Guests take a one hour flight north from Vancouver, to reach this exclusive mountain lodge situated beside the wild Chilko River, the life force of this remote region of British Columbia. A family owned lodge, guests feel instantly at home with the sweet-as-maple-syrup hosts and guides, cosy log cabins, intelligent horses and breathtaking surrounds. On the seven night lodge riding package, no two days are the same, with thousands upon thousands of acres of pristine alpine forest to explore. Every day brings a new adventure from the back of your horse.
Each season has its own X-factor, from spring, when the blossoming wildflowers carpet the mountains and river flats, to autumn, when the trees burn bright with amber and the wild salmon run. Not to forget the grizzly bears that roam these parts, they’re a tourist attraction in their own right! Throughout the riding week, the rides get progressively longer to challenge guests and fulfill their need for speed. Not only is the riding first class, when guests are out of the saddle they have the option to perch at the bar and sample some Canadian lager, kayak up the river for some grizzly bear spotting, soak in the hot tub on the deck or try their hand at fly fishing.
The photo opportunities are some of the best in the world, with rugged glaciers, mountain meadows, alpine flowers, crystal clear lakes, streams, and wildlife. The vistas and settings are too beautiful to put into words. This is a sacred part of the world that MUST go on your Globetrotting bucket list.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:A mixture of many breeds (Quarter Horse, Paint, Arabian, Appaloosa, Draught and Thoroughbred).
- Pace:Variable depending on the terrain, with opportunities to trot and canter.
- Weight Limit:Maximum of 90kg/200lbs.
- Type of tack:Western saddles.
- Seasons:Spring (June), summer (July, August), autumn (September, October).
- Group size:A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 guests.
- Time in Saddle:Approximately 4 to 6 hours, with a 1 hour lunch. Lunch is packed each morning and carried in your saddlebag. Some downhill sections will require you to walk.
- Riding Ability:Intermediate to advanced. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Log cabins or suites. Each unit is set up for 2 people and offers a bathroom, comfy beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets, a gas fireplace or a wood burning stove, your own deck and seating areas. Daily maid services keep you supplied with fresh towels.
- Ride Length:7 nights.
- Inclusions:
The price includes a 2.5% GST tax and $77 (per person per week) room and MRDT tax, a round-trip regional flight from Vancouver to the lodge, all meals (wine with dinner), twin share accommodation, all riding activities, use of canoes and kayaks, and a one-day lake trip by boat for hiking and sightseeing.
- Exclusions:
The price excludes international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), staff tips (please budget for at least 10-20% of the ride price), beverages from the bar, fishing licenses and extra activities not outlined within the itinerary.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!A single supplement charge of 25% of the ride price is available for guests not wishing to twin share a room. However please note, this does not guarantee your own bathroom, you may still need to share one with guests of the same gender.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RIDE PRICE?
The price includes a 2.5% GST tax and $77 (per person per week) room and MRDT tax, a round-trip regional flight from Vancouver to the lodge, all meals (wine with dinner), twin share accommodation, all riding activities, use of canoes and kayaks, and a one-day lake trip by boat for hiking and sightseeing.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RIDE PRICE?
The price excludes international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), staff tips (please budget for at least 10-20% of the ride price), beverages from the bar, fishing licenses and extra activities not outlined within the itinerary.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN USD?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
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Day 1
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Day 8
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Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about the British Columbia Ride
Francie Wilson
‘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!’
Ashley Marr
‘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!’
Julie Setzkorn-Brown
‘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.’
Naomi Dolmatoff
‘Being my first Globetrotting experience, I had no real expectations and the ride in British Columbia blew my mind! The whole experience was just amazing. The accommodation was definitely better than I expected – very cosy and warm and great furnishings, which I really appreciate when travelling. The meals were impeccable and the staff were extremely warm and happy to help/keep us entertained. It was a wonderful experience and I will definitely be back.’
Grace Pitts
“Had a blast on the British Columbia ride, I cannot recommend it highly enough! The hosts and staff were all amazing, the horses were adorable, well looked after and confident on the local terrain!”
Kyle & Terry Wightman
‘Everything was simply perfect! The accommodation was amazing in the superb log cabins, the food was extremely varied, delicious and plentiful, and what amazing wines. The horses were well educated, could canter with ease on a loose rein, and were very fit, with wonderful temperaments. The guides were very experienced, helpful at all times and made our stay very memorable. I learnt so much from them about the horses, the environment and the country in general. A world class experience that globetrotters should seriously consider doing.’
Frank Sanderson & Alison Wood
“We had a wonderful time in Canada. The people, the horses, the accommodation, the food and the stunning scenery were awesome. We would recommend this ride to anyone.”
Beany Panya
“What a truly breathtaking trip this was. Such an amazing, uninterrupted, panoramic and picture-postcard place to remember for life.”
Tash O'Mara
‘This ride was nothing short of incredible. Karen and her staff are wonderful, with a friendly, warm charm. If you want to see authentic Canadian countryside you’ve only ever dreamed of, with forests, glacial peaks and rivers full of Sockeye Salmon, to stay in a beautiful cosy log cabin and neck rein a horse along a wooded trail, then this trip is for you. Not to mention the wonderful dinners each night, with fantastic conversation around the large wooden tables. A truly memorable experience, with wonderful friends made along the way. Don’t pass up the opportunity!’
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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