RanchSeeker Blog

Close your eyes for just a minute and imagine a soft breeze caressing your cheeks as you hear the relaxing sound of the ocean’s waves crashing upon a sandy shore while vacationing at a beach destination. Or how about waking up in a comfortable hotel suite in an exciting city and ordering room service for breakfast while still wearing your hotel-provided slippers and bathrobe?

Maybe simply staying at home during your time off and finally having the time to read that book that you have always meant to or spend time on a hobby that you enjoy is all that you need to relax. Or perhaps the soft whinnying of horses out in a field while surrounded by mountains and a lush forest at a guest ranch is more your speed?

These diverse vacation options are not only wonderful ways to relax and explore new venues and activities but also promote good health.

Taking regular vacations, aside from being pleasurable, can also aid in a healthier and longer life. Too often these days many families believe that there just isn’t enough time to take a break away from their busy schedules and for some families they feel that it is simply financially impossible; however, traditions, like vacations, are important to the health and well-being of the family unit. Taking time out from the daily demands of juggling work and home responsibilities is vital to your family’s health. Planning a vacation promotes togetherness as you fine tune the details of your upcoming time together and creates excitement which in turn has a positive psychological effect for all involved.

Vacations Can Reduce Some Health Risks

Taking regular vасаtіоns, in some cases, has been known to rеduсе thе сhаnсеs оf hеаrt dіsеаsе аnd саn hеlр bоth mеn аnd wоmеn lіvе lоngеr, happier аnd hеаlthіеr lіvеs. Іn а studу соnduсtеd bу rеsеаrсhеrs frоm thе Ѕtаtе Unіvеrsіtу оf Νеw Yоrk, іn Оswеgо, оn 12,338 mіddlе-аgеd mеn, whо wеrе аt rіsk оf hеаrt dіsеаsе, іt wаs fоund out thаt thоsе whо dіd nоt tаkе rеgulаr vасаtіоns wеrе mоrе lіkеlу tо dіе оvеr а 9 уеаr реrіоd thаn thоsе whо dіd take a vacation. Ассоrdіng tо rеsеаrсhеr Еlаіnе Еаkеr, mіddlе-аgеd wоmеn whо dо nоt tаkе vасаtіоns hаvе еіght tіmеs thе rіsk оf еіthеr hаvіng а hеаrt аttасk оr dуіng оf hеаrt dіsеаsе.

Ѕtrеss threatens your overall health and аffесts your body’s іmmunе and саrdіоvаsсulаr systems, as well as your еmоtіоnаl wеll-bеіng аnd general quаlіtу оf lіfе. Ѕtudіеs hаvе shоwn that vасаtіоns are a beneficial way tо rеduсе thе рrеssurеs оf еvеrуdау lіfе аnd alleviate built up strеss.

Boost Creativity and Productivity

Taking time to “play” has powerful benefits for both children and adults. Playtime has been said to be the single most significant factor in determining our success and happiness. In fact, playtime is just as important as getting enough sleep! Adults who play enjoy freedom from time constraints, rules and responsibilities, bringing balance to their busy and often overly structured lives. People in creative fields especially need to recharge their brain cells in order to continue to innovate and create. Taking a break can lead to increased productivity and also offer fresh new perspectives and ideas.

Strengthen Family Bonds

Spending time together enriches relationships between couples and strengthens family ties.Through traditions such as vacations, any relationship can benefit. Making memories with our loved ones is the glue that binds us all. Taking time out from the day to day grind provides opportunities to connect on a deeper level as well as discover new skills and interests with family members.

Rediscover Yourself

Vасаtіоns can аlsо provide the ideal opportunity fоr sеlf-dіsсоvеrу. After an extended period in the work force and at times a sense of relentless pressure to conform and produce, it can be easy to lose oneself and forget about what matters most. Taking a much-needed time-out саn hеlр уоu rediscover yourself and perhaps remind you of the things that you, and only you, like to do. By reconnecting with yourself you may discover what motivates, inspires and captures your interest by trying new activities and taking time for self-reflection.

As you can see there are many advantages of taking a vacation. When it’s time to take that much needed break why not consider a dude ranch vacation? You will find plenty of moments to relax as well as the opportunity to try new activities, make everlasting memories and also add physical and mental benefits to the list. Use Ranchseeker’s free dude ranch search tool to find your perfect vacation.

Happy Trails!

