Restore Your Nature Deficit

“It’s a wild, Waltons-esque wonderland, the most exhilarating outdoorsy playground”
Conde Nast Traveller UK

Equestrian

It would be difficult to imagine a more lush and diverse landscape to explore and traverse on horseback.  Six popular outings, varying in length from one-half hour to seven hours, cover a vast range of terrain, including river valley meadow, old-growth forest, jurassic fern gardens, glacial river crossings, gentle ascent to an abandoned gold mine, and so much more.

Abandoned Gold Mine Entrance
Draft Horses Sleeping

A beautiful two-kilometre ride up valley from the Outpost, our main horse barn, paddocks and pasture are home to 24 horses for guest and guide use, plus a handful of retired veterans and two pair of Norwegian Drafts to pull the wagon.

Each morning, wranglers ride and guide the day’s contingent of on-duty horses, to a lower barn located within easy walking distance of guest tents.   The horses are tacked (Western - longer stirrups, comfortable seats, snaffle bits) and guests are suited up with supplied Western-style boots and gear, then set out across the valley bridge, up alder alley, past the turqouise blue pond, and off and away.
Tacking Up
Child Led on Horseback
Riders and horses are paired based on age and experience, and every effort is made to ensure that guests are challenged if they wish to be, or quietly guided if they prefer. Inexperienced riders receive excellent instruction before leaving the barn area.
Wranglers know the colourful, dramatic history of the area very well, and are more than happy to narrate as rides unfold.  For this reason, and for safety, we recommend smaller groups of riders, or one lead plus one rear guide horse per group.
Sammy in River Trail
Bear Dog Mickey
It is very common to see wildlife during outings, so we advise guests to stay aware, look ahead and around, and up into the forest canopy.  Resort bear dogs, along for the ride, take their duties pretty seriously and will tree any bear who happens by.
Ride Duration Difficulty Best Suited To
Horse 101 1 - 1.5 hrs Beginner Anyone and everyone who wants to partake. Includes hands-on intro to wrangling (safety, handling, grooming, saddling). A short ride focused on gaining and maintaining control of the horse, includes commands, gestures, behaviour.
Shorty Ride 0.5 - 1 hr Beginner or Advanced Beginner Ideally suited to the very young, tentative older riders, and riders recovering from an unfavourable experience on horseback.  This short, sweet and scenic ride along flat trails and terrain is designed to instill or regain confidence.
Classic Loop 1 - 2 hrs Beginner thru Intermediate A very popular family or couples ride, but can be adapted to suit anyone.   Opportunity to enjoy various scenery, cross rivers, and pick up the pace a bit, if desired.
Extended Loop 1.5 - 3 hrs Advanced Beginner thru Advanced For keeners wanting to see a bit more of the area, cross rivers, touch old-growth forest and lush fern gardens. More opportunities to pick-up the pace.
Gold Mine 2.5 - 3.5 hrs Keen Beginners thru Advanced Ideally suited for history buffs and committed riders who may have already experienced the Loop and extended Loop.  Varied terrain and forest switchback ascent to abandoned gold mine. Narrated tales of adventure, intrigue and treachery. Riders must be seven years of age unless approved by wranglers.
Ursus Valley 4 - 6 hrs Keen Beginners thru Advanced Suited to couples, older family groups of riders seeking a long and challenging ride through old-growth forest.  Opportunities for faster pace riding, swimming, photography, and short hikes. Gourmet backpack lunch provided. Riders must be 13 years of age unless approved by wranglers.
Custom Ride TBD Beginner thru Advanced If you’ve been dreaming of the ideal ride, or ride combined with an activity, picnic lunch or dinner - let us now and our wranglers will do their best to make your dream come true.