Experience nature by getting involved in conservation projects on this fascinating horseback riding pack trip through this incredible area of the Chilcotin Ark in British Colombia. Learn the instincts and habits of an abundance of wildlife including bears, eagles, mountain goats, moose, cougars and wolves and how to protect their habitat.
The knowledgeable guides will take every opportunity to engage riders in all parts of the trip, from& how to saddle your own horse to identifying various tracks. This way you will be fully immersed and you will experience the incredible ecosystems in action whole horseback riding through the wilderness, making this a much more interesting and meaningful holiday than simple wildlife viewing.
Available throughout the summer months, these 5 or 7 day equine pack trips set out from a traditional dude ranch set 1,100m in the mountains of Canada. Staying in canvas tents, drinking from creeks and cooking over the campfire, riders get really close to nature on these exploratory-type trails. For those wanting a little more comfort please see the Ranch Stay with Wildlife Research holiday. The local area also hosts Native Indian pow-wows and villages, a historic mining town, many cattle ranches, and small rodeos in the area through the summer. The route through the mountainous terrain reaches as high as 3000m offering some incredible views across the park.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from JL of Haywards Heath on 01/09/2023
Please note: It is recommended that riders arrive in Vancouver the day before the ride stars and spend the night in a hotel in Vancouver for the early morning pick-up. The shuttle collect guests from the Sheraton Guildford hotel at approximately 6:15am.
Canadian Wildlife Research Pack Trip
Day 1
The transfer departs at approximately 6:15am from the Sheraton Guildford in Vancouver, transporting guests to the ranch in time for a hearty family lunch. The shuttle will stop en route to allow guests to purchase any extra supplies needed and to explore points of interest along the route. Upon arrival, guests will receive an introduction to the ongoing research projects, conservation activities, and sustainable practices on the ranch. Riders will then meet the horses and learn the saddling and riding techniques used on the farm. An introductory trail ride will help the group to get comfortable with their horses and the style of riding, while also providing opportunities to spot wildlife around the ranch. During dinner, guides will provide an overview of the trip using map orientation, highlighting the trails, terrain, and the best wildlife viewing locations along the route. Riders will be provided with a mountain duffel bag to repack their personal items (it's recommended to pack as lightly as possible, taking only essential items) before turning in for the night on the ranch.
Day 2
After breakfast on the ranch, saddle the horses and assist in loading the pack horses before setting out. Guides will instruct riders on how to scout for wildlife and record sightings along the way. Lunch will be enjoyed in a wildflower meadow, accompanied by the sounds of birds, insects and horses grazing nearby. As the journey continues, riders will revel in each awe-inspiring moment, from 360-degree mountain views to sparkling lakes, while remaining vigilant for the creatures that inhabit this stunning landscape. In the afternoon, the ride will bring riders to the camp in the mountains. With guidance from the guides, riders will assist in taking the horses to their grazing meadows and staking and hobbling them for the night. Overnight accommodations will be provided in A frame prospector canvas tents.
Day 3 -5
Wake up to the tranquillity of the wilderness! Begin the day by collecting the horses from their overnight grazing, then saddle up for a sunrise scout to search for wildlife before returning for breakfast and preparing for a day of riding to new wildlife viewing locations. Along the way, there will be opportunities to assist in preservation and protection projects undertaken by the ranch. The route will predominantly wind through the mountains, with each twist of the trail offering a new chance to spot wildlife. The reliable and sure-footed Mountain Cayuse horses will navigate the trail, allowing riders the freedom to observe their surroundings. By now, riders will start to discern traces of various animals and pick out tracks leading to another animal in its natural habitat. Follow mountain goat trails to the north-facing bluffs, observe black bears grazing in the meadows, or perhaps encounter the regal moose as they wander through the willow forests. In the evening, venture out once more to catch sight of wildlife later in the day, before returning to the campsite to relax and enjoy dinner in the serene surroundings of the Bridge River Valley. The night skies, devoid of light pollution, offer a spectacular slight.
