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October 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Golden, Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding in Golden can be done for as little as one hour, or as long as 4 days.
August 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Quesnel, Horseback Riding
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When he rode to the Anahim Lake Stampede in 1977, Dale Dunn and a group of his friends were hosted overnight by the legendary Pan Phillips at his fish camp on the Blackwater River. From 24 June to 14 July 2009, Dale and Yvonne Dunn led a horseback trek from Titetown Lake to Anahim Lake and return. During this trek we had the pleasure of visiting Pan's son Robbie and his wife Linda at the Pan Phillips Fish Camp, which they continue to operate on a year-round basis. Robbie and Linda were extremely gracious hosts who invited us into their home (and main lodge), which is replete with memorabilia extolling the life and times of Pan Phillips. Anyone who has read the numerous books about Pan's life and adventures would relish a visit to the Pan Phillips Fish Camp, as would anyone wishing to avail themselves of the magnificent fishing opportunities afforded by the Blackwater River. The accompanying photo shows (left to right) Linda Phillips, Yvonne Dunn, Robbie Phillips and Dale Dunn with the main lodge in the background.
July 29, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Quesnel, Horseback Riding
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In 1977 Dale Dunn and a group of friends rode from the family ranch, just west of Quesnel, to attend the 41st annual Anahim Lake Stampede. That year, 57 head of horses were ridden or driven to Anahim Lake on this annual pilgrimage. Significantly, at one of their overnight stops, they were hosted by the legendary Pan Phillips at his fly-in fish camp on the Blackwater River. Over the years the number of visitors arriving by horse for the Stampede steadily declined until they were just a memory. This year Dale and Yvonne Dunn, owners of the Blackwater Spruce Ranch, organized and led the first horse-powered expedition to Anahim Lake in over 20 years. I had the distinct pleasure of participating in this almost historic adventure. Leaving from their property on Titetown Lake on 24 June, three wagons and nine riders (15 people, 17 horses and two dogs) crossed the Euchineko River and picked up the old wagon road to Kluskus and beyond. Ten days later on 3 July, after riding and driving almost 200 miles, we arrived, somewhat trail-worn, at Anahim Lake. Enroute we visited Robbie and Linda Phillips, who live year-round at, and still operate Pan Phillips' fish camp. Five miles further on we camped overnight at the famous, but now deserted, Home Ranch. Many of the other ranches along the trail have also been deserted over the years, but Jim Chadwell, and Walter and Norah Lambert still pursue their traditional lifestyles on the interior plateau. Our welcome at Anahim Lake could not possibly have been any warmer, and the 73rd annual Anahim Lake Stampede provided a much appreciated and truly memorable interlude, after which we retraced our route back to Titetown Lake. The horses, refreshed after their two day respite, were quick to recognize that their noses were now pointed east, and as a result the return trip was completed in just nine days. I characterized this trip as an expedition, and not by accident. We camped out nightly, experienced a wide variety of weather conditions, crossed and recrossed the Euchineko and Blackwater Rivers, cleared deadfalls, repaired wagons and a bridge, shod horses and just generally lived a lifestyle that most can only read about. Dale and Yvonne did a truly amazing job of planning and conducting this adventure, and everyone who participated in it has lived a piece of history. This was an amazing trip and it ought to be on the "bucket list" of every horse person who truly wishes to re-live a long-forgotten, and much simpler lifestyle.
July 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Smithers, Horseback Riding
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For a great view of Hudson Bay Mountain It’s a family owned business of experienced riders. Beginner riders can enjoy trail rides ranging from 1 hour to 4 hours, but riders with more experience can enjoy 5-7 hour trail rides, even overnight trips. With a few quick riding commands and tips you’re ready to follow behind the lead riders through a variety of landscapes from tall grass fields, to dense forested areas to wide mountain top ridges. The view is spectacular once you and your trusty stead reach the lookout points along the Bulkly Ranges of the Hazelton Mountains If you happen to be camping while in the Smithers/Telkwa area, Tyhee Provincial Park Telkwa High Rd.
