Why Pemberton Is Worth Staying for Horseback Riding Near Whistler
Many guests visiting Whistler are surprised to learn that some of the most memorable experiences in the Sea to Sky region happen just 30 minutes north, in the neighbouring farming town of Pemberton. Wide open valleys, quiet country roads, local farms, and uncrowded trails set the scene for a very different pace of travel. For guests planning a horseback riding experience with Copper Cayuse Outfitters, staying in Pemberton for at least one night can turn a single activity into a truly immersive mountain getaway. If you’re visiting Whistler this Summer to go horse riding, here’s why you should extend your time in Pemberton by at least a night.
Close to the Ride, Far from the Crowds
Copper Cayuse Outfitters is based in Pemberton, Whistler’s neighbouring town, just a scenic 30-minute drive north. While the drive is short (for Canada), having a vehicle is strongly recommended, as public transportation in the Sea to Sky corridor is limited and taxis from Whistler can be expensive, especially when you need to match riding schedules.
For our One- and Two-Hour rides, the CCO ranch is about 10 minutes from Pemberton. With no local taxi service, your main options are renting a vehicle or arranging a taxi from Whistler.
For our Half-, Full-, and Multi-Day rides, the Birkenhead Trailhead is roughly a 30-minute drive from Pemberton (about 1 hour from Whistler). Guests will need a vehicle to reach the trailhead, though if that’s not possible, please contact us—we may be able to provide a lift or share details for a private transfer service. The 99 Commuter bus can also bring you between Whistler Village and downtown Pemberton.
By staying in Pemberton, guests can enjoy a relaxed morning, an easy drive to the ranch, and more time to soak up the experience rather than watching the clock. It’s the perfect way to slow down, explore the local terrain and hikes, and fully enjoy your horseback riding adventure.
A Different Side of the Sea to Sky
Whistler is iconic for good reason. Its alpine terrain, vibrant village, and energy make it a must-visit destination for travellers from around the world. Pemberton complements that experience rather than competes with it.
Just north of the resort, the pace shifts. The valley opens up, traffic thins, and daily life feels more local and grounded. Staying in Pemberton gives visitors the chance to experience a more traditional Canadian mountain community, where mornings are quiet, conversations are unhurried, and the landscape sets the rhythm of the day. We’re a town of farmers, foodies and avid adventurers. You’ll find us grabbing our delicious treats and coffees at one of the local bakeries before hitting the trails to bike, hike or ride all day long.
For travellers who love Whistler but want a short break from the bustle, one night in Pemberton offers an easy way to escape the crowds while still keeping the resort at the heart of their itinerary.
Easy Access to More Pemberton Experiences
A night in Pemberton opens the door to far more than horseback riding. With a vehicle, guests can easily experience the small businesses and everyday places that make the community feel lived-in rather than toured.
Visitors often enjoy:
Driving up the Pemberton Meadows road to the Beer Farmers for a burger and beer after their ride. Take in the stunning view of Mt Currie, meet the highland cows, and enjoy the winding farmfield drive.
Visit North Arm Farm to pick blueberries, strawberries or raspberries. Meet the farm animals, stock up on locally grown produce, or just enjoy an ice cream out in the field and soak in the sunshine below Mt Currie.
Hiking and Biking our local trails - with unbelievable views, and quieter trails, Pemberton is one of the best places to explore the mountains. Please remember to adventure responsibly, pack in what you pack out, and travel with a satellite device as cell service drops outside of Pemberton.
Visiting for our towns signature event, the Slow Food Cycle Sunday! Bike up to 40km of the Pemberton Meadows road, meeting our local farmers, buying produce, enjoying local art and talent, and experiencing the one day of the year where the road gets shut down for the town to come out and bike to their hearts content.
Exploring our Farm Stands and local Flower Growers.
Jet-boating on a hot summers day along glacial fed rivers with Whistler Jet Boating.
Having a delicious feast, made up of locally grown ingredients, at Saneh Thai, Town Square, The Pony, Mile One Eating House, Fish & Rice and more.
Enjoying delicious coffee (thanks to our high ratio of Australians in town!) at Blackbird Bakery, Mt Currie Coffee Co and The Bread Warehouse.
These are the kinds of experiences that are harder to find in a resort setting but come naturally in Pemberton. Spending the night allows guests to slow down, dine locally, and wake up feeling connected to the place rather than passing through it.
Accommodation Options for Every Style
Pemberton offers a variety of places to stay, from cozy lodges and cabins to boutique accommodations and campgrounds in warmer months. Options tend to be more relaxed and often more affordable than resort-based stays, making it easy to justify adding a night or two to an existing Whistler itinerary.
We recommend:
The Cabin at Sweetwater Lane Farm - a local regenerative farmstay with hydrotheraphy setup (perfect for after a long day in the saddle), incredible views of Mt Currie, donkeys and highland cows, and conveniently located just 15 minutes from our Birkenhead Trailhead for Half/Full/Multi Day Ride guests. It’s the closest you can get! It’s about 20 minutes from town.
Joffre Creek Cabins - an iconically Canadian log-cabin in the mountains. This location is ultra secluded and perfect if you also have plans to go hiking in the popular Joffre Lakes, paddleboarding at Lillooet Lake, or if you have roadtrip plans that will take you towards Lillooet and the interior. Located about 30 minutes from either CCO location, and 20 minutes from Pemberton.
Pemberton Valley Lodge - conveniently located right in Pemberton village, this hotel is located just off Highway 99 and offers great access to all of our local trails, is walking distance to all eateries, and right near One Mile Lake (perfect for a dip on a hot day). This location is closest to our Copper Cayuse Ranch location (for One and Two Hour Rides).
Nairn Falls Campground - for those on a budget (or just wanting to breathe in the fresh air), Nairn Falls is Pemberton’s largest campground and located beside the beautiful Green River just off Highway 99. Just a couple minutes drive South of town, the campground has access to lovely trails and you can hike into town or nearby One Mile Lake.
Tourism Pemberton has all your options - discover more wonderful Pemberton accommodations here.
One Night Is All It Takes
Even a single night in Pemberton can shift the feel of a Whistler-based trip. It adds contrast, authenticity, and breathing room. Guests get the best of both worlds: the excitement and reputation of Whistler, paired with the calm and character of a local mountain town.
For those riding with Copper Cayuse Outfitters, staying nearby simply enhances the experience. Live like a local for a moment, escape the crowds with ease, and enjoy the land at a slower pace, all while travelling through one of Canada’s most iconic resort regions.
Slow down, stay close, and experience Pemberton from the saddle and beyond.