A horsebak tril ride located at the north end of Chilko Lake
- Comfortable accommodation
- High quality meals
- Wonderful landscapes
- Our agent in Canada available for your assistance and in case of emergency with a toll-free number and Whatsapp!
49.613930118668, -115.786996
The remote wilderness lodge and base for this trip is located at the north end of Chilko Lake, British Columbia, the gateway to Ts'yl-os Park. This is the dividing point between the stunning Coast Mountain range and the Chilcotin Plateau, where the crystal clear Chilko River winds its way down to the coastal watersheds. The area offers excellent riding country and superb world class fly fishing.Riding is a physical experience. It makes our senses come alive. It is the smell of a good horse, leather, the fresh scent of a pine or fir forest. It is the sound of cantering hooves, of crackling leaves, of horses snorting or a soft whinny. It is the sight of new country and spectacular vistas unexplored. It is the feeling of a strong animal beneath you, of you own strength and ability, and although few words are spoken, lines of communication between horse & rider are shared and understood. It’s the freedom to just ride for miles!
The Chilko Explorer Ride was designed for the intermediate to advanced rider looking for an exciting riding adventure in breathtaking country while enjoying the comforts of a wilderness lodge at night. The daily rides from the lodge offer a variety of riding experiences - ride up Mount Tulin and enjoy some of the most superb views over Chilko Lake - then explore the Chilcotin Plateau with its open grasslands, rolling hills, numerous small lakes, adjacent mountain peaks with unmatched vistas and a couple hundred miles of riding trails. You will love it!After an exhilarating day in the outdoors, you can play volleyball or horse-shoes, relax in the whirlpool on the front porch overlooking the Chilko Valley, or just relax in front of the large wood-burning fireplace exchanging stories with your fellow riders. Exceptional meals and fine wines are served family style. On one day during the week you will take part in a float trip down Chilko River or sightseeing boat ride up Chilko Lake.In late September and early October we are offering week long Grizzly Bear viewing and Photography classes in combination with a little time for riding through the fall landscape.
There is no more pure symbol of the Canadian wilderness than the grizzly bear and to see it in its natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. Our guided grizzly bear viewing vacations take advantage of the peak fall season when the bears are drawn to the Chilko River to feast on the bountiful salmon that fill its waters.The Chilko Valley has one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears during the peak season in the fall. It is not uncommon to see many large boar grizzly bears as well as many sow and cub combinations. It is exhilarating to see a mother grizzly passing her fishing knowledge down to her cubs and witnessing their first catch. Watching these wonderful bears playing and fishing in their natural environment is an experience you will never forget.
SEE ALL OUR EQUESTRIAN OFFER IN CANADA :
HORSEBACK RIDING TRAIL RIDE IN CANADA
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
A 9:30am charter flight takes you from Vancouver across the magnificent glaciers of the coastal mountains to Chilko Lake, where our host will greet you at the private landing strip of the ranch. After lunch and a short introduction, you get a chance to test your horse on an afternoon ride.
Day 2 (Monday): Green Lake Ride
After breakfast we ride through fir forests to Green Lake. Along the way we stop for a picnic at the lake. In the afternoon there are some wonderful opportunities to canter on soft forest trails.
Day 3 (Tuesday): Chilko River Ride
Today’s ride is along the Chilko River and through the forests. A mix of walking, trotting, and some great canters.
Day 4 (Wednesday): Mount Tulin Ride
We ride up the steep trails of Mount Tulin. The ride takes us through magnificent fir forests to the timberline. From the summit it takes a 20-minute hike to reach the top of the mountain. Soak in the panorama of the Coast Mountains and 55 mile long Chilko Lake with its turquoise waters and the breathtaking beauty of Tsylos Park.
