Reviews

‘I love love loooved this trip! Amazing views, people and horses I definitely would go again. All the trails were breathtakingly beautiful and lots of fun. If you’re up for ‘off the grid’ -time this place is definitely for you. I enjoyed my time canoeing, swimming and in the jacuzzi after the rides – what a perfect way to relax. All of the staff were amazing and I was lucky to get so many great people to share the solo trip with me. Hands down this trip is the best I’ve been! Br. This was my first globetrotting experience but not the last!’

‘The whole experience was great from the moment we landed and it just got better and better with each ride The guides were very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and experienced. All of the food was amazing and the horses were unbelievable, I rode War, and he gave me the excitement I wanted from the ride I can’t wait to go again’

‘If you’re looking to disconnect and slow down while immersing yourself in some of the most untouched, beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen, this ride is perfect for you. The horses are sweet and sure-footed, and have lovely soft mouths, yet they are ready for exhilarating canters when asked. Climbing up the mountain is breathtaking and truly unique. I visited during grizzly season, and it did not disappoint! The roller coaster, the airstrip, and the ridge canter were all so much fun! We spotted numerous grizzly bears, and the views were stunning. Watching the horses swim across the river at the end of a long day was such a treat!’

‘It was such a privilege to spend a week in this beautiful, remote area of crystal clear water with salmon leaping in the lake and river, snow topped mountains and forests turning to gold in the Fall season. The riding was amazing with lovely riding companions and each day offering new experiences that were so much fun. The lovely Arizona looked after me so well as did the two gorgeous dogs, Laurel and Hardy who came along on every ride, by the river, up the mountain and along the forest tracks. It was such a thrill to see so many bears, fishing, with their cubs, strolling along the water’s edge, in the Lodge garden and even on one occasion in the tack yard; a good reminder that we were really in their territory which they were allowing us to share.
Our day on the drift boat which took us 20 miles down the river was also so special with sightings of eagles, kingfishers and lots of bears. We were looked after by incredible guides who were able to tell us so much about this very special place. They were part of an amazing team of people who welcomed us as friends and provided everything we could need. The four riders on our trip stayed in a cosy, well-equipped four-bedroomed cabin with two bathrooms and a spectacular view of the lake and mountains. We had delicious breakfasts and dinners in the Lodge with a packed lunch to take on our daily adventures. I thought at the end of each day that it was going to be the best day but then the next day proved to be just as special. So it was a truely wonderful week of so many amazing experiences and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be there.’

‘Everything about the Chilko Lake Ride was exemplary. The staff were warm, friendly, and knowledgeable, and they couldn’t do enough for us. The accommodation and food were excellent, and the cabin was ideal, containing everything we needed. The view from the windows was breathtaking; we saw bears in the river below, had deer and squirrels on the decking outside, and bald eagles above. The surroundings were awesome, and the horses were totally fabulous! I rode Hotshot, who was strong, sure-footed, bombproof, and forward-going. I loved him; he was very keen to go when asked but easy to rein in. Magdalena, our guide, was kind, knowledgeable, calm, adaptable, and inspiring. She matched us to horses that were perfect for our skill set and provided excellent tuition in the art of western riding, happily repeating or elaborating when required. We felt safe under her care! We loved every second of the experience.’

‘I loved the Chilko Lake Ride! It was so much fun that we barely stopped smiling and laughing. Every time we moved outside, shouting out ‘Hey Bear’ was hilarious. Although, if we had actually got close to one of the grizzlies that frequented the homestead, that might have been a little scary. The food was great, and the horses were sure-footed, kind, and fabulous. The staff were lovely, the scenery was spectacular, and the wildlife was beyond amazing.’

‘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.’

“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!”

‘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.’

“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.”

‘What a truly breathtaking trip this was. Such an amazing, uninterrupted, panoramic and picture-perfect place to remember for life. The staff at the lodge were overwhelmingly welcoming and happy to change anything to suit us. Louise was awesome, patient and laid back. She was a great guide and gave us plenty of opportunities to capture footage. I rode Blue, who was very surefooted and keen to run. I especially enjoyed the roller-coaster ride, which had plenty of cantering and variety. It was great when we got the rare opportunity to see a few moose!’

‘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!’

‘We loved this trip and the welcoming feel that everyone gave. We felt so comfortable straight away. I loved the “homey” feeling in the lodge and cabin. The meals were always filling and healthy, with plenty of variety. I was paired with Levi because I asked for a responsive horse, and he was definitely that. I loved his neck reining and he listened to my legs and body really well, which allowed me to capture great filming while riding (bending down, facing backwards). He always felt safe and surefooted.’

‘Amazing and breathtakingly beautiful scenery! Each day was great in its own way. The guides were very friendly and the horses were responsive, forward moving and knew their job. The accommodation was fantastic and we had lots of really good food!’

“I thought it was good value for money as Karen has ensured that her team has provided what felt like a once in a life time experience.”

‘I knew BC would be beautiful, but nothing prepared me for the breathtaking scenery. From the moment we got off the plane to the sad farewell on our last day, everything about this trip was perfect. The hospitality shown to us was outstanding, the food so good I often had seconds, the lodges warm and inviting and the horses…. they were simply amazing. My beautiful boy Digger did his very best every single day. He was so sure footed, flexible and a real gentleman! No words can truly describe this holiday – it was just mind blowing!’

“The quality of this trip is above all expectations.”

‘I was going over to Canada for work and added in some self-time. I couldn’t be happier to have chosen this as my FIRST Globetrotting experience. It meet my expectations as well as exceeded them.
The team were amazing, making you feel welcome and comfortable, which was great because I was traveling by myself. The horses where beautifully natured, gentle, and had a spark when we got to canter.
I couldn’t be happier with these seven days. Now all I have to do is choose my next Globetrotting experience.’

“The accommodation, staff, food, horses, rides etc were truly amazing and surpassed all of my expectations.”

“It was a fantastic and fun trip. The McLeans were lovely, the staff were excellent and we had a ball.”

‘Kate from Globetrotting made the organization a breeze. Riding in British Columbia was an experience to tick off the bucket list. The horses were in good nick and the guides were amazing! They communicated well, ensured a variety of riding and set the ride terrain and speed to our needs. I rode a beautiful Quarter Horse mare called Belle who was responsive, agile, forward moving and sweet. There was a spa at the lodge, a fully stocked bar, open fire and wonderful food and company. The scenery is postcard-perfect lakes, mountains and forests with the added bonus of black bears, grizzly bears and mule deer. I will definitely use Globetrotting again!’