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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Canada
Intro to Canada
British Columbia Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon
Extensions:
Johnstone Straight
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South Chilcotin Pack Trip
British Columbia
Canada
Wind your way past the glacier dotted peaks that vault defiantly into the crystal blue sky, descending into meadows of wild alpine flowers, bursting with color from June to September. Along the way you may spot some of the local inhabitants: bears, (black or grizzly), moose, marmots, deer, wolves, mountain goats, California Big Horn Sheep or a Kittiwampus. Bring your camera to capture it all.
Not only will you visit some of our base camp locations in the wilderness, but we will go further into the back country were few people roam. While in the back country accommodation will be provided in one of our spike camp locations and you will be housed in new dome tents and sleep comfortably on our inflatable sleeping pads. Wake each morning to a roaring campfire and the smell of cowboy coffee, and a full breakfast. There will be numerous photo opportunities on this trip as well as a lifetime of memories. This pack trip heads above the tree line into the wildflower carpeted alpine meadows. Rowboats are at your disposal for some fishing for Rainbows. When the sun casts long shadows over the lake, the fresh caught rainbow trout are baked over the campfire. On a clear night, a breeze filled with the sweet scent of alpine flowers might carry the lonely cry of a timber wolf into camp. Children and novice riders can participate as we put groups together according to their riding skills. All tours are fully catered and a cook will prepare all your meals.
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Camping Ride with pack horses Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Gold Bridge
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Airport:
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Vancouver
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Transfer:
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Pemberton
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
All overnights - 2 nights at mountain resort and 5 nights camping, 6 full riding days, all meals from dinner on Day1 to breakfast on last day.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip - 6 day pack trip & 2 nights ranch, AP | 8d / 7n | $2825 | $2825 |
| B | 2013 | 8 day trip - 6 day Horse Drive & 2 nights ranch, AP | 8d / 7n | $2825 | $2825 |
HST (VAT) 6% (12% for Canadian residents)
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Floatplane transfer from Whistler pp return - MO or FR 11am
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$
350
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$350
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2013
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Floatplane transfer from Vancouver pp return - MO or FR 9:30am
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$
700
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$700
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2013
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Single Supplement for Resort nights (2)
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$
300
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$300
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Floatplane transfers are available from Whistler or Vancouver. There are good shuttle bus connections from Vancouver to Whistler daily
Flight leave Whistler at 12:15pm - MO or FR
return to Whistler by 12 noon
Flight leave Vancovuer at 11:20 am
Reurn to Vancopuver by 12:55 pm
Luggage restriction 25 lbs
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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06/17
- 06/24
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - 6 day pack trip...
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3
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/15
- 07/22
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - 6 day pack trip...
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3
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/19
- 08/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - 6 day pack trip...
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3
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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09/23
- 09/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - 6 day pack trip...
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3
/8
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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10/07
- 10/14
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - 6 day Horse Dri...
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3
/8
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Reserve
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Additional dates are possible for groups of 4+
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Sample Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in the afternoon around 5 PM and check in. Briefing about the week's trip ahead, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 2: After a hearty
country breakfast, guests will leave the main ranch in vehicles headed
for the horses which will be waiting for their arrival at our lower
Relay Base Camp. Here we will fit each client to their horse and pack
our gear upon our eager pack horses. After crossing Relay Creek we will
begin climbing the hillside which crosses us over to the Tyaughton Creek
Valley. This valley is a mix of pine grass and fir forest with grass
hills full of bunch grass. You will experience high mountain views. We
will end the day below Fortress Ridge at our Coldwell Camp. Approx.
Distance 10km, elevation gain of 1800feet
Day 3: After breaking
camp we will mount up and head through Castle Pass before dropping down
into Big Paradise. It will begin a relatively long climb up the mountain
side heading for Little Paradise and Hail Pass. Once through the pass
we work our way across to the very top end of Little Paradise and ride
the ridge looking down at the amazing views of Tyaughton Creek Valley
and Manson Creek. You will then drop down into the main valley of Little
Paradise where we will set up camp for the night. Approx. Distance 14
km
Day 4: After another
good climb out of the valley up to Little Graveyard Pass which leads us
down into the valley of Little Graveyard. Here you will witness
beautiful wide open country with amazing views. We will make our way
down into Graveyard Valley. Coming out not far from the famous
gravesites which this valley was named after. Finally after dropping
down to Big Creek we will set up camp along the base of the Dil Dil
Plateau. Approx. Distance 12km
Day 5: We will not
break camp today but spend it on a day trip out of camp. We will travel
up onto the Dil Dil Plateau. Approx. Distance 12km
Day 6: After another
hearty campfire breakfast we break camp and head for Iron Pass via Grant
Creek. Once through the pass we drop down into the Battlement. Most of
this day is spent in wide open country with spectacular Big Sky views.