Day 5 (Thursday): Chilko Lake Ride
One day during your stay the riders will head up beautiful Chilko Lake. Pristine Chilko Lake is the largest natural high mountain lake in North America. Surrounded by glaciers, rugged towering peaks, roaring creeks and rivers, waterfalls, and of course the wildlife. Due to the glacial silt, Chilko Lake has a gorgeous turquoise coloring. The views, whether looking down on her or up from her, are unbelievable. You might have a chance to visit the old mining cabin at Franklin Arm and hike up to the waterfalls, or hike to a secluded glacial lake.
Day 6 (Friday): Rollercoaster Ride
We enjoy many brisk canters across the Chilcotin plateau and along the Chilko river. Advanced riders will enjoy the "rollercoaster" rides on narrow, windy forest trails. Due to the fast pace of these rides you have to be able to develop a good feeling and communicate well with your horse. It is excellent for stretching your riding abilities and building your confidence. Both the horse and rider find it fun and challenging. But not to worry, the horses are well trained and easily controllable. We stop for a nice picnic by the river with its fast flowing waters.
Day 7 (Saturday): Henry's crossing Ride
A brisk ride takes you along the Chilko river to Henry's crossing. Enjoy a well deserved lunch break on the only bridge that spans the river. In September you can watch natives fishing for salmon here. In the afternoon we canter along the east side of the river to Canoe Crossing always with the whole mountain range in clear view. The horses swim across the river and freely gallop home while a boat ride takes you back to the ranch. In the evening a fabulous farewell dinner with barbecue awaits you.
Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
Return flight after breakfast or start of another wilderness ride.
* The itinerary may be changed if necessary.
MEETING:
Sunday morning Charter flight at 8:30 a.m. from Vancouver.
DEPARTURE:
Sunday morning after breakfast. Charter flight at 1 p.m. to Vancouver. Do not book a flight before 3:30 p.m.
CHRARTER FLIGHT FROM VANCOUVER:
± $900 round trip to pay upon registration.
FLIGHTS:
Flights to and from Vancouver are not included in our prices because it is generally more interesting to book your flights yourself, an inclusive flight package is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best rates or to offer you a trip including transport on request: free service.
RIDING LEVEL: 
All levels. Be comfortable on horseback at the three paces (walk/ trot/ canter) is recommended.
RYTHM:
You ride an average of 2-5 hours each day.
Trail rides are offered every morning and every afternoon:
- The first rides leave the ranch just after breakfast around 9:00-9:45 a.m. and return to the ranch for lunch.
- Afternoon rides leave the ranch between 1:00 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.
- Quick rides are offered to experienced riders after a full day of riding.
- Private and semi-private horse riding lessons are available for an additional fee.
The rides are for 4 to 6 people maximum, which gives the possibility of adapting each trip to your specific interest.
GROUPS:
Up to 6 riders/ group.
GUIDE:
Local English speaking guide. The guides love the outdoors, riding, and are experienced horse people. Your guide will show you the proper horse cues and show you how to tack your horse up. The guides can ensure that you are matched with the right horse for your riding ability and personality.
HORSES:The ranch is home to over 110 head of horses. The horses live on the ranch year round. The herd consists of approximately 80 guest horses, 20 performance horses, brood mares and new foals every spring. The ranch does not lease outside horses, this is for the protection of the herd, and the riders.The horse to guest ratio is almost 2-1, giving the Wrangler the ability to find you the perfect horse. While at the ranch your horse will be just that, your horse. Once the Wranglers have found your perfect horse, you will have the same horse and tack for the duration of your stay. Horses range from kids horses that Wrangler refer to as "bomb proof" too younger horses that are more suitable for more experienced riders. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished rider your perfect horse waiting for you.Performance Horse
Performance Horse The ranch is also home to Beckley Reining horses. Jesse Beckley, professional trainer, rides and trains performance horses at the ranch on a daily basis. Beckley Reining is home to some of the finest quarter horse blood lines in the world. Several of the performance horses are born and raised on the Ranch.
TACK:
Western saddles. If you have never ridden with Western tack or saddle, do not worry. They can help you make the transition from English riding to the Western riding style.