RanchSeeker is thrilled to announce that we will be contributing to Ranch & Reserve magazine on a monthly basis. Ranch & Reserve is a magazine with a distinct appeal that celebrates the North American west with food, wine, country music, art and true Native craftsmanship.

Please help this new magazine out by liking their Facebook page  as well as their Pinterest and Instagram accounts.

The following modified article appears in Ranch & Reserve's March issue:

When people think of guest ranches, horseback riding is the main activity that first comes to mind and although this remains the primary focus of numerous ranches, there are guest ranches that also offer a wide array of exciting and adrenalin-inducing options for the more adventure-seeking traveler. Have you ever dreamed about white-water rafting down a fast flowing river or zip lining high above the treetops? Or how about learning new skills like archery, skeet and long distance shooting?  And for those up to the challenge, rock climbing will not only test fitness levels, but will boost your feeling of confidence and dare-do spirit. The following ranches, aside from offering exceptional equestrian programs, provide these activities and more for anyone looking to try something new or wanting to add to their horseback riding vacation.

Red Reflet Ranch

Located in beautiful Ten Sleep, Wyoming, this guest ranch strives to provide its guests with a remarkable and unique vacation experience.  Both a working ranch and luxury guest ranch resort, it offers all-inclusive stays with unlimited activities. Sign up for intense, high-energy fun or choose a more relaxed way to pass your time… the choice is yours!  With over 27,000 acres, guests are encouraged to experience the spectacular surrounding landscape as much as possible on horseback, in addition to the more adrenalin-rush options available.

Soar through the air like a bird while strapped into a harness on the ranch’s private 4 course zip line. Get ready for a fast, exciting ride over the ponds of Red Reflet.  Do it as many times as you want since unlike most zip line courses, there is no limit to your fun. Once you have decided to plant your feet firmly on the ground for a while, learn a new skill like rifle range or skeet shooting. Qualified instructors will show you the proper handling and usage of their guns and rifles. For younger participants this is the ideal opportunity to teach them about gun safety and lots of people enjoy this aspect of Western life. If you feel like testing your fitness level or are in need of a good workout then there are several climbing sites from moderately difficult to challenging where you will be treated to unrivaled views of the Ten Sleep Canyon. Red Reflet Ranch also has its own man-made rock wall where you can hone your skills before attempting a ‘real’ climb on a natural rock surface.

Open year-round this Wyoming guest ranch has different attractions available during the four seasons. Customize your dream adventure based on what you would like to experience. Being a working ranch as well means that the highest level of ranch activity takes place during the Spring and Fall. Accommodations include various sized chalets and one Ranch House that sleeps up to 14 that is perfect for large families or groups. Some of the additional activities include: fishing, ATVs, mountain biking, cattle drives, hiking, skeet & rifle shooting.

Red Reflet Ranch

Gros Ventre River Ranch 

An ideal vacation choice for adventure buffs, the Gros Ventre River Ranch is located in a beautiful natural setting in Moose, Wyoming, just 18 miles from the visitor’s entrance of Grand Teton National Park, and 60 miles from the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park.  Aside from a first-rate riding program  which includes scenic trails or the more challenging rides in the surrounding hills, Gros Ventre River Ranch has something for everyone and offers some fun heart-stopping options* for the thrill seekers in your group.

If you have ever wanted to try white-water rafting, the Snake River Canyon is the place, as it features Class III and Class IV rapids. Take the plunge down this aptly-named river with experienced guides and enjoy spectacular scenery while maneuvering through rushing water and canyon bends. Getting wet isn’t for everybody, so perhaps running off a mountain is more your speed.  At Rendezvous Mountain you and an experienced pilot strapped to your back will take off  from the 10, 450 foot summit and smoothly paraglide down to the ground while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Teton and Snake River Range with incredible vistas only possible from your privileged vantage point. Finally, for those not content to simply admire the majestic Tetons from their deck, rock climbing is available too. The opportunities for adventure at Gros Ventre River Ranch are endless*Please note that these activities can be arranged through the ranch, but are provided off-site by local companies with no affiliation to the ranch.

Open June through September Gros River Ranch is a premier Jackson Hole dude ranch that can accommodate up to 30-40 guests per week. With four log cabins, five log lodges, and one Homestead House you are sure to find the ideal option for your vacation needs. Some of the on-site activities include: horseback riding; fly- fishing in the stocked ponds; hiking, canoeing, team penning & sorting; mountain biking and roping instruction.