Day 6
Accompany the guides on a walk to retrieve the horses from the meadows, then saddle up and ride back to camp while scouting for wildlife. After breakfast, pack up and prepare for the last day’s riding in the Mountain Park. Explore more striking landscapes, such as the alpine basins and towering ridge lines of the South Chilcotin Mountains, on the journey back to the ranch. Arrive back at the ranch in the afternoon and untack the horses for a well- deserved break. Enjoy a hearty dinner at the ranch and spend the evening relaxing around the fireplace or out on the deck with your fellow riders, reflecting on the adventures of the past week and the memories you will take with you.
Day 7
Enjoy a leisurely ranch breakfast before partaking in one of the onsite ranch activities. Choose between a bareback horse riding lesson, target shooting instructions and practice, or just relax before a farewell lunch and transfer back to Vancouver arriving in the evening. Please do not book flights departing before 22:00.
Grizzly and Black Bear Tracking and Conservation Pack Trip
Day 1
The transfer departs at approximately 6:15am from the Sheraton Guildford in Vancouver, transporting guests to the ranch in time for a hearty family lunch. The shuttle will stop en route to allow guests to purchase any extra supplies needed and to explore points of interest along the route. Upon arrival, guests will receive an introduction to the ongoing research projects, conservation activities, and sustainable practices on the ranch. Riders will then meet the horses and learn the saddling and riding techniques used on the farm. An introductory trail ride will help the group to get comfortable with their horses and the style of riding, while also providing opportunities to spot wildlife around the ranch. During dinner, guides will provide an overview of the trip using map orientation, highlighting the trails, terrain, and the best wildlife viewing locations along the route. Riders will be provided with a mountain duffel bag to repack their personal items (it's recommended to pack as lightly as possible, taking only essential items) before turning in for the night on the ranch.
Day 2
Saddle the horses and assist in loading up the pack horses before engaging in a hands-on orientation. Breakfast precedes the departure. Guides will instruct riders how to scout for wildlife and record the sightings. Journey through Douglas fir and Lodgepole pine forests, ascend stunning mountain passes, and traverse tranquil valleys. Break for lunch in a meadow of wildflowers, while scouting for bears along the way and learning tracking techniques. Continue the journey, revelling in each awe-inspiring moment, from 360-degree mountain views to sparkling lakes, always on the lookout for the creatures that call this stunning landscape home. The afternoon's ride leads rider to the camp in the mountains. Assist the guides in taking the horses to their grazing meadows, where they are staked and hobbled for the night. Overnight accommodations are provided in canvas tents.
Day 3-5
Enjoy the tranquillity of waking up in the wilderness! Collect the horses from their overnight grazing and return to camp for breakfast, all while keeping a lookout for wildlife. With each ride, the group's tracking skills and ability to spot signs of grizzly activity improve. Explore quiet valleys and wildflower meadows frequented by grizzly bears and their cubs, experiencing the power of a true encounter with nature. Each sighting is recorded in the Wildlife Sightings Form. Riding along the same mountain trails used by early pioneers and explorers, riders can explore the majestic mountains teeming with other wildlife. Lunch will be enjoyed each day on a scenic mountain perch or in a quiet alpine meadow, always surrounded by the beautiful Canadian wilderness. Each night, the group returns to the campsite to relax and enjoy dinner in the peaceful surroundings while counting the stars in the magnificent skies.
Day 6
After breakfast, pack up and begin to ride back to the ranch. Pass through tranquil river valleys and over rugged trails that zig-zag along steep mountainsides, arriving in the late afternoon. The horses go off for a well deserved break while the riders enjoy a family dinner at the ranch.
Day 7
Enjoy a leisurely ranch breakfast before partaking in one of the onsite ranch activities. Choose between a bareback horse riding lesson or target shooting instructions and practice, or just relax before a farewell lunch before transferring back to Vancouver arriving in the evening. Please do not book flights departing before 22:00.
Please Note: Our trips are subject to the unpredictable weather and terrain conditions that come with a mountainous environment. And while we do our best to stick to the itinerary, there are times when the current conditions and needs of the group require us to adjust schedules, campsites, etc. This is part of any true wilderness experience, however, and we are well equipped to adapt the adventure to changing conditions.
