required general liability insurance in an amount not less than $2,000,000 inclusive per occurrence, in accordance with the Insurance Act, insuring against bodily injury, personal injury and property damage including loss of use thereof and shall not exclude injury to participants (Certificate of Insurance Form completed by the Insurance Company)
• Evidence of the required automobile liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 (Certificate of Insurance Form completed by the Insurance Company)
• Proof of current and up-to-date certifications for First Aid for all lead guides
• Submit the application to the Parks Division contact responsible for the park in question.
• If the activity is approved, a permit with operating conditions will be issued.

Renewal of CTR Permits

• No expiry notice will be sent out to Operators. The expiry date of CTR Permits will be specified on the permit.
  • Permits are renewable no earlier than half way through the term of the permit. For example 10-Year permits are renewable after 5 years.
• In all cases, reviews must demonstrate satisfactory performance for the preceding year(s).
• At least 90 days prior to the preferred start date, the Operator must submit
  • A completed Annual Operating Report on or before December 31 of the permit expiration year
  • The permit fee as per the CTR Fee Schedule
  • Evidence of the required general liability insurance in an amount not less than $2,000,000 inclusive per occurrence, in accordance with the Insurance Act, insuring against bodily injury, personal injury and property damage including loss of use thereof and shall not exclude injury to participants (Certificate of Insurance Form completed by the Insurance Company).
  • Evidence of the required automobile liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 (Certificate of Insurance Form completed by the Insurance Company)
  • Proof of ownership or leasing of sufficient number of horses and equipment for the trail riding operation
  • Proof that the applicant has guided in a Commercial Trail Riding operation in Alberta for at least 3 of the 5 years preceding the application or has equivalent CTR operation experience satisfactory to Parks Operations Division
  • Proof of current and up-to-date certifications for First Aid for all guides
• Amendments to permit locations or activities will only be considered during the renewal process, unless:
  • amendments are required due to an error made by Parks Division on the original permit,
  • amendments are needed due to management requirements, or
  • longer term hazardous conditions exist, such as area closures due to natural disaster.
• The operator will be notified, in advance of the submission deadline, of any changes to the information requested.
• Submit the application to the Parks Division contact responsible for the park in question.

If review of the received documentation confirms satisfactory performance in the preceding year, a new CTR Permit and other necessary authorizations should be issued to the Operator for the next operating season.