River Valley Ranch

Introduction
Saskatchewan Canada
Riding and roping, cowboy cookouts on the range, toasty bonfires under the stars, magnificent scenery, and down-home hospitality will leave you with unique and treasured memories for a lifetime.

Within the trademark rolling prairie landscape and tucked away in the beautiful Saskatchewan River valley, this working ranch lies along the picturesque shores of Lake Diefenbaker. The ranch and scenery will remind you of an old fashion Western movie from times long ago. The land is a mixture of stretches of prairies with open range riding, contrasting canyons, river hills and the sandy beaches of the lake. With 9 miles of river frontage, the peaceful spot in the river hills welcomes guests for an intimate, real-life ranch experience where you can immerse yourself in the traditional daily chores, delicious and hearty cowboy fare and plenty of the fresh, pristine air that one lacks in their urban life.  The nature surrounding the ranch changes with the season, from the pretty purple crocus crops in the spring to the pink flowering cactus of summer to the splendor of the golden fall. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable ranch vacation in the middle of Canada, a massive country which often has it's expansive central landscapes left unexplored in comparison to the draw of the coastal provinces. In truth, the rest are missing out; the province of Saskatchewan offers eco-tourism not only an exceptional horseback riding countryside, but world-class fishing, kayaking, hiking and hunting as well, with warm and welcoming locals to boot. Come rise with the sun, work hard and play hard, then relax with us under the stars of a delightful and fragrant prairie evening. As time passes us by, some things may change down here on the ranch, but what will always remain constant are the spectacular sunsets, and the breeze on your face as you ride open range in the saddle of a horse that you love, with the peace of mind only a cowboy can attest to.

Accomodation

Accommodation
This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent at the same location.

Description
Guests stay in western-style wood cabins decorated to make any cowboy or cowgirl feel right at home. There are 6 log-cabins (each with two double beds and private bathroom/shower) and two 1.5-story cabins with a loft (sleeping up to 6 persons in 2 double beds and 2 double size bunk beds). Weekly cleaning is included. Bedding and towels are supplied, but feel free to bring your own bath towel for hot tub or lake time. Toiletries aren't supplied except for facial tissues, toilet paper and hand soap.



After a long day in the saddle, guests can relax in our hot tub or go for a swim in the lake. In the evening you can just hang out and relax, hike to watch the sunset, go for a swim at the lake, or learn how to swing a Lasso. Once the sun sets, we sure hope you will come'on over to the Saloon. Our 'Old West' Saloon offers a pool table, foosball, darts and lots of country music.
On many nights, some of the neighbors will stop by to see old friends and meet new ones. There is always a good time at the ranch and you’ll never know what an evening has to offer. You might find yourself doing the two-step or being part of a group of other guests who practicing the line-dance.

There is no Wi-Fi and very limited cell phone coverage. Also, rooms do not have a TV, air conditioning or phone. You are on vacation, so please enjoy your time away from all the electronic chatter.

Room Occupancy
There is no single supplement fee if you are willing to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.

Guests and crew eat our family-style meals together. Our cook prepares wholesome and plentiful cowboy cuisine, which includes plenty of Canadian beef, home-baked goods and strong coffee.
At breakfast we look out over the rolling hills and plan the day ahead. At supper-time we kick-back and share a few laughs about the day's adventures.
We eat our lunch on the range, often with a campfire and some awesome campfire coffee. It sure beats eating your lunch in the office!  

Breakfast 9am, Lunch on trail around 1:30/2pm, Supper (evening meal) 6:30pm

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most special diets and dietary restrictions with prior notice.
However, we are unable to cater to vegan diets.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Level
Beginners are welcome to receive some basic western riding lessons to comfort any fear or hesitation with the first ride. All guests are welcome to participate in the seasonal cattle and ranch work looking after our herd of two to two hundred fifty cows and new born calves. We have to check cows almost on a daily base and if necessary we have to move the herd or catch some calves to treat them. Everyone interested will have the chance to learn how to handle the rope and work with cattle or try the first barrel race in our large outdoor arena. Guest at the ranch get to groom and saddle their own horse, we love to instruct and to help.

Itinerary


This is an authentic working cattle - guest ranch nestled in the beautiful Saskatchewan River Valley, along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker. The ranch property includes 9 miles of river frontage. Our guests experience the cowboy-way of life and a real-life ranching adventure including lots of horseback riding on our well trained quarter horses.

