Back Country Horsemen Saddle Up Against Cancer

The Central Vancouver Island Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of BC, (CVI BCHBC) is a registered non-profit society, whose volunteers maintain an extensive trail system on public lands. Recreational hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians use these trails with connections next to the Trans Canada Trail off the end of Spruston Road, Nanaimo. In addition, they have constructed a BCHBC equestrian campground with 20 corrals, 2 outhouses, manure pit, map kiosk. This staging area is behind fenced and locked gates at the end of Spruston road. This campground is managed by CVI with an agreement with Recreational Sites and Trails BC, with a future transfer of land ownership to the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

For the second year in a row, CVI is hosting a day ride for all equestrians, not just BCHBC members, called the Saddle Up Against Cancer, which is set for Sunday, September 7th 2025. Two routes are offered, one of 9 kilometres, and the longer one at 13 kilometres. These 2 looped routes will be flagged and mapped, and, there will be guided rides out as well. In addition, lunch will be provided.

All proceeds from Saddle Up Against Cancer will be in support of the new BC Cancer Centre in Nanaimo. This new centre will expand access to cancer care on Vancouver Island.