‘If you’re seeking a Wild West adventure on horseback this is it! Exhilarating riding, crystal clear rivers and lakes, glacial mountains and clean air. The Chilko Lake experience has all this and more. Idyllic lodge with ridiculous views, wildlife on your doorstep, amazing bear viewing, crazy good hearty meals and a great crew ready to guide you through it all with patience and care. I had the week of my life and I hope to get back there someday.’

‘Such a transformative and breathtaking experience. The freedom and beauty of Chilko Lake are beyond compare. The staff go above and beyond. My horse, Hot Shot lit up my soul and we had an amazing connection. He was responsive, a little trooper who had such a good attitude. The final ridge ride was absolutely breathtaking. I’d say it’s the closest you can get to flying. I’ve never felt so free! Highly recommend this amazing ride!’

‘Sublime scenery, outstanding riding and incredible hospitality! The Chilko Lake Ride is absolutely spectacular. I had no idea just how incredible it would be! I rode a stunning paint gelding through the pristine glacier-fed landscapes around Lake Chilko, and was lucky enough to witness the area’s wonderful wildlife. The Chinook salmon had returned to their birthplace to spawn, and the bears were making the most of it. Don’t even get me started on the long, sweeping canters along the mountain ridges! To top it off, every evening we came home to a hearty home-cooked meal, a warm fireplace and a cozy bed. I cannot believe I had the good fortune to see and experience all the incredible things this wonderful place has to offer.’

‘Canada has been on my bucket list for years; I had such high expectations and yet it absolutely blew my mind. It was some of the best horse riding of my life, with a natural backdrop that took my breath away. The lodge was so welcoming and friendly – you felt like part of the family right away with Lauren, Gary in the kitchen making wholesome, hearty foods to give you energy for each day. Anna is one of the best horse guides I have ridden with. She was so kind and caring and really looked after us. The horses were fab – Sky was my favourite. The riding each day was so diverse and exciting! We rode hills overlooking the beautiful river Chilko, we scaled a 1000-metre mountain on horseback and we rode on the ‘Rollercoaster’, cantering up, down and around beautiful forest paths and ridge edge drops. Each day felt so different, from the scenery to the type of riding and where we went. It was such an incredible experience – my pictures don’t do it justice. Just wow.’

‘I was describing this trip once I got home as feeling like I was on a family vacation, but better, since my family doesn’t have a five star chef, or provide maid service! Karen and her team have created something truly special, with an incredible herd of horses (although surely some of them are part mountain goat, they are so surefooted!). The riding was exquisite, the food was unbelievable, the accommodations were smashing, the grizzly viewing was phenomenal. I would give this ride an off-the-charts rating, with my only point deduction being that I had to leave. It blew me away, every moment. Run don’t walk to this ride, folks!’

‘What can I say? The best two weeks!
Great horses, great guides, great food, great company, views to die for and wildflowers everywhere. I had the best horse and I must thank Dave, our guide, for letting me ride his trusty Levi.
The campsites were fantastic and I loved watching the sunrise over the mountain.
Everyone should add this to their riding wish list.
I will be back to do it again!’

‘If you’re interested in spectacular scenery and the chance to see some amazing wildlife, the British Columbia ride is perfect. The climb up to the top of the mountain overlooking Chilko Lake is especially spectacular. Though this is mountainous terrain and much of the ride involves negotiating narrow trails at a walk, there are some fast canters that are not for the faint hearted!
The horses were great, fit and healthy. My horse, Koda, was delightful, very perky and forward-moving. I’d have to say, this is the friendliest herd of horses I’ve ever seen!
Our guide, Tasch, was a very knowledgeable horsewoman. Our cabin was great, with beautiful views of the river, and the lodge is also fantastic, with an awesome porch where you can relax before breakfast and at the end of the day. The food was plentiful and delicious, and I especially loved the snacks served during the cocktail hour – and the hot chocolate! One unique thing about this lodge, which we ended up really enjoying, was the opportunity to meet some fly fishermen… those guys were great! We met some really fun and fascinating people on this trip. Looking at our pictures, we’re missing it already!’

‘From cantering through snow covered fields, to seeing grizzly bears roaming, to eating the most amazing food and wandering through the one of the most beautiful parts of the world… this holiday was breathtaking!
I was blown away with all the horses – I have never seen trail horses so calm and responsive. I rode Austin and I absolutely loved him. On the long cantering stretches, it was amazing to see that the horses weren’t even interested in racing; it was easy to keep in a single file line and they didn’t get at all funny or fizzy. Our guide Louise certainly knew her stuff and she was amazing with horses.
The food!! OMG! Gary was amazing and made the most delicious meals. I was shocked that we could eat so well in the middle of nowhere.
My favourite experience of all was the rollercoaster track. Words cannot describe!’

‘This ride was my BEST VACATION EVER!
The staff, the horses, the scenery, the trails, the wildlife, the food, the accommodations, the camaraderie. I rode Levi, who was always willing and so very surefooted! Our guides were wonderful, patient, kind, and very knowledgeable.
The entire week was amazing.’