Lowdown

  • Established

    1864. Guest ranch since 1955

  • Owner

    Nichols & Rowe

  • Manager

    Cynthia Nichols

  • Tel

    1-800-553-3533

  • Open

    Apr-Oct

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $312 - $350

  • Minimum Stay

    2 days

  • Maximum Guests

    50

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Diverse scenery

  • Memberships

    BC Guest Ranchers Association
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

The first time, it's a vacation. After that, it's coming home.™

Spectacular adventure horseback riding just four hours from Vancouver, Canada in the beautiful BC interior. We have over 100 happy horses, a large heated outdoor swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms, and good free WiFi.

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 8 and over

Children must be 8 years of age in order to go trail riding. Under 8s can enjoy a parent-led pony ride in the arena before the rides go out. We have child-minding for kids 4-7 years during ride times, midweek during the months of July and August.

Minimum age children can ride

8 and over

Activities

outdoor play area

Games

board games, horseshoes, pool table

Ranch History

The ranch itself dates to 1864, and started operating as a guest ranch in 1955.

The current owners, the Rowe family, came to the ranch as guests for many years, and took over in 1978. The third generation of the family is now helping run Sundance.

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet, Ranch-style

  • Meals served

    family style, buffet style, everyone eats together, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    BYOB, available for purchase

  • Enjoy dining in

    dining room (casual attire)

  • You'll definitely love

    locally grown produce

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free, other

Meals are mostly buffet-style service, with varied and delicious menus prepared by our wonderful chef. Our dining room is licensed for beer and wine service, but everywhere else on the ranch is "BYOB" (Bring Your Own Bottle). We offer a selection of wines that are local to British Columbia.

Guest Favourites

  • Charcoal-grilled steak w peppercorn sauce
  • Pan seared salmon with honey dill suace
  • Charcoal-grilled Burgers

Lowdown

  • Address

    2606 Kirkland Ranch Road, PO Box 489
    Ashcroft
    British Columbia
    V0K1A0
    Canada

  • Remote Location

    No

  • Elevation

    1750 ft

Nearest Town - Ashcroft

Ashcroft has a population of 1700 (approx), and is situated 6 miles / 15 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in Ashcroft include: grocery store, pharmacy, church, school, post office, medical clinic, hospital, bank, atm, gas station, museum.

For shopping Ashcroft offers: small hometown necessity shops.

Ranch shuttle

yes

Nearest Airports

Kamloops Airport, Kamloops

Distance

72 miles / 1 hour 15 mins

Ranch shuttle

100

Vancouver Airport, Vancouver

Distance

223 miles / 4 hours

Airlines

Delta, United, Skywest, Allegiant, Horizon, Northwest, Alaska, United Express

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding

  • Riding opportunities for

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Rides are grouped by

    Ability, Rides tailored to guest requests

  • Max riders per ride

    8

  • Wranglers per ride

    1

  • Pace of ride

    Walk, Trot, Lope

  • Guest Horses

    100

  • Horse Types

    Quarterhorse, Morgan, Thoroughbred, Appaloosas, Draft Cross, Paints, Arabians, Fox Trotters, Tennessee Walkers, Geldings, Mares

  • Hours in the saddle

    Morning - 2 hours
    Afternoon - 2 hours

Our Riding

Weight limit for riding

Up to 225 lbs

Riding considerations

no riding experience needed, We consider height and athletic ability as well as a guest's weight

Hours in the saddle

We generally take out small groups of 5 or 6 riders to ensure the best experience, and even the beginner groups get to “run” (if they want to!). In the summertime, if it gets really hot, we will change the afternoon ride to an evening ride for the comfort of both horse and rider.

Why our riding stands out

  • Sundance has a large crew of wranglers in order to give you the most wonderful riding experience we possibly can. Rides are kept small (usually 5 or 6 riders at most) in order to give you the best possible combination of fun, adventure, and safety!
  • Groups may be broken up by riding ability, or by groups of friends and family who want to ride together. It’s all very flexible!
  • If the temperature gets too high we skip the afternoon ride and have a beautiful evening ride instead!

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $312 - $350

  • Nightly Rates (non-rider)

    $187 - $210

  • Minimum Stay

    2 days

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Any day is fine

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Any day is fine

  • Packages available

    1 week
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Sundance Guest Ranch can cater for up to 50 guests. See below for details and indicative rates.

Lodge | Sundance Guest Ranch

Rates (Per Person)*

$312 - $348
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

2 nights

Description

All rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and WiFi. Most standard rooms have two queen beds, with space for a rollaway bed if required. We also have a few larger rooms with King beds and extra amenities.  All rooms have a small fridge.