Gros Ventre River Ranch

Vista Verde Ranch 

Nestled in the Elk River Valley just north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado you’ll find Vista Verde Ranch. Deep in the Rocky Mountains this luxury dude ranch boasts exceptional views and offers a wide array of activities throughout the different seasons. Create a lifetime of memories white staying at this AAA Four Diamond, 500 acre property that features personalized service and true Western hospitality. Horseback riding is a must whether you visit during the summer or winter months and for those who love playing in the snow the ranch has lots of fun activities to choose from like skiing, snow-shoeing and snow tubing to name but a few.

For the more adventurous guest, Vista Verde Ranch provides 2 rock climbing trips per week. It doesn’t matter whether you are new to the sport either, since you’ll first spend a few hours learning the basics of rock climbing and rappelling. This activity is suitable for families with children but will also challenge vacationers looking for added excitement. The views of the National Forest are well worth the short hike up the rock. During the summer months cool off on a daylong river-rafting trip. At the beginning of the season, experienced guides will lead you down the snow-fed rapids for a true white-water adventure on the Eagle River. As the summer wears on and the snow melts away your trip will be calmer in nature but just as much fun.

The Dude Ranch season runs from June through late October and Vista Verde operates as a winter ranch from mid- December to early March. It is closed during the spring and fall for “mud season”. Accommodations include a spacious private log cabin or deluxe lodge room. Additional summer activities include: fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking, paddle boarding, yoga, photography and culinary adventures.

Vista Verde Ranch

Whether you decide to stay at Red Reflet Ranch, Gros Ventre River Ranch or Vista Verde Ranch you are guaranteed to find comfortable accommodations, top-notch riding programs, true Western hospitality and an abundance of diverse activities for even the most adventurous traveler in your group. Dude ranch vacations nowadays truly deliver the ‘stuff’ that memories are made from.  RanchSeeker can help you find the ideal guest ranch vacation today! www.ranchseeker.com

Happy Trails!

Ride more, worry less

Embrace the Moment

Horses Lend Us The Wings We Lack

A Horse is Poetry in Motion

Best Friends Come in All Sizes

I Live in a House But My Home Is In The Stable

Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open

February 14th is just around the corner and although any time during the year is a great time to visit one of RanchSeeker’s beautiful guest ranches Valentine’s Day is a wonderful reason to book a last minute getaway with that special someone in your life. Take romance to the next level and book a vacation stay where you will be surrounded by nature, wildlife, clean air and a star-filled night sky. Book a spa appointment for two, get outdoors and ride a horse or try one of the various fun activities available for your enjoyment. When the sun dips below the horizon enjoy a romantic dinner and afterwards take in the breathtaking view of a star-filled sky or relax in a hot-tub before retiring to either a cozy room or private cabin with your partner. Here are 3 guest ranches that are offering Valentine’s Day specials:  

Coffee Creek Ranch, Trinity Center, California  

Coffee Creek Ranch was founded in 1900 and is surrounded by National Forest and the Trinity Alps wilderness area in Northern California. Its 367 acres lie along Coffee Creek, an excellent Fly Fishing stream for trout! They are located 72 miles Northwest of Redding, 8 miles above Trinity Lake. Special Offer:

• $100 off Romantic weekend getaways if guests book anytime in February
• Gift certificates available for special occasions.
• Total cost for a 2 night 3 day weekend is usually $899 but for February it only costs $799 “it’s a heart of a deal”
• Includes a bottle of wine.

 Red Reflet Ranch, Ten Sleep, Wyoming  

The Red Reflet is both a working cattle ranch and luxurious resort located on over 27,000 acres in the Wyoming Big Horn Mountains. The landscapes vary from red rimrock to rolling foot hills to aspen forests, limestone canyons, and mountain meadows. If you live in the area take advantage of this gourmet Valentine’s Day Dinner. Special Offer: Red Reflet Ranch Dinner Reservation The Red Reflet Ranch Lodge is open to the public and you are welcome to join them! Each menu is inspired by a theme and flavor profile.

• Prices: Dinner $50 per adult, $30 per child ages 12 & under, unless noted otherwise.  Includes multi-course meal, tea, lemonade, coffee with dessert, tax & gratuities.  Additional beverages paid the night of.
• Full bar service including wine, beer, liquor and sodas, additional charge.
• Reservations required.  Non-refundable prepayment required to secure reservation.
• For those who would like to spend a night or two stay in one of their luxurious and romantic chalets. $250 plus taxes per couple includes breakfast items stocked in chalet.

