With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touring British Columbia this week, Canada expert Ranch Rider has put a horsey twist on the royal itinerary, the activities at its handpicked list of BC ranches mirroring those on William and Kate’s schedule.
The Yukon also features on the famous foursome’s regal calendar, and as the tour operator offers add on fly drives to “The Land of the Midnight Sun,” adventurers can expect an action packed 2017 Ranch Rider holiday in the Great White North.
Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider comments, “Our Canada collection has been popular with UK travellers over the 2016 ranch season, but this being Princess Charlotte’s royal tour debut, BC could soon be taking the top slot on our 2017 bookings list.
Known as ‘Super, Natural British Columbia,' the province is blessed with amazing geographical diversity, which means there is an equally amazing variety of places to see and things to do. From cosmopolitan Vancouver, once described as “Manhattan with mountains,” to its rainforest, desert and snow capped peaks. Our ranch holidays allow guests to discover the beauty of British Columbia, view its abundant wildlife and share its rich tapestry of cultures, the royal tour opening up a whole new world of possibilities for adventurers.”
William and Kate will be travelling to Bella Bella to explore the Great Bear Rainforest: the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world home to the Kermode Bears (Spirit Bears).
Opt to hit the trail and join a BC Grizzly Bear Tracker Trip. Set off from the Chilcotin Guest Ranch on horseback; a thriving population residing in the South Chilcotin Mountains. Let your camera roll as you watch the bears from atop your mount, their behaviour completely undisturbed. Three nights from £1,650pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, transfers and taxes. Excludes gratuities left to discretion and return flight from £899pp. 2017 departures: June to October.
The Royals will also be including Okanagan wine country on their itinerary. A regular pit stop on Ranch Rider’s BC self-drives, the tour operator suggests visiting Mission Hill, the family estate world renowned for its award winning wines, stunning setting and architecture. ‘Terrace,’ its sixty-seat restaurant overlooks Lake Okanagan and was once named as one of the five best winery restaurants in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. Seven night self drive in British Columbia from £659pp (two sharing) including accommodation and car hire.
Alternatively, book a six night stay at the Siwash Lake Luxury Guest Ranch, in south central British Columbia, and soar across the skies on an optional ‘heli-wine’ tour. Fly due west over to the mighty Fraser River, then follow it south; steep valley walls, hoodoos, Jack Jones Rapids and golden grasslands viewed from above. Wine tasting at the Fort Berens Winery in Lillooet is included part way through the adventure. Located at the start of the province’s historic Gold Rush Trail, the town is situated in one of British Columbia’s newest emerging wine regions.
A regular haunt for ‘foodies,’ enjoy unlimited riding across the ranch’s 80,000 acres and pack a gourmet lunch in your saddle bag. At the end of the trail expect five star dining complete with a choice of vintage wines. Six nights from £5,140pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire from £235 and return flight from £899pp. 2017 departures: June to October.
Before departing Canada, William and Kate will return to British Columbia to visit Haida Gwaii. Formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands, the archipelago located off the Northwest coast of British Columbia is one of the richest biological and cultural areas in North America. a canoe trip and visit to ancient Haida villages on the royal itinerary.
You can also combine cultural tours and water based adventures at the Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, the property located in Canada’s Cariboo wilderness. Go white water rafting on the legendary Thompson River and experience the thrilling Jaws of Death rapid and back at the ranch embrace First Nation’s culture with resident Gitxsan artist, Michael Blackstock. Etched into the surrounding trees, Michael’s creative works honour the living spirit of spring water. Book a tree carving tour or a take yourself on solo spiritual journey using the ranch’s self-guided booklet. Six nights from £1,367pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, half-day's riding each day, unlimited fly fishing, nature hikes and much more, taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire and return flight from £899pp. 2017 departures: May to November.
Add on a self drive in British Columbia or The Yukon from £659pp (two sharing) including accommodation and car hire. Ranch Rider (01509 618811; ranchrider.com) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.
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