ACCOMMODATION: 
The wilderness log lodge provides a warm and welcoming gathering place to enjoy good times with your fellow travelers. Situated adjacent to the Chilko River, the location of the lodge and guest cabins all take advantage of offering you beautiful views of the river, valley, and the Coast Mountains. The lodge hosts the dining area, the great room with a big stone fireplace, a fully stocked bar of beer, wine, and spirits, Jacuzzi, barbecue area, and big decks. The lodge is a great place to share a drink, play a great game of cards, soak in the Jacuzzi over looking the river, or take advantage of the big deck while viewing millions of stars. Of course an option is to sit by the roaring fire sharing a great story of the day. Canoes and kayaks are also available for use.
Please note there is no cell phone reception or WIFI.
We have 3 log cabins and 4 rooms in the lodge to accommodate up to 16 guests (a mix of riders, fly fishers, or bear viewers. Riding groups are kept to 6 to 8 riders max). Each unit is set up for two people and offers private bathrooms, comfy beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets, gas fireplaces, or a wood burning stove. The accommodations are very comfortable. There is daily maid service to ensure that your room or cabin is kept comfortable for your stay at the lodge. We have a laundry machine available and clothesline at the lodge, which can be used in the evening- otherwise the cabin attendant can do laundry for a small fee.
MEALS:
All meals are included in this trip from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day. Life at the lodge is focused around the great outdoors.
The gathering of everyone for meals is a special time of the day. We serve all meals at the lodge "family style."
Wonderful Canadian breakfasts as well as fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts, and juices are served before you active day on the river, lake or trail.
Lunch is spent streamside, on top of a mountain, or wherever your wanderings have taken you, giving you total freedom throughout the day.
The evening meal is especially nice. After a great day, everyone can relax with a good dinner, a glass of wine, and great company, sharing stories from their adventures. Wonderful meat dishes, breads, salads, pastas, vegetables, delicious desserts and table wines are served. This is all "no guilt" eating, as your active day ahead needs the energy!
Another highlight is a fully stocked bar located within the lodge where you can purchase drinks for an extra fee. It is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while you sample tasty appetizers made by the in house chef. The bar is fully stocked with an assortment of spirits, beer and wines. Wine is included with dinner only.
2024 PRICE / PER PERSON *:
PSpring & Fall: 4150 €
Summer: 3750 €
Single bedroom supplement: 1350 €
Charter flight from/to Vancouver: ±900 $ (nous consult us)
Gratuities (mandatory): ±10% to pay locally
Booking fees: 15 €
* Prices are calculated on the basis of the $, they may vary downward or upward at the time of yourbooking depending on the $ / € exchange rate.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Horse and tack rental, guide, full board accommodation, wine during dinners, taxes uixcept local tax, the guarantee of your payments by our travel agent deposit.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Personal insurance, drinks, tips, transportation to/from the ranch, gratuities (mandatory), the charter flight (compulsory from/to Vancouver, alcoholic drinks, 77 $ local tax to be paid on site, anything not indicated in "the price includes".
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices - See information
Great team at the lodge, Femka our very friendly, competent, very attentive guide who immediately had to choose the horse that suited me, knowing them all very well and having correctly judged the character and equestrian skills of each.
My horse Shawny, excellent horse not easy to prepare, with blood ("spirited") at my request but very well educated mare who was well under orders so her whole character was perfect for me. Equipment very suitable and very well maintained.
Very good accommodation very comfortable and the chef is excellent so different meals every day and very very good, in very large quantities.
Super very sporty equestrian stay with the chance to have had good level teammates. We rode with 4 Americans of good level and very funny.
Wonderful week in British Columbia with an experienced instructor who found the right horse for each participant. Incredible and very well maintained horses. Perfect security management.
My horse, Koda was a great, very outgoing and dynamic mare on foot. I loved her. Western saddle in good condition.
Very pleasant lodge, beautiful room in an incredible environment. Karen and Josh our hosts are great as well as all the team (a mention for our cook).
I highly recommend this place at the end of the world in a splendid environment with exceptional horses and a wonderful welcome.