The Setting

Private Land (250-1000 acres)

A Private Wilderness in the Heart of British Columbia

Siwash Lake sits on a high plateau in the foothills of the Marble Mountains, within a private 300+ acre estate. The home ranch lies among wild hay meadows overlooking serene Siwash Lake, surrounded by 10,000+ acres of uninhabited wilderness reserved for guided exploration.

Open rangeland, river canyons, secluded lakes and two wilderness rivers create an extraordinary setting for horseback riding in British Columbia. Wildfire has transformed old-growth fir forests into silver sentinels carpeted with pink fireweed, while vibrant young aspen groves and golden grasslands reveal the remarkable resilience of the landscape.

Rugged, remote and soul-stirring, this is wilderness riding at its most immersive.

Public Land (10,000-20,000 acres)

Our Riding

Scheduled rides

Each morning at 10am, you'll head to the barn to groom and saddle your personal horse.

On the first morning, a comprehensive orientation introduces you to your horse and covers the practical horsemanship and riding skills you’ll need to get the most from your Siwash Lake experience.

From there, guided rides are tailored to each guest’s interests, ability and pace.

Unscheduled rides

At Siwash Lake, every day in the saddle is tailored to the individual.

You can choose how much riding you want and what you’d like to focus on, anything from an hour developing new skills in the arena, to a two-hour wilderness ride with some exhilarating loping before lunch.

Whether you're building confidence or refining technique, the riding experience is yours to shape!

Guided rides

No nose-to-tail riding at Siwash Lake! 

You can explore the range in your own family or friends group and couples can ride privately together or with another couple of similar ability.

This small-group approach allows guides to tailor each ride to the group while taking guests to their favourite places across the British Columbia wilderness.

Unguided rides

Experienced guests who demonstrate strong riding and route-finding skills may earn the privilege of exploring independently after several rides with the owner.

For stays of seven nights or more, proven riders can enjoy unguided horseback rides without a guide or other guests, offering a rare sense of freedom and adventure in the British Columbia wilderness.

Program rides

Siwash Lake’s program rides turn a day in the saddle into an unforgettable wilderness adventure.

Ride all day to a river for a campfire picnic, swimming and fishing; climb to a high mountain bluff for spectacular views, or embark on an epic seven-hour canyon ride to breathtaking waterfalls.

Each ride reveals another side of the wild and wonderful British Columbia landscape.

Riding Freedom

Ride your way at Siwash Lake. Choose a private guided ride for your party of two to six guests, join up with like-minded riders in a group of up to six, or, for proven riders, enjoy the rare freedom of riding independently without a guide or other guests.

After an orientation and discovery rides with the owner, experienced guests can explore on their own. Every ride’s duration, route and pace is tailored to individual preferences.

Good to know

All riding abilities are welcome at Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort & Ranch, from complete beginners to experienced and expert riders.

One-on-one coaching is tailored to each guest, helping you build confidence, refine your technique and develop your riding and horsemanship skills throughout your Siwash Lake stay.

Weight limit for riding

225-250 lbs

Riding considerations

no riding experience needed, We recommend a good level of physical fitness, We offer accessible riding programs for riders with varying needs, We consider height and athletic ability as well as a guest's weight

Hours in the saddle

Ride as much or as little as you like – it's your vacation after all!

At Siwash Lake, horseback riding is tailored to each guest, with rides ranging from relaxed one-hour outings to full-day wilderness adventures.

You can choose how much time you spend in the saddle, depending on your interests, energy and riding goals.

Why our riding stands out

• Siwash Synergy™ – a deeper connection with horses. Siwash Lake’s signature equine experience offers an immersive horseback riding vacation in British Columbia, building confidence, skills and understanding through grooming, groundwork, saddling and riding. Each guest is matched with their own horse for the duration of the stay, allowing a genuine partnership to develop. Beginners and experienced riders alike can build their abilities while discovering the unique bond between horse and human.
• Experience the joy of riding happy, healthy and responsive horses through the British Columbia wilderness, with no nose-to-tail limits. Explore varied terrain and 100+ miles of wilderness trails with your own private guide and only guests from your party. Rides are tailored to each guest’s pace, ability and interests, with half- or full-day horseback rides available throughout the stay.
• Siwash Lake’s private riding guides provide one-on-one coaching for every level, from complete beginners to advanced riders. Passionate about horsemanship and the bond between horses and humans, they help guests build confidence, skills and understanding while exploring the stunning BC wilderness. Along the way, guides bring the landscape to life through insights into the intriguing local history, culture and ecology.

Sample Riding Itinerary

Riding Lessons

Wildlife Safaris

Arena Work