Horseback Adventures

in the heart of British Columbia’s

untamed wilderness.

Pack Trips 2027

Guiding in the
Chilcotin since 1918

Bracewell’s Alpine Wilderness Adventures is a 400-acre wilderness lodge and homestead in western British Columbia. Our family has guided through the Chilcotin Mountains for generations. We know this country like it’s part of who we are, and we’re excited to share it with you.

Our horseback trips suit a wide range of riders, from families looking for an unforgettable adventure to experienced horsemen and horsewomen seeking a true backcountry pack trip. Every trip starts right here at the lodge, with no extra travel needed. From the moment you arrive, the trails and mountains are right outside your door.

Join us for a multi-day expedition through the mountains, or stay at the lodge and explore the surrounding country on day rides. Either way, you’ll see the Chilcotin at its most authentic.

Come for the horses, the mountains, and the adventure, and leave with memories that will have you wanting to come back..

Welcome to the Bracewell Lodge.

  • Pioneer Trip

    Pioneer Trip

    7 days | Group up to 8 | Ages 6 to 80 | All Experience Levels | Balanced & Active Riding

    Endless mountain views, glistening lakes, and skies that stretch for miles—welcome to the Pioneer Trip. This journey is perfect for riders who love adventure but also appreciate a comfortable basecamp. Our cozy cabin sits near a mountain lake, where you can swim after the rides, relax, and unwind. It’s ideal for those who prefer to settle in for a few days rather than pack up every day.

    From here, we ride to breathtaking viewpoints, exploring landscapes rich with fossils, wildflowers, and incredible wildlife. Some lucky guests even spot grizzlies, deer, grouse, and more along the way.

    Learn more
  • Mountains, trees, wildflowers, and horses in a valley at sunset.

    Explorer Trip

    7 days | Group up to 7 | Ages 15 to 70 | Confident Riders | Balanced & Active Riding

    This trip is for riders who love a horseback adventure, where camp changes along the way. It’s a wilder, immersive experience, perfect for riders who enjoy changing scenery, varied trails, and life on horseback in the mountains.

    Along the way, you’ll ride past snow-capped peaks, roaring rivers, wildflower fields, and ancient fir forests. Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but some guests are lucky enough to see animals—and the creatures are usually more wary of us than we are of them.

    Learn more

What you’ll
Experience.

Guides with Pack Horses, ready to head into the Wilderness for a 5 day Pack Trip

Great Adventures,
Real Nature

Our Horseback trips are designed to make you want to come back again and again because you won't find this level of authenticity anywhere else.

Fun for All,
Family Memories

We offer tours that are perfect for the whole family, creating unforgettable experiences that will bring everyone closer to nature.

Home cooked Meals,
True Comfort

All of our meals are lovingly cooked by us, making sure you’re well-fed and energized for the journey ahead.

Your Stay,
Your Way

Choose how you want to experience the wilderness: sleep under the stars, in a cozy tent, or enjoy the comfort of our cabin—it’s up to you.

A Legacy Preserved,
Guided by Tradition

Our wilderness lodge is steeped in history, and we’re proud to keep the Bracewell family’s heritage alive. When you stay with us, you’re not just visiting a place—you’re connecting with a legacy.

Learning & Teaching,
Hands-On Skills

We’re excited to offer horsepack clinics and other hands-on learning experiences, where you can develop new skills and gain a deeper understanding of the wilderness.

About the Bracewells.

Our story begins with Gerry Bracewell, who made history as the first female hunting guide in BC, and her husband, Alfred Bracewell, a highly skilled Cat operator who helped build the road to Bella Coola. Their legacy is reflected in every trail we ride and every campfire we gather around.

Continuing this family legacy, Alex Bracewell, the second generation, has dedicated his life to guiding tourists through this breathtaking wilderness. With over 60 years of experience under his belt, he will weave his tales of past adventures that will captivate you for hours around the campfire.

Now, his son Aaron Bracewell proudly follows in the family’s footsteps as the third generation, ensuring that the spirit of exploration and love for the land continues. Together, they embody the heart and soul of Bracewell’s Alpine Wilderness Adventure, inviting you to share in a glimpse of their extraordinary journey.

Enjoy yourself while you feel the rich history in everything we call dear. From our old saddles that have seen countless trails, to the tools that built the place lined against the wall. When you come through the gate you are part of our family, enjoy yourself and get ready for the adventure ahead.

Join us in this stunning wilderness and become part of our family’s story.

Meet the
Family.

First Female Hunting Guide Gerry Bracewell with her white Horse

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is our big herd of horses. They’re an invaluable part of our team. Each has a personality of its own, and every one plays a role in making your trip special. Get to know them, and us, before you visit. Rest assured, we’ll match you with the right horse for your experience.

About us

  • I highly recommend this company to provide you with the most amazing horseback riding experience. The Explorer Trip was such an incredible adventure through stunning country. The horses were brilliant, & so steady. The guides made us feel welcome & safe. They fed us brilliantly well at The Lodge & all our camps, and looked after us superbly. Excellent value for money.

    Kirsty Dewar
    Google Review / 2026

  • What an amazing place. Aaron who runs the place is such a warm and friendly yet highly professional guy! The location could easily be a movie set! My personal highlight of two weeks of traveling through the Chilcotin. Friendly and very dedicated staff, great food, incredible history. And last but not least: wild! Surrounded by a truly unspoilt wilderness. Got to see black bears and even a massive Grizzly while out here!

    David Maiwald
    Google Review / 2026

  • Fantastic holiday!! One of the very best I’ve ever been on! My only regret is I forgot to get a picture of the dazzling view of the Milky Way. The hospitality was amazing, and I felt pampered from start to finish. I just can’t say thank you enough. Don’t know anything about horses? No problem—they will help you every step of the way and pair you with the right horse for your experience. I hadn’t been on a horse in 40 years, and they made me feel completely comfortable. The tents are provided, as are the bags for packing your clothes. Made preparing for the trip easy. The views are awe inspiring, the mountain flowers are spectacular, and the meals were absolutely superb! The smells, sounds, and sights of the surrounding nature are truly soul touching. I started this journey with a group of strangers but ended it with new friends and memories I will cherish forever. It was an unforgettable experience that I will treasure for a very long time. and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly special adventure.

    Darla Yuill
    Google Review / 2026

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ich bin schon auf einigen Reitreisen gewesen und deshalb waren meine Erwartungen an das Pionierabenteuer bei Bracewell AWA entsprechend hoch. Was ich dort erleben durfte, hat jedoch alles übertroffen, was ich mir vorgestellt hatte. Die Pferde sind einfach fantastisch – trittsicher, zuverlässig, ausgeglichen und in einem hervorragenden gesundheitlichen Zustand. Man merkt sofort, dass sie mit viel Liebe, Respekt und Erfahrung gehalten werden. Mit ihnen durch die unberührte Wildnis Kanadas zu reiten, war einfach ein unbeschreibliches Gefühl. Was diese Reise aber wirklich einzigartig macht, ist die Bracewell-Familie. Ihre Herzlichkeit, Offenheit und Gastfreundschaft haben mich tief berührt. Schon nach kurzer Zeit hatte ich das Gefühl, nicht nur Gast zu sein, sondern dazuzugehören. Genau diese familiäre Atmosphäre macht diesen Ort so besonders. Und dann diese Landschaft… Worte reichen eigentlich nicht aus. Die Weite, die Stille und die unberührte Natur Kanadas sind einfach atemberaubend. Jeder einzelne Tag war ein neues Abenteuer und jeder Ritt ein Erlebnis, das ich für immer in meinem Herzen tragen werde. Der Abschied fiel mir unglaublich schwer. Es fühlte sich nicht wie ein Abschied an, sondern eher wie ein „Bis bald“. Denn eines weiß ich ganz sicher: Ich werde wiederkommen. Von Herzen danke an die gesamte Bracewell-Familie für diese unvergessliche Zeit. Ihr habt mir nicht nur einen Traum erfüllt, sondern Erinnerungen geschenkt, die mich mein Leben lang begleiten werden. ❤️🇨🇦

    Monika
    Google Review / 2026


  • I truly cannot say enough good things about our experience with Bracewell’s Alpine Wilderness Adventures. We went on the Pioneer trip, and from the moment we arrived, the hospitality was warm, welcoming, and made us feel right at home. The main lodge and backcountry camp are the perfect mix of cozy comfort and rustic charm. Honestly, the camp felt like total luxury in the wilderness - complete with a sauna and the option for a dip in the lake! The food throughout the trip was outstanding, but a couple of moments truly stole the show: having lunch while taking in the breathtaking views overlooking Tatlayoko Lake, and an unforgettable alpine lunch in Marmot Basin with bread baked fresh over the fire that very morning. And the horses!! The herd is meticulously cared for and well-loved. On the trails, they were absolute rockstars, sure-footed, steady, calm, and clearly in their element, making every ride through the mountains a joy. It was an extraordinarily memorable trip, and I’m already counting down the days until I can come back. If you are looking for a wilderness adventure with top-tier care, incredible food, and unbelievable scenery, this is it! Thank you for the unforgettable experience and the new friendships <3

