September 1st, 2011
A majestic part of the scenery at Echo Valley Ranch. At night it is illuminated in the most incredible shades of red. The view from the top is more than breathtaking. 2246 meters to conquer. This is Mount Bowman, EVR’s “house mountain” and one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the Cariboo.
You can hardly tell that she has been working out. Even after six hours of hiking Sannukka still looks fresh-faced and has lots of energy left. She might be the fittest one of all the Echo Valley employees, and that is a good thing because the 22-year-old Finn is EVR`s professional hiking guide. Sannukka is the one that takes our guests up to the top of Mount Bowman and leads them back down safely.
The Mount Bowman Hike definitely requires a basic level of fitness, but the effort will be well worth it in the end. Once you have made it up to the top, you will be rewarded with a magnificent 360 degree view over the beautiful Cariboo region. You can enjoy the view of Echo Valley Ranch from up top as well as a panorama from the Coast Mountains over the Marble Range Mountains all the way to the Camelfoot Mountains.
Plateau or all the way to the top?
The Mount Bowman Hike offers something for everyone. During the first hour of the six-hour hike, the terrain is flat and secure paths lead the hikers around the bottom of the mountain. After that, it takes another hour to climb up to the plateau. Even at this stage, one has a great panorama view of the area.
However, highly motivated hikers do not stop here, they continue all the way to the top. The last third of the trip is the hardest part. No more easy paths, now it is more about climbing … sort of. At certain parts, it might be helpful to grab on to a rock to continue your way. However, once you made it to the top, you can be very proud of yourself and you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view and, of course, a picnic lunch to gather strength for the way back down.
Whether you choose to go to the plateau or all the way to the top, a novice hiker or semi pro, the Mount Bowman Hike is a one of a kind adventure for anyone.
Evening mood: view from Mount Bowman over Echo Valley Ranch.
The first third of the hike is manageable even for inexperienced hikers.
Finally on top: hiking guide Sannukka at the top of Mount Bowman.
Tags: Hiking, Mount Bowman
Posted in Nature, The Ranch | No Comments »
August 25th, 2011
150 years ago, its promise of riches lured hundreds of thousands of people into the West of Canada: the Cariboo Gold Rush. Nowadays, Echo Valley Ranch brings the Gold Rush times back to life for its guests.
The Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, the predecessor of the world-famous Cariboo Gold Rush, started at the Fraser Canyon in 1858. For the most part, the gold panning took place between Lillooet und Yale. Back in the day, remarkable gold finds lured hundreds of thousands of people into the West – each one of them hoping to get rich quickly.
These times are over but Echo Valley Ranch is located near the Fraser River, which gives our guests the perfect opportunity to revisit the infamous times of the great Gold Rush. Going on one of our Gold Panning Trips is a fun activity for the entire family.
Gold Panning and 4 x 4 Safari
You are probably not going to get rich on one of our Gold Panning Trips but it is great fun for the entire family. No wonder every guest gets infected with gold fever, the scenery on our trips is amazing since the Fraser River and its canyon are right around the corner from Echo Valley Ranch.
Usually, we start at ten o’clock in the morning. Of course, we ensure that our guest get professional instructions. Our Adventure Guide Darrel knows what he is talking about and can give our guest useful advice on how to become a successful gold panner. Clearly, gold panning is hard work and, therefore, we make sure to bring a picnic lunch, which we will eat sitting at the riverside. By the way, up to now every guest has managed to find a little bit of gold.
Those of you who have not had enough adventure yet can combine the Gold Panning Trip with our 4 x 4 Safari. In that case, we will take you up to the famous Cougar Point in our jeep. Here, you can enjoy the breath taking view over the canyon. Of course, you can also just go on the 4 x 4 Safari without stopping at the river if gold panning is not for you. Either way, you will have a great time and we are already looking forward to taking you along for the ride!
Echo Valley Ranch guests at the Fraser River.
Did you find something? Gold panning at the Fraser River.
4 x 4 Safari: The view from Cougar Point.
Tags: 4 x 4 Safari, Gold Panning, Gold Rush
Posted in Fraser canyon, Nature, The Ranch | No Comments »
August 18th, 2011
They started three weeks ago. And they were a blast: the Kids Weeks at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa. Now, they are over and serenity can return to the ranch.
Once a year, it is a little bit louder than usual at Echo Valley Ranch. During that time period, it is all about keeping our little guests entertained. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and the EVR Kids Weeks are over. The kids really kept us on the go but now it is time to take a breather and a look back at a busy three weeks. Our little guests, aged five to 17 years, conquered the ranch. They ran, they swam, and went on trail rides. Some kids were loud and wild; others were quiet and keen on learning new things. Everybody had one thing in common: they all had a really great time at Echo Valley Ranch.
