Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch 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. Guest Ranch Working Ranch Cattle Drive, Round Up Short Getaway Family Vacation Riding with fishing options Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Kyle Airport: Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE) Transfer: Saskatoon Airport Riders: Min 1 riders Max 10 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 18 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 6 %       GST (VAT)  5%

Rates Note:

Minimum 3 night stay is possible. Certain weeks require minimum of 7 or 14 nights

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers available from Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE) for an extra fee. Transfer times are available from 12:00pm to 7:00pm on Mondays, Thursday, and Saturdays only. On you arrival day, please, do not book at flight scheduled to land after 7pm. On your departure day, please, do not book any flight scheduled for earlier than 10am. Check in 3 pm. Check out 11 am.

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 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.

                                                Kyle area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	22	26	39	55	67	74	80	79	69	55	36	24
Average Low Temperature (°F)	4	7	19	31	41	50	54	53	43	32	18	6
Average High Temperature (°C)	-5	-3	4	13	19	23	27	26	21	13	2	-4
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-16	-14	-7	-1	5	10	12	11	6	0	-8	-14
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	2	3	4	6	9	7	7	5	3	3	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The ranch is in a dry-prairie/savanna biome and experiences hot summers and very cold winters. There are 4 distinct seasons. Extreme temperatures range from -50°C in winter to 41°C (-58°F to 104°F) in summer.

It is fairly dry; the average annual precipitation is 347.2 mm (13.7in). A positive aspect of the low precipitation is that it is sunnier than the average in Canada as a result, averaging 2,381 hours of bright sunshine annually. The extreme temperatures are also more tolerable on account of the typically low humidity.
Although winters are long and severe, many people find the crisp atmosphere, lack of dampness and abundant sunshine of the Saskatchewan winter preferable to the mild temperatures of the gloomy and wet regions of Canada. The same can be said for the summer months as there are usually only a few days per year over 30 degrees Celsius. Hot, humid days are infrequent and uncomfortably sticky summer nights extremely rare here. Exciting thunderstorms are common in the summer months.

We do not supply riding helmets, chaps or slickers. If we have an extra pair of chaps or slickers we love to share.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel Documents and Travel Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots + Minichaps

Long-sleeved shirts - lightweight

Riding helmet (recommended)

Riding gloves

Lightweight rainwear - poncho/slicker (recommended)

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings - casual

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

Light summer jacket

Comfortable shoes/sneakers

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Camera

Bring your own water bottle

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Average ratings from 7 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date terry connelly 9/6/2019 adriana vanmunsteren 10/29/2017 debbie wilson 11/1/2013 alida moffatt 9/26/2012 flavienne bruyant 7/27/2012 christiane gruner 2/15/2012 lilian dilling 8/19/2009

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 lake time. Toiletries aren't supplied except for facial tissues, toilet paper and hand soap.



After a long day in the saddle, guests can 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 can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter, Paint
Pace:		All paces according to riding level, 5 to 7 hrs in the saddle per day. No nose to tail, but everybody has to stay within sight of guide.
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    Novice to Intermediate
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 10 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 18

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.

Passports

Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:

(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;

(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;

(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).

Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);

(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.

Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Passport Note

Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:

(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;

(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;

(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.

Validity

Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)

Working Days Required

10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	1
USA	2
Other EU	3
Visa Required?
British	No/4
Australian	No
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	5
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.