Romping ranch getaways

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.

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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Trips in Ontario and tips on riding

4. Wyndy River Expeditions and Guest Ranch
There's no need to be out West to have an authentic trail-riding experience. Located in the foothills of northeastern Ontario, near Kirkland Lake, Wyndy River Expeditions and Guest Ranch offers several backcountry horse pack trips, including nights out in tents or more modern amenities at Cedar Ridge Lodge. You might be tempted to dismount from your horse to pick wild blueberries or wildflowers as you meander along the trails of the boreal forest and over creeks and streams and alongside surrounding lakes. When you're not riding you can spend time trying to catch a walleye or big northern pike in the main lake, or participate in a guided eco-tour wildlife photo safari. Moose, loons, timber wolves and eagles could cross your path on your journey.

Visit www.wyndyriver.com.

5. Captiva Farms
About 30 minutes northwest of Ottawa, in the Gatineau Hills, Captiva Farms offers 2,000 acres and 40 km of picturesque countryside trails. Once a horse-breeding farm, this riding stable on the Laurentian Shield sells horses and offers a 7-day ranch vacation, camping by the lake, mountain adventure pack trips and moonlight horseback rides. Ride scenic trails to Vinny's Lake and cast your rod for speckled trout and perch. Pitch your tent by the lake or stay in one of the guest bedrooms in the main ranch house. Following an afternoon of bonding with your horse, why not try your hand at playing horseshoe toss, relax in the whirlpool and sauna or simply sit out under the stars and dream?

Visit www.captivafarms.com.

Tips for the anxious rider
If you're motivated to book a ranch retreat but are gun-shy about riding a horse, fear not. Malcolm Anderson, executive director of The Cowboy Trail Tourist Association in Alberta, has some simple tips for nervous riders.

1. Trust your horse -- "They just know their place. Horses are really good about that. They know. And what we have to do is understand that they know," explains Anderson.

2. Communicate with your guide -- Be honest about your riding ability when talking to your guide. Horses have a personality too, and are matched with humans based on compatibility.

3. Communicate with your horse -- Listen carefully to your guide when he/she explains the riding instructions, such as how and when to pull on the reins, and what to do should an unexpected situation arise.

4. Be a positive thinker -- A horse can intuitively sense negative energy or fear.

5. Wear proper clothing -- Layering is best, with a sun hat, sun lotion, and riding boots with a heel to hold you in the stirrup.

So, like they say in the cowboy Westerns, happy trails!

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Go West

Trips in Ontario and tips on riding

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