Horseback Riding in Pemberton
Guided trail rides and alpine expeditions with Copper Cayuse Outfitters, half an hour north of Whistler
Saddle Up in the Pemberton Valley
Thirty minutes north of Whistler, the highway drops into the Pemberton Valley. Hay fields, ranchland and river flats spread out beneath Mt. Currie. This is horse country, and Copper Cayuse Outfitters is the outfit to ride it with. Their guides lead everything from gentle meadow rides to multi-day trips in the Birkenhead high country, in partnership with the N’Quatqua First Nation. If you are staying with us in Whistler, it makes a perfect summer day trip. No car? We can arrange transportation to and from the ranch for you.
Valley Rides
Valley rides leave from the ranch on Pemberton Meadows Road. The trails wind through creeks, forests and working hay fields, with Mt. Currie filling the skyline. The pace is relaxed and the ground is gentle, so first-timers, families and seasoned riders can all share the same trail. Never been in a saddle? This is the place to start.
Mountain Rides & Expeditions
Mountain rides climb into the Birkenhead high country on day trips and multi-day expeditions. The terrain is steep and wild: alpine single-track, river crossings, remote lakes and camps beside historic gold mines, where the old track and trolleys still remain. It is a side of British Columbia most visitors never see. The horses know every step of the way.
Meet the Cayuses
The herd numbers more than 35 trained cayuses, most raised in Mt. Currie and the Lil’wat Nation. Each horse spends two to three years in training before it ever carries a guest. Riders are matched to a horse that suits their experience. That might be Oscar, a steady giant and the biggest in the barn, or Mickey, famous for his flowing mane.
In Partnership with N’Quatqua
Copper Cayuse Outfitters rides the unceded territories of the N’Quatqua and Lil’wat Nations. The outfit works in formal partnership with N’Quatqua to build a horseback operation that honours the nation’s rich horse culture. It is locally owned, gives back to community healthcare, and keeps sustainable, low-impact tourism at the heart of everything it does.
The ranch is on Pemberton Meadows Road, an easy drive north of Whistler Village on Highway 99. The trip past One Mile Lake and the Pemberton farmlands is half the fun.
Rides run from spring through fall. Dates and availability change with the seasons, so check the Copper Cayuse Outfitters website for the current schedule.
Valley rides welcome all abilities, including complete beginners. Mountain rides suit confident riders. Rider weight limits apply, so check their FAQ before booking.
All rides are guided and space is limited, so book ahead online, especially in midsummer. Private rides, pony rides and mountaintop proposals can all be arranged.
Make a Day of It in Pemberton
Book your ride directly with Copper Cayuse Outfitters, and let us take care of the rest of your Whistler stay.