Horseback riding through the mountains of British Columbia

Guided Trail Rides & Guest Ranches

Horseback Riding in BC

From Okanagan vineyard trails to Chilcotin wilderness pack trips — BC's horseback riding experiences range from gentle family outings to multi-day backcountry adventures.

10 Operators

Across BC

8 Regions

Covered

All Skill Levels

Beginner to Expert

Year-Round

Some operators

British Columbia is one of the world's great horseback riding destinations. Whether you're after a gentle vineyard trail ride in the Okanagan, a multi-day wilderness pack trip through the Chilcotin, or a forest ride in the shadow of Whistler's peaks — BC has terrain and operators to match every rider and every dream.

Copper Horse Riding — Kelowna, OkanaganOkanagan1

Copper Horse Riding

4.8
Kelowna, Okanagan

Ride through sun-drenched Okanagan vineyards and orchards with stunning views of Okanagan Lake. Copper Horse offers guided trail rides for all skill levels — from first-timers to experienced riders. Their gentle, well-trained horses make this a perfect family outing. Sunset rides through the vineyard landscape are especially popular in summer.

Vineyard & orchard trailsOkanagan Lake viewsAll skill levels welcomeSunset rides availableFamily friendly

Tours Offered

  • › 1-hour intro ride
  • › 2-hour vineyard trail
  • › Sunset ride (2 hrs)
  • › Private group rides

Quick Info

From:$65 / person
April – October
2550 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC
(250) 762-8156
Whistler Horseback Adventures — Whistler, Sea to SkySea to Sky2

Whistler Horseback Adventures

4.9
Whistler, Sea to Sky

Explore the ancient forests and alpine meadows surrounding Whistler on horseback. Guided rides wind through old-growth cedar and fir, crossing mountain streams with views of Whistler and Blackcomb peaks. A magical contrast to the ski resort bustle — peaceful, unhurried, and deeply connected to the land. Evening rides under the summer sky are unforgettable.

Old-growth forest trailsMountain stream crossingsWhistler & Blackcomb viewsEvening ridesYear-round (weather permitting)

Tours Offered

  • › 1-hour forest ride
  • › 2-hour mountain trail
  • › Half-day alpine ride
  • › Private rides

Quick Info

From:$79 / person
May – October
Function Junction, Whistler, BC
(604) 932-6623
Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch — Gold Bridge, ChilcotinCariboo Chilcotin3

Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch

4.9
Gold Bridge, Chilcotin

One of BC's most celebrated guest ranches, Chilcotin Holidays sits in the heart of the wild Chilcotin plateau — a landscape of sweeping grasslands, glacier-fed lakes, and big sky country. Multi-day pack trips take riders deep into the Spruce Lake Protected Area, camping under the stars and waking to mountain silence. A true wilderness horseback experience unlike anything else in Canada.

Multi-day wilderness pack tripsSpruce Lake Protected AreaCattle drive experiencesBackcountry campingAll-inclusive ranch stays

Tours Offered

  • › Day rides
  • › 3-day pack trip
  • › 5-day wilderness expedition
  • › Cattle drive week
  • › All-inclusive ranch packages

Quick Info

From:$120 / person
June – September
Gun Creek Road, Gold Bridge, BC V0K 1P0
(250) 238-2274
Kootenay Wilderness Rides — Nelson, KootenaysKootenays4

Kootenay Wilderness Rides

4.7
Nelson, Kootenays

Ride through the dramatic Kootenay mountain landscape — dense forests, rushing rivers, and panoramic ridge views above Nelson. These guided trail rides explore terrain that few visitors ever see on foot, with knowledgeable guides sharing the history and ecology of this spectacular region. Perfect for riders who want something more adventurous than a resort trail ride.

Panoramic ridge trailsKootenay River valley viewsSmall group sizesExperienced local guidesPhotography-friendly pace

Tours Offered

  • › 2-hour valley ride
  • › Half-day ridge ride
  • › Full-day backcountry
  • › Sunset dinner ride

Quick Info

From:$75 / person
May – October
Nelson, BC V1L
(250) 354-4441
Fraser Valley Horse Treks — Agassiz, Fraser ValleyFraser Valley5

Fraser Valley Horse Treks

4.6
Agassiz, Fraser Valley

Nestled between the Fraser River and the Cascade Mountains, Fraser Valley Horse Treks offers scenic trail rides through lush farmland, riverside paths, and forested hillsides. Just 90 minutes from Vancouver, this is the most accessible horseback riding destination in the Lower Mainland. Beginner lessons, pony rides for children, and longer guided treks are all available.

90 min from VancouverRiver & farmland trailsBeginner lessonsPony rides for kidsMountain backdrop views

Tours Offered

  • › Pony rides (kids)
  • › 1-hour intro ride
  • › 2-hour river trail
  • › Half-day farm & forest
  • › Lessons available

Quick Info

From:$55 / person
March – November
7450 Lougheed Highway, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
(604) 796-2688
Big Bar Guest Ranch — Clinton, CaribooCariboo6

Big Bar Guest Ranch

4.8
Clinton, Cariboo

A legendary BC guest ranch operating since 1898, Big Bar sits in the heart of the Cariboo on 20,000 acres of grassland and forest. Guests are matched with their own horse for the duration of their stay, riding out each day on trails that wind through canyon country, open range, and pine forest. Cattle drives, roping lessons, and campfire cookouts complete the authentic ranch experience.

