8 Day Riding Package with Long, Guided Trail Rides through the Chilcotin, British Columbia, Canada
Canada Horse Riding Holiday
This listing has one of the 10 most popular offers available in Canada
Come and visit Big Creek Lodge and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Chilcotin and Coastal Mountains on the back of one of their sure-footed horses. On various routes, you will not only explore the most scenic spots but also get familiar with Western riding. The package consists of 7 nights, 5 trail riding days and one day trip to watch some wild horses in Nemaiah Valley and explore the Chilko Lake.
Key information
- Rider Weight Limit: 210 pounds / 95 kilograms
- Horse height range: 14 to 16.2 hands
- Tack type: Western tack
- Horse breed: Quarter Horse or Paint, or Draught cross
Highlights
- 5 days of horse riding
- Approximate daily riding time: 3 - 5 hours
- Ride through the creek crossing, forest trails, beautiful lakes, and open meadows
- Explore untouched Canadian wilderness
- Day trip to the Nemaiah Valley for watching wild horses and hiking at Chilko Lake
- 7 nights accommodation in the Big Creek Lodge
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Types
5 days with instruction in English
Average daily hours of activity: 5
Accommodation
Facilities
- Hot tub / Jacuzzi
- Garden
- Multilingual staff
- Restaurant
- Smoke-free property
- Terrace
- Free bicycle
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Parking lot
- Wireless internet
The four-star lodge, including the ranch with about 20 horses, is beautifully situated over the Big Creek. All lodge rooms and the suite are cozy and comfortably furnished. Bathrooms with shower and hairdryer, and underfloor heating are standard. King-size, queen-size, double or twin beds. Most rooms have balconies or terraces, some have large panoramic windows. One beautiful suite and two cabins are bookable on request. Free Wi-Fi is available, as well as a wide range of books and games and an outdoor hot tub.
Program
Surrounded by pristine forests, rivers, wide meadows and hidden lakes, the trail rides focus on experiencing the wilderness from the saddle. Riding routes lead along the river, through mountain terrain and forests, across open grasslands and to scenic viewpoints — each trail offering its own character.
There is a herd of around 20 well-trained, friendly horses, including very beginner-friendly horses. Horses and riding groups are carefully matched based on experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Experienced wranglers guide all rides. Guests prepare their horses with the wranglers, catching, grooming, and saddling, followed by a brief introduction in the arena.
Trail rides last approximately 3–5 hours, depending on the route, terrain and riding pace, and include a scenic lunch break with a prepared lunch box.
The goal is for you to feel safe, comfortable and fully immersed in the landscape, creating a memorable riding experience in this remote part of British Columbia.
Included excursions
Day trip to the Nemaiah Valley
The day trip takes you by car through stunning landscapes into the remote Nemaiah Valley, home to a large population of wild horses. Along the way, there are several scenic stops to look for horses and enjoy photo opportunities.
While sightings can never be guaranteed, there are over 1,000 wild horses living in the valley, and so far there has been a 100% success rate on the trips.
The destination is Chilko Lake, a vast and impressive mountain lake surrounded by wilderness. Here you enjoy a picnic with a pre-packed lunch box and have time for a walk along the shoreline. In summer, the brave can even take a swim in the ice-cold waters of the lake.
Location
Big Creek Lodge is situated almost at the end of the road in the heart of the Chilcotin, Cariboo region of British Columbia, Canada with nothing but miles of wilderness and ranching country all around you; surrounded by crystal-clear rivers, scenic lakes, open pastures, and pristine forests. The closest city is Williams Lake, 2 hours away, which gives the guests the perfect opportunity to slow down, forget the stress of city life and enjoy nature on experienced horses.
Food
You will be served daily home-cooked meals in the lodge kitchen and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks included in the price. The all-inclusive home-style country kitchen serves delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Hearty lunchboxes can be packed for your trail rides, daily excursions, and other activities you take part in.
- 09:00 Breakfast
- 13:00 Lunch
- 18:30 Dinner
Big Creek Lodge is able to cater to your dietary requests to an extend. Vegetarian options available, lactose-free and gluten-free meals can be planned, please note that due to just one kitchen, meals for people with high allergies like celiac disease cannot be provided. Please inform them of your requirements upon booking and they will be happy to ensure a tasty menu.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
Kayak Rental
There are four one-person kayaks for rent, perfect for a relaxing paddle or a quiet fishing trip on Fletcher Lake. Gliding across the calm water is a peaceful way to experience the surrounding wilderness and take in the stillness of the lake.
Life jackets as well as lunch boxes are provided, and kayak rental can easily be combined with fishing equipment and/or a transfer to the lake, making it a simple and flexible day trip.
Ideal for guests looking to slow down, enjoy nature and spend some quiet time on the water.
ATV Rental
For a bit of quad action, guests can use the two ATVs — a one-seater and a two-seater (Polaris Sportsman models). They’re perfect for exploring the backcountry independently and at your own pace.
Fuel is included, and the team is happy to recommend scenic routes, such as a ride to Kloakut Lake, a remote and often deserted mountain lake.
For longer trips, a pre-packed lunch box can be provided.
A valid driver’s license is required, and riders must be at least 16 years old.
Ideal for guests looking to add some adventure and freedom to their stay.
Williams Lake Stampede
Experience a full day at one of Canada’s most famous rodeos, featuring professional competitions, authentic cowboy action and a lively festival atmosphere. Throughout the day, enjoy various rodeo shows alongside food stands and vendor booths. In the evening, the event turns into a country party with live music and a true western spirit.
The Williams Lake Stampede takes place in the last week of June. For guests staying at the lodge, transfers to and from the event are offered, making it easy to enjoy the day without worrying about transportation.
A must-see event for anyone wanting to experience real cowboy culture in British Columbia.
What's included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 5 trail riding days
- 1 full-day trip to the Nemaiah Valley
- Breakfast and dinner
- At lunchtime a light meal (for example soup, sandwich or snack) or lunch box, depending on the day’s schedule
- All non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
- Use of lodge facilities, hot tub, game room, fire pit, mountain bikes, etc.
- Taxes
What's not included
- Alcohol
- Additional activities
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities
- Single room supplement fee (61 CAD per lodge room or 71 CAD per suite per night, including taxes)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 190 per person
Williams Lake Airport
98 km away from your destination
Airport transfer
Please book your flight to arrive at Williams Lake Airport (YWL). Airport transfers are available only Wednesdays and Saturdays for the following fees:
- 262.50 CAD plus taxes for the first person
- 189.00 CAD plus taxes for additional persons
Driving directions
- The lodge is located 2 hours from Williams Lake; please note that there is no phone service / signal between Williams Lake and the ranch
- Two routes available: either via Hanceville (more highway, less gravel road) or Farewell canyon (more gravel road but nicer viewpoint)
- More information about the route on request
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
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