Back in the Saddle Riding Company

Horseback riding; it's so much fun to do!

I wanted to take my kids out for a fun trail ride, so looked for a company in the lower mainland where we could all go (starting at age 6).

It's hard to find a company that will allow a six year old to go on the horse alone; I'm not sure if it's because of liability or something else, but I wanted to let all of my daughters enjoy a fun trail ride, not just the older two.

I found Back in the Saddle online, called them up and made a reservation.

One hour trail rides were $40, and they allowed my six year old to ride "alone". When we got there, the put her up with the trail ride leader and she had a lead attached to my daughter's horse. It was perfect! I felt safe that she was tethered on to the experienced leader, and she got to ride on her own horse.

We found the site in Langley off of 200th street and there was ample parking so not an issue.

The owner was very friendly and got us all up on our horses and ready to go right away. We enjoyed a scenic trail ride in the Campbell Valley Regional park; it was very picturesque.

Our leader, Deb, was fun and patient with the kids, and allowed us to go at our own pace. She was very helpful in directing us and keeping us safe and happy.

I would definitely recommend Back in the Saddle if you're looking for a nice place to ride a horse on the Lower Mainland. My kids already want to go back!

Adara Hotel in Whistler, BC

I got a deal online so thought I'd check out this property.

Valet parking- $20 on site (right next door at the convention center it's $10/for 24 hours!)

Nice lobby, easy check in, hot coffee from JJ Bean available; nice perk!

Elevator up to second floor, found our lovely and modern room. Nice King Size bed, french press with more JJ Bean coffee, nice bathroom (shower only) with lots of complimentary products.

Oh, what's that on the night stand? Well, it's two pairs of EAR PLUGS! Why would we need those?

I look out the window and see that we are right across from a night club, and RIGHT ON TOP of another! This property has rooms DIRECTLY over Buffalo Bill's nightclub; a very popular hotspot. Not so bad while everyone is inside, but come 2:30am or so, and it's very loud right outside your window.

Hence the earplugs; and the noise machine which we had fun playing with, but didn't really realize it's purpose until 3am when we couldn't sleep.

Beautiful room, central location, hot tub, elevator, valet parking : PLUS

Expensive parking, room over a nightclub : MINUS