SADDLING UP IN BRITISH COLUMBIA’S SEA TO SKY COUNTRY
FOUR REASONS WHY A COPPER CAYUSE OUTFITTERS HORSEBACK EXPEDITION IS A MUST-DO THIS SUMMER
FFROM THE SHORES of the Pacific Ocean to the Coast Mountain peaks, southwestern British Columbia has long captured the imaginations of adventurers. And there’s no better way to explore the region’s natural wonders than a one-of-a-kind multi-day horseback expedition. You’ll regain perspective. You’ll reconnect with friends, family and nature. You’ll realize what you’ve been missing. Read on to discover more reasons to saddle up with Copper Cayuse Outfitters.
Take the road less travelled
Based in Pemberton at the heart of the Sea to Sky Corridor, Copper Cayuse Outfitters’ Li-lik-hel Gold Mine Expedition might just be the best way to get off the beaten track and experience B.C.’S abundant beauty. Over two nights and three days, you’ll explore hidden alpine lakes, wander wildflower-filled meadows, see historic gold mines and take in astonishing views of the West Coast rainforest.
Sleep under the stars, wake up in the wilderness
A fresh batch of pancakes, handpicked blueberries and a pot of steaming cowboy coffee — is there a better way to start a day in the B.C. wilderness?
Guests stay at Copper Cayuse Outfitters’ backcountry camp near remote Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park. This natural haven was built with the utmost care for the environment, using deadfall, reclaimed wood and other natural materials to ensure no trace will be left when everything is packed out. It also has a river-fed warm-water shower, private tent accommodations, a charming dining area and a big family-style fire pit — a sunset gathering place for sharing stories from the day’s ride. There’s no better way to explore southwestern B.C.’S natural wonders.
Ride through culture and history
Did you know B.C. has its own Wild West story? With the 1858 gold rush, thousands of prospectors and miners made their way by river or horse trail to the Cariboo gold fields. More than 160 years later, you can still explore the old mines and — if you know where to look — find artifacts and tools waiting to be uncovered in the mountains.
Much older still are the stories of the St’át’imc people. Copper Cayuse Outfitters’ ranch, camp and routes lie within unceded St’át’imc territory, and the outfitter is proud to honour the language, culture and history of these traditional lands. As you climb, you will be retracing the routes of the St’át’imc people and their horses — the original creators of these sturdy, winding trails etched into the mountainsides.
A fit for every rider
No experience riding horses? Don’t worry! All ages and abilities can ride out on the Li-lik-hel Gold Mine expedition. Copper Cayuse Outfitters’ wranglers take great care to match your riding ability to the spirit and character of a horse, and they’ll work with you to develop your confidence and skills for riding single-track mountain trails. After an incredible three days, an unspoken bond will have developed between you and your horse — after all, you will have travelled 60 kilometres and climbed 1,800 metres together.