Red Reflet Valentine's Day Dinner

Nestled in one of Montana’s most pristine valleys, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers year-round unique vacations on an authentic 19th century homestead. They balance Western adventure with lavish all-inclusive amenities. Special Offer: This Valentine’s Day celebration includes a barn dance, tasting menus, champagne pairings and complimentary Snowga. Extend your stay to four or six nights and receive a complimentary day of downhill skiing or a treatment in the Granite Spa.

• All-inclusive rates include luxury accommodations, all gourmet meals, snacks, premium wine, beer and spirits (excluding reserve wines and liquor), on-ranch activities, daily children’s activities, guides and gear.
• Weekend festivities include complimentary group yoga and Snowga, as well as tasting menus, a barn dance and champagne pairings.
• Rates start at $1,600 per accommodation, per night, based on standard occupancy, plus 20% Ranch Fee.
• Minimum three-night stay, based on availability.
• Book a 4-night stay to take advantage of the 2016 Ski & Spa Special.

So what are you waiting for surprise that special someone today and take advantage of these great guest ranch offers!

Happy Trails!  

People spend their time dreaming about their upcoming vacations and all the exotic destinations they could possibly visit. There are many different choices and beach vacations are an extremely popular one. What can beat gorgeous weather, amazing sandy beaches and a crystal blue ocean? However, if you are looking for a more active holiday, a western dude ranch vacation is sure to get you the best value for your money. Here’s why a vacation at a Dude Ranch is sure to be more fun than a beach vacation: Tourist Free Holidays Nothing is worse than a lack of privacy or not getting enough peace and quiet when you are on a holiday. Spending your holiday at a Dude Ranch is the best way to avoid crowds of tourists and get some peace and quiet to yourself. Beaches are almost always crowded with hundreds of people. If you are hoping for a low-key holiday destination where you can just relax, a dude ranch holiday is the perfect option where you can socialize when you please and also find areas for quiet reflection.

Comfortable Weather While a beach vacation is perfect while it’s sunny and you are enjoying yourself on the sand, you might be seeking some cooler temperatures in the evening. To make the most of the great weather, head over to a Dude Ranch for your holidays. In some locations, dude ranches are perfectly warm and cozy during the day but cooler in the evening so you can enjoy a nice brisk evening walk. If you visit a dude ranch in the Winter, you can take advantage of the beautiful snow white wonderland or temperate climates in locations such as Arizona.

Family Friendly While there are many opportunities to have fun at the beach, children often get bored once they have finished building their sandcastles and playing in the ocean for the second day in a row. After that, children tend to complain about how sandy or how wet it is and want to go back home. Rest assured, Dude Ranches provide children a perfectly safe environment to play and have fun. In addition, Dude Ranches offer a wide range of awesome activities, such as hiking, swimming, horseback riding and rafting, which will not only keep the adults entertained but also the kids happy.

Incredible Views Sure, nobody can deny a sunset on at a deserted beach is gorgeous but compare that to the experience of being so close to nature and even wildlife. If you truly want your vacation to be exotic, go for a ranch vacation. Not only does a ranch vacation guarantee you a better view but it also allows you to get closer to nature. Imagine going horseback riding alongside deer, moose and elks. It is really a fun way to spend some time appreciating and enjoying the wonders of nature.

What’s better for socializing On a beach vacation there are so many tourists jammed together that the most you really get to do is exchange a few words. At dude ranches, many often have family style dining where you will be sitting with the same guests for every meal. Also, you will most likely run into common faces while doing activities. It’s very common to form long lasting friendships from meeting at dude ranches.

Ready to try a dude ranch vacation? Be sure to check out the hundreds of ranches offering holidays on Ranchseeker.

Happy Trails

Miniature horses do exist! While miniature horses are usually the size of a very small pony but many retain horse characteristics and are considered "horses" by their respective registries. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. Miniature horses are friendly and interact well with people and are often kept as pets. They are also trained as service animals to assist people with disabilities similar to guide dogs. They are generally quite hardy, often living longer on average than  full-sized horses with the average life span of miniature horses ranging from 25 to 35 years. Makes you want to get one of your own doesn't it? Now get ready for some cuteness overload!

A girls best friend

Racing with the mini horse 

Size means nothing to this mini horse 

Best friends

Easily fits into the front seat!     

Located in Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada this authentic dude ranch has been operating as a guest ranch for 70 years. Here you will find a rich history, rustic elegance, delicious food and signature “Cowboy Service”. There is lots to do while staying at the ranch so you can be as active as you want to be or simply kick back and relax. Kids love the ranch as they discover new adventures and enjoy being in the beautiful outdoors. It’s also the ideal venue for secluded corporate retreats or the perfect ranch wedding.

