The Vancouver coast and mountains has much to offer the equestrian, with superb riding trails in urban areas, majestic mountains and valleys, rolling meadows and serene beaches.

There are an array of ranches and riding stables to choose from, catering to both English and Western riding styles.

Head high into the Chilcon Mountain range to one of the guest ranches in Gold Bridge/Bralorne and saddle up for an overnight pack horse trip amidst an incredible tapestry woven by Mother Nature. Trails lead high above the tree line into spectacular wild flower covered alpine meadows.

For the rider looking for a day trip, visit outfitters in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton and Lillooet. Many guided rides follow the river banks through secluded forest trails, along sandy beaches and through grassy meadows. In the winter, lucky riders in the Squamish area will glimpse majestic eagles feeding on the spawning salmon.

Greater Vancouver
Southlands is the best known riding region in this area and is a 30 minute drive south of Vancouver. Follow the Fraser River with its numerous trails and stables.

Mighty Fraser Country
Mighty Fraser Country offers numerous opportunities for horseback riding, both guided and independent. Some of the most extensive trails are found in Golden Ears Provincial Park near Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, with over 20 kilometres of gravel/dirt horse trails in the park. Horseback riding in Manning Provincial Park has been traditional for years and riders find themselves enjoying spectacular views from historic trails through alpine meadows. Trail rides are available in summer and hay rides in winter. One of the easiest places to get out and ride is Campbell Valley Regional Park in Langley. Short trails (2 hours) encircle and crisscross the park and riders will enjoy the historic farmstead and schoolhouse sites. Riders will find the Matsqui Dyke Trail Ride very picturesque as it follows the path of the Fraser River and has great views of Matsqui Island, Westminster Abbey and the coastal mountains. Numerous trails crisscross Mighty Fraser Country and riders will find in the Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge area, Langley, Mission, Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Because these communities are located near the Fraser River flood plain, the trails are easy and relatively flat.

Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is an area that is greatly suited to trail riding. The trails and roads are wide and open and most of the slopes are not too steep. Trails take riders through forest, across creeks, along lakes and up into the peaks overlooking the Coast Mountains. Spectacular vistas can be had by riders venturing up into the hills that dot the Sunshine Coast.

Powell River has a vast area that is most suitable for trail riding; the trails or roads are wide and open, the slopes are not too steep and most of the time there is little or no other types of traffic in the area at all. The trails will take one into an open clear cut area, through the forest, across creeks, next to swimming lakes and yet one is never too far from the highway in case of emergencies. One such area is Duck Lake/West Lake area.

Texada Island has terrains and vegetations very similar to the interior of British Columbia. Pine trees are everywhere, the roads are dry and dusty. One different thing about Texada Island is that there are no predators. For people who are afraid of wildlife, they can ease their minds when they are in the back country here. The best trails for horseback riding are in the south-eastern half of the island. Traffic is few and far between. Most of the gravel roads are good for horses but the best route to take is the one along the gas pipeline. In fac,t the pipeline runs the whole length of the island, a distance of 30 miles. The route is almost 30 feet at the widest and the surface has been levelled out. Riders can make it a 2 or 3 day excursion with stops at Bob's Lake and Shingle Beach where there is pasture for horses. Riders can turn around at Anderson Bay where there is excellent B&B facilities. While there, you will see Mount Haliwell standing monumentally over the craggy bays of the Pacific. From the edge of the precipice, riders can peer down at the strong waters of the Skookumchuk Rapids