Canada - Wildlife Research Ranch Stay

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Please note: It is recommended that riders arrive in Vancouver the day before the ride stars and spend the night in a hotel in Vancouver for the early morning pick-up. The shuttle collect guests from the Sheraton Guildford hotel at approximately 6:15am

Day 1
Transfer leaves at approximately 6:15 from the Sheraton Guildford in Vancouver and transfers guests to the ranch in time for a hearty family lunch. The shuttle will stop on route to allow guests to purchase any extra supplies needed and to look at points of interest along the way. On arrival, there will be an introduction to the ongoing research projects currently active on the ranch, as well as conservation activities and sustainable practices that the riders will need to adopt during the stay. Riders then meet the horses and learn the saddling and riding techniques used on the farm. An introductory trail ride will allow the group to get comfortable with their horses and the style of riding, while also looking out for wildlife around the ranch. Over dinner, the guides will give an overview of the trip using map orientation including which trails will be taken and the best wildlife viewing locations along the route. Riders are given a mountain duffel bag to repack their personal items into (try to pack as lightly as possible but take all essential items!) before turning in for the night on the ranch.

Day 2-6
Early morning scouting for wildlife by truck followed by breakfast at the ranch and then ride out into the majestic mountain landscape, returning to the ranch for lunch. In the afternoon explore the mountain sides, meadows and forests looking for animal tracks. The guides will help riders spot an array of wildlife along the quiet trails with the reliable, sure-footed Mountain Cayuse horses watch the trail. Every moment is a chance of another breath-taking nature encounter, each more memorable than the last. Choose between taking a ride or a hike to a Grizzly den collecting samples along the way. Return to the ranch for a home-style dinner and the evening review of the day. After dinner, scout for wildlife by truck before turning in for the night.

Day 7
Early morning scouting for wildlife by truck before enjoying breakfast at the ranch. Ride out on a final tracking expedition. Return to the ranch for a farewell lunch, certificate presentation and final reflections of the weeks adventure in the wilderness journal. Transfer back to Vancouver arriving in the evening. Please do not book flights departing before 22:00.

Please Note: Our trips are subject to the unpredictable weather and terrain conditions that come with a mountainous environment. And while we do our best to stick to the itinerary, there are times when the current conditions and needs of the group require us to adjust schedules, campsites, etc. This is part of any true wilderness experience, however, and we are well equipped to adapt the adventure to changing conditions.

Non-rider and other activities:
At the ranch there are lots of activities on offer which are included in the holiday cost: these include riding lessons, target shooting, lasso throwing, bareback riding, grizzly den viewing and bear defence orientation.
Also available, at an extra charge, is guided fishing, archery, off-road driving and various horse-related lessons such as long reining, logging and shoeing.

Rider weight restrictions: Please note that any rider over 230lbs (104kg) will be required to pay an extra charge for a spare horse. There may be restrictions on the activities available for riders over 260lbs (118kg).

4-Day Cougar / Wolf Tracking & Conservation Winter Adventure:
Learn about the unique behaviour and instincts of wolves or cougars and follow their tracks in the deep snow.
Get involved with hands-on conservation projects such as population counts and data collection
Connect to nature and learn empowering new skills. (contact us for details)

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There are currently 26 horses available for riding, ranging from ponies to full-size Draft horses. The herd is made up of Draft X Mountain Cayuse (horses from the Cariboo-Chilcotin where the wild herds still roam) which makes for a great temperament. The Draft makes them calm and relaxed and the Cayuse makes them surefooted and gives stamina. They are patient and gentle with small children and adults alike and they know their job well.

The riding style is Western, which will be taught to those unfamiliar with it. 'Mountain' style is used in the mountains and again, this will be shown to you during the mountain riding orientation. The horses are ridden on a loose rein and are neck-rein trained. Mountain trails are taken at a fast-paced walk - the goal is to travel long distances and reach the tops of the mountains rather than galloping around in the valleys. It is more about tackling rough, technically challenging trails instead of riding faster.

