This vast province offers a wealth of outdoor activities and attractions amongst a diverse pristine landscape, which is home to an abundance of wildlife. Saskatchewan provides a unique opportunity to be part of a genuine adventure, explore unspoilt terrain and experience the traditional cowboy lifestyle first-hand.

La Reata Ranch

This unique working ranch nestling in the beautiful Saskatchewan river valley and overlooking the sandy shores of Lake Diefenbaker, only a short 2 hour-drive drive from Saskatoon and approximately 5 hours from Calgary. You can experience the cowboy way of life as you ride through the rolling prairies landscape from the cowpoke's best friend, the horse. This is a true working ranch and depending on seasons you may help with calving, branding, doctoring, join a cattle drive, help sort the cattle etc.- life here follows the seasons and the rhythm of the herds. You will work hard and then relax under the stars of a fragrant prairie evening, maybe even experience an overnight pack-trip. For those that wish to try something different you can walk down to the lake for swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing and water-skiing. And of course there are plenty of hiking trails in the rolling hills where you're sure to glimpse the untouched wildlife - Deer, Coyotes, Foxes, Owls, Golden Eagles and Pelicans. The landscape changes its palette with the seasons, from the purple crocus in spring to the pink flowering cactus in summer to the splendour of golden colours in the fall. The accommodations are in comfortable rustic cabins with western decoration, all with private facilities. Meals are prepare in the main lodge and are good wholesome western cowboy fare, including melt-in the mouth Canadian beef. In the evenings maybe sit around the campfire telling stories of the days adventures, or maybe have a game of horseshoes, try your hand at dummy steer roping or archery. Days' end, a visit to the La Reata Saloon is essential, where there is a pool table, foosball and darts. Listen to country music or sit in the hot tub under the stars and if your lucky you may even see the Aurora Borealis (Northern lights)!. .


 


Beaver Creek Ranch

This all-year-round working and guest ranch is located just 31 miles southwest of Calgary, at an elevation of 4900ft in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A small number of guests are welcome to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and the faithfulness of man's four-legged friend.
Riding is the main focus and in addition to the ranch property, there are several thousand acres of Crown land to explore on horseback, where bears, deer, coyotes, elk and other wildlife are frequently seen.
Riding varies from mountain valleys to high foothills, crossing numerous streams, mountain meadows and old Indian trails. This type of terrain allows you the chance to periodically trot or canter if desired. There are over 40 head of horses to satisfy the expert to novice rider. The choice is yours whether you just do a half-day or all-day ride but whatever you choose you will see spectacular scenery. There are special weeks available in April & May for in-depth lessons in Horsemanship. The ranch also packages that include either Calgary Stampede tickets, trips to Spruce Meadow Horse Shows or a chance to visit a Native Indian Powwow and Rodeo.
After a day in the saddle, you can relax in the outdoor hot tub or dangle your feet in the creek during a hike. If you feel so inclined, you can even help the wranglers with the ranch chores (cleaning corrals, fencing, moving hay bales). There is always the option to grab a fishing rod and try your hand at some creek-side fishing.
Evenings are quiet and relaxed. You can enjoy the appealing home cooked meals, served either family style at the ranch or on cookouts in the fine fresh air. Chilled beer, fresh coffee and snacks are always available but you may take in your own wines and spirits. You can even pop into the kitchen to help yourself to homemade cinnamon buns or cookies! The ranch does not have a licence for alcohol but you are welcome to take your own.
There are seven cosy rooms located in the lodge, all comfortably furnished with their own private facilities. Guests share a western style living and dining area within the lodge.



Historic Reesor Ranch

This historic cattle ranch reflects the history and heritage of ranch life in the Cypress Hills where five generations of the Resort family have worked this beef cattle orientated ranch. The ranch started taking in guests in 1998, Scott, Theresa and their family enjoy sharing this unique treasure in the Cypress Hills with visitors. This Cypress Hills Adventure is customized for you to include your choice of ranch activities such as cattle drives, and checking cattle on horseback. For those interested in softer adventure and more serene activities you can hike around our property or join up to the Trans-Canada Hiking Trail to enjoy the tranquillity of a mixed pine, spruce, and aspen forest filled with unique alpine flowers and birds found in the Cypress Hills.
The Cypress Hills are unique. They hold many Indian legends and historic sites, beautiful scenery and wildlife such as elk, moose, whitetail and mule deer. Let the peace and quiet, wide-open spaces, cool breezes and lovely sunsets rejuvenate and refresh you. On the ranch property follow old trails and footpaths up to the Conglomerate Rocks. Once on top of these rare rock formations take in the breathtaking view of the north slope of the Cypress Hills and the Battle Creek Valley. Discover the buffalo wallows formed by thousands of buffalo that freely roamed these hills in times past.
Join in for a traditional Western Canadian ranch experience! After a day filled with fresh air and the great outdoors relax on the shaded veranda with a cool drink looking out over the panoramic landscape of the Cypress Hills. The ranch offers four tastefully decorated lodge rooms with large shared bathroom. Great western fare is offered and beefsteak never tasted better especially in such a setting! Listen to the lonely coyote’s howl and enjoy the incredible peace and quiet of life on this historic ranch. Top off the evenings with cosy campfires, swapping stories and maybe a bit of cowboy poetry with your host Scott.
The smell of coffee brewing and bacon frying is a real treat after a full night’s rest in the ranch’s comfy beds.


 


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

 

 

SASKATCHEWAN