Comfort
A beautiful Canadian guesthouse where you can enjoy the scenery of the foothills and experience western hospitality. The heart of the guest quarters is a large, bright communal space where guests can socialise, eat, cook, and listen to western tales whilst enjoying the view of the horses in the pasture. The guesthouse has a total of 5 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 riders. Please note: there is limited telephone network at the ranch. Free Wi-Fi (satellite) is available.
Meals
All meals are homemade, using fresh and local ingredients. Meals are served communally, with everyone sharing the same large table.
If you have a special diet or food allergies, please specify when booking: the menus can be adapted: vegetarian, lactose-free and gluten-free menus (supplement of $ 10 per day for a gluten-free menu)
We feature local wine and beer from chosen distributors if you would like a beverage to accompany your dinner. Any alcohol purchases can be added to your stay.
Climate
Calgary experiences long winters and short, hot summers. The climate is very influenced by the elevation of the city and the proximity of the Rocky Mountains.
Although the cold winters of Calgary can be very uncomfortable, the hot dry wind, called "Chinook", blows regularly over the city from the Pacific Ocean during the winter months.
These winds have sometimes raised the temperature by more than 15 ° C in a few hours, and can last for several days.
More than half of the winter days have a maximum temperature above 0 ° C. On occasion, the temperature in winter can even approach 20 ° C.
The temperature drops below −30 ° C five days a year on average; however, periods of extreme cold generally do not last very long.
Guide and local team
Our guide Neil first founded the ranch in 1991, where he combined adventure and nature, with his love for history and horses. He is passionate about his region, and takes pride in showing riders the beautiful country and horses. His philosophy? Respect the magnificent nature that surrounds the region and the fantastic team of horses that will take you there. During the camps, Neil and his team do their utmost best to preserve the natural environment for the future generations to come. His wife Undine is also part of the team and looks after the guesthouse and helps train the horses.
Tips
In Canada, it is customary to leave a tip - primarily in restaurants and other service-based establishments. Expect to leave around 10-15% of the bill.
At the ranch, your hosts are usually tipped around CAD 100-150 per rider.
Packing list
Head
- Helmets (mandatory)
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Winter clothing suitable for -20°
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps as an extra layer against inclement weather. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for moving around the ranch in the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun.
Evening wear
- Casual clothes for the evening
Nightwear
- Pyjamas or nightdress
Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Rehydration sachets
Other useful items
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding you can put them in your saddlebag
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you just in case.
In your hold luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