The terrain on the trails ranges from flowering alpine meadows to mountain tops with stunning views, and a number of viewpoints with 360 degree vistas guaranteed to take your breath away!

All abilities of rider are catered for, from novice rider to advanced. The minimum age is 7 years old and the maximum age is 89 years old. The weight limit is 260lbs - there is an extra charge for riders over 230lbs (100kg) as 2 horses will need to be used.

Riders should be physically fit and ready to spend up to 8 hours in the saddle per day, although the average riding time will be 2-3 hours on half-day rides and 4-6 hours on full day rides. Yours hosts are passionate about bringing nature closer to the people, and living in Grizzly country, lay great emphasis on stewardship and conservation. Guests are included in the research projects, such as collecting Grizzly hair or Mountain Goat hair.

There may be times where riders will be required to dismount and walk besides their horse. This is usually done when walking steeply downhill and can be for around 1 hour, but is limited on the routes around the ranch. Steep 'drop-off's' may also be encountered en-route.

The ideal group size is 7 riders with 2 guides. Riders are matched according to similar abilities, age and interest to create a atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement. Families get matched with other families, couples with couples and young travellers with young travellers. Making new friends is often one of the highlights of the trips.

All potential guests are required to complete a Wilderness Readiness Survey to identify their main interests, purpose and intention for their adventure and to prepare potential guests for what they can expect from their wilderness experience. And at the end of the trip a Wilderness Journal to reflect on their experience in the context of Chilcotin Holidays' Three Pillars of Nature Connection,
Nature Conservation and Personal Development.

The weight limit for this ride is 230 lb/105 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The bedrooms are situated in the main ranch house and have either queen beds and en-suite bathrooms or twin beds with shared bathrooms. Full bathrooms are shared between 2 or 3 bedrooms. The maximum capacity at the ranch is 30. The bedrooms are comfortable with down duvets and fantastic views. There is a communal dining room/living room space where meals are served and guests can relax.

Meals are served at 8:30am, 12 noon and 6:00pm. There is a set menu and all guests and staff sit around the dining table together. All meals are homemade including the breakfast granola and various types of bread and cakes. The meals are healthy and hearty and include mains such as lasagne, shepherd's pie, BBQ chicken and roast beef. Vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free diets can be accommodated with advanced notice.

A typical menu might consist of:

Breakfast: Granola, yogurt, fruit salad, blueberry pancakes, fried eggs, toast

Lunch: Turkey soup, rye bread, cheese plate, vegetable plate, dip. Dessert: cranberry loaf

Dinner: Lasagne (meat and vegetarian), Greek salad, chick-pea salad, monkey bread. Dessert: lemon bars Water, tea and coffee is provided. Guests are welcome to take along their own alcoholic and soft drinks.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Dependent on your country, Passport and Visa requirements can change from regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. To visit Canada, you will need to meet some basic requirements, such as: • Have a valid travel document, such as a passport • Be in good health • Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions • Convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country. • Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. It depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives). Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

The South Chilcotins lie within a transition zone between the Coast Mountains and the Chilcotin Plateau. This favoured leeward position produces a rainshadow which means sunny skies and a dry climate with an environment that is almost bug-free.

With spring comes warmer days (10 to 15C) although the nights still cool down to freezing temperatures. The ground is wet from the melting snow so this is when the few mosquitoes and ticks come out. Although there are some rainy days, the weather patterns clear through quickly to give sunny skies.
The summers get quite hot in the mountains, with temperatures around 22-28C and the odd spike to over 30C in August. The skies are usually clear, giving fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Nights can still get quite cool, so a good sleeping bag is a must.
In the autumn, the 'Indian Summer' lasts into October, with warm days (10-20C) and clear skies. Freezing temperatures at night bring on the foliage colour in the trees and meadows.
The winter gets cold around the ranch, with temperatures ranging from –8C to –12C and the occasional dip to –20C. Days are mostly sunny, although most of the precipitation comes as snow at this time of year. The snow pack at the ranch is normally about 2 feet deep.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

The cost of medical treatment can be very expensive in Canada. For emergency health care you can go to a hospital’s emergency room or to a large number of walk-in clinics where an appointment is not required beforehand.