Horseback-riding

If you have ever dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl then this is the vacation destination for you. Horseback rides with experienced wranglers will take you along sun drenched dusty trails or through grassy fields with snow-capped mountain peaks off in the distance. You will feel transported back to a simpler time like the days when the pioneers and homesteaders used these very same trails to herd cattle. At the beginning of your vacation you will be matched up with the best horse to suit your riding experience level and then you and your new equine friend will enjoy trails that lead through rolling meadows and shaded trails lush with sagebrush, western hemlock trees, and towering Douglas fir and ponderosa pines. With two hour guided trips, all day guided trips and even overnight pack trips to choose from your dream of being a cowboy or cowgirl is bound to be fulfilled.

YD Guest Ranch

Covered Wagon Trips

For those vacationers looking for a truly unique experience the ranch offers “Covered Wagon Trips”. Your first and last night will spent at the ranch and then once you have been matched up with a horse and feel confident in the saddle your wilderness horseback trip will begin. A master team driver will lead the covered wagon out early in the day. You can choose whether to ride in the wagon or on your horse with experienced guides to your first overnight destination. Camps are set up by YD crew members beside a little lake or a mountain stream and the wilderness kitchen provides delicious, hearty meals to enjoy around a blazing campfire. Guests have spacious private tents with cots, waterproof floors, and screen windows. Portable showers are available for your comfort, although the more adventurous wash away the days’ dirt in the creek – talk about invigorating! Be prepared to be “wowed” by this incredible adventure!

Covered Wagon Trips

 Other Ranch Activities

When not in the saddle YD Guest Ranch offers ATV and ARGO Touring adventures against the beautiful backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. Experienced guides will teach you all you need to know to get the most out of this exhilarating activity. A driver license is not required and minimum age of participant is 16 years old to drive own ATV. Helmets are provided. Other fun outdoor activities include archery hiking, and fly fishing. Guests also enjoy soaking in the hot tub after an action-packed day.

ATV and ARGO Touring

Accommodations

You will experience down-home hospitality in an informal atmosphere that blends the creature comforts of home with a Western flair. Tastefully decorated, authentic Native Tipis, Cliffside miner tents (with Decks) and one beautiful Tree House are nestled privately between the aspen and fir trees. To preserve the quiet sanctuary and sounds of nature, the tents and Tipis do not feature wireless internet, televisions or phones. Take time to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with nature and your loved ones. For those that can’t completely disconnect there is free WiFi access, a guest phone, laptop and printer available in the main ranch lodge.

Miner tents

Dining

Most meals and social gatherings take place in the main ranch lodge. Here you will always find hot coffee and a friendly face. Meals consist of wholesome, hearty “western gourmet” fare with a variety of fruit, local produce, Montana beef and other fresh meats as well as tempting home-made breads and other goodies. Aside from dining in the lodge expect traditional cowboy cook-outs and BBQ’s. Special diets for food allergies or dietary restrictions can be accommodated within reason with advance notice. If you like a nip or two now and then be sure to bring your own since the ranch does not have a liquor license.

Home-cooked meals

In a Nutshell

A YD Guest Ranch vacation offers the opportunity to try out new adventures, meet interesting new people, and enjoy delicious western gourmet food while staying in secluded peaceful accommodations.

Have you recently become the proud owner of a horse or involved in helping to look after one? Maybe you're even thinking about having your own horse one day? If you fit any of these categories, then the following resolutions on how to properly care for and bond with your horse might be useful.

Brush and groom your horse regularly and often.  A well-groomed horse is a happy horse and the amount of care and attention a horse receives is fundamental in creating a unique bond between horse and owner. This special closeness is essential in having a good working rapport during riding sessions and will translate into quicker responsiveness by the horse to your commands in any given situation.

Spend lots of time giving your horse positive re-enforcement. The more your horse feels connected and lovingly controlled, the more willing it will be to follow your instructions and be better behaved.

Clean horse stalls at least twice a day and paddocks once a week. No-one likes to live in a dirty environment and this includes horses.  Your horse will appreciate and be more comfortable living in well-maintained quarters.

Improve your cardio and you'll have better control and stamina while on the horse.  Also, this ensures you are fully energized to make split second decisions while riding. Improving physical fitness in general will improve your riding performance.

