GUEST RANCHES

Choose Location Brewster's Kananaskis Guest Ranch, Seebe, Alberta Rafter Six Ranch, Seebe, Alberta Black Cat Guest Ranch, Hinton, Alberta Willow Lane Ranch, Granum, Alberta Wells Gray Guest Ranch, Clearwater, British Columbia Echo Valley Ranch Resort, Clinton, British Columbia The Hills Health & Guest Ranch, 108 Miles House, British Columbia Stoney Lake Lodge, Douglas Lake, British Columbia Broadleaf Guest Ranch, Hopewell Hill, New Brunswick

Calling all 'would-be' cowboys - and cowgirls!

Our great selection of guest ranches feature accommodation on resort and working ranches alike, where you will get a real taste of what it is like to be in the saddle. It also gives the opportunity to be able to see the magnificent scenery of this amazing country, from a completely different angle and perspective, something that is difficult to do from a car or coach!

Learn new skills and see Canada's vast countryside as you slowly meander along the trails on horseback. At every ranch you will find generous home-cooking, comfortable but generally basic accommodation, a genuine warm welcome and many memories to take home and tell all your friends and even the grand-children about! No prior riding skills are necessary and absolute beginners are more than welcome.

Providing you are reasonably fit - and willing, some of our ranches offer you the chance to join ranch-hands as they tackle the daily chores of ranch life. You should bring your own gear, including rainproof clothing and items such as gloves, a hat or scarf and cowboy or riding boots or hard-soled shoes with heals (which are required for riding.) Please note that hiking boots are not appropriate for riding and don't forget the insect repellent or sunscreen too!

Horseback riding and caring for one of the magnificent creatures you will ride has also proven to be highly therapeutic in dealing with the stresses and pressures of the way we live in this modern era. We know that after one of these holidays, you will be just hankerin' to get back into the saddle again at the first possible opportunity!

BREWSTER'S KANANASKIS GUEST RANCH, Seebe, Alberta

The Kananaskis Guest Ranch offers ranch life in a relaxed and secluded setting on the shores of the Bow River in the Rocky Mountain foothills. The cabin and chalet accommodations feature full amenities. All meals are served on private tables overlooking the Bow River. Experience horseback trail riding (induding optional backcountry trips) and whitewater rafting on voyageur canoes. A gift-shop, whirlpool, cocktail lounge with fireplace, TV and pool table are also located on the premises.

Location
Located approximately 90 kilometres west of Calgary on the Bow River, the ranch can be reached following the Trans-Canada Highway west to the Seebe exit.

Accommodation
All cabin and chalet accommodations feature Canadiana interior, full bathroom facilities, individually controlled heating and daily housekeeping services.

Children
Minimum age 11 years for riding and rafting activities.

Included in the Cost
2 night package includes

• Accommodation for 2 nights in cabin or chalets
• Meals: full board starting with dinner day 1 and ending with lunch last day
• Use of horses, saddles and guides
• Ranch activities h facilities, one 3 hour horseback trail ride with experienced guide, one half day novice whitewater rafting or Voyageur canoeing excursion including professional guides and life jacket.
• Gratuities

Please Note:

• Transfer to/from ranch not included. These can be arranged to and from Calgary Airport, please request details at the time of booking (cost will apply).
• Bring items of a personal nature, rain gear, insect repellent and cowboy or riding boots or hard-soled shoes with heels (required for riding) hiking boots are not appropriate for riding.
• All guests will be required to sign a release of liability before participating in any activities.

Prices Per Person 2002

RAFTER SIX RANCH, Seebe, Alberta

This ranch features diverse accommodation with full modern facilities in a rustic setting in the Rocky Mountain foothills. The ranch is renowned for its excellent horseback riding and caters to all riders from beginner to advanced. Guides and outfitters ensure that riders and horses are compatible and will lead you on a trail that is suited to you.

Location
The ranch is located 90 kilometres west of Calgary on the Bow River, between Calgary and Banff.

Accommodation
Accommodation in the main lodge is in rustic, non-smoking guest rooms with private baths. There are eight cosy log cabins that are ideally suited for those who like a little privacy or more space for families (they can accommodate 2 to 4 guests). Meals are served in the main lodge.

Children
Under 5 years old are free of charge. Children must be 5 years or older to ride (ponies are available for younger children which can be led by a parent/adult).

Included in the Cost

• Accommodation for 2 nights in lodge or log cabin
• Meals: Full board, starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with lunch on last day
• Ranch facilities and activities
• Horseback riding: 2 hours per day

Please Note:

• Transfer to/from ranch not included. These can be arranged from Banff or Calgary, please request details at the time of booking (cost will apply, see below).
• Weight restriction of 114kg maximum for riding
• Rain gear is available for rent
• Bring items of a personal nature, rain gear, insect repellent and cowboy or riding boots or hard-soled shoes with heels (required for riding) hiking boots are not appropriatee for riding.
• All guests will be required to sign a release of liability before participating in any activities.

Prices Per Person 01May02-31Oct02

BLACK CAT GUEST RANCH, Hinton, Alberta

Established in 1935 and operated under the present ownership since 1970, the Black Cat is one of Alberta’s oldest guest ranches. Tucked away in a valley amidst the Rocky Mountains, the Black Cat is a small, family-owned guest ranch located just outside Jasper National Park. A smoke-free lodge features cosy rooms that all offer a spectacular view of the first range of the Rocky Mountains. Many ranch activities are available including line dancing, horseback riding and hiking.

Location
Black Cat Guest Ranch is just a 20-minute drive from the town of Hinton near Jasper, Alberta. By car, it is about four hours west of Edmonton or six hours north of Banff.

Accommodation
The smoke-free lodge features a large-central living room with a fireplace, comfortable chairs, piano, and well stocked library. Prom each of the 16 guestrooms, picture windows offer a spectacular view of the first range of the Rockies. 11 regular rooms are furnished with two double beds and 5 rooms with queen size beds. AU rooms have a private bath. Other facilities include a hot-tub, games lounge and a dining room, where home-cooked meals are served family-style. While the ranch does not hold a liquor license, guests are welcome to bring their own choice of beverages and snack items. A bar area in the games lounge features a guest refrigerator, glasses and ice. There are no telephones or televisions in the rooms.

Children
Children must be over 10 years old.

Included in the Cost
2 Night Package Includes

• Return transfers from Hinton to the ranch
• 2 nights accommodation at ranch lodge
• Meals - full board starting with dinner day 1 and ending with breakfast on last day
• 1 1/2 hours of horseback riding
• Use of horses, saddles, tack & guides (riding experience not necessary)
• Ranch activities, hot tub, games lounge

Please Note

• Bring items of a personal nature, rain gear, insect repellent and cowboy or riding boots or hard soled shoes with heels (required for riding) hiking boots are not appropriate for riding.
• All guests will be required to sign a release of liability before participating in any activities.

Prices Per Person 2002

WILLOW LANE RANCH, Granum, Alberta

This family-run working cattle and horse ranch is located on 1,280 acres near the World Heritage Site of "Head-Smashed in Buffalo Jump" in southern Alberta. Home-cooked ranch-style meals are served with the family. Participate in daily ranch activities such as round-ups, branding, cattle drives, fence mending and calving. Or try trout fishing, trail riding, or multi-day packtrips ranging from an overnight getaway to a five-day fall cattle gathering experience.

Location
The ranch is located 137km south of Calgary (1 1/2 hours) and is situated west of Granum Junction, Highway 2.

Accommodation
An authentic working guest ranch with three rooms in the main ranch house and one log cabin. Guests can participate in ranch activities but do not have to work. Evenings can be spent around the campfire in private lodging or with the family at the ranch house.

Children
Must be 16 years old to participate in any ranch activity.

Included in the Cost

• Accommodation in ranch house room or log cabin for 2 or 4 nights
• Meals: Full board starting with dinner day 1 and ending with breakfast last day
• Bedding, towels
• Use of horses, saddles, tack and guides
• Ranch facilities and activities: trail rides and participation in the everyday life of this working ranch (riding experience is not necessary)

Not included

• Transportation to and from Calgary Airport. Transfers available, ask for details and prices at the time of booking.
• Gratuities

Please Note

• Bring items of a personal nature, rain gear, insect repellent and or cowboy or riding boots or hard soled shoes with heels (required for riding), hiking boots are not appropriate for riding.
• All guests will be required to sign a release of liability before participating in any activities.

Prices Per Person 2002

WELLS GRAY GUEST RANCH, Clearwater, British Columbia

Wells Gray Guest Ranch is a guest ranch resort surrounded by Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia’s third largest protected wilderness area. The majestic Cariboo Mountains, Shuswap Highlands, plus Gve major lakes make this area the ideal outdoor adventure paradise. Accommodation is in rooms and cabins at the ranch or at neighbouring ranches or guesthouses. Forty horses are available for summer activities. Summer packages include: a ranch-based mix or riding, canoeing, hiking, sightseeing, and boat cruise, mountain biking. archery and whitewater rafting.

Location
The ranch is located in Clearwater, British Columbia, halfway between Jasper and Vancouver.

Accommodation
Comfortable log cabin with two or three rooms with private entrances. queen, double and single beds, private bathrooms with shower, and sitting area. Some have kitchenettes. Rooms do not have TV or telephone. Pull bedding, towels and daily maid service are provided. Meals are served in the fully licensed restaurant and guests can unwind at the 'Blackhorse Saloon'.
Accommodation can also be arranged at 4 other guest houses and ranches, all located within Wells Gray Park, Paradise Guest House, Aspen Hill Guest Cabin, Nakiska Ranch 5 Beaver House. Check in for rooms, meals and activities are at Wells Gray Ranch.

Children
12 years old and sharing with parents are free of charge. Children must be 8 years old to ride their own horse and weigh a minimum of 40kg for river rafting.

Multi-Activity Packages

Package 1: Horseback Trails & Rafting (5 day package)

This horseback riding and rafting adventure begins with a leisurely ride along the trails of the pioneers through Hemp Creek Canyon and onto the flats of the Clearwater River. Along the way, you will learn about the sacred grounds of the Shuswap Nation - Hoodoos. We end your adventure with a refreshing whitewater raft down the Clearwater River.

• 4 nights accommodation in Wells Gray Park with 2 nights in tent camp
• Meals: Full board starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 5
• Guided Trailriding, use of horse and tack
• Guided River Rafting (up to level 4+, rafting safety equipment
• Park user fee

Package 2: Paddle & Hike (5 day package)

For a true taste of the Canadian wilderness, look no further than this authentic canoeing and hiking adventure through the backwoods of British Columbia. You will explore Wells Gray Provincial Park by foot and by canoe as you hike the historic trails of Park Road, see awe-inspiring mountain vistas from scenic lookouts and paddle Clearwater Lake. This fresh air and wide open spaces adventure includes camping on sandy beaches within sight of the Cariboo Mountains.

• 4 nights accommodation in Wells Gray Park with 2 nights in tent camp
• Meals: Full board starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 5
• Guided canoeing trip, use of canoes and equipment
• Guided hiking excursions
• Park user fee
• Wildlife Viewing

Prices Per Person 2002

ECHO VALLEY RANCH RESORT, Clinton, British Columbia

A true western adventure awaits you at Echo Valley Ranch Resort. One of Canada’s premier guest ranches welcomes you for an unforgettable frontier vacation. This superbly equipped ranch is nestled within Cariboo Country, home of the great Gold Rush. Rich in native culture and Canadian western heritage, Echo Valley offers an authentic working ranch experience together with gourmet meals, deluxe accommodations and an exhilarating variety of activities. The resort also brings you an opportunity to relax with a variety of stress-relieving activities and health and wellness treatments in a full service spa. You can also choose to ‘muck it' with the wranglers and help out with the daily ranch chores.

Location
Echo Valley is a scenic six hour drive from Vancouver or a two and a half hours drive from Kamloops northwest of Clinton in the interior of British Columbia.

Accommodation
The Dove Lodge offers luxury accommodation with six tastefully decorated bedrooms with queen size or twin beds, balcony and en suite bathroom. The lodge features a lounge with fireplace, and an adjoining dining room, open kitchen, two large decks, outdoor hot tub, indoor swimming pool, sauna and well equipped games room. The newly-built Look-out Lodge houses nine large bedrooms with king size or twin double beds, private bathroom, minibar and coffee maker. Some rooms have lofts and private balconies. A 'honeymoon cabin with four poster bed, fireplace, kitchenette. bathroom and private deck with hot-tub is also available.

Children
Children 13 and older are welcome, however, this vacation destination is intended primarily for adults.

Included in the Cost
4 day/3 night package

• Accommodation in the ranchhouse or one of the cabins
• Meals: Full board starting with dinner day 1 and ending with breakfast last day (Breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. A glass of beer and wine is included with dinner.)
• Use of all ranch facilities: large outdoor hot-tub, sauna, swimming pool, fitness room, large games room with pool table, shuffleboard, darts, karaoke, large-screen video/satellite TV
• Bird-watching, including falcon training demonstration
• 'Cowboy for a day' program (lets you help with the ranch animals)
• Riding lesson in outdoor arena
• Gold panning trip
• Fly fishing practice, tackle included
• Use of mountain bikes
• Daily guided ride on Tennessee Walking Horses
• Full day horse ride, including picnic and lunch
• A guided hike up Mount Bowman, down into Fraser Canyon, or across the ranch's grass plateau
• 4x4 safari through the Fraser River Canyon to the High Bar Aboriginal Homeland and Cougar Point Lookout
• Gratuities

Please Note

• You may not have time to participate in all these activities in one trip.
• Transfers to the ranch can be arranged (from Kamloops, Lillooet, Vancouver, Clinton or Kelly Lake.) Please contact us for details and prices.
• No smoking policy is in effect in all of the ranch buildings
• Maximum weight for riding is 90kg, at wrangler's discretion
• Bring items of a personal nature, rain gear, insect repellent and cowboy or riding boots or hard soled shoes with heels (required for riding) hiking boots are not appropriate for riding
• All guests will be required to sign a release of liability before participating in any activities.

ECHO VALLEY HONEYMOONER

A unique honeymoon experience, this 3 night package is available which includes all the activities listed above, with the following extras:

• Fresh flowers in your room
• Private table for 2 in your lodge
• Champagne with your first meal
• Breakfast in bed on your first morning
• Unrestricted access to the games/video room, sauna & pool
• Nature hikes
• One complimentary massage or facial

Please contact us for further details regarding longer honeymoon packages.

Prices Per Person (Wednesday arrivals only)

THE HILLS HEALTH & GUEST RANCH, 108 Mile House, British Columbia

The Hills Health and Guest Ranch is an award-winning resort nestled on a ranchland plateau 1036 metres above sea level in the Cariboo Region of the B.C Interior. The guest ranch offers beauty and body treatments as well as medical and wellness experts to assess fitness levels. Use the indoor pool, saunas and Jacuzzi’s or explore some of the 200 kilometres of trails on horseback or on foot. In the evenings, guests can participate in hay rides and enjoy an old-fashioned campfire. The ranch also offers half-day cowboy breakfast rides. all-day cowboy cookouts and rides, evening riding, parties and more. Morel mushrooms, fine cheeses, fresh fruits and organically grown vegetables are all part of the gourmet chef’s menu.

Location
The ranch is located five hours northeast of Vancouver at 108 Mile House, along Highway 97. Weekly BC Rail's Cariboo Dayliner service is available to 100 Mile House, 13 kilometres south of the ranch.

Accommodation
The main lodge and surrounding chalets have views of wide open valleys and lakes. Many rooms have patio doors opening onto balconies. Choose from a log lodge with your own mom or your own private chalet. Chalets me furnished in country decor with open-beam living rooms, complete with full kitchen, bath and TV. Chalets and lodges are serviced daily: laundry is done upon request. The rooms in the main lodge have one queen or two double beds and one room has a king size bed. In the chalets there are 3 bedrooms with double/double beds and 2 single beds, full bath and kitchen.

Children
Under 6 years old are free of charge. Children must be 6 years old to participate in horseback riding.

Included in the Cost
6 Day Package Includes

• Accommodation for 5 nights in chalets or rooms
• Meals: Full board starting with dinner day 1 and ending with breakfast day 6
• Daily guided hikes, 1 x 4 hour morning power walk and 1 x 3 hour evening guided hike
• Use of horses, saddles, tack and guides
• 2 hours of guided horseback riding
• Half day ranch ride and Cowboy Breakfast served on the open trail
• 1 full day ranch ride to Succour Mountain, including lunch
• Hayride sing-a-long party
• Use of all facilities – indoor pool, 2 Jacuzzi's saunas, exercise room

Please Note

• Bring items of a personal nature, rain gear, insect repellent, and cowboy or riding boots or hard soled shoes with heels (required for riding), hiking boots are not appropriate for riding
• All guests will be required to sign a release of liability before participating in any activities

Prices Per Person 2002

STONEY LAKE LODGE, Douglas Lake, British Columbia

Stoney Lake Lodge, in the central interior B.C, is an exclusive adult-oriented facility offering the finest in West Coast lodging and dining. The lodge is part of Douglas Lake Ranch, the largest working cattle ranch in Canada with over 18,000 head of cattle on 500,000 acres. Trail riding and private fly-fishing are offered to guests.

Location
Situated four and a half hours northeast of Vancouver on the border between the High Country and Okanagan regions, Stoney Lake can be reached following the Trans-Canada Highway 5 to Merritt and then Highway 5A.

Accommodation
Deluxe lakeview rooms each have a queen bed and private bathroom with shower and bath. Daily housekeeping services are provided. The lodge is decorated in a classic Canadiana theme with leather sofas and armchairs, hardwood floors and lush carpeting. It features an outdoor hot tub and a fully-licensed dining room separated from a lakefront lounge by a large fireplace. The large cedar deck offers a stunning view of Stoney Lake and the surrounding hills. To ensure total privacy and relaxation, there are no telephones or televisions in the rooms.

Children
Minimum age is 16 years

Included in the Cost
2 Night Package Includes

• Accommodation for 2 nights
• Meals; Full board starting with dinner day 1 and ending with breakfast day 3
• One 1 x 4 hour trail ride (available only from May 15 – October 15)
• Use of horses, saddles, tack and guides (riding experience is not necessary)
• Ranch activities & facilities, rowboats, outdoor hot tub

Not Included

• Bring items of a personal nature, rain gear, insect repellant, and cowboy or riding boots or hard soled shoes with heels (required for riding), hiking boots are not appropriate for riding.
• All guests will be required to sign a release of liability before participating in any activities

Prices Per Person 2002

BROADLEAF GUEST RANCH, Hopewell Hill, New Brunswick

Family run for over 40 years, this 1500 acre farm is located near the shores of Chignecto Bay, an arm of the Bay of Fundy. Accommodation is in two bedroom cabins or in rooms in the main lodge. The ranch offers a variety of horseback adventures and specialises in customised packages. Ride on the scenic woodland trails, or explore the tidal waters of the Bay of Fundy and the Shepody Marshlands. The base lodge provides 4000 square feet of fully licensed, complete catering facilities. The trail lodge offers a 16-foot deck with a spectacular view, fireplace and outdoor hot tub.

Location
The ranch is located approximately 60km southwest of Moncton and approx. 35 km northeast of Fundy National Park.

Accommodation
Non-smoking accommodation is provided in log cabins or the main trail lodge. The pine interior two bedroom cabins each have a fully equipped kitchen, living room with propane fireplace, shared full bathroom and veranda. Each bedroom has 1 double bed and 2 single beds, TV & VCR. Within the main lodge there are 5 bedrooms each containing double and single beds.

Children
6 Years and under must ride with an adult, 12 years and under must wear a helmet, provided at no extra cost.

Included in the Cost

• Accommodation for 1, 2 or 3 nights at the Trail Lodge or in a log cabin
  
• Meals: Half board starting with dinner on day 1 ending with breakfast on last day
  
• Trail ride with packed lunch, approximately 3-5 hours of riding per day
  
• Use of horses, saddles, tack & guides
  

Not Included

• Transfers to/from lodge not included
  
• Bring items of a personal nature, rain gear, insect repellent and cowboy or riding boots or hard-soled shoes with heels (required for riding) hiking boots are not appropriate for riding
  
• All guests will be required to sign a release of liability before participating in any activities

Prices Per Person 2002