Giardiasis is present so do not drink water from streams. Tap water is safe to drink.

Rabies is endemic in Canada, do not approach stray dogs.

Lyme disease can be a risk in wooded regions; it is a rare tick borne disease.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Canada and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

There are no specific health recommendations but please do take along all your necessary medications and health-related personal supplies. We also suggest a high factor sunscreen as, due to the altitude, it can be very easy to get burnt!

In Canada the supply voltage is 120V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).

Please bring plenty of batteries for electronic equipment, and a charger for when you are at the ranch.
There is no mobile phone reception at the ranch or on the trails. There is wireless satellite internet available at the main house and in the guide cabin. Payphones are available but only accept credit cards or phone cards. The guides will carry a satellite phone with them on the trails. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking
- Riding gloves
- Chaps
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
- Long sleeved shirts
- Lightweight waterproof (No ponchos. Sturdier is better so it doesn’t get ripped when riding through trees.)
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone

Ride specific:
- Sleeping bag. It can get quite cold at night, so a 3-season sleeping bag (rated to –10C) is recommended if you’re staying at a camp.
- Rubber boots. Should be mid-calf height.
- Empty pillow case. To make a pillow of your jacket at camp
- Gloves for riding. Lighter in the summer, insulated other times of the year
- Practical clothing - expect to get dirty!
- Toque (knitted cap) and/or headband to keep your head warm at night. The headband should fit under your hat for cold days.
- A western theme for clothing is encouraged. There is a “no boots in the house” policy, so please take house shoes or slippers if you’d like. There is no smoking in the Ranch House.

Provided by the host:
There is a small amount of rental supplies for sleeping bags, rubber boots and gloves but the supplies are limited. Bringing your own gives you the chance to get the right size and increase your comfort.

4d /3n programme with 3 riding days; or 7d / 6n programme with 6 riding days. Available from beginning May to end of September

2025: 1 June - 30 September
7 day programmes start on Sundays
4 day programmes start Mondays or Thursdays.
Wolf & Cougar Tracking: 6 January - 26 February (Mondays or Thursdays)

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As you might expect, the wildlife is abundant on these trips. In the summer there are bears (black and grizzly), eagles, mountain goats, deer (some of the female deer like the human protection and raise their kids at the ranch), grouse (blue-, rough- and spruce-), sheep and moose - to name but a few!

Within the area you might come across Indian pow-wows and villages as well as cattle ranches. The ranch is around a 20 minute drive to the nearest town which has a post office, general store and a hotel. There are small town rodeos that take place every weekend during the summer season which you are welcome to visit if you are staying at the ranch and have rented a car.

The area has over 100 years of history from the gold rush and is now an adventure tourism paradise, largely undiscovered from the masses who visit Whistler every year.

People migrating from Asia crossing the Bering Strait first settled on the North American continent. They formed a number of tribes that can be distinguished by language: the Algonquian in the eastern sub-arctic and maritime areas spreading into the prairies and plains of the mid-west; the Iriquioian speaking tribes mostly in the St Lawrence Valley and around Lakes Ontario and Erie; the Salishan, Athabascan and other linguistic groups lived along the rivers and coastline of British Columbia. Small, isolated Inuit bands developed a unique culture in the harsh environment of the Arctic. John Cabot, a Venetian working in the service of the English sailed to Newfoundland in 1497. This and later explorations formed the basis of the English claim to Canada. The Frenchman Jacques Cartier undertook a series of explorations, mainly along the route of the St Lawrence River during the 1530s and 1540s and he claimed the land for France. It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society. Canada is between 3.5 and 8 hours behind GMT depending on where you are in the country. They use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code is +1.