This Weekend Horseback Trip Near Whistler Is the BC Bucket List Experience You Didn’t Know Existed
When people search “Whistler must do”, they usually expect gondolas, mountain biking, or ziplining.
But if you're looking for a truly unforgettable Sea to Sky activity, something raw, historic, and wildly immersive, the 3-Day Li-Lik-Hel Mine Expedition with Copper Cayuse Outfitters belongs at the top of your Summer 2026 BC bucket list.
This isn’t a trail ride. This is a three-day backcountry journey from valley bottom to the alpine, following the same rugged terrain travelled during the Gold Rush of 1858.
Ride Through Gold Rush History in the Birkenhead Region
During the Gold Rush, over 30,000 gold seekers passed through this region on their way to the goldfields of Lillooet and beyond. Port Pemberton was established as a stopping house along the historic Douglas Trail.
Few people realise they can still explore this history, not by car or footpath, but on horseback, climbing historic alpine routes into old mining sites where remnants of a camp remain - rusted and untouched.
The Li-Lik-Hel Expedition takes riders from 200m above sea level to 1700m and back across three unforgettable days.
Meet Your Mountain Companions: The Mt. Currie Horses
The horses are part of what makes this one of the most unique experiences in British Columbia. Trained from the local Mt. Currie herd, these geldings were born on and roam the Pemberton Valley as a herd. Slightly shorter, deeply muscled, and extraordinarily sure-footed, they are built for endurance, not speed.
And in the mountains, that’s exactly what you want.
They climb steep, rocky and sandy terrain with steady confidence. They navigate narrow alpine single-track. They handle elevation with calm strength.
Even experienced riders often say they’ve never ridden terrain like this before.
What the 3-Day Li-Lik-Hel Mine Expedition Looks Like
Day 1: Valley Bottom to Alpine Camp
Your journey begins near Birken, just north of Pemberton, riding from the valley floor alongside the Birkenhead River.
You’ll travel 15–20km over approximately six hours of riding, gaining 400 metres of elevation on Day 1 alone.
Expect:
River crossings
Winding alpine trails
Steep single-track climbing
Rocky and sandy terrain
Open stretches for cantering (for those with the ability)
As you gain elevation, the terrain shifts. By the time you approach Birkenhead Lake, the forest thins and the air feels drier.
After a full day in the saddle, you’ll arrive at camp — and this is where the magic shifts from adventure to restoration.
A Backcountry Camp Without Sacrificing Comfort
It’s not quite camping, but it’s not quite glamping. We’ve mastered being comfortable in the backcountry while still feeling like you’re experiencing a true wilderness adventure. Camp sits alongside the rushing Birkenhead River and below the stars. Out of service and deep in the mountains, it’s an incredibly peaceful place with only the sound of a crackling fire and bird life.
Creature comforts at camp:
Large, spacious platformed tents
Raised cots with expedition sleeping bags and pillows
Hot showers
Hearty meals cooked by your dedicated camp host
Campfire evenings under the stars
On hot summer days, guests can take a cold plunge in the river before dinner.
Day 2: Climbing Into the Alpine & The Historic Mine
After a hearty breakfast while wranglers tack up the horses, Day 2 takes you deeper.
The morning ride winds through dense bush and old forest roads before beginning a short but steep ascent up the mountainside.
And then you reach it.
The remnants of an old mining camp and the Li-Lik-Hel gold mine site.
Cart tracks still mark the earth. History lingers in rusted metal and collapsed structures.
For the brave, there is an opportunity to journey inside along the old cart tracks into the mine shaft itself — a rare chance to physically stand where gold rush miners once worked.
Few “must do experiences in British Columbia” can offer that kind of tangible connection to the past. And almost none let you arrive there on horseback.
Day 3: The Descent Home
Your final day carries you back down from camp, retracing alpine terrain toward the valley bottom.
Three days in the saddle, climbing from 200m to 1700m and back, does something subtle but powerful, it slows you down and resets your nervous system.
You’ll come away feeling tired, but restored. 3 days in nature, out of service, and connecting to nature and incredible horses will do something magical to you.
Why this is a must-do experience for summer 2026
Experience a remarkable, restorative and deeply inspiring trip that will make you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver or touristy Whistler, while only being 2.5 hours away from the big city. Escape the crowds and cell service and connect with nature this Summer. Come back from your weekend feeling refreshed, inspired and rejuvenated.
