Horseback Riding Vacations in British Columbia

The horseback riding experience in British Columbia

British Columbia is the westernmost province of Canada. Is defined by its Pacific coastline and mountain ranges. Its capital is Victoria and its most populous city, Vancouver, was the winter Olympic venue in 2010.

Geographical diversity is one of its most outstanding features. Its mountain ranges, stretching from the southeast to the northwest, cover most of this province. The interior plateaus are located in the north-western end.

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, its coastline of 27,000 km km² includes rocky fjords and more than 6,000 islands.

The ice-covered peaks, the dense forests, the sapphire lakes, the wide plateaus and the rivers filled with salmon in the Rockies are found in British Columbia.

In this region, caribou, moose and even wolves, bears, bobcats, beavers and fish eagles find their perfect habitat.

All these features make this Canadian province one of the best places on Earth for a horseback adventure.

Your horseback riding vacations in British Columbia are perfect if you want to enjoy a close-up adventure in the immensity of those protected wild areas stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast, and from the USA to the Arctic Circle.

Discover the Tsylos Provincial Park, where rugged mountains, light-blue lakes, glaciers, alpine meadows and waterfalls are popular among Equestrian Tourism enthusiasts as well as kayakers, fishermen and hikers.

Guest or dude ranches in British Columbia are the best place to stay during your equestrian vacation. Explore these scenic routes on a Tennessee Walking or an American Quarter horse.

If you are looking for some wilder horse riding holidays in Canada, in British Columbia you will find them.

Choosing an Equestrian Tourism Outfitter

You’d like to discover British Columbia on horseback, but don’t know how to pick the right outfitter?

Here we recommend you the following outfitters in this province of Canada.

Tsylos Park Lodge & Adventures

Located on the shores of Lake Chilko, 290 km north of Vancouver, this wilderness lodge offers a genuine a hideaway far from the crowds, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the river, valley and coast mountains.

Accommodating only fourteen guests at this private and exclusive setting. Accommodation is in log cabins or two-person suites with all amenities.

Nestled within the Pacific Coast Mountains, this 80 km turquoise blue lake is surrounded by ancient glaciers and raw un-touched beauty. Fed by glacial streams and clean cold water, the Chilko River flows northeast and joins the Fraser River.

Their horses

They have a herd of 45 horses that are well trained, fit and willing. The herd is a mix of different breeds that include Arabs, Quarter, Appaloosa, Paints, Draft, and Thoroughbreds.

Their guides are not only avid riders but experienced with the land, and they know every trail perfectly well. They are excellent at matching the rider’s ability and personality with the perfect horse.

Their horseback rides

Their riding programs are designed by riders for riders.

With a range of well-designed trails that offer both relaxing to exhilarating rides, for every level of horsemanship.

You can choose between horseback riding, to horse riding families, and custom horse adventure riding groups. You can enjoy an unforgettable horseback adventure.

For your own safety, Tyslos recommends that you bring a riding helmet. Tsylos supplies a pair of saddle bags for you to carry your personal items such as your water bottle, lunch, and the assistance of professional guides.

Saddle strings are on the back of western saddles where you can tie on your jacket and rain gear.

You will experience an unforgettable trip in one of the world’s most beautiful places in North America.

For more information enter the web: www.tsylos.com.

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is an eco-luxury ranch in the midst of one of the most beautiful places in the world.

In the incredible area of Cariboo Mountains in British Columbia and sitting amidst four distinct geographic regions, Echo Valley is surrounded by an incredibly diverse range of natural beauty: The majestic semi-desert Fraser Canyon, boreal forests covering a large portion at the bottom of the valleys, treeless mountains in between and rolling grasslands spread around.

On this 65-hectare (160 acres) ranch, you can discover local fauna, flora and wildlife thanks to the activities they organize.

You can experience a variety of authentic ranch activities such as horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking and exploring the vast Fraser Canyon during your stay.

Their horses

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa has close to 60 horses, some retired, some working; several are Tennessee Walkers, famous for their smooth gait and gentle nature. They are excellent horses for riders of all ages and skill levels.

Of course, their experienced wranglers will assist you in finding the perfect horse. Whether you are beginner or expert - they have the right horse waiting for you at the ranch.

Every day, their horses are taken from the stables to the grasslands where they graze, but you can come close to them.

Their riding programs

The choice is yours - start with a riding lesson or head out for a guided ride.

Their riding programs are conducted in exquisite horseback trails and you can explore them together with some of their expert guides who are at your disposal all the time.

The Canadian wrangler’s expertise and a horse for every skill of their guests, is their recipe for one of the most enriching Canadian horseback riding vacations available.

Their horseback riding on trails range from two to six hours in length. You will be riding through forests of desert pine or across pasturelands and meadows. You will enjoy the sound of whispering aspens and travel along some incredible mountain trails up to the edge of Fraser Canyon.

They also offer guided rides for children and private riding lessons.

For further information, please go to their web site: www.evranch.com.

Siwash Lake Ranch

This is a luxury ranch located in the heartland of Cariboo, in Siwash Lake.

It was built 4 generations ago and today it is operated by the descendants of those pioneers. It is famous for its program dedicated to horses.

Is a lovely mix of a genuine working ranch, with a luxury guest ranch and lodge, surrounded by untouched nature.

The place is nestled within a very rare and very sensitive ecosystem, which was hit by a forest fire in 2017. Is surrounded by open skies, grasslands and lakes.

Besides their fine riding programs, guests can enjoy fly-fishing for trout in Siwash Lake, or they can also hone their skills in wilderness survival, try their hand at 3D All-Terrain archery, steady it with target shooting, and go for a hike or a cycle ride to nearby waterfalls.

SiwashSynergy™ horse riding program

Riders of all riding abilities have had the opportunity to explore BC’s rugged heartland on horseback as part of the SiwashSynergy™ horse riding program, regarded as one Canada’s finest equine experiences:

• This horse riding program has been developed by them and it involves supportive and informative mentoring by personal guides, hands-on horsemanship.
• A fun-filled professional focus on the magical bond between horses and humans.
• To complement the horseback riding, they added a selection of privately guided or group rides and routes.
• SiwashSynergy ™ riding program which nobly enhances the natural bond between horses and humans.

For further information about their programs and equestrian routes, please go to their web site: www.siwashlake.com.

Canada’s British Columbia is a region that few people have discovered, but once they have, it can’t be forgotten. Surrounded by ancient glaciers, open landscapes, wild flora and fauna – there are few areas in the world as beautiful to explore on horseback. A land of cabins and timber smoke. Here life goes by more slowly and locals will make you feel that.

Do you also love the idea of exploring British Columbia on horseback?

Download our free eBook on equestrian tourism in North America and discover all the equestrian destinations of North America.