20,000 acres of riding terrainYour own horse for the stayCattle drive experiencesRoping & ranch skillsAll-inclusive packages

Tours Offered

  • › Daily guided rides
  • › Cattle drive participation
  • › Half-day canyon rides
  • › Multi-day ranch stays
  • › Roping lessons

Quick Info

From:$95 / person
May – October
Big Bar Road, Clinton, BC V0K 1K0
(250) 459-2333
Arrowsmith Riding Centre — Parksville, Vancouver IslandVancouver Island7

Arrowsmith Riding Centre

4.7
Parksville, Vancouver Island

Explore the forests and farmland of central Vancouver Island on horseback, with the Beaufort Mountain Range as your backdrop. Arrowsmith Riding Centre caters to all ages and abilities, with certified instructors for lessons and experienced guides for trail rides. The lush Island landscape — towering Douglas fir, fern-carpeted forest floors, and ocean glimpses — makes every ride feel like an adventure.

Beaufort Mountain viewsCertified instructorsOcean glimpses on trailAll ages & abilitiesLessons & trail rides

Tours Offered

  • › Beginner lessons
  • › 1-hour forest trail
  • › 2-hour mountain view ride
  • › Private group rides
  • › Kids programs

Quick Info

From:$60 / person
Year-round
1240 Alberni Highway, Parksville, BC V9P 2H3
(250) 248-6443
Sundance Guest Ranch — Ashcroft, Kamloops AreaThompson Okanagan8

Sundance Guest Ranch

4.8
Ashcroft, Kamloops Area

Sundance Guest Ranch sits in the dramatic dry interior canyon country near Ashcroft — a landscape of sagebrush, ponderosa pine, and the mighty Thompson River. Riders explore canyon rim trails with breathtaking views, open grassland gallops, and riverside paths. The ranch offers everything from 1-hour rides to week-long all-inclusive stays with daily riding, swimming, and campfire evenings.

Canyon rim trailsThompson River viewsOpen grassland gallopsAll-inclusive ranch staysSwimming pool & activities

Tours Offered

  • › 1-hour canyon ride
  • › 2-hour river trail
  • › Half-day ride
  • › Full-day adventure
  • › Weekly ranch packages

Quick Info

From:$70 / person
April – October
Sundance Ranch Road, Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0
(250) 453-2422
Pemberton Riding Adventures — Pemberton, Sea to SkySea to Sky9

Pemberton Riding Adventures

4.7
Pemberton, Sea to Sky

Ride through the spectacular Pemberton Valley — a broad glacial valley ringed by snow-capped peaks, with the Lillooet River winding through potato farms and wildflower meadows. Just 30 minutes north of Whistler, Pemberton offers a quieter, more authentic BC experience. Trail rides wind past working farms, through birch groves, and up to viewpoints overlooking the entire valley.

Pemberton Valley panoramasGlacier-capped mountain viewsBirch grove & meadow trails30 min from WhistlerFarm & wilderness combo

Tours Offered

  • › Valley floor ride (1 hr)
  • › Meadow & mountain (2 hrs)
  • › Half-day farm trail
  • › Sunset valley ride
  • › Private group rides

Quick Info

From:$72 / person
May – October
Pemberton Meadows Road, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0
(604) 894-5200
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge Rides — Bella Coola, Northern BCNorthern BC10

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge Rides

4.9
Bella Coola, Northern BC

For the ultimate BC wilderness horseback experience, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge offers guided rides through Tweedsmuir Provincial Park — BC's largest provincial park and one of the most remote and spectacular landscapes on earth. Rides follow ancient First Nations trails through old-growth rainforest, past grizzly bear habitat, and along the Atnarko River. A bucket-list ride for serious adventurers.

BC's largest provincial parkAncient First Nations trailsGrizzly bear countryOld-growth rainforestRemote wilderness experience

Tours Offered

  • › Half-day wilderness ride
  • › Full-day backcountry
  • › Multi-day expeditions
  • › Grizzly viewing combo
  • › Lodge & ride packages

Quick Info

From:$110 / person
June – September
Atnarko River Road, Bella Coola, BC V0T 1C0
(250) 982-2402

Before You Ride

Tips for Horseback Riding in BC

Book Ahead

Popular operators fill up fast in July and August. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance for summer rides, especially at guest ranches.

What to Wear

Long pants and closed-toe shoes are essential. Helmets are provided by most operators. Layers are recommended for mountain rides.

Skill Level

Always be honest about your experience. Most operators have horses suited to every level — beginners are always welcome.

Weight Limits

Most operators have a weight limit of 230–250 lbs (105–115 kg) for the welfare of the horses. Check with your operator when booking.

Best Season

June through September is peak season. Spring and fall offer quieter trails and beautiful colours. Some Vancouver Island operators ride year-round.

Photography

Bring a camera or phone in a secure pocket. Ask your guide for the best photo stops — they know exactly where the views are most spectacular.

Plan Your BC Horseback Adventure

Find a motel near your chosen riding destination and make a full BC adventure of it.