Go West
Has the award-winning flick Brokeback Mountain put you in a cowboy state of mind? If you're hankering for a ranch-style getaway, you've got many options, from laid-back dude/guest ranches and spa ranch retreats to hunkering down in a tent for a rugged overnight pack trip and experiencing the simple life on a working ranch. Here are a few places to whet your whistle for an adventure on horseback.
1. Boundary Ranch
Located five minutes outside of Kananaskis Village, approximately 55 miles west of Calgary and 30 miles southeast of Banff National Park. Lose yourself in the lush greenery and heart-stopping mountain views of the Kananaskis Valley, where summits soar more than 9,000 feet above sea level. It's no wonder this area has been a favourite on the big screen in movies such as The Bear, Shanghai Noon and Dead Bang, which was shot on the Boundary Ranch property. In addition to day trail rides, rodeos and barbecues, Boundary Ranch offers one- to five-night pack trips. Book this trip if you're ready to grab your gear and a horse and sleep under the stars. A five-hour scenic ride through the Rockies to the main camp at Happy Valley is guaranteed to work up a hearty appetite. You'll have made a new friend, too, in your four-legged partner.
Visit www.boundaryranch.com.
1. Boundary Ranch
Located five minutes outside of Kananaskis Village, approximately 55 miles west of Calgary and 30 miles southeast of Banff National Park. Lose yourself in the lush greenery and heart-stopping mountain views of the Kananaskis Valley, where summits soar more than 9,000 feet above sea level. It's no wonder this area has been a favourite on the big screen in movies such as The Bear, Shanghai Noon and Dead Bang, which was shot on the Boundary Ranch property. In addition to day trail rides, rodeos and barbecues, Boundary Ranch offers one- to five-night pack trips. Book this trip if you're ready to grab your gear and a horse and sleep under the stars. A five-hour scenic ride through the Rockies to the main camp at Happy Valley is guaranteed to work up a hearty appetite. You'll have made a new friend, too, in your four-legged partner.
Visit www.boundaryranch.com.
2. The Hills Health Ranch
If you want to mix a little pampering with your galloping, this is the getaway for you. Located in 100 Mile House, B.C., one hour south of Williams Lake, The Hills Health Ranch offers an upscale dude ranch experience in B.C.'s Cariboo region. When not on horseback, you can indulge in the ranch's soothing spa treatments and world-class gourmet spa cuisine, or go for a relaxing swim to stretch your tired muscles. Ride the range -- all 15,000 acres of it -- in one of the Ride 'n Spa packages. Choose from a 2-night or 5-night Ride 'n Spa package or a 6-night horse-whispering package, where you'll learn to communicate with your horse and participate in stress-reduction classes and horse and rider lessons. Cap off your evening with a hayride or line dancing hoedown. Yeehaw!
Visit www.thehillshealthranch.com.
3. Historic Reesor Ranch
Learn the ropes of calving when you stay at the Historic Reesor Ranch in Saskatchewan's scenic Cypress Hills. The Reesors are proud fourth- and fifth-generation cattle ranchers and invite guests to share in a traditional ranching experience. Calving season begins at the end of May and beginning of June. This is where you herd the cattle on horseback onto fields and into Cypress Hills Park for grazing.
Other ranching activities include gathering cattle for processing, regular cattle health checks by horseback and a roundup of cattle for breeding season in mid August. Following a day of roaming legendary trails once travelled by the First Nations peoples, take in some entertainment with cowboy poetry by campfire. Retreat to one of four guest bedrooms in the Reesor ranch house, built circa 1916, or, for a more secluded, rustic and cosy night out, you can book the Cowboy's Quarters Cabin.
Visit www.reesorranch.com.
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If you want to mix a little pampering with your galloping, this is the getaway for you. Located in 100 Mile House, B.C., one hour south of Williams Lake, The Hills Health Ranch offers an upscale dude ranch experience in B.C.'s Cariboo region. When not on horseback, you can indulge in the ranch's soothing spa treatments and world-class gourmet spa cuisine, or go for a relaxing swim to stretch your tired muscles. Ride the range -- all 15,000 acres of it -- in one of the Ride 'n Spa packages. Choose from a 2-night or 5-night Ride 'n Spa package or a 6-night horse-whispering package, where you'll learn to communicate with your horse and participate in stress-reduction classes and horse and rider lessons. Cap off your evening with a hayride or line dancing hoedown. Yeehaw!
Visit www.thehillshealthranch.com.
3. Historic Reesor Ranch
Learn the ropes of calving when you stay at the Historic Reesor Ranch in Saskatchewan's scenic Cypress Hills. The Reesors are proud fourth- and fifth-generation cattle ranchers and invite guests to share in a traditional ranching experience. Calving season begins at the end of May and beginning of June. This is where you herd the cattle on horseback onto fields and into Cypress Hills Park for grazing.
Other ranching activities include gathering cattle for processing, regular cattle health checks by horseback and a roundup of cattle for breeding season in mid August. Following a day of roaming legendary trails once travelled by the First Nations peoples, take in some entertainment with cowboy poetry by campfire. Retreat to one of four guest bedrooms in the Reesor ranch house, built circa 1916, or, for a more secluded, rustic and cosy night out, you can book the Cowboy's Quarters Cabin.
Visit www.reesorranch.com.
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