Following Battlement Creek we make our way down the valley ending up at
our Horse Heaven Camp. Approx. Distance 15km, elevation gain 1500feet
Day 7: The last leg
of our journey finds us descending along the twisty trails passing
forest, meadows and torrential streams. We use established trails to
reduce the environmental impact of our journey, although we may have the
odd detour around areas of fallen deadwood. We ride along the raging
torrent of Gun Creek before crossing the first of 2 major bridges. A
stiff climb up the far bank, then a 4km stretch through lodge pole pines
before dropping down to the creek once more. We ride through a forest
of fir and aspen for 5km before arriving at Jewel Bridge and enjoying a
brief rest before completing the last few miles of our journey. This is a
long day home. Check into the resort, take a sauna or go for a swim and
relax before dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Departure after Breakfast.
Subject to Change: This itinerary has room for changes based on
the weather conditions and feed at the camp locations. The route will be
followed but spike camps may vary accordingly.
Meeting:
Gold Bridge
Airport:
Vancouver
Transfer:
Pemberton
Distance:
4-5 hour drive
Floatplane transfers are available from Whistler or Vancouver. There are good shuttle bus connections from Vancouver to Whistler daily
Flight leave Whistler at 12:15pm - MO or FR
return to Whistler by 12 noon
Flight leave Vancovuer at 11:20 am
Reurn to Vancopuver by 12:55 pm
Luggage restriction 25 lbs
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter, draft, mixed breeds
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Pace:
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Slow, 4.5 - 6.5 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Novice+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs.
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
8 riders
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With a large stable of well trained, healthy and well cared for horses, they have got one that matches your riding aptitude !
After the first night at the lodge, we hope to be on the trail and
destined for the first camp by 10:00am. You can expect to ride or hike
between five to six hours your first riding day, sometimes longer based
on your itinerary and the weather. For inexperienced riders or groups
with children we suggest that we transport you further up the trail by
vehicle and mount your horse there. Advanced riders can ride the full
day in from the main ranch. You can expect that we will stop for rests
and lunch at planned intervals. Depending on how the group is traveling
this can vary between every two to three hours. Remember, that you
wrangler knows the safest spots to stop and that halting the entire
string, tying, rechecking tack, remounting and starting off again takes
some time and if it is getting late in the day breaks may be limited.
Once we arrive at our first days destination your wrangler and cook will
start unpacking the horses. Your wrangler will then bring the horses
out to pasture and your cook will get the fires going and dinner on.
Guests are welcome to help either the wrangler or the cook. There are
many things to do when we first get to camp. Such as setting up
bedrolls, getting the fire going, fetching water, starting dinner,
unsaddling, unpacking horses, feeding and getting them out to pasture
for the evening.
Each Additional Day:
For
each day that you are out on a trip with us we will ride between four
to five hours, this does not include break times. If we are not moving
camps we are open to suggestion on activities your group would like to
do or if you wish go exploring on your own. Each day you will
experience some of the most impressive high-country scenery anywhere in
the world. On your pack horse adventure you will find yourself winding
your way through mountain passes that vault into the crystal blue sky,
meadows full of wild alpine flowers, the silence of deep glacier fed
lakes and the cool sweetness of the mountain filled air. Each day will
bring new experiences, from fossil collecting, fishing, wildlife
viewing, fantastic scenery and great companionship. Your guides will
provide you with stories, landmarks, and points of interest. There are
many great walks and hikes from our camps.
Key points to remember when riding:
Be
alert to your surroundings. Be in control of your horse AT ALL TIMES.
Use both leg and voice command. Keep your reins in your hands at all
times and never allow too much slack or have your reins too tight. Be
aware of the person in front and behind you. Help relay any messages to
the front of the line if necessary. Watch for low hanging branches and
the possibility of coming across an underground wasp nest. If passing
other users on the trail be friendly and talk with them as you are
passing. This helps to comfort your horse of the obstruction they are
going around. Watch were you walk around the horses and always make
sure they know were you are. Coming quietly up to a horse may startle
them and cause them to kick. Ask for assistance mounting or dismounting
if it is needed. Being able to get off independently is a necessity if
their is an urgent matter to prepare for. If you are unsure about
tying your horse, ask for assistance. Do not tie to small trees, fences
or dead standing trees. This could cause both you or your horse a
serious injury.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following: (a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian . more
During the summer weather is quite dependable, but in the mountains you
always need to be prepared for all conditions! Weather can change
rapidly! Sometimes parts of June and parts of September can have cool
day times as well. So be prepared, pack clothes you can layer!
Your duffel bag should not exceed 25 lbs (12 kg) per person and
packed in a soft, weatherproof bag. Preferably all your gear along with
your sleeping bag can fit into one bag! Please no suitcases or hard
framed back packs. Any extra gear while on your travels can be left in a
secure location at the main ranch.
You will sleep comfortably on foam mattresses or therma-rest pads,
some of our camps even boast hot showers. On extended tours you will be
accommodated in new dome tents and sleep comfortably on our inflatable
sleeping pads or foam mattresses.
