Skip to main content

A Guide to Horseback Riding in Nature’s Heartland

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa | Blake Jorgenson

Riding a horse through Nature’s Heartland in central British Columbia is an intimate way to experience nature and wildlife.

With a little horse power and a local guide, you can ride through wildflower meadows, traverse alpine terrain, or trot along the lakeshore. On horseback, you can travel much farther than on foot or bike, which makes it easier to access remote areas with few other souls. Far from the noise of the road, the only sounds are the rhythm of hooves, a distant river canyon, or the call of an eagle.

From ranches to rodeos, central BC is a horseback-riding haven where you can follow the time-worn tracks of Indigenous trade routes and the historic Cariboo Gold Rush Trail. Wedged between the Chilcotin Mountains in the west and the Cariboo Mountains in the east, Nature’s Heartland feels otherworldly. Mineral-streaked landscapes shaped by ancient volcanoes and scarred by glaciers are sparsely dotted with ranching communities and outposts, creating a terrain built for horseback. 

So, don your cowboy hat; it’s time to saddle up and hit the horse trails.

Take the Reins: How To Go Horseback Riding in Central BC

Guided horseback riding tours in Nature’s Heartland range from two-hour guided trail rides to 10-day backcountry pack trips. Many guest ranches and lodges offer half-day or full-day trail rides, where you can canter through horse trails with scenic stops for snacks and wildlife viewing. At day’s end, you can return to cozy accommodation with a chef-prepared meal.

If you’re craving a more challenging adventure, multi-day horsepacking expeditions bring you deep into the backcountry of central British Columbia. These trips range from two to 10 days and include a range of rustic accommodation, from basic base camp shelters to tents, or even sleeping under the stars. Pack up a traditional cowboy bedroll, eat hearty camp food, and rough it just like the olden days. The stars alone are worth the trip.

Saddle Up & Stay: Ranches & Lodges in Nature’s Heartland

Nature’s Heartland is home to half of the guest ranches in British Columbia. Stay in a charming cabin, where you can roll up your sleeves and help around the ranch under the guidance of a skilled cowhand or head off on a guided horseback riding adventure. In the off hours, kick off your boots and enjoy a home-cooked meal and sauna. There are also plenty of other activities in and around your accommodations, including hiking, mountain biking, local eateries and breweries.

A queen size bed inside a log cabin at the Big Bar Guest Ranch. A window next to the bed is open letting in the air and light.
Big Bar Guest Ranch | Jordan Dyck

Here are a few ranches and lodges to hop on a horse in Nature’s Heartland: 

  • Taseko Adventures – Deep in the Chilcotin Mountains, about 200 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake, this remote wilderness lodge offers ranch-based trail rides for beginners alongside multi-day guided pack horse expeditions into spectacular alpine backcountry. Perfect for multi-day backcountry riding tours.

  • Big Creek Lodge – A year-round guest ranch in the heart of the Chilcotin, about two hours southwest of Williams Lake. With a 25,000-acre range, the lodge offers daily guided trail rides, multi-day pack trips to a wilderness camp, and the chance to spot wild horses, bears, and eagles. Open year-round, it’s also a winter destination for snowshoeing and wildlife viewing. Perfect for year-round adventures and trail rides that immerse you in rugged wilderness. 
  • Big Bar Guest Ranch – Nestled on 102 acres near Clinton, BC, the ranch is owned and operated by the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, a Secwépemc community. Stay in a log cabin, a tipi, or historic inn and enjoy a variety of activities, including trail rides, mountain biking, and hiking. Perfect for accessing a variety of outdoor adventures at an Indigenous-owned ranch with deep cultural roots.  
  • Flying U Ranch – Canada’s oldest guest ranch, near 70 Mile House, has welcomed riders for over a century. Saddle up for horseback riding across 60,000 acres of open trails, then return to a private log cabin and lodge dining on the shores of Green Lake. Perfect for beginner riders and shorter trail rides.

  • Watch Lake Lodge – A family-owned lodge on the Cariboo Plateau near 70 Mile House, Watch Lake Lodge is home to Dimps Horn, one of the locals featured in the Nature’s Heartland video series. With rustic cabins, horseback rides, and small cattle drives, it offers an authentic taste of ranch life that has been in the family since the 1950s. Perfect for experiencing daily life on a working ranch.

  • Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort & Ranch –  An upscale ranch experience with access to 10,000 acres of wilderness riding near 70 Mile House. Ride with a private guide, then return to glamping tents, loft suites, or cabins. The ranch also offers farm-to-table dining, wellness programming, archery lessons, and bushcrafting. Perfect for those looking for luxurious lodging, complete with yoga and a wood-fired hot tub.  

Tips From the Trail

Find out what to pack and how to plan your horseback riding adventure:

  • No prior experience is needed to go horseback riding in Nature’s Heartland. Guest ranches and tour operators across the Cariboo offer guided rides for all ability levels, from first-time riders to experienced equestrians. Contact your operator ahead of time to discuss your comfort level so they can match you with the right horse and ride.
  • Wear long pants like jeans or leggings, and closed-toe boots with a small heel to keep your foot secure in the stirrup. Layers are recommended, as temperatures in central BC can shift throughout the day. Most operators provide helmets, and sunscreen and a hat are good to have for summer rides.
  • Book early for multi-day pack trips during peak summer months, as group sizes are small and availability is limited. For long expeditions, you may even need to book more than one year ahead. Ask your operator about any requirements, what's included, and whether you'll need a vehicle suited for gravel roads to reach the ranch.
  • The riding season in Nature's Heartland typically runs from May through October, with the warmest and driest conditions between June and September. Early fall offers autumn leaves, quieter trails, and cooler temperatures. Some guest ranches also offer winter riding, though options are more limited.
  • Central British Columbia is located along some of BC’s most scenic stretches of highway. The easiest way to get to the Cariboo-Chilcotin area is to drive or fly: 
    • Drive: There are three main roadways: Highway 99 (the Sea-to-Sky Highway), Highway 97, and Highway 20 (also known as the Chilcotin Highway or Freedom Highway). Follow Drivebc.ca for real-time updates on highway conditions.
    • Fly: You can also fly into the region via Prince George Airport (YXS), Quesnel Regional Airport (YQZ), and Williams Lake Regional Airport. Car or RV rentals will likely be required to get around, though some guest houses offer airport transfers. Remote lodges may also offer a floatplane charter option.

Learn more about Nature's Heartland

Visit Page