Ranch Special Events and Promotions

Chilcotin Holidays is always trying to give you more. Check out our special events and promotions taking place here at the ranch this year. Here's a taste of what's to come:

Spring Break Family Package
Offers the perfect setting to spend some quality time with the kids. There will be something for everyone, including horseback riding, horseback competitions, cowboy / wrangler activities, natural arts and crafts for the kids, and more. Children staying in their parents' room stay for free when booking a week package.
Available: March 8-21, 2009

Easter Weekend Special
A fun and exciting holiday this spring. Leave the stress and hassle of preparing an elaborate Easter dinner at home and let us spoil you with traditional Easter festivities here at the ranch. Package includes: A classic Easter egg hunt, egg painting, "find the lucky egg" for chances to win prizes, horseback riding, horseback competitions, cowboy / wrangler activities, and a traditional Easter turkey dinner with all the fixings.
Available: April 10-13, 2009

Snowmobiling Adventures

We came to Chilcotin to have a wilderness experience at the end of our holiday in Canada. As well as horseback riding we wanted to do some snowmobiling – having had a taste of it four years previously in New Hampshire.
“You are going to get an experience like no other – and there aren’t many people who have done what you’re going to do tomorrow” said Kevan at dinner, the night before the trip.
Looking out over the snow covered alpine meadow at 6500 feet altitude after an exciting, if challenging trip up the Chilcotin Mountains on skidoos, we realized just what he meant. The scenery was… I can’t find the superlative that does justice to what it was like up there. Snow, fine and powdery, completely untouched since it fell, a clear, bright blue sky, the sun beating down and the vista of the Coastal Range Mountains in front of us– Kevan was right.
Albeit a challenging (well, for me anyway) the trip up, the privilege of being in such a beautiful place was worth it. Thanks to the patience and skill of our guides, Kevan and Guido, we had the experience of a lifetime. Would we do it again? You bet!
Jane and John, England

Finishing School – An Update on Magnum by Linda

With a personal trainer and maid service, daily grooming, massage, and work out, along with free cleaning service, unlimited supply of food at necks reach, oh and don’t forget the carrot on the pillow - Magnum is eating up all the attention. Finishing school is not so bad and life in the city could not be better!
Magnum’s daily training schedule keeps getting better. Cantering circles was a whole new concept to Magnum when he first arrived but he is now able to canter them with ease and has mastered the art of simple changes. As we ride down the long sides of the ring he learns the shoulder in and haunches in. Magnum moves with easy and comfort. He is lovely to ride.
While we know Magnum can jump those fences at the ranch, jumping in the ring is a little different. Style and ease is what we are looking for. Each week he seems to improve over the jumps, coming in easy, and jumping up and over with good form. We started off small but as he is getting better the jumps are going higher. He is a powerful jumper.
As Magnum’s training continues he is willing to learn and improve. He may have his own thoughts on certain matters, as he is very smart, but convincing him is not too hard especially since he knows he gets his warm bowl of oats after a good work out! I have been really happy with his progress and he seems to love the routine of work and pamper. Magnum and I look forward to updating you again soon!
Sincerely,
Magnum's Personal Trainer and Maid,
Linda

It’s almost Time to dust-off the Hiking Boots!

Feeling the itch? Dying to polish up and waterproof those boots that have been waiting in the closet for you since last season? Daydreaming about being back in the alpine, breathing the fresh air and taking in those mountain views? So are we! The Chilcotin Holidays crew can’t wait to be back out there guiding you along our alpine trails on your next hiking vacation. Our vast selection of possible camps offers you a wide variety of different holiday scenarios. Whether you are looking for a hard-core, level III trekking experience or would prefer to tone in down a notch and take some time to take in the views, we’ve got something for everyone.

My first Bear Viewing Experience

“SSSsssshhhhh – quiet! There he is!” Said my guide in a whisper. As we approached the bear on horseback he was so busy eating that it appeared he hadn’t noticed us. We rode up over the ridge and could see the bear in a clearing just ahead of us. Our horses remained calm and unalarmed at the sight of this majestic bear, but I was secretly scared out of my wits on the inside. I was actually pretty close to a real bear, a wild, untamed bear in his own territory. We weren’t in a zoo anymore – this was the real thing! And how amazing the feeling was. I knew my guide was trained and had a riffle with him, just in case.
My heart was racing, I could feel my pulse and in the midst of all the excitement I almost forgot to get my camera out! With an empty 2-GB chip in my camera I was ready to take the pictures I had been waiting to be able to take since childhood. Now that the big moment had finally arrived, I was ready to catch everything “on film”, so to speak. We spent over an hour watching the bear eat, relax, and sun himself, before we had to head back to camp for dinner, but it went by in a flash! I couldn’t wait until the next morning to head out again! I think I might have become a wildlife-viewing addict during this trip! I’ll be back again next year for sure!”
Alison, ON, Canada

Ranch Staff anticipate an early Spring

Lucky for us here at the ranch our woodpiles are holding out a little longer than in other years. It’s been relatively mild here and we are anticipating an early spring, contrary to the official outcome of this year’s Groundhog Day. That’s good news for you! The abundant variety of wildflowers in the alpine meadows here in the Chilcotin Mountains might even be available for your enjoyment by late May this year. This is a beautiful time of year to book your next pack trip holiday.

