Trail Rides in Big Lake BC

Our guided horseback trail rides take place in Big Lake BC, approximately 45 minutes from Williams Lake in the Cariboo Chilcotin region of British Columbia. We ride through forested trails, open ranch meadows, and landscapes connected to the historic Gold Rush Trail.

We are located in Big Lake BC, approximately 120 km (about 1.5 hours) south of Quesnel and 45 minutes from Williams Lake. If you are traveling from Prince George toward the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast or heading south toward Williams Lake, we make a perfect scenic stop along the route.

Many guests visiting Barkerville Historic Town or touring through Quesnel choose to include a horseback trail ride in Big Lake as part of their Cariboo adventure.

All riders must wear closed-toe shoes with a small heel (such as riding boots or sturdy boots with a defined heel). Long pants are strongly recommended for comfort in the saddle. We suggest dressing in layers, as Cariboo weather can change quickly.

Proper footwear is required for safety and participation in our trail rides.

Yes. ASTM-approved riding helmets are mandatory for all riders, regardless of age or experience level. Helmets are available to borrow at no extra charge.

While cowboy culture has traditionally been anti-helmet, modern equestrian sport has shown that even world-class riders can suffer serious brain injuries during unpredictable accidents. Horses are powerful animals, and unexpected moments can happen anywhere — even on quiet trail rides.

At MeadowView Reins, safety is non-negotiable. We believe protecting your brain protects your future.

Yes. Our small-group horseback trail rides in Big Lake BC are designed to be beginner-friendly while still enjoyable for experienced riders. We keep groups to a maximum of four guests to ensure personalized instruction and a relaxed pace.

Before every trail ride, all guests participate in a short orientation session in our arena. This allows riders to learn basic horse communication, steering, stopping, and posture in a safe, controlled environment before heading onto the trails. For more experienced riders it simply provides an opportunity to create connection with your horse. 

This extra step builds confidence for beginners and ensures a safer, more relaxed experience once we enter the Cariboo wilderness.

Yes. Private trail rides must be booked directly via email to ensure we can tailor the experience to your group. Please contact us at: meadowviewreins@gmail.com

Private experiences are ideal for families, special occasions, and couples looking for a more intimate Cariboo adventure.

Our standard trail rides are intentionally kept small (maximum 4 riders) to ensure personalized attention and horse welfare.

However, we can accommodate private groups of up to 6 riders by special arrangement. Please contact us directly via email at meadowviewreins@gmail.com if you are traveling as a larger group.

We intentionally operate with smaller group sizes because we prioritize the well-being of our horses and the quality of the guest experience.

Owner Meagan works closely with each horse to ensure they are physically strong, mentally relaxed, and happy in their work. We refuse to overwork our horses or rotate them through high-volume schedules. This means availability may be more limited than larger commercial trail ride operations — but it ensures our horses remain sound, responsive, and well cared for.

Our horses are ridden in fitted bitless bridles and are trained this way by a professional trainer.

A bitless bridle eliminates pressure on the sensitive structures inside the horse’s mouth, increasing comfort and relaxation. We have found that this approach supports clearer communication, softer responses, and a more enjoyable experience for both horse and rider.

Horse comfort directly impacts rider confidence — and that matters to us.

Guests often tell us that MeadowView Reins feels like a blend of big-city attention to detail and small-town ranch hospitality.

You can expect thoughtful touches, professional instruction, and carefully maintained horses — paired with genuine Cariboo warmth and down-to-earth service.

We believe meaningful outdoor experiences come from slowing down, paying attention, and caring deeply — for both our guests and our horses.

🙌 Yes. Pickup and drop-off in Williams Lake may be available for select programs. Please inquire in advance when booking.

We are ideally situated between Quesnel and Williams Lake along the historic Gold Rush corridor. If you’re traveling from Prince George to the coast, exploring Barkerville, or touring through the Cariboo Chilcotin region, our ranch offers a memorable outdoor experience that fits naturally into your route.

A morning trail ride or afternoon paddle on Big Lake is the perfect way to stretch your legs, connect with nature, and experience authentic Cariboo hospitality.

Guests often say they expect high-end, detail-oriented service — and that’s exactly what we deliver — paired with small-town, down-to-earth ranch hospitality.

You can expect professional instruction, thoughtfully trained horses, ASTM-certified helmet safety standards, and carefully designed experiences — without losing the warmth and authenticity of a working Cariboo ranch.