N’Quatqua Trails: Culture, Campfires and Mountain Riding

5.0 (3)
4 days 3 nights
Canada
Photo Don C.
5.0
Don C.
Tour Provider
View Don’s tours
Difficulty
Easy
Comfort
Basic
Weight limit
Group size
2-6 tourists,
over 14 y.o.

What does a trail sound like when it carries hoofbeats, river water, old stories, and songs by the fire? This riding expedition takes you into the Birkenhead Backcountry, across the traditional territories of the N’Quatqua First Nation. For four days, the route moves through quiet streams, mountain lakes, open views, and the historic Li-lik-Hel mine, with time in the saddle to enjoy the horses at different gaits and take in the wild shape of the land.

The journey is led by N’Quatqua First Nation wranglers, giving riders a rare chance to hear about the N’Quatqua creation story, their deep connection to the land, and their view of how the region has changed through mining, forestry, and tourism. One evening is spent around the campfire with drumming, singing, and storytelling, and there may also be a traditional meal that brings you closer to the culture behind the landscape.

The tour includes professional guides, well-trained mountain horses and tack, three nights in tented accommodation, cultural activities, and ten meals starting with lunch on arrival day. Let the horses carry you into a journey of mountain trails, firelight, and stories that stay with you long after the ride ends!

from
$1,914
per tourist for 4 days
Departing from
British Columbia, Metro Vancouver Regional District, Vancouver International Airport
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
2-6 tourists, over 14 y.o.
Or request private custom tour
Any dates between 29 Jul and 28 Sep are available.
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Don C.
Don C. is the provider and guide of this trip
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.

Tour highlights

N’Quatqua First Nation horse ride
Ride N’Quatqua Territory
Travel through ancestral lands with local wranglers who share stories, knowledge, and a deep connection to the place
N’Quatqua First Nation horse ride
Li-lik-Hel Mine by Horseback
Ride to the fascinating Li-lik-Hel mine and see part of the region’s history from the saddle
N’Quatqua First Nation horse ride
Mountain Lakes and Quiet Streams
Follow trails past clear water, scenic lakes, and wide mountain views in the Birkenhead Backcountry

Route details

Day 1
Arrival at Base Camp and First Ride

Arrive at base camp in the Birkenhead Backcountry, in Pemberton, BC. The tour begins with lunch, followed by time to meet the guides, wranglers, and well-trained mountain horses.

After getting settled, head out on horseback through the traditional territories of the N’Quatqua First Nation. During the ride, enjoy mountain views, peaceful nature, and the chance to move with the horses through different gaits.

Accommodation: tented accommodation
Meals: lunch and dinner

N’Quatqua First Nation horse ride
N’Quatqua First Nation horse ride
N’Quatqua First Nation horse ride 7 more photos
Day 2
Streams, Mountain Views and Cultural Stories
Day 3
Mountain Lakes and Li-lik-Hel Mine
Day 4
Final Ride and Departure
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 

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
3 nights

You will spend 3 nights at our comfortable base camp

3 nights
Base camp

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
British Columbia, Metro Vancouver Regional District, Vancouver International Airport
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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

Conditions

Included
  • professional guides;
  • well-trained mountain horses and tack;
  • 3 nights’ tented accommodation;
  • N’Quatqua cultural activities;
  • 10 meals starting with lunch on the day of arrival at base camp;
  • sleeping bags;
  • cots;
  • mats;
  • tents;
  • towels;
  • washcloths;
  • riding helmets, if wanted;
  • riding cape.
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). 

It's important to know

Can a 12-year old join the trip?

All riders under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult unless special permission has been from the Company prior to the ride.

What tack type do you use?
What is the weight limit?
Price for 2026
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 3 reviews
  • M
    Megan
    about provider
    17 Aug, 2023
    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.
  • S
    Sally
    about provider
    9 Aug, 2023
    This was incredible from start to finish! So many great things to say I hardly know where to start! The owners Don and Dudley have clearly put a lot of thought into how to make this a great experience. Most importantly the riding is fantastic. The horses are well looked after, well trained, and navigate technical and steep trails with ease. The scenery and views are simply spectacular. My wrangler Olivia was amazing and did a great job. After a long day in the saddle the camp was very comfortable. Don's cooking is fantastic! The dinners and breakfasts in camp were all amazing. The beds were extremely comfortable so I had a great nights sleep ready for the next day. If you asked me what I'd change I honestly can't think of a thing. I will never forget this experience. HIGHLY recommended!!!
  • J
    Justin
    about provider
    19 Jul, 2023
    If you really love riding, this is the trip for you. All I can say is WOW. This is the real thing! Mountain riding at its best. For me, the most important factor on any horseback riding adventure is always the condition of the horses. They were in fantastic shape, well cared for and beautifully trained. I was amazed at how effortlessly they seemed to handled the steep and rocky terrain. Our Wranglers, Shelby and Fran, took excellent care of all the riders and the horses. They were just a pleasure to ride with. Don cooked us fantastic meals and was always working in the background making sure everything ran smoothly. This is an incredibly well run outfit. We even had the luxury of hot showers, comfy cots and spacious tents all located beside a mountain stream just perfect for an icy dip at the end of a day in the saddle. HEAVEN !

Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    29 Jul – 28 Sep
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,914
    20 – 23 Jul
    4 days 3 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,914
    17 – 20 Aug
    4 days 3 nights
    Fully booked

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