There’s something special about horse riding holidays: Whether it’s your very first time on a horse or the latest in a long line of horseback riding vacations, horse riding holidays are like nothing else. Here are the top five horseback riding vacations in BC:
- Chilko Explorer Ride
The faraway wilderness lodge and base for this trip is located at the north end of Chilko Lake, British Columbia, the gateway to Tsylos Park Lodge. The area offers exceptional riding country that it is the most perfect place to enjoy some riding adventures with its undeniably beautiful horses and extremely great leather, with the addition of the spectacular nature consisting of the wonderful scent of pine trees, the touch of the cool breeze, the cracking of the leaves beneath your feet, bird-chirpingpings, and the horses snorting making you feel the true atmosphere of a rider and his horse like they are really connected and talking. Chilko Explorer Ride was designed for the intermediate to advanced rider looking for a thrilling horseback riding in an awe-inspiring country while enjoying the comforts of a wilderness lodge at night. The daily rides from the lodge offer a variety of riding experiences - ride up Mount Tulin and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views over Chilko Lake - then explore the Chilcotin Plateau with its open grasslands, rolling hills, numerous small lakes, adjacent mountain peaks with unmatched vistas and a couple hundred miles of riding trails.
- Chilcotin Ranch
It is located in the heart of the Chilcotin Plateau in Canada’s British Columbia, this working guest ranch, set on a panoramic plateau at 1300m, offers soothing all-inclusive ranch stays. At the ranch there are some stunning trails to be discovered whether on a horse or by foot. You may surely spot some wild horses who live around the ranch, a true testament to the history of the surrounding mountains. The atmosphere is personal and friendly with hosts who are just waiting to show you the highlights of their home in stunning British Columbia, away from civilisation and amongst the beautiful Chilcotin Mountains. The flawless mountain lakes, meadows of flowers, boundless rangelands and extremely breathtaking snow-capped mountains await you as you navigate your way through the trails.
- Beautiful BC on Icelandics
Visit beautiful British Columbia and stay in a very comfortable log cabin and explore the wilderness by Icelandic horse. Situated on 300 acres and bordering Provincial Crown land, the facility offers riding treks on numerous trails of the glorious surrounding countryside. You may discover dazzling views and an abundant wildlife habitat on horseback. Riders have the opportunity to experience the splendid smooth gait and gentle nature of our much loved horses.
- South Chilcotin Getaway
Descend into meadows of wild alpine flowers, bursting with color from June to September and along the way you may spot some of the local inhabitants like bears, moose, marmots, deer, wolves, and mountain goats. You can visit some of the base camp locations in the wilderness and even go further into the back country were few people wander. Staying overnight there, wake each morning to a blazing campfire, the soothing smell of cowboy coffee, and a full breakfast. There will be many photo opportunities on this trip as well as unforgettable memories to remember, so make sure to bring your camera with you to not miss those wonderful moments. This pack trip heads above the tree line into the meadows of wildflowers and when the sun casts long shadows over the lake, the fresh caught rainbow trout are baked over the campfire. On a unclouded night, a breeze filled with the sweet scent of alpine flowers might carry the lonely cry of a timber wolf into camp. Children and novice riders can participate as we put groups together according to their riding skills.
- Cranbrook Beckley’s Cattle and Guest Ranch
With its abundant nature, clear water, grassy fields, and breathtaking mountains, it is truly located in the most wonderful part of the world. The ranch offers a whole world of fun things to see and do, including a full package of horseback riding programs. Here you can horseback ride to your heart’s content, voyage the awaiting trails through the woods, crisscross the plateau, and even cruise along a riverbank. The ranch offers different riding lessons for all riding abilities. While the Wranglers strive to make you a better rider on every ride, you also have the option of taking a lesson in one of the ranches many riding arenas. The controlled environment in an arena provides a great opportunity for riders to improve their skills under the supervision of an instructor. In the evening there is something for everyone. Whether that is a relaxing glass of wine on the porch, a beer at the Saloon with the rest of the crew, or getting involved in the ranches one of a kind evening program. Whether you’re a spectator or a participant you are guaranteed to be entertained. How you use every second of your stay here is up to you but no matter what you choose, it is certain that you will have the time of your life.