From our own densely populated island, it is hard to imagine the vastness and grandeur of this huge country. Or to find superlatives to describe the picture-postcard views of snow-capped peaks, sapphire blue lakes, the towering Canadian Rockies and the sparkling Columbia Icefield where you can actually walk on the frozen waters of a glacier. Contrast with all of this the city of Edmonton with one of the world's largest shopping malls, quaint and compact Victoria and vibrant, free-and-easy Vancouver. From here you can take a cruise up to Alaska, or go whale watching. And then there's Calgary, home of the Spruce Meadow horse shows and the thrilling Calgary Stampede. This great land will reward you with many rich memories when you choose to make this your ranch holiday destination.

Chilcotin Ranch

This unique wilderness ranch is located in the sunny South Chilcotin Mountains 4.5 hours North of Vancouver, with over 3000 square miles of land to ride, from forests with Douglas firs and trembling Aspens through alpine meadows abundant in wild flowers and then onward to above the tree lines.
The large ranch lodge comprises of sun room, large central dining room, two storey fireplace and a large outdoor deck facing the rugged Coastal mountains. The eight guest bedrooms have a varied combination of sleeping arrangements (i.e queen, bunk, twin all with feather duvets), along with four shared bathrooms. Meals are served family style and you will satisfy your new found appetite on unlimited fresh fruit and vegetables, lots of home made baking, and delicious and hearty main courses. Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol, as it does not have a liquor licence. The atmosphere of the ranch lodge is similar to that of a large family home.
Enjoy an action packed adventure on tried and tested Cayuse horses matched to your abilities. You will receive a thorough introduction to Western Mountain riding; you will find each ride cleverly crafted to gradually take you to new heights, through high passes with 360 degrees views of the surrounding mountains. You will be sure to see abundant wildlife, maybe mule deer, mountain goat, moose, bear and much more are regularly seen.
When not riding you could go swimming in a nearby crystal clear lake, hike a new trail, relax and read a book, play a board game, browse for a book in the well-stocked library or enjoy the camaraderie around the evening campfire.
As a fully licensed guide training facility you are sure to get the very best in guided riding but it certainly is not trail riding!


 


Siwash Lake Ranch

Secluded and exclusive, this ranch offers freedom, adventure, and the finest of comforts in an intimate, pristine wilderness setting. A luxury guest ranch, tucked away in the heart of British Columbia's Cariboo country and surrounded by more than 80,000 acres of land to ride upon, where wildlife thrives among natural grasslands, forest, lakes, and rivers.
Riding is the main activity, the ranch offers small group or solitary riding on unspoiled wilderness trails. There could be the opportunity for accomplished riders to ride well-trained horses on their own without a guide, after some introductory riding with the owners/wranglers. There is very little scheduling and definitely no rigidly structured nose-to-tail trail riding as the ranch strives to provide a personalized riding experience that will cater for your needs and abilities, with a focus on natural horsemanship.
For non-riders or if you want a break from riding, the ranch has many other activities available. If fishing is a passion, the ranch’s angling guide is on hand to take you into the backcountry for some spectacular fly-fishing or spin fishing. As well, canoeing, river and lake swimming, nature walking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing will all satisfy your yearning for adventure. There is always the option to do nothing at all and simply catch up on some rest and relaxation at this tranquil hideaway and savour complete peace and quiet, apart from the birds singing outside your window.
Accommodations are situated in the impressive 6000 square foot log ranch house. There are six beautifully appointed guest bedrooms, all featuring a pillow-top mattress, Egyptian linens, plush robes, over-size bath towels, aromatherapy soap and bath oil, fresh flowers, bottled water and spectacular views.
At meal times, you'll be delighted with gourmet food prepared with the freshest of seasonal ingredients and served in the dining room or alfresco at meadows edge. Enjoy family style dining with other guests, or a romantic table for two, offering beautiful views of the meadow where the ranch cattle and horses graze. The ranch does have a liquor license and has a good selection of beers and wines.



Three Bars Ranch

Located on thirty five thousand spectacular acres in the heart of Western Canada's picturesque Rocky Mountains. Canada’s famous Banff National Park is just two hours drive to the north and Fort Steele historic park is only minutes from this ranch set in an area of natural beauty.
Designed to give you the utmost in comfort, amenities and relaxation with private cabins arranged around a large manicured lawn. Its duplex log cabins have Queen-size beds and are well furnished and appointed, all have a sitting area, a sit-out porch and private facilities. The spectacular lodge houses the dining room, saloon and recreation lounge and this is where guests come to relax before and after dinner and share stories of the day's exploits.
The food is described as ‘traditional with a flair’ and well up to western gourmet standards. A full complement of entrees, vegetables, potatoes and salads are on offer, finish off with one of their famous deserts. There are also cookouts and barbeques and the ranch has a full liquor licence.
Beginner or advanced rider, you will benefit from rides steadily increasing in pace through the week, explore trails through the woods, crisscross the plateau or wander along a riverbank. For the children there is a special Ranch Kid's Program, which is designed for children from 7 to 12 years of age and focuses on horses and the overall outdoor experience. There are facilities for little guys at the ranch as well, including a petting zoo, pool, and kids play area and fort.
Other activities include volleyball, tennis, hiking, fishing, river rafting and mountain biking. The ranch also has a heated indoor pool and outside whirlpool, also a fitness facility where you can book a massage.
The evening entertainment at the ranch is unplanned and quite informal.


