Authentic Wilderness Ranch Vacations in 2023
A trip to Canada just can’t be complete without spending a few days at one of our unique Guest Ranches in Western Canada. Who doesn’t dream about a Western lifestyle experience during one of the unique ranch vacations?
Being away from the world as you know it, in a place surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine mountains, lush valleys, pine forests, and desert canyons, sounds like a dream for many. Riding into the wild on horseback, what better way to get a taste of Canada’s so much talked about wilderness? Ranch vacations can make your dream a reality.
Ranch Vacation in Alberta
I’ve been getting many inquiries about ranch vacations and horse pack trips after people found out that Silver Spur Trails Guest Ranch was closed. Everyone asks for recommendations for another ranch. This made me do some research to find a selection of promising Guest Ranch Vacation packages.
So, if you are planning a Canada road trip and would like to add a guest ranch vacation to your adventure, you have come to the right place.
Check out the various packages and see whether one of them appeals to you.
Banff: 2-Day Overnight Backcountry Lodge Trip by Horseback
Explore the unspoiled wilderness of Banff’s backcountry on a horseback riding adventure as you ride along glacier-fed rivers on a historic trail to a cozy lodge set against the looming Sundance Mountain Range. This horseback adventure is suitable for all abilities of riders and is a great introduction to Banff’s wilderness and the thrill of horseback riding.
Find out more details about this trip and check out the full itinerary. Depending on your available time and how much wilderness you want to experience, this might just be the perfect match for you.
4 Day West Range Cabin Vacations in the Alberta Rocky Mountains
Here, your Horseback riding adventure starts near Hinton, Alberta. The owners, Tom & Shawn Vinson, have provided Horseback Adventure Vacations for over 40 years and are the only outfitters in the area. Tom and Shawn accompany every horseback riding trip to ensure you are well taken care of.
Most likely you will not see another person on your trip except the group you are with. This seems to be an adventure pure and a great place for a Canadian wilderness horseback riding adventure.
Check out the great itinerary of this 4-day horse adventure.
The Canadian Wild West Ranch Experience
While in Canada make sure to stay at a Guest Ranch for a few days. Enjoy the Canadian Western way of life and the family-like ranch atmosphere which will make you feel at home. A week’s stay is ideal and gives you time to adjust your pace to guest ranch life. However, if a couple of days is all you have, or you can’t afford a longer stay, even a short ranch vacation will create forever memories. You will leave the ranch with new skills and a clear mind and a horse riding experience you will never forget.
Depending on the ranch you choose, you can be fully involved in the ranch activities and the daily life of horses. Or you can relax and get pampered with a spa treatment after a few hours in the saddle to soothe your body.
If you are a beginner in western riding you get instructions. You learn how to saddle up and get introduced to the basics of horsemanship.
Some of the ranches offer horse pack trips into the Canadian wilderness where you stay in overnight camps for an experience like no other.
How to Choose a Wilderness Guest Ranch Vacation
Not all guest ranches offer the same experience. Also, ranch stay is not cheap, therefore be sure what your expectations are. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself:
- Are you interested in a ranch-based vacation or a horse pack trip (camping with horses)?
- Does luxury in the wilderness appeal to you, horse riding combined with a spa treatment, fitness, and excellent cuisine?
- Do you prefer it rather basic in regard to luxury, with wilderness and nature being a priority?
- Are you interested in an overnight horse pack trip into the mountains?
- What other wilderness activities are you interested in apart from horseback riding (hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing)?
- Is horseback riding the main reason for you to book a ranch vacation?
- How much time do you have available?
- How big is your budget?
- Are you travelling solo, with a partner, or with family?
Since I’ve been operating a guest ranch myself in Lumby BC for many years, (Silver Spur Trails Wilderness Ranch), I’m very well aware that not all visitors have the same expectations when it comes to ranch vacations. Therefore, make sure to know what you want before booking a wilderness adventure.
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