Premier Listings: Horseback Riding: Cariboo, Chilcotin, Coast
Horses are permitted on many of the trails leading from the Rainbow Range trailhead in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, 18.6 miles (30 km) west of Anahim Lake. The Rainbow Range Trail heads north from Hwy 20 near the park’s eastern boundary, leading to an alpine environment. The trails starts in a lodgepole pine forest and climbs through stands of whitebark pine and alpine fir to a small alpine lake, offering an excellent viewpoint of the multihued Rainbow Range. Other trails in the area include the Octopus Lake Trail, the Crystal Lake Trail, and the Capoose Trail.
The Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail can also be travelled on horseback. Designated as the first heritage trail in British Columbia in 1985, the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail is gaining international recognition among travellers who wish to make a three-week trip along this historic route. The trail includes local wagon roads, provincial highways, forest access roads, rivers, and coastal waterways.
The trail follows the route of Alexander Mackenzie, who trekked overland and by canoe from Lake Athabaska in 1793 on behalf of the North West Company in search of a trade route to the Pacific. His journey took him 72 days and covered over 1,240 miles of unmapped terrain. When he reached his westernmost terminus he painted a memorial to his labours on what is now called Mackenzie’s Rock in the small provincial park named after him in Dean Channel. Since portions of this trail may be on or near private property, including Native reserves, trekkers should check with the BC Parks district Office in Williams Lake regarding access. Staff there can also supply information on current maps, local conditions, and available guides.
You’ll also find good riding on the Puntzi Lake trails, 4.3 miles (7 km) north of Hwy 20, about 35 miles (60 km) west of Alexis Creek. Explore the badlands of the Chilcotin Plateau on trails in the vicinity of Farwell Canyon – look at ancient hoodo rock formations and Native rock pictographs.
Premier Listings
Big Bar Guest Ranch
Biographical Info
Our awe-inspiring scenery has distinguished Big Bar Guest Ranch by being rated as 1 of Canada’s Top 10 Most Scenic Rides, offering year-round horse riding and a variety of seasonal activities. Accommodations include guest rooms, self-contained log cabins overlooking the lake, teepees and campsites. Open year-round.