Rider weight restrictions Please note that any rider over 230lbs (104kg) will be required to pay an extra charge for a spare horse. There may be restrictions on the activities available for riders over 260lbs (118kg).
4-Day Cougar / Wolf Tracking & Conservation Winter Adventure:
Learn about the unique behaviour and instincts of wolves or cougars and follow their tracks in the deep snow.
Get involved with hands-on conservation projects such as population counts and data collection
Connect to nature and learn empowering new skills.
(contact us for details)
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
There are currently 26 horses available for riding, ranging from ponies to full-size Draft horses. The herd is made up of Draft X Mountain Cayuse (horses from the Cariboo-Chilcotin where the wild herds still roam) which makes for a great temperament - the Draft makes them calm and relaxed and the Cayuse makes them surefooted and gives stamina. They are patient and gentle with small children and adults alike and they know their job well.
The riding style is Western (which you will be taught if you have never experienced it before), 'Mountain' style is used in the mountains and again, this will be shown to you during the mountain riding orientation. The horses are ridden on a loose rein and are neck-rein trained. Mountain trails are taken at a fast-paced walk - the goal is to travel long distances and reach the tops of the mountains rather than galloping around in the valleys. It is more about tackling rough, technically challenging trails instead of riding faster. The terrain on the trails ranges from flowering alpine meadows to mountain tops with stunning views, there is always a 360 degree view guaranteed to take your breath away!
All abilities of rider are catered for, from novice rider to advanced. The minimum age is 7 years old and the maximum age is 70 years old, depending on physical condition. The weight limit is 230lbs - there is an extra charge for riders over 230lbs as extra horses will be used.
Riders should be physically fit and ready to spend around 6-10 hours in the saddle per day. An adventurous nature will really help and riders must be able to mount and dismount unaided. Your hosts are passionate about bringing people closer to nature, and living in Grizzly country, lay great emphasis on stewardship and conservation. Guests are included in the research projects, such as collecting Grizzly hair or Mountain Goat hair.
As the camps are already set up, riders have the opportunity to participate in horse care, staking and hobbling in the meadows, campfire cooking, etc.
There will be times during the pack trips where riders will be required to dismount and walk their horse. This is usually done when walking steeply downhill and can be for around 1 hour, depending on the camp. Steep 'drop-off's' may also be encountered en-route.
Riders are matched according to similar abilities, age and interest to create an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement. Families get matched with other families, couples with couples and young travellers with young travellers. Making new friends is often one of the highlights of the trips.
All potential guests are required to complete a Wilderness Readiness Survey to assess their suitability and readiness for the trip and a Wilderness Journal at the end of the trip to reflect on their experience in the context of Chilcotin Holidays' Three Pillars of Nature Connection, Nature Conservation and Personal Development.
The weight limit for this ride is 230 lb/105 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Pack Trip Camp:
The first and last nights are spent at the ranch base (see below). At the camps, the A-frame canvas 'Prospector' tents are situated on wooden platforms allowing them to be furnished with comfortable camp beds, dressers and chairs. Foam mattresses are provided. There are between 1 and 3 camp beds per tent, depending on the group set-up. The camps are in well established spots in the territory where your hosts know that there is good shelter, water and grazing for the horses. Flushing toilets are provided in an outhouse. They all have log cabins with cooking facilities and a bear cache with non-perishable supplies. Guests can wash in nearby creeks or lakes. The camps are equipped with water as well as picnic tables and a fire pit - perfect for evenings around the campfire. The meals provided at camp are the same as at the ranch - all hearty and homemade.
The Ranch:
The bedrooms are situated in the main ranch house and have either queen beds and en-suite bathrooms or twin beds with shared bathrooms. Full bathrooms are shared between 2 or 3 bedrooms. The maximum capacity at the ranch is 30. The bedrooms are comfortable with down duvets and fantastic views. There is also a communal dinning hall/living room area where guests take their meals and can relax.