Water bottles are provided, snacks are provided.You can bring your
own belt packs and there will also be saddle bags for belongings.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Footwear for riding (not too wide or with grips but should have good ankle support) |
| Riding helmet - can be supplied. Manditory for people under age 18 |
| Riding gloves or Cotton Gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Rain Gear (top and bottom) |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Warm jacket |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Long Underwear, extra socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Light summer jacket |
| Warm jacket |
| Comfortable hiking or walking shoes/sneakers for around camp |
| Swimsuit |
| Bandanna |
| For Camping trips: |
| Hat/toque |
| Warm Sleeping Bag (good to -15 and lightweight) |
| Ground Mat (Thermarest or foam mattress provided) |
| Towel, face cloth & small bar biodegradable soap |
| Matches or lighter in waterproof bag |
| Duffle bag |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs (to tie around your neck when the dust gets thick) |
| Camera and extra films |
| Flashlight and batteries or headlamp |
| Pocket Knife |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
|
..view other reports for different trips
For the first and last night you stay at a luxury Wilderness Resort and
Spa on Tyaughton Lake. All other nights based in comfortable remote
backcountry cabins and spike camps.
During the pack trip, some of the more fixed camps have wall tents on wooden platforms or rustic cabins, each with cots to sleep on. At the spike camp locations you will sleep in new dome tents comfortably on our inflatable sleeping pads. Spruce
Lake Wilderness Adventures holds one of the largest tenures in the area
encompassing twenty two different camp locations throughout Spruce Lake
Park, Big Creek Park and Crown Land up through the Williams Lake
District.
Meals:
Wake each morning to a roaring campfire and the smell
of cowboy coffee, and a hearty full breakfast. We serve scrumptious
campfire foods for dinner including grilled steaks, roast turkey and
sizzling sockeye salmon!
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Tack:
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|
Western
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Horses:
|
|
Quarter, draft, mixed breeds
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|
Pace:
|
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Slow, 4.5 - 6.5 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
|
|
Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Novice+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
|
|
Max
250 lbs.
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
With a large stable of well trained, healthy and well cared for horses, they have got one that matches your riding aptitude !
After the first night at the lodge, we hope to be on the trail and
destined for the first camp by 10:00am. You can expect to ride or hike
between five to six hours your first riding day, sometimes longer based
on your itinerary and the weather. For inexperienced riders or groups
with children we suggest that we transport you further up the trail by
vehicle and mount your horse there. Advanced riders can ride the full
day in from the main ranch. You can expect that we will stop for rests
and lunch at planned intervals. Depending on how the group is traveling
this can vary between every two to three hours. Remember, that you
wrangler knows the safest spots to stop and that halting the entire
string, tying, rechecking tack, remounting and starting off again takes
some time and if it is getting late in the day breaks may be limited.
Once we arrive at our first days destination your wrangler and cook will
start unpacking the horses. Your wrangler will then bring the horses
out to pasture and your cook will get the fires going and dinner on.
Guests are welcome to help either the wrangler or the cook. There are
many things to do when we first get to camp. Such as setting up
bedrolls, getting the fire going, fetching water, starting dinner,
unsaddling, unpacking horses, feeding and getting them out to pasture
for the evening.
Each Additional Day:
For
each day that you are out on a trip with us we will ride between four
to five hours, this does not include break times. If we are not moving
camps we are open to suggestion on activities your group would like to
do or if you wish go exploring on your own. Each day you will
experience some of the most impressive high-country scenery anywhere in
the world. On your pack horse adventure you will find yourself winding
your way through mountain passes that vault into the crystal blue sky,
meadows full of wild alpine flowers, the silence of deep glacier fed
lakes and the cool sweetness of the mountain filled air. Each day will
bring new experiences, from fossil collecting, fishing, wildlife
viewing, fantastic scenery and great companionship. Your guides will
provide you with stories, landmarks, and points of interest. There are
many great walks and hikes from our camps.
Key points to remember when riding:
Be
alert to your surroundings. Be in control of your horse AT ALL TIMES.
Use both leg and voice command. Keep your reins in your hands at all
times and never allow too much slack or have your reins too tight. Be
aware of the person in front and behind you. Help relay any messages to
the front of the line if necessary. Watch for low hanging branches and
the possibility of coming across an underground wasp nest. If passing
other users on the trail be friendly and talk with them as you are
passing. This helps to comfort your horse of the obstruction they are
going around. Watch were you walk around the horses and always make
sure they know were you are. Coming quietly up to a horse may startle
them and cause them to kick. Ask for assistance mounting or dismounting
if it is needed. Being able to get off independently is a necessity if
their is an urgent matter to prepare for. If you are unsure about
tying your horse, ask for assistance. Do not tie to small trees, fences
or dead standing trees. This could cause both you or your horse a
serious injury.
Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.
Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.
(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
1 |
| USA |
2 |
| Other EU |
3 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/4 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
N/A |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
5 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
N/A |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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South Chilcotin Pack Trip
Tour Code:
RTBC05-5
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,825.00
Dates :
June to Aug, custom dates possible
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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