    Amanda Miller
    Google Review / 2026

  • Possibly a biased opinion, but I spent many of my summers at this lodge growing up because I was besties with family of the Bracewells. Breathtaking views, a horse for every rider, and to this day I'd do anything for a summer day out on their giant raft. An unmatchable experience cracking hot with Chilcoltin history and genuine hosts with wild stories to tell that will blow your mind. If you don't go out here after reading this review, youre a fool.

    Kelly O’Connor
    Google Review / 2021

  • This is actually one of my family and friends, favourite place to go every summer, if we could. Welcoming, comfortable. The lodge is impressive, history on every wall. A place to unwind, relax.

    Laura Jeff
    Google Review / 2021

  • What do I recommend? EVERYTHING! If you enjoy the backcountry like I have for 50 years this was a wonderful EASY experience. Being the planner, meal organizer, groc shopper ect ect this Horseback Trip Aug 19-26, 2023 was a RELAXING break. Just got to enjoy beautiful wide open spaces, the wonderful staff who were really part of our group, the horses were wonderful, well organized, THE FOOD (I cook very well and like my veggies ‘n fruits and they delivered beyond expectations! The meals were all home cooked delicious!), the Lodge… EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING! We all felt right at home!

    Penny Hendricks
    Facebook Review / 2023

  • I went on the ten day trip and it was the most beautiful thing I could ever have imagined! The people were great, Timmy was a perfect matching horse for me and the sights are truly unbelievable. I would always go back and I'll keep those memories forever. Thank you all!

    Tonia Willi
    Facebook Review / 2016

  • You can't find better!

    Brenda Reid
    Google Review / 2024

  • Great adventure for the family

    Vanwyk McDonald
    Google Review / 2024

  • Wir haben zwei Tagesausritte mit Aaron gemacht und die waren beide überaus grossartig. Eine atemberaubende Landschaft, tolle, freundliche und kompetente Gastgeber. Wir kommen für einen Mehrtagesausritt wieder.

    Maria Lau
    Google Review / 2025

  • As far as adventure riding goes, Bracewell’s Explorer trip does not disappoint. Such an experience cannot be described in words. I will definitely return for the Pioneer and Frontier trips.

    S Grant
    Google Review / 2025

  • If you're looking for a fun adventure, look no further—this experience has it all! Our family had an unforgettable experience on this pioneer horseback riding trip! From the moment we arrived, we felt incredibly welcome. The staff created such a warm, friendly environment—it felt like we were among old friends by the end of the trip. The guides were absolutely incredible—so knowledgeable, passionate, and attentive. They made sure everyone felt safe, comfortable and confident on the trail. As a beginner rider I was amazed how the horses were gentle, calm, and truly amazing to ride—perfectly matched to each rider. The scenery was nothing short of breathtaking, and Annalena and Zoe's meals were homemade and delicious, hearty, and satisfying—just what you want after a day out on the trail. Loved learning about the family history, local area, and all Aaron's amazing family stories shared along the way. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of paradise with us. We can’t wait to come back!

    The Aebischer's
    Google Review / 2025

Trail’s Tail
Media Features

Mountain Reporters on the Pioneer Trip

We had the pleasure of welcoming Mountain Reporters’ Maartje and Edwin to our Pioneer Trip, where they experienced firsthand the rugged beauty of the Bracewell’s Alpine Wilderness on horseback. As avid travelers, they share their insider tips and stories from around the world, and now they’ve captured the spirit of our adventure in their article. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, their story gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our Pioneer Trip an unforgettable experience.

Read now

Back Country Horsemen Of BC on the Pioneer Trip

We’re truly grateful to be featured in BC Horsemen’s June Saddle Up 2025 issue, and even more thankful for the incredible friendships we’ve formed with the Back Country Horsemen of BC.

They joined us on the trails, capturing what we love most—long days in the saddle, amazing views, and the strong connection we share with our horses in the wilderness we call home.

We’re honored that they got to experience our Pioneer Trip and wrote about it, and even more grateful to now call these incredible horsemen and women our friends

Read now

Take the leap.

Ready to discover an amazing adventure? Join us today!