Horseback riding is a popular recreational activity out of Whistler and the Sea to Sky area, where guided trips take riders through the beautiful natural forests and remote wilderness surrounding Whistler, the Squamish Valley to the south and the Pemberton Valley to the north.
Enjoy the best the Coast Mountains have to offer while safely saddled on the back of a mountain-trained horse. There are numerous operators providing horseback tours in Whistler/Sea to Sky/Pemberton area in conjunction with local stables and adventure ranches. Haywagon rides are also popular and provide fun for the whole family.
Tours range from 2 hours to full-day trips in the three main areas that cater to beginner and experienced horseback riders:
Cougar Mountain
The forested Cougar Mountain is located close to and just north of Whistler Village. Single track horse trails lead through mountain wilderness to fabulous lookouts that provide breathtaking views of Whistler Valleys. The 2-hour trip provides a true wilderness experience only minutes from Whistler Village.
Cougar Mountain Road leads west off the highway at the north end of Green Lake, following Sixteen Mile Creek before climbing a ridge on the north side of the valley, providing access to the Ancient Cedar Forest and the 2.5 -mile (4-km) Ancient Cedars Loop Trail. This ancient stand of 1,000-year-old cedars at the base of Cougar Mountain boasts trees 3 metres (9 feet) in diameter. This forest is a stark reminder of what the entire area must have looked like in the past. The Ancient Cedar ride is the ultimate full-day horseback adventure for experienced riders, and provides great views of Cougar Mountain, the Soo Valley, Cougar Lake and the Showh Lakes.
The Pemberton Valley
Half an hour north of Whistler on Highway 99, the vast and tranquil meadows of the Pemberton Valley are surrounded by mountain ranges, with great exploring along the trails and beaches of the Lillooet River.
The Squamish Valley
Midway between Vancouver and Whistler lies Squamish and the Squamish Valley, offering forests, pastoral farmlands and riverside trails and beach, ideal for horseback riding.