Rooms

22

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

fridge, hair dryer, air conditioning

Booking Policy

Quoted in USD (subject to exchange) , rate are all-inclusive of meals, riding, accommodation and use of all facilities.

Youth 13-18 years of age are $200. Children 8-12 are $129, and just $20 daily for age 4-7 and no charge for children under 4 years!

We require a deposit of one day's rate for every four days booked to secure your reservation. All payments can be made by Visa or Mastercard. Final payment is required 60 days prior to arrival. Date changes are guaranteed penalty-free with 90 days notice for bookings receiving the Early Booking Discount.

All deposits and final payments are non-refundable, but in the event of cancellation will be applied to a promotional letter of credit good for 14 months from the date of the original booking. Letters of credit cannot be applied to pre-existing reservations, and may be subject to restrictions, depending on whether we are able to re-sell the space. Refunds are not offered on unused portions of the package once booked.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, lodging, Riding

Extras

Tax

6.2%

Gratuity

contribution to staff gratuity fund is optional upon checkout.

Lowdown

  • You can rent

    Cowboy boots, Riding helmets, Saddle bags

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi.

  • Business Services

    printers.

Onsite

Shopping

We have a small gift shop with Sundance tshirts and hoodies 

Water based Activities

outdoor pool

Fishing & Wildlife

Sundance Guest Ranch is situated on the Thompson River which is a very popular spot for fishing. We do not offer fishing guides, but if you're an avid fisherman you can hike down to the river or drive to a more accessible spot. Plenty of beautiful small lakes in the area. Would recommend this pursuit mostly for spring and fall midweek bookings. 

Fishing on offer

unguided, BYO equipment

Wildlife

Mule deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats.  Lots of bird life.  

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of 40-50.

Contact the ranch for details

Weddings

We can cater for groups of 50-75.

TAKE OVER THE RANCH FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT!

We would be delighted to host your special day here at the ranch! If you are looking for an intimate wedding that will create lifelong memories for friends and family, this is the place for you!

Flat rate covers two nights accommodation, three meals a day, horseback riding and use of all facilities on the ranch, as well as country rock DJ dance! You supply your own flowers, decorations and beverages.

Max of 55 people, all guests must stay at the ranch.

25% deposit on booking, 25% at 6 months prior and the balance 60 days prior to the date.

Contact us for more details.

Local Attractions

Ashcroft Museum

Explore Gold Country's history at one of BC's best small-town museums. The museum's authentic and carefully appointed exhibits portray the history of the South Cariboo, the Indian tribes who first settled the area, the farms and ranches of Hat Creek Valley, and of course the establishment of Ashcroft. Open May to October, admission by donation. Tel. (250) 453-9232, Email: museum@village.ashcroft.bc.ca

Distance

5 miles / 15 mins

Highland Valley Copper Mine

One of the largest open pit copper mines in North America - visible from space. Offers mine tours free of charge with a 15 minute video of the mining operation and guided bus tour of the mine. Open mid-May until end of August, Monday to Friday, with tours starting at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm daily. Call (250) 523-3307 to reserve touring spots.

Distance

22 miles / 30 mins

Rental car

Required

Historic Hat Creek Ranch

Re-live the past and experience BC's gold rush era at this unique provincial heritage site offering trail rides, stagecoach rides, tours of the 1860s Roadhouse and Native Interpretation Site, gold panning, archery, and more. Open daily May 1 to September 30. The Ranch is hosting several special events each year, including the annual Bonaparte Band Pow Wow in August. Website: www.hatcreekranch.com, Email: hhcr@telus.net

Distance

10 miles / 30 mins

Rental car

Required

Highs

  • They run a herd of over 100 happy, well-cared-for horses with thousands of acres of spectacular and varied terrain to explore, and the horseback riding is truly wonderful, whether you're looking for relaxing, instructive or exciting
  • Sundance provides guests with a safe, family-friendly environment. The only people riding and enjoying the ranch facilities are other guests
  • Indulge in delicious and varied meals that go well beyond expectations
  • Relax by the pool between rides, challenge your friends to a game of horseshoes, try your hand at roping or enjoy a drink in the adult lounge and swap riding stories with other guests

Lows

  • Closed during the winter months due to winter snowfall and icy conditions

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Heaven on earth

This is my third time at the ranch and I brought a friend with me. She was pleasantly surprised by how friendly everyone is, staff and guests alike, and how incredible the food is. Sundance is my happy place. The horses are well taken care of and they, in turn, take great care of you. The mountains and fields surrounding the ranch are breath taking. If you are looking for an active way to rejuvenate your body and spirit, Sundance Guest Ranch is your destination!

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Sundance Guest Ranch on TripAdvisor