Northern British Columbia provides some of the most remote and spectacular horseback riding country in the world. Ride from backcountry cabin to cabin, passing some of the most intense, magnificent scenery you will ever see.
While horseback riding is the norm, some outfitters can supply llamas; these powerful, hardy animals are right at home on rugged wilderness trails.
Be sure to take a guide into these backcountry areas, as there are no designated trails. For some cowboy action, head to the Kispiox Valley Rodeo, which draws spectators and performers from across the country in June. Events include steer wrestling, calf roping, bull riding, ladies barrel racing and goat tying.
Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
In Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park, ride a sure-footed horse in extreme backcountry through one of BC's largest, and one of Canada's most remote, parks. The wildlife viewing is sensational. Bed down in a wilderness lodge one night, a log cabin the next, then sleep under the stars the following night. Reach high alpine ridges on a trail ride and go fly fishing and canoeing the same day. Keep a camera handy: the profusion of wildlife includes moose, caribou, stone sheep, grizzly and black bears.
Muskwa-Kechika Management Area
In Muskwa-Kechicha Management Area, saddle up for a single-day ride or a multi-day wilderness trip that includes fishing, canoeing, camping and wildlife viewing. Be prepared for rugged terrain; look for moose, caribou, stone sheep, mountain goats, wolves and grizzly bears. Camp out or bed down in a rustic cabin or luxurious wilderness lodge; fish for dinner in pristine rivers.
Guest Ranches
Many guest ranches double as multi-adventure resorts that offer fishing, glacier flight-seeing, hiking, mountain biking, river rafting and even gold panning. Some dude ranches are open in winter for horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, dogsledding and cross-country skiing. Meals, riding and other activities are typically included in one fixed price.
Herd cattle with experienced cowhands, feed farm animals, load hay and milk the cows at a working ranch, or go on a unique, multi-day pack trip in the wilderness. On pack trips, packhorses carry your camp and personal gear.
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