We do a lot of horseback riding at the ranch, because there is nothing better than being in the saddle of a horse! Please keep in mind that there is no horseback riding offered on arrival or departure days.

Less experinced riders will receive some (basic) western riding lessons. The best way to learn and to improve confidence is out on the trail.

A typical day at the ranch:
After the 'famous' breakfast each morning, we saddle the horses together and take off for an exciting day of riding as we check the herds and explore the large property.
Guests are welcome to participate in the cattle and ranch work but keep in mind that this is not a working ranch where guest physically have to work. Also, we do not move or work with cattle every day or on very hot days. We pretty much have to check our herd on a daily base and sometimes have to move them. And, if necessary, cattle need to be caught and treated or ear tagged. Our cattle herd size varies from 80 to 120 pairs (depends on drought conditions). 

From time to time throughout the summer month, we pack the horses for an exciting overnight trip/campout under the stars – a real cowboy dream far away from urban life.

While there is always something to do we do not forget to relax and have a good lunch break with coffee, sandwiches or beans and sausages cooked over an open fire. A cowboy snooze to re-energize after a good meal it’s almost a rule. Campfires are only possible if the weather and grass situation allows us to!


When we are not in the saddle, there are plenty of other activities to get into.
During the summer months, guests can walk down to Lake Diefenbaker for great swimming, boating, canoeing, water-skiing and fishing. The large ranch property invites to explore the untouched wildlife with deer, coyotes, foxes and owls, and overhead a Golden Eagle or a pair of Pelicans, while hiking in the rolling hills. Or find a private spot along 200-kilometers of sandy beaches with a book and enjoy the R&R! In the evening, we do what the cowboys do. Play game of horseshoes together, enjoy a cowboy sing-a-long beside the crackle of a romantic campfire, practice dummy steer roping, try some archery or go for a visit to the famous White Bear Saloon in the nearby town. But we also have our own 'saloon' here at the ranch, where there is a pool table, foosball and dart games available. Sometimes we just listen to some of our favorite country music and sit in the hot tub under the stars.

Area Attractions
The area around the ranch is steeped in ranching tradition and prairie history. Experience the rodeo trail and the life of competing cowboys firsthand at a nearby small town rodeo. We are happy to organize rodeo trips whenever possible. They can be booked directly at the ranch. Not far away are the high lands of the Cypress Hills, Fort Walsh, the first settlements of the Northwest Mounted Police and the Great Sand Hills, a semi-desert of sand dunes rising mysteriously from the plains. These guided tours can be booked at the ranch as well. Within a 20-minute drive you will also find a full size golf course, mini golf putting course, houseboat tours, historic museums, and a sporting Marina. A 45-minute drive will take you to a western store or shopping malls.



Special Events

Season Opening (May 22 to 29 2023 / May 23 to June 6, 2024)
First week of the season: Guests will get the taste of cowboys daily spring jobs while calves still come to life. Join us on our daily horseback trips to the pastures to check the herd, treat or ear tag new born calves if necessary. Fences need to be checked and fixed. The cattle facilities at the headquarters need to be prepared and set up for the upcoming branding.

Round up and Branding the Offspring (May 29 to June 8 2023 / May 29 to June 6, 2024)
The actual round up and branding day takes place around June 2-6 in 2023.
One of the most popular times at the ranch is early June, when the cattle are rounded up for an old-time authentic branding. Everyone interested will have the chance to learn how to rope and
to participate in the hard work of the cowboys.
Guests should plan to visit for a minimum of 14 nights to become acquainted with the operation and their horse before round up and the final branding day.
Please keep in mind that there is also a fair share of cattle work/checking and moving involved before and after the branding event.

Fall-Round up week (October 2 to 9 2023 / September 28 to October 5, 2024)
Within the last highlight of the season, cattle have to be rounded up on horseback and driven from the summer pasture to the headquarters of the ranch. The cattle will be counted, checked, vaccinated (if necessary), and moved back out into the same or a different pasture. This is a great adventure for guest who love to ride and learn some skills about handling and driving cattle.

Rates and Dates for River Valley Ranch

Dates Note: Spring Branding: May 31 to June 6
Fall Round Up: Oct 6 to 13

Other Info
Meeting: Kyle
Airport: Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE)
Transfer: Saskatoon Airport

Climate:
                                                Kyle area