You wake peacefully to the sounds of birds chirping outside your window and the sun peering through the curtains of your own private log cabin. The fresh coastal mountain air fills your lungs as you put on your favourite pair of blue jeans and prepare for a big day in the Wild West. Laughter from the main lodge catches your attention as you realize you’ve slept in from the night before. No problem, it’s ‘Chilcotin time’ and at the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch the day starts off when you want it to. Entering the main lodge for breakfast the smell of fresh brewed mountain coffee and a big ranch breakfast welcome you only slightly before the executive chef does. The food is first-class and you won’t be hungry today. As you look around the dining room you see eager faces of other guests ready to take the day by the horns, you are starting to understand why you needed to get away.
It’s time for one more cup of coffee before you saddle up, wish the kids a good day fishing, canoeing, sailing, whitewater rafting or whatever it was they said they wanted to do again. They are in good hands here, the staff all seems very polite and responsible; and the kids just adore them. It’s been a long time since you last rode a horse, you’ve been dreaming about this for years but never quite had the time and never really thought of a guest ranch as a vacation the whole family would enjoy. The remoteness of this ranch makes it so easy to forget all the pressures at home.
One of the young wranglers calls you over to meet a horse named ‘Traveler’. He’s a strong, trusty horse and seeing as it’s been a few years since you last rode he’s a welcome sight. Steadying the horse you slide your boot into the stirrup and hop up easily on Traveler. Gently you pet his coat and let him know that you will take good care of him.
The creaking sound of a rustic wooden gate opens and a line of horseback riders proceed out on to the range. It’s a beautiful day, there is still a slight chill in the air but it will be gone by late morning. Two large bulls perk up with curiosity, then just as quickly lay right back down. The nearby mountains are standing tall in the morning light and everyone is happy to be out of the city.
As you move away from all the laughter and the excitement around the main lodge you catch a glimpse of sparkling water just ahead. It’s a valley of lush green with a glass-topped lake. Crossing the cattle guard you can hear the rushing waters of Elkin Creek only a few metres away. A well-worn trail up winds up the hillside and you get yet another glance of this ever-inspiring wilderness. There’s a rustling up in the hillside and a deer takes off with the noise of the group. There is wildlife everywhere here and you can’t help but feel small in the vastness of this unspoiled country.
With so much to see and experience what will the next turn of the trail bring, perhaps another sparkling lake, a small glacier-fed waterfall, or a glimpse of a moose off in the distance? What a perfect day to spend enjoying the scenery and taking some time out for you.
(*Some conditions apply. Subject to availability. Prices are per person per day based on double occupancy.)
Join us for Wild Horse Tours, amazing horse back riding and relax in the spectacular Nemaiah Valley!
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THE LATEST DEALS & NEWS
Did you see us on the CBS Early Show on Thursday May 2nd. Travel and Leisure Magazine recommended the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch as a top Summer Destination for 2007!
2008 SPECIAL EVENTS & PROMOTIONS
Kids can stay, eat and play for free in July; One (under13) youth FREE with every 2 paying Adults.
August Special...5th Night Free anytime in August.
We love the UK! All our UK guests get a Free Cowboy Hat and T-shirt with any length of stay.
The dates for the 2008 Cattle Drive and Branding weekend have been announced to the general public. Join us starting May 16th for one of the last remaining authentic cattle drives in Canada
The dates for the Spring Cowgirl Bootcamp have been annouced. Starting June13th, this annual weeked is a great time for to unleash the cowgirl in you!
The Nemaiah Valley Rodeo and Downhill (horseback) Mountain Race for the 2008 August Long-Weekend (August 1-4) is now on sale.