Meals are served at approximately 8:30am, 12 noon and 6:00pm. The meals are pre-made at the ranch and carried to the campsites on the pack horses. All meals are homemade including the breakfast granola and various types of bread and cakes. The meals are healthy and hearty and include mains such as lasagne, shepherd's pie, BBQ chicken and roast beef. Vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free diets can be accommodated with advanced notice.
A typical menu might consist of:
Breakfast: granola, yogurt, fruit salad, blueberry pancakes, fried eggs, toast
Lunch: turkey soup, rye bread, cheese plate, vegetable plate, dip. Dessert: cranberry loaf
Dinner: lasagne (meat and vegetarian), Greek salad, chick-pea salad, monkey bread. Dessert: lemon bars
Water, tea and coffee is provided. Guests are welcome to take along their own alcoholic and soft drinks.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Dependent on your country, Passport and Visa requirements can change from regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. To visit Canada, you will need to meet some basic requirements, such as: • Have a valid travel document, such as a passport • Be in good health • Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions • Convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country. • Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. It depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives). Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The South Chilcotins lie within a transition zone between the Coast Mountains and the Chilcotin Plateau. This favoured leeward position produces a rainshadow which means sunny skies and a dry climate with an environment that is almost bug-free.
With spring comes warmer days (10 to 15C) although the nights still cool down to freezing temperatures. The ground is wet from the melting snow so this is when the few mosquitoes and ticks come out. Although there are some rainy days, the weather patterns clear through quickly to give sunny skies.
The summers get quite hot in the mountains, with temperatures around 22-28C and the odd spike to over 30C in August. The skies are usually clear, giving fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Nights can still get quite cool, so a good sleeping bag is a must.
In the autumn, the 'Indian Summer' lasts into October, with warm days (10-20C) and clear skies. Freezing temperatures at night bring on the foliage colour in the trees and meadows.
The winter gets cold around the ranch, with temperatures ranging from –8C to –12C and the occasional dip to –20C. Days are mostly sunny, although most of the precipitation comes as snow at this time of year. The snow pack at the ranch is normally about 2 feet deep.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
The cost of medical treatment can be very expensive in Canada. For emergency health care you can go to a hospital’s emergency room or to a large number of walk-in clinics where an appointment is not required beforehand.
Giardiasis is present so do not drink water from streams. Tap water is safe to drink.
Rabies is endemic in Canada, do not approach stray dogs.
Lyme disease can be a risk in wooded regions; it is a rare tick borne disease.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Canada and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
There are no specific health recommendations but please do take along all your necessary medications and health-related personal supplies. We also suggest a high factor sunscreen as, due to the altitude, it can be very easy to get burnt!
In Canada the supply voltage is 120V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).
Please bring plenty of batteries for electronic equipment, and a charger for when you are at the ranch. Electricity is only at the ranch so if you are on a pack trip there is a limited time to charge your camera.
There is no mobile phone reception at the ranch or on the trails. There is wireless satellite internet available at the main house and in the guide cabin. Payphones are available but only accept credit cards or phone cards. The guides will carry a satellite phone with them on the trails.
If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking
- Riding gloves
- Chaps
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
- Long sleeved shirts
- Lightweight waterproof (No ponchos. Sturdier is better so it doesn’t get ripped when riding through trees.)
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone
Ride specific:
- Sleeping bag. It can get quite cold at night, so a 3-season sleeping bag (rated to –10C) is recommended if you’re staying at a camp.
- Rubber boots. Should be mid-calf height.
- Empty pillow case. To make a pillow of your jacket at camp
- Gloves for riding. Lighter in the summer, insulated other times of the year
- Practical clothing - expect to get dirty!
- Toque (knitted cap) and/or headband to keep your head warm at night. The headband should fit under your hat for cold days.
- A western theme for clothing is encouraged. There is a “no boots in the house” policy, so please take house shoes or slippers if you’d like. There is no smoking in the Ranch House.
Provided by the host:
There is a small amount of rental supplies for sleeping bags, rubber boots and gloves but the supplies are limited. Bringing your own gives you the chance to get the right size and increase your comfort.
Available as 5d / 4n programme with 5 riding days or 7d / 6n programme with 7 riding days from mid-June to the mid-September.
