Elkin Creek Guest Ranch

Horseback Riding – We have an array of different trails that range from 1-6 hours in length, depending on what you are up for. Whether it's a day ride with a picnic lunch or a short excursion, we have trails suitable for both beginner and intermediate riders. Our herd of 50 beautiful horses make wonderful riding companions and great company. Open range riding is also available. Let us know prior to your arrival and we'll make sure we set up all your special riding requests..

Horsemanship Training – Thoroughly trained at the ranch, our wranglers will demonstrate grooming and tacking of horses, horse safety and arena exercises. They will also share with you natural horsemanship principles including equine behaviour, round-pen and ground work.

Fly Fishing – We provide the fishing rods and gear and offer lessons or demonstrations for those who are beginners or those who may just need a little refresher. 6 weight fly rods, belly boats and pontoon floats are available for use. Type of fish caught: Rainbow trout, Bull trout and Dolly Varden.

Lake Fishing – Located on Vedan Lake, Elkin Creek Guest Ranch is situated in prime fishing territory. We provide 3 twelve-foot aluminum motor boats that all guests are welcome to use provided they have their boating licence. Stock it full of bait and supplies and take off for a remarkable day of trout fishing. Gear and tackle are available at the lake. Type of fish caught: Rainbow trout, Bull trout and Dolly Varden. Elkin Creek Guest Ranch also offers daytrips to nearby lakes.

River and Lake Kayaking and Canoeing – Vedan Lake, just a short jaunt from the main lodge, provides beautiful scenery along its shores and is perfect for a serene canoe or kayak outing. Joining Vedan Lake is Elkin Creek. Pack up your kayaks and jump in for an adventure just short of an hour. Dodging beaver damns and light rapids in a kayak can be a challenge so 'cowboy up'.

Mountain Biking – Surrounded by acres of rangeland just a short distance away from the alpine, Elkin Creek Guest Ranch provides top-of-the-line mountain bikes for those of you with a taste for the trail.  Ask our Lodge Coordinator for a trail map, grab your helmet and ride off into the west.

Guided or Self-Guided Hiking – Interested in viewing the scenery and wildlife of BC's majestic Chilcotin region, or just feeling guilty about those gourmet meals you've been dining on? Depending on the type of terrain you'd like to challenge, our Outdoor Coordinator can recommend or guide you on a number of adventurous trails.

Windsurfing – This sport combines aspects of both surfing and sailing, and talk about a need for speed, get that adrenaline rush in no time flat. Elkin Creek Guest Ranch provides guests with four fully-equipped windsurf boards, also known as sailboards, for guest use.

Sailing – Come catch some scenery as you sail the Chilcotin winds across Vedan Lake. The sailboats are small, but great for enjoying a mid-summer day by yourself or with a loved one. Must have an adult on board at all times.

Paddle Boating – Down at the lake you'll find 2 new paddleboats. Paddle boats accommodate 2 people and are great for a relaxing lake tour or for a leg workout. We'll leave that one up to you! Children should always wear a life jacket when using a paddle boat.

Swimming – Life jackets are provided in the aquatic shed at the lakefront. Parents need to be aware when their children are at the lake as there is no lifeguard on duty. The water surrounding the end of the dock is over 20 feet deep and is suitable for diving. Vedan Lake is very clean and refreshing with water temperatures reaching approximately 15â-¦c in late summer months.

Archery – New to Elkin Creek Guest Ranch in 2008. Set up by the lake just behind the sauna and workout facility are 2 targets backed with netting and equipped with plenty of arrows. For a taste of the real Wild West, and a feel for 'cowboys and Indians' try your hand at shooting an arrow.

Historical Tours – Join us on a visit to the local First Nations reserve and home of the Xeni Gwe'tin. Tour around the local school, meet students, teachers and locals. Learn their history and enjoy lunch prepared by our very own chef. These tours must be scheduled prior to your arrival. Please let us know when booking your vacation.