Dressed up horses and Sundae Fights
Fortunately, we had the help of Taylor, our kids’ counsellor, who was in charge of organising activities to entertain the kids after they were done with horseback riding. Apart from Scavenger Hunts and swimming lessons, there were plenty of other activities to do. One of the kids’ favourites was the Sundae Fight, during which the kids got to “decorate” each other with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and other sticky gooey stuff. Very popular as well: the dressing up of the horses in the arena. Fortunately, our kids’ horses Moony and Shadow are really calm and experienced and didn’t mind the costumes. The kids had a blast and the horses hopefully too… 
Now, the Kids Weeks are over. The horses are sporting their real hair for a change and chocolate is used yet again for cakes and dessert and not as a hair gel substitute. Only one thing left to say: we had a great time with our little guest and we are already excited about next year’s Kids Weeks!
Dressing up horses in the arena: Shadow is keeping his cool.
Five-year-old Rose from Paris, France, during the Sundae-Fight.
Kids’ counsellor Taylor turns eleven-year-old Matthias into a living ice cream sundae.
Tags: Horseback Riding, Kids Weeks, Sundae Fight
Posted in The Ranch | No Comments »
August 14th, 2011
They are fluffy. They are black and white and every guest falls right in love with them: the Border Collies at Echo Valley Ranch. These eight cuddly fur balls are the EVR guardians and take their job as professional “guest companions” very seriously.
When guests arrive at Echo Valley Ranch, they can be sure of one thing: they will be greeted by their own personal, tail-wagging welcoming committee in the form of our eight ranch Border Collies. These dogs are a valuable ranch asset and it is hard to imagine the ranch without them. Furthermore, if you like dogs, you will love our happy group of eight. They have assumed the role of guest companions and will do their best to keep you entertained. They will come along for a walk, keep you safe on a hike, play Frisbee or fetch with you in front of the main lodge all afternoon long.
Not one like the other
Most of the time, it doesn’t take long for the guests at Echo Valley Ranch to remember all the names of the dogs: Almo, JoJo, Anna, Benji, Sage, Echo, Joy and Bessie. They might all look similar at first, but they all have different personalities. There is Almo, the leader of the pack. He is already 15 years old and is the sire of five of the younger dogs. At times it seems he is ready to retire but nevertheless he dutifully tries to come on every walk, also to watch what the youngsters are doing. There is also no mistaking half siblings’ JoJo and Anna. JoJo is 12 years old and has stopped following a strict diet and exercise regime years ago. Hence, he is the biggest one of the group and easily to distinguish. Anna is a little big-boned herself but the trait that makes it easy to pick her out of the group is her long and mostly white coat. This leaves us with the five siblings that are, as mentioned above, Almo’s kids: Benji, Sage, Echo, Joy and Bessie – all of them three years old.
Let’s start with Benji. It is easy to find Benji since he always carries something around in his mouth. Mostly sticks, but sometimes it will be a tennis ball or a Frisbee. Frankly, he is obsessed with these objects and there is not much else that is worth his attention. Then, there is Sage. Sage is very handsome sporting one brown and one blue eye. He is also very talkative. If you ask him nicely, he will tell you one of his sad stories (“Awhoo”). Another one of the dogs is Echo, the most sensitive but also the politest one of the bunch. Unfortunately, he is the loser of the group and regarding the hierarchy, the last one in line. However, Echo is fast and an accomplished Frisbee player. Joy is one of the three girls of the gang. She can be easily identified by guests due to the white spot on her back. Joy is very sensitive and loves to be cuddled. Last but not least, there is Bessie, the smartest one of the bunch. She loves chasing horses and coming along on every hike – even all the way up to the top of Mount Bowman! Bessie is always along for the ride, especially, if there is something new to learn.
Well, now you know all about our beloved Border Collies. Come and meet them in person! Our regular and future guests can look forward to spending some quality time with them in the midst of nature at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa.
Six of the eight EVR Border Collies (from the front to the back): Benji, JoJo, Anna, Echo, Bessie and Sage.
Anna, JoJo und Benji are playing with the guests.
Echo is one happy dog.
JoJo, Benji and Echo's favourite past-time activity: playing Frisbee.
Tags: Almo, Anna, Benji, Bessie, Dogs, Echo, JoJo, Joy, Sage
Posted in Pet Friendly, The Ranch | 1 Comment »
August 4th, 2011
It started one week ago. I will go on for another two weeks. The Kids Weeks at Echo Valley Ranch keep everybody on the go. With lots of fun and laughter, they are an adventure for kids and parents alike.
Echo Valley Ranch is usually a quiet place where our guests can forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For three weeks in summer, however, everything is a bit different. It is a little louder; the guests definitely run around a little more, and plenty of laughter and action going on. The 2011 Kids Weeks at Echo Valley Ranch have begun and the kids are the center of attention.
Kids Weeks at EVR are anything but boring. There are many activities for the little ones, with horseback riding at the top of the list, of course. Whether in the form of riding lessons and pony games in the arena, or on a guided trail rides through the great outdoors with their breathtaking scenery, the kids will feel like little cowboys or cowgirls riding one of our 24 guest horses.
Scavenger hunts, badminton, barbeques and campfires
Apart from horseback riding, Taylor, our kids’ counsellor, has a great repertoire of kids’