Li-Lik-Hel Gold Mine Riding Journey

Difficulty

Easy

Comfort

Basic

Weight limit

Take on an exciting gold-seeking adventure on the renowned Li-Lik-Hel Mine Expedition!

Follow paths that were once trodden by miners and horse-drawn carts transporting valuable gold ore to the railway terminus in the early 1900s. Engage in a 3-day, 2-night escapade across the stunning Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia. Experience the magnificent scenery between Birkenhead Lake and the historic Li-Lik-Hel mine, revealing the natural beauty of the area.

Gift yourself unforgettable memories you will get back to again and again!

Don C. is the provider and guide of this trip

5.0 5 reviews

The provider speaks: English

Don Coggins and Dudley Kennett are the founders of the horse- riding agency. The partners have a great deal of experience in the saddle and in backcountry travel in general. The creation of the company is an expression of their shared passion for horses and British Columbia’s wilderness. Dudley was born and raised in BC’s Okanagan, working alongside his father who taught him early in life how to work a cattle range from horseback and to log with draft horses. He spent his spare time as an adult travelling on horseback with his mentor, Fred Shields, an experienced mountain guide from Seton Portage. Horses were his hobby during his career as a forest technician but in 1986 Dudley put his horses to work providing trail rides for Whistler’s visitors at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Don spent his boyhood summers in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia working on his uncle’s beef and apple farm where he also learned to ride and tend horses. As an adult, he owned and operated a small hobby farm in New Brunswick using his spare time to train and ride his pleasure horses. Don followed his tour in the Canadian military with a long career in corporate Canada. In 1992 he moved to Whistler to establish a sales and marketing business that he continues to operate.

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

Shelby

Raised in small-town Ontario, Shelby’s life has always revolved around horses. Now a Registered Nurse in Vancouver, Shelby missed her roots of farm life and western riding. After experiencing our 3-day trip, she became an irreplaceable part of our team. Shelby is passionate about creating unforgettable outdoor adventures and believes the best memories are made out of service and on horseback.

Annie

Since joining us as a guide in 2018, Annie has become an honorary member of the company. Her infectious energy and dedication have left a lasting impact on everyone she meets. Despite officially working with us for just one season, Annie returns every year, taking a break from her job at the Edmonton Labatt Brewery to bring joy and expertise to our adventures. We are always delighted to welcome her back.

Tour highlights

Explore Gold- Mining Era

Explore paths that were carved out by miners and worn down over time by horse-drawn trips transporting valuable gold ore to the railway terminal in the early 1900s

Discover the Awe-Inspiring Landscapes

Uncover the breathtaking scenery nestled between Birkenhead Lake and the historic Li-Lik-Hel mine, revealing the region's magnificent natural beauty

Upgrade Your Riding Skills

Become real buddies with your 4-legged friends, gain and upgrade your equestrian and horse- managing skills

Route details

Start your adventure at 09:30 am on an early Friday morning. Join us at the trailhead where your horse and guides will be ready and waiting for you. You will set out on a 15- kilometer journey to our base camp, with a chance to pass by a recent mine claim exploration along the way.

Upon arriving at the camp, you will be reunited with your luggage (maximum weight limit 30 lbs). Our base camp offers amenities including a hot shower, outdoor plumbing, and tents on platforms for extra guest comfort.

Difficulty

Easy

Minimal physical activity. Suitable for everyone regardless of fitness and age

Tour provider's comments

The trip can be tailored for all abilities (beginners/ intermediate riders/ experienced riders).

Type of Riding: adventurous, single-track mountain horseback riding.

Horse Breed: Cayuses

Tack Type: Western

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

2 nights

You will spend 2 nights at our comfortable base camp.

The base camp features 8-man platform tents (only sleep 4 to a tent) with cots, mats, and sleeping bags provided. There is also a covered kitchen / dining area along with hot and cold showers, outdoor plumbing (towel and washcloth provided) and tents on platforms for extra comfort.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

British Columbia, Metro Vancouver Regional District, Vancouver International Airport

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Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

5% GST tax;
3 riding days;
2 nights tented accommodation;
7 meals beginning with lunch on the day of your arrival at base camp;
drinks (water, coffee, tea);
sleeping bags, cots, mats, tents, towels, washcloths, riding helmets (if wanted) and riding cape;
professional guides;
well-trained mountain horses;
tack.

Extras

international flights to and from Canada;
transfer to and from airport;
travel insurance (we encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Canada);
tips, personal expenses;
wrangler gratuities;
lodging pre and post trip;
alcoholic beverages (not provided, however, you can bring them with you).

Group size

up to 6 tourists

Duration

3 days

2 nights

It's important to know

Yes, we can do that. If you have special dietary requirements, please kindly let us know in advance when booking a trip.

Tour reviews

5.0

Based on 5 reviews

J
Janey

15 Aug, 2023

about tour

One of the best trail riding experiences that I've had. The folks are extremely nice and accommodating. The horses are gentle and agile. The scenery is unbeatable. Thank you to Don, Ginger, and Michelle for organizing and facilitating this awesome multi-day trip.

15 Aug, 2023
H
Hailey

25 May, 2023

about tour

We had an amazing time on the Li-lik-hel Gold Mine trip! Having not ridden a horse since I was VERY little, I found the trails challenging but fun and achievable - my adrenaline was definitely pumping at times but I always felt safe and in good hands with our trail guide, Fran, leading our group. Each day was a FULL riding day through the backcountry. Such a cool adventure! Some highlights: beautiful mountain scenery, excellent hearty meals (thank you Don!), very comfortable accommodations, and of course trusty well-cared for horses that knew exactly what they were doing. I got to ride Lonesome, who was very patient with me despite me not having much experience! Thank you Lonesome. Our guide was very lovely and knowledgeable, and managed the horses with skill. She also took some beautiful photos for us to remember the trip, which was perfect because I was too busy soaking up the scenery to take many of my own. Thank you for a really unforgettable experience!

25 May, 2023
M
Megan

17 Aug, 2023

about provider

This was the best horseback riding trip we’ve ever been on. From the horses to our guide Kyla and the other guides we met, the views to the accommodation (and let’s not forget the food!), everything was top notch and even better than expected. I never wanted to leave and wish we were still there. Everywhere we rode was stunning, with fun, varied terrain and gorgeous landscapes all around, and beautiful lake swimming and river dips followed by the option of a hot shower at camp plus plentiful, delicious food - we couldn’t have had a better trip and will definitely be back.

17 Aug, 2023