2025: 15 June to 15 September
7 day ride start on Mondays,
5 day ride start on Mondays or Wednesdays.
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 7d/6n Wildlife Research Pack Trip | 7d/6n | 7 | double pp | 2,569 |
| 2025 5d/4n Wildlife Research Pack Trip | 5d/4n | 5 | double pp | 1,859 |
| 2025 7d/6n Wild Bear Tracking Pack Trip | 7d/6n | 7 | double pp | 2,839 |
| 2025 5d/4n Wild Bear Tracking Pack Trip | 5d/4n | 5 | double pp | 2,025 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 7d/6n Wildlife Research Pack Trip | 7d/6n | 7 | double pp | 3,045 |
| 2025 5d/4n Wildlife Research Pack Trip | 5d/4n | 5 | double pp | 2,205 |
| 2025 7d/6n Wild Bear Tracking Pack Trip | 7d/6n | 7 | double pp | 3,365 |
| 2025 5d/4n Wild Bear Tracking Pack Trip | 5d/4n | 5 | double pp | 2,405 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 7d/6n Wildlife Research Pack Trip | 7d/6n | 7 | double pp | 3,245 |
| 2025 5d/4n Wildlife Research Pack Trip | 5d/4n | 5 | double pp | 2,349 |
| 2025 7d/6n Wild Bear Tracking Pack Trip | 7d/6n | 7 | double pp | 3,585 |
| 2025 5d/4n Wild Bear Tracking Pack Trip | 5d/4n | 5 | double pp | 2,559 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 7d/6n Wildlife Research Pack Trip | 7d/6n | 7 | double pp | 35,945 |
| 2025 5d/4n Wildlife Research Pack Trip | 5d/4n | 5 | double pp | 26,015 |
| 2025 7d/6n Wild Bear Tracking Pack Trip | 7d/6n | 7 | double pp | 39,725 |
| 2025 5d/4n Wild Bear Tracking Pack Trip | 5d/4n | 5 | double pp | 28,375 |
On the pack trips there is the opportunity to hike, fish, view wildlife or just relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings!
At the ranch there are lots of activities on offer which are included in the holiday cost: these include riding lessons, target shooting, lasso throwing, bareback riding, grizzly den viewing and bear defence orientation. Also available, at an extra charge, is guided fishing, archery, off-road driving and various horse-related lessons such as long reining, logging and shoeing.
Pack-tips are not suitable for non-riding companions as there are no vehicles that accompany the ride. There are however separate hiking, mountain and fishing trips which can be arranged. Please contact your sales consultant for more information.
As you might expect, the wildlife is abundant on these trips. In the summer there are bears (black and grizzly), eagles, mountain goats, deer (some of the female deer like the human protection and raise their kids at the ranch), grouse (blue-, rough- and spruce-), sheep and moose - to name but a few!
Within the area you might come across Indian pow-wows and villages as well as cattle ranches. The ranch is around a 20 minute drive to the nearest town which has a post office, general store and a hotel. There are small town rodeos that take place every weekend during the summer season which you are welcome to visit if you are staying at the ranch and have rented a car.
The area has over 100 years of history from the gold rush and is now an adventure tourism paradise, largely undiscovered from the masses who visit Whistler every year.
People migrating from Asia crossing the Bering Strait first settled on the North American continent. They formed a number of tribes that can be distinguished by language: the Algonquian in the eastern sub-arctic and maritime areas spreading into the prairies and plains of the mid-west; the Iriquioian speaking tribes mostly in the St Lawrence Valley and around Lakes Ontario and Erie; the Salishan, Athabascan and other linguistic groups lived along the rivers and coastline of British Columbia. Small, isolated Inuit bands developed a unique culture in the harsh environment of the Arctic. John Cabot, a Venetian working in the service of the English sailed to Newfoundland in 1497. This and later explorations formed the basis of the English claim to Canada. The Frenchman Jacques Cartier undertook a series of explorations, mainly along the route of the St Lawrence River during the 1530s and 1540s and he claimed the land for France. It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society. Canada is between 3.5 and 8 hours behind GMT depending on where you are in the country. They use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code is +1.