 


Sundance Ranch

This family owned ranch is located in one of the sunniest spots in British Columbia, on the edge of the interior plateau region, overlooking the spectacular Thompson River Valley, and is only 4 hours drive from Vancouver.
The ranch will carefully select the right horse for the individual rider (with a choice of over 100 horses) and offers beginner, intermediate, or advanced morning and afternoon rides each day, with an evening ride often being announced during the warm summer months. The scenery and views are breathtaking, and the trails surrounding the ranch will take you through some of the best and most unspoilt spots on your 2 to 3 hour rides. Children aged 8 and over are able to ride on the trails, and the younger ones will have the chance to ride ponies around the area.
Apart from the horseback riding, which is foremost, the other ranch activities include swimming in the heated outdoor pool, hiking through the beautiful surrounding countryside, horseshoe pitch, movie lounge, games room, and a nine-hole golf course and excellent fishing only 15 minutes from the ranch.
Three mouth-watering, home-cooked meals are served daily and all children 14 years and under have the opportunity to eat together with their new friends, separately from the parents. The licensed dining room overlooks the pastures where the horses spend the night grazing and cooling off among the sprinklers. A candlelit 3-course dinner is served each evening, alternatively the chef will cook up Black Angus burgers and steaks in the barbeque pit.
The ranch is on a single level, with all rooms being connected by a covered wooden boardwalk. There are 19 standard rooms with one queen and one single bed, and 3 deluxe rooms with one king bed. All rooms are tastefully decorated and very comfortable, with air conditioning and private facilities including bath and shower.
After a long day, you will be happy to relax with a good book, talk about the day's events with fellow guests, or make your way to the adult lounge for the Saturday night dance or a game of billiards or cards.


 


Elkin Creek Ranch

The Wild West awaits you at this remote and unspoilt location that is the Nemaiah Valley, home to this authentic western ranch that accommodates up to 40 guests. Nestled deep in the Chilcotin region of British Columbia between Mount Tatlow of the Coast Mountain range and sparkling Vedan Lake, you will experience genuine western hospitality and create lasting memories.
This charming ranch offers a long list of activities, the formost of which being amazing horseback riding. All levels of riding experience are catered for, with lessons held in the arena for the inexperienced, through to horsemanship training, cattle drives, cattle sorting and range riding for the more confident along with some truly stunning scenic rides. A combination of experienced wranglers and a diverse herd, ensure that guests are matched with a suitable horse and experience world-class riding.
Other activities that will fill many fun packed days are fly-fishing, lake fishing, guided hiking and mountain biking. For those wanting to make a splash, there is also river and lake kayaking, swimming, paddle boating, canoeing and wind surfing. In addition, relaxing in the clean and fresh mountain air is always an option or enjoying the comfort of the ranch and its accommodations. Children over 6 years are welcome, and with the many activities available will never be bored.
Accommodations are in the form of traditional well appointed log cabins that have two comfortable bedrooms, private ensuite bathrooms, sitting room and private decks with mountains views. There are also bigger cabins of the same luxurious standard to accommodate larger groups.
The ranch chef prepares excellent meals and snacks with the freshest ingredients, using the best cuts of beef and poultry, to the freshest salmon and seafood, always exceeding expectations. The ranch does have a liquor licence, be sure not to miss the pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres!


 


Echo Valley Ranch

The beauty of Canada’s Cariboo wilderness with its mighty mountains, plateaux, canyons and deserts, and all the wonders of nature’s diversity of wildlife, provide a unique setting for Echo Valley.
At this luxurious ranch resort you will experience both a cowhand lifestyle and
world-class service in deluxe accommodation. With no more than 20 guests hosted at one time, personal comfort and attention is assured.
Log lodge rooms and two secluded cabins are all en suite, with living areas tastefully decorated and balconies commanding inspiring views.
Meals here are prepared with crisp vegetables freshly gathered from the ranch’s own organic garden and greenhouse, complementing ranch-reared beef, pork, turkey, chicken and eggs....a delicious combination of gourmet cooking and generous servings.
Exploring Cariboo country is a main delight when riding one of the famed Tennessee Walkers, renowned as the smoothest riding horses - or by a top of the range 4-wheel drive.
Bird watching here includes hawks and eagles as well as 250 other species and falconry training.
Experience the sanctuary, calm, care and inner harmony of the first ‘Baan Thai’ spa in North America. Here you will be introduced to a wide range of Thai therapies from steam treatments to a herbal oil massage, all designed for the care of mind, body and soul.
Many outdoor activities can be tailored to your taste and energies. In the evenings, restore yourself in the hot tub or sauna, have a massage, facial beauty treatment, a manicure or pedicure. Then choose a game of billiards, darts or cards in the games room, watch big-screen satellite TV, or meet new found friends in a lounge furnished with soft leather sofas.


 

Call Ranch Rider on 01509 618811 or fax on 01509 610585
Ranch Rider, Devonshire House, Devonshire Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3DF, England

 

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA