Horseback Riding Vacation at Echo Valley Ranch and Spa, British Columbia, Canada

Written by Nancy D. Brown

Echo Valley Ranch Horseback Riding Vacation

A mechanical engineer by trade, Echo Valley Ranch and Spa owner Norm Dove chuckled when I asked how a chap from England came to own a 160 acre Canadian guest ranch and spa.

“This place came with the cattle,” smiles Norm. “I like to build things, so the rest of the ranch simply evolved.”

Birth of a British Columbia Luxury Guest Ranch

Acknowledging that he and his Thai wife, Nan, were open to opportunity, the couple capitalized on this beautiful and peaceful Canadian property; originally sharing the experience with friends and eventually opening up as a guest ranch in 1995.

Ultimate Canadian Horseback Riding Vacation

With 35 head of Quarter horses and Tennessee Walking horses, the guest ranch offers the ultimate horseback riding vacation in that it is also a first class spa.  Guests typically purchase packages ranging from daily horseback rides – two hours in the morning or afternoon – to spa packages of all types.
What is unique about the Echo Valley Ranch horseback riding vacation is the Southern Cariboo, British Columbia location. The BC guest ranch accesses miles of horseback riding trails, bordering the Marble Range Park. A day horseback ride up Mount Bowman offers breathing views of Fraser Canyon, while two hour horseback rides offer trotting and loping opportunities depending on the equestrian’s riding ability.

Solo Horseback Riding Vacation

“I found Echo Valley Ranch on the Internet,” said Kate Law, a solo equestrian traveler from London, England. “I was specifically looking for a Canadian horseback riding vacation. The fact that I cold get a massage after my horseback ride was an added bonus.”

And what a bonus it was. The East Meets West Spa offers Western and Thai style massage treatments. The traditional 90 minute Thai massage is ideal for easing sore muscles after a horseback riding vacation.

Ranch Cuisine

Meals at Echo Valley Ranch are prepared in an open kitchen and served family style in the Dove Lodge dining room. Executive Chef Justin Folk creates fresh, local cuisine, making use of the ranches organic vegetable garden. In addition to raising its own cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys, Echo Valley Ranch sources products from nearby Canadian farms.

Lodging Options at Echo Valley Ranch

With 21 rooms on property, Echo Valley Ranch is ideal for family reunions, girlfriend getaways or romantic horseback riding vacations – don’t forget the spa treatments!

Horse lovers will want to stay in the self-contained, seven room Lookout Lodge. My room #16, located next to the horse corral, looked out to a flower-studded meadow of grazing horses with Mt. Bowman in the distance. Newlyweds will enjoy the honeymoon cabin with its four poster bed, while individual guest cabins feature king beds and jacuzzi tubs. Dove Lodge offers a hot tub and sauna.

Girls Getaway Horseback Riding Vacation Package:

• Welcome glass of champagne on arrival
• Lodging in Deluxe Cabins, Lodge, Premium Rooms or Baan Thai Suite
• Meals prepared by executive chef, including glass of wine or beer with dinner, soft drinks at any time. The cookie jar is always stocked!
• Daily turndown service with treats and weather update
• Bottle of wine in room upon arrival
• Half day horseback ride and wilderness picnic
• One signature Western or Asian spa treatment during the stay
• Group manicure/pedicure
• Lasso throwing lessons from local cowboys
• Self guided hiking program
• Daily Thai yoga (Ruesri dat ton ) stretching classes
• Fly fishing  in stocked ponds (equipment provided)
• Weekly evening entertainment program including camp fires, barbeque dinners, authentic Thai banquet and traditional Thai dancing
• Weekly cooking demonstrations with nutrition tips from the chef,  as well as Thai cooking tips
• Use of ranch facilities including:  outdoor hot tub, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, disk golf course,  self-guided hiking trails, game room featuring: pool table, shuffleboard, darts, card table, Karaoke and a large TV screening room
• Wi-Fi access in Dove Lodge

Social Media tweeps may follow Echo Valley Ranch on Twitter and follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter, as well as @Ridinghorseback. Echo Valley Ranch is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and BC Guest Ranchers.

What are your favorite things to do in the Clinton, British Columbia, Canada?
If You Go:

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa (800) 253-8831 or (250) 459-2386

Clinton, BC Canada VOK 1KO
Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown was a guest of Echo Valley Ranch & Spa.

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