Improve your balance.  A good exercise is to sit on a balance ball while lifting one leg off the floor at a time. This will improve your overall balance and will facilitate your body control and awareness in the saddle, which will allow for clearer, more precise communication with your horse.

Ride without stirrups at least once a week. This helps your overall strength and position, making you a more effective and secure rider.  It's a good resolution to work without stirrups at least once a week and if you’re feeling really ambitious, increase that to two or three times weekly.

Ride other horses if possible. When riding unfamiliar horses, you have to adjust your style to accommodate their quirks and responsiveness. Riding different horses occasionally makes you more aware of your own strengths and weaknesses as a rider, and think about training, riding, and how to convey your desires accurately.  This will help you to ride your own horse better.

Buy some good riding clothes. A well-made jacket and jodhpurs will do wonders for your confidence and self-image as a new horse-owner.

Take lessons with a fully-qualified instructor.  Regardless of any previous riding experience, you can always benefit from having lessons and an instructor can help you and your horse get acquainted properly right from the get-go and not develop bad habits as you embark on an exciting new endeavour as a fully-fledged horse owner!

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!  It takes a lot of work to make this the most perfect day of your life. The biggest concern is the wedding venue and honeymoon destination. You want to be able to celebrate, relax and spend time as newlyweds without a worry in the world. A dude ranch is the perfect combination for a dream wedding and honeymoon..... a truly unique outdoor wedding for you and your guests away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Why Is A Dude Ranch The Perfect Choice? Staying in a private log cabin in an idyllic setting is the perfect adventure as a newly married couple. Your entire family and friends can join you for a beautiful and romantic wedding. Ranches can normally accommodate everyone on the guest list, depending on group size, which will relieve you of the responsibility of booking hotel rooms.  Dude ranches also offer a wide range of activities that your guests (and kids) can enjoy, which also saves you the job of providing entertainment.

At a dude ranch, you will be up close with nature, surrounded by panoramic views and wildlife sightings, making it the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding. Also, your schedule can be customized for you and your guests to participate in many of the various activities on offer, be it trail riding, shooting range, hiking, swimming, fishing or rafting. For relaxation, many dude ranches now offer fully-equipped spas, for that all-important massage to soothe away the stresses of wedding planning and beauty treatments to help you look your very best on this most special day!  In-house spas are usually much appreciated by your guests as well.

Perfect Dude Ranch Destinations for Your Wedding and Honeymoon While there are many dude ranches that can make your big day a memorable experience, here are three that are situated in amazing locations and which offer a variety of activities:

Geronimo Trails Guest Ranch

This dude ranch is located in the Southern USA among the beautiful mountains of the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. It is a small ranch, which is why booking the entire place for your wedding and honeymoon will give you and your guests the freedom of feeling entirely at home. You can hike or horse-ride through the luscious forest among the wildlife all the way up to the hill for a breathtaking view of deep canyons and streams of crystal-clear water. They also provide tours for several historic sites and swimming in the creek! Geronimo Trails Guest Ranch offers 5% off to honeymooners.

Chilcotin Holidays

This dude ranch is located in the Canadian north among the snow-capped mountains of British Columbia. Here you can go trail riding, target shooting and also take lasso lessons. This ranch will give you a true cowboy experience. They have a vast selection of packages which include animal tracking, hiking and mountain biking, fishing, and other adventurous activities. The ranch has a secluded honeymoon cabin available that promises the utmost privacy during your stay. You can upgrade from any package to the honeymoon cabin as well.

Echo Valley Ranch

Echo Valley Ranch is also located in British Columbia, about a 5 hour drive from Vancouver. This luxury dude ranch has an East-West theme and boasts 2 world class spas. One spa focuses on European spa treatments while the other on Thai spa treatments. If you are looking to get pampered during your wedding, then Echo Valley Ranch is the dude ranch for you.

Weddings at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa are a perfect opportunity to bring together the family and celebrate in a spectacular and serene setting. Wedding parties have the exclusive use of the whole ranch, so your family and friends can settle in, spread out and be comfortable. The ranch can accommodate up to 50 persons for overnight stays and has an awesome, discreetly located, honeymoon cabin for the bride and and groom. From hair to makeup, from the wedding cake to the reception, the Echo Valley team help you plan the perfect wedding, so you and your guests can simply relax and enjoy this all-important day. So, if you are looking for an active and fun-filled honeymoon amid unforgettable scenery for a wedding to really "wow" your guests and become a cherished memory, then a dude ranch is the perfect choice!