Weddings, Family Reunions and other Functions

Looking for a perfect setting for your next family get-together? Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch offers a variety of different options for accommodation, activities and can host beautiful ceremonies, such as a natural outdoor wedding.
If you’re interested in renewing your vows and want a quiet, intimate location to celebrate with your close family and friends, we offer customized packages and can accommodate a variety of different scenarios. Our tastefully decorated rooms and cozy cabins offer a friendly ambiance and authentic western charm. The ranch is situated in the heart of the breathtaking South Chilcotin Mountains and will certainly offer a wonderful, memorable setting for your next family celebration.

Chester to help People in Rehabilitation

It’s always nice to know that our loyal, hardworking horses have found a wonderful new home to spend the rest of their “retirement” years. Our friend Chester, a slim chestnut gelding, will be remaining in BC, working with Michelle to help her clients on their path of rehabilitation.
Michelle, who already has a horse and works with individuals with physical and mental disabilities, as well as with clients recovering from addictions, said she noticed her clients got really excited about the possibility of going out for a horse ride. So the next step was to find a bombproof horse, who would be patient and remain calm with her clients as they learn the basics of riding.
With years of experience as a gentle, reliable and trustworthy trail riding horse, Chester seemed like a perfect match. We are proud to be sending him off to offer his assistance and wish both Chester and Michelle the best of luck.
For more information on our other horses for sale, email us or call us at 250-238-2274.

The Dude Ranch Trip

This package allows two or more people to stay in one of our fully equipped, rustic wilderness chalets at the ranch. Included in this package is solely accommodation to allow for maximum flexibility during your wilderness vacation. The accommodation in each of our chalets includes a fully equipped kitchen, washroom, as well as linens and bedding. All you need to bring is your personal affects and you’re ready to go. As far as meals go, you have two options – you can bring your own groceries and do your own cooking in the chalet, or you can dine in the main lodge house for an additional fee. Just let us know and we can make any necessary arrangements.
This package is especially appealing for those who wish to explore the surrounding area on their own. Surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the south Chilcotin Mountains, you can venture out into the middle of the wilderness at your own pace, or if you arrive with your own vehicle you can take a drive to any of the many natural attractions in the area, including the historic mining town of Bralorne, or drive down to Mowson’s Pond for a refreshing dip in the lake. If you wish, you can also participate in ranch activities on an à la cart basis. Our long list of possible add-on activities will give you an idea of all the possibilities available to you during your stay.

The City Slicker Ranch Trip

Here’s an option for those interested in experiencing a western guest ranch environment and the wilderness lifestyle, without having a set of pre-booked activities, but the flexibility of picking and choosing as many or as few activities as they go. This package includes all meals and accommodation in a room in the main ranch house.
We recommend this package for individuals who want to be able to experience a variety of different activities à-la-cart, as opposed to booking strictly a riding, fishing, hiking, or any other single-activity package. Feel like taking a day off to relax and enjoy the mountain views from the ranch terrace? Or decide that you’d rather go fishing tomorrow than riding? That’s all no problem!
It’s a great way to get a taste of the different wilderness experiences we have to offer or for families whose members have different interests. Our surrounding 5000 km2 operating area has many hidden treasures waiting for you!

The Cowboy Ranch Trip Package

This is a full, all-inclusive package, which offers guests a real western ranch experience, without having to worry about the hassle of extra costs or charges. You can rest assured that everything is taken care of upon your arrival, so you can just relax and let your guest ranch vacation begin.
Your package will include all meals, which are served in the dining area of our main ranch house, and accommodation in one of our tastefully decorated rooms. As well, you can take part in ranch-based horseback riding along our historic trails, or go on a guided hike through the pristine wilderness. We have plenty of trails to choose from so you have the option of doing half-day or whole-day trips.
Other fun activities included in your package are: bareback riding in one of our pastures, target shooting with a biathlon rifle, and lariat throwing, a skill every cowboy needs, so you can experience as much or as little of the wilderness lifestyle you wish. You will be surprised at how good you can get at these traditional western skills after a couple of lessons with one of our experienced guides. Guests who desire to take part in any of the many ranch activities not included in this package can easily do so. Just take a look at the abundant list of add-on activity options and “pay-as-you-go”.