Where to go horseback riding in and around Vancouver
Looking for a weekend warrior activity that’s not hiking or cycling? These nearby ranches, stables and equestrian centres are only a short drive from Vancouver’s downtown core, and all offer opportunities to bond with horses and practice riding in the great outdoors. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ urbancow]
Vancouver Horseback Trail Rides
20254 Old Dewdney Trunk Rd, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 1Z1Well worth the 30-minute drive from Vancouver, beautiful Leghorn Ranch in Pitt Meadows offers trail rides through Alouette River Park and Golden Ears Park, where bears, deer, and local birds can be glimpsed from the saddle. Most trails are designed for beginners who’ve never been on a horse before, but some are ideal for more experienced riders. Prices range from $60 for one hour, and $105 for two.
Back in the Saddle Again
20722 4 Avenue, Langley, BC V2Z 1V4This family owned trail-riding company provides safe and sociable horses for rides that last up to two hours through stunning and green Campbell Valley Park in Langley. These horses are trained to listen to their riders – rather than simply following the pack – which means you’ll get to know your horse, and, just like a true cowboy, form a special bond.
Glen Valley Stables
1255 208 Street, Langley, BC V2Z 1T4Glen Valley Stables are owned and operated by legendary B.C. cowboy, Gene Park, whose diverse, 40-year experience includes leading rides through B.C.’s interior and into the Yukon. These fun and challenging rides, which start at $50 per person, will take you through Campbell Valley Park, with plenty of opportunities to learn horse-wrangling skills from the master.
Southlands Riding Club
7025 MacDonald St, Vancouver, BC V6N 1G2This prestigious riding club first opened in Southlands, the city’s historic farming and ranching district, in 1943, which makes it the oldest in the city. A non-profit society, it services polo players, recreational riders, professional riders, and riders with therapeutic needs. Membership is pricey but not unreasonable – averaging around $1,500 per year – and it gets you access to the Club’s many facilities and amenities including the stables, riding ring, and quaint club house.
Equutrails Horseback Riding Ltd
24269 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1W7Equutrails leads experienced and beginner riders alike through Golden Ears Park, around Buntzen Lake, and along the Pitt Meadows Dyke. Daily tours change depending on the weather, and all may include steep inclines, rocky terrain, exciting river crossings or spectacular views of waterfalls or lakes. Riding lessons are available in packages of 10.
North Shore Equestrian Center Ltd
1301 Lillooet Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2J1North Vancouver’s state-of-the-art equestrian centre offers a plethora of services including public riding lessons, summer camps for kids, pony play dates for toddlers and parents, and therapeutic riding experiences. Hooked on riding? You can also purchase – and board – your own horses here at affordable rates.
Southlands Equestrian Centre
6767 Balaclava St, Vancouver, BC V6N 0A7This dynamic, family friendly farm may not offer traditional trail rides, but it does provide lessons for kids and adults at its magical Pony Meadow. Here, kind and gentle horses and ponies provide a variety of sizes and temperaments for riders of all walks of life. The best part? It all goes down right in Vancouver, in the Southlands neighbourhood