Jen
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Us > 100 Mile House, Horseback Riding
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As a Brit, cowboys have always conjured up images of John Wayne or the Marlboro Man ads of the 70s. I finally got to meet the real thing at Crystal Waters guest ranch in the Cariboo.
Taking time off around Canada Day, my fiancé and I drove up from Vancouver to Whistler, taking in the colourful Canada Day parade there, before heading up over the Duffy Lake road to Lillooet and onto Highway 97 – the Gold Rush Trail. From towering peaks around Pemberton, the landscape flattened into gently rolling hills as we entered the Cariboo region . Turning right onto highway 24 at 100 Mile House, we arrived at Crystal Waters to be greeted warmly and shown our rustic cabin at the edge of Crystal Lake.
We were truly among real-life cowboys ‘n’ girls. Stetsons, big buckle-belts, blue jeans and pointy boots were the order of the day. Jokes came thick and fast around the dinner table, while home-cooked food was hearty and good old-fashioned family values prevailed.
As newbies we were given the gentlest of their handsome horses to ride – and bumped along like sacks of potatoes behind our guide (appreciating the more comfortable Western-style saddles). The ranch encompasses the Rayburn River Wetlands (a Ducks Unlimited project) and we spotted fluffy goslings, a beaver dam and all kinds of birds. Underfoot, a carpet of wildflowers provided bursts of colour (lupins, roses, Indian Paintbrush and Arnica). We learnt how the ranch cattle are susceptible to wolves, bears and coyotes – a tough job to look after them all. Guests are encouraged to get involved in the workings of this ranch, rounding up cattle, branding and even mucking out stables.
Home on the range, activities included games of horseshoe, canoeing or kayaking around Crystal Lake, swimming, fishing for trout or simply lazing in deck chairs and gazing at the resident bald eagle and osprey through binoculars. Stories were swapped around the fire pit at night and fellow guests admitted they couldn’t bear to leave. In fact many have been returning for over a decade.
July 8, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Anahim Lake, Horseback Riding
The Itcha Ilgachuz mountains are absolutely spectacular! Especially when you travel on horseback. I went on a Pack Trip last weekend based out of Escott Bay Resort on Anahim Lake. We took three riding horses and four pack horses up to camp which we got set up for the summer. The trail really was good, I've seen it a lot worse this time of year. Except for a couple of the swamps and creeks we had to cross it was very nice and dry.
It took a good part of the day to get up to the camp and once everything was set up we cooked some chili over the campfire.
The next day we got a chance to go for a beautiful ride up high into the alpine. It was the most gorgeous day and besides getting to see the most incredible scenery we were lucky enough to come across a large herd of caribou! It was absolutely beautiful. We watched them for quite a while, not trying to disturb them, but it was them coming closer to us. They really are very curious animals and didn't mind us there at all.
What is so special about the Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park is that there is no road access at all, except for hiking/ horse trails. So you're definitely off the beaten paths, just like a lot of places in the West Chilcotin backcountry.
It was a great trip, hopefully will get a chance to get up into those mountains again this summer!
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Horseback Riding
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The morning after our stay at Free Rein Ranch, our host took us out on a 2 hour trail ride. We had the opportunity not only to ride, but also to catch our own horses, prepare and saddle them as well. That was a pretty cool experience. Apparently for guests who stay they quite a bit of time are taught a whole bunch about horsemanship and riding. Would have been cool to spend more time learning!
The ride we took was quite pleasant and gentle, but we saw quite a bit. From rolling farm lands, to a little creek bed and heavy wooded areas, the scenery was every changing and quite relaxing. My horse, Casper, was as 'friendly' as can be and I really enjoyed having the chance to ride again after many years of not riding. Hey, and they even suited us up with real cowboy boots!!
May 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Horseback Riding
For years my wife has been trying to convince me to go on a horse riding vacation, but I was always more than a little reluctant to agree because of a couple of bad experiences I had when I was younger. Finally after some coaxing she convinced me to try it out.
I've always had a fondness for the Cariboo after spending a few years as a youth growing up at 92 mile on highway 97. So we did a little research and found Free Rein Guestranch at Bridge Lake, it looked perfect, and it was! When we arrived we received a very warm welcome from our hosts Kathy and Finlay (and of course little Benny their pet dog)and were shown our accomodation for the week, a great little log cabin that was just right for the four of us. I love log cabins and this was perfect, located nicely right in front of the lake with a great porch for just sitting and taking in the view.
If you like birds and bird watching the amount of different birds on the property is unbelievable. Once we were settled in, Debbie (the owner/host/wrangler) and Mervin (the wrangler) wasted no time in getting us familiar with the horses. They carefully chose horses for us that would be compatible with our riding skills (mine being zero!), and had us enter the corral, and approach and harness our own horses. Letting me do this on my own quickly made me realize that horses aren't big scary monsters that are out to kill me, but really amazing animals. Although I wasn't successful at actually catching the horse they had chosen for me, just being among them did me a world of good in getting over my anxieties. They then had us groom the horses to get us comfortable around them and letting them get to know us.
In the evening we all sat together for a homecooked meal and discussed the days events and what we wanted to do during our stay. After dinner we played some snooker and darts and enjoyed getting to know our hosts. The following days and nights were fantastic, consisting of training and horsemanship and some trail rides, some trails were easy and relaxing others were more challenging with steep hills and water crossings. We also tried our hand at barrel racing in the riding arena. Mealtimes and evenings were very enjoyable with great conversation and enjoyable activities. My wife and two children 12 and 14 had an excellent time and didn't want to leave, we actually ended up staying an extra night. All in all I found this trip to be very therapeutic, the best vacation I've ever had and I would highly recommend Free Rein Guest Ranch to everyone! And this is coming from someone who wasn't very fond of horses. The hosts are excellent and make you feel right at home and the surroundings are spectacular. I wish we had had more time to enjoy all of the activities that were available, maybe next time.
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Williams Lake, Horseback Riding
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Chezacut Wilderness Adventures Guest Ranch is a must stop when travelling on Highway 20. This guest ranch retreat is the perfect place to ‘Get Away’…literally. Located 7.5 km off the main highway and 150 km west of Williams Lake, when you are here you are really away. The western accommodations and unique organic food is a great way to experience living off the land. I definitely tried some unique foods during my short stay…ask about the juice it is like something I have never seen!
The horsemanship lessons are really what the whole experience is about. Dominique is absolutely amazing with the horses and with us silly humans. She is very patient and descriptive when trying to explain the lessons. Our few hours spent with the horses were very interesting. We learned how to communicate with the horses; how to get them to back up, come forward, pivot on their back and front legs, how to run in a circle around you, and how to load them into a trailer. The most amazing thing I found was the simplicity in the ways to communicate with them. Dominique has trained them so well that when I simply stared at his rear end my horse would stop what he was doing and stand right in front of me, just amazing!
This is a great time for anyone, horse lovers and those who have never even touched a horse. Dominique is a superb teacher and will help you master the skills needed in your own time!
May 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Hudson's Hope, Horseback Riding
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The drive into Hudson's Hope from Fort St. John is one of my favourites. As the road sharply descends into the Peace River Valley, the view of the surrounding countryside and the river snaking through it is really stunning.
We had the chance to explore the area on horseback and it was a great experience. Our guide from Williston Lake Resort took us on a trail ride and picnic lunch. We started near the shore of Williston Lake, about 10km north of the lodge and spent a few hours riding in the hills that surround the lake. I'm a novice rider and hadn't been on a horse in 10 years so I was glad that my horse Sugar knew the route well! We crossed fast running streams and climbed steep hills without any problems. It was a relaxing afternoon and I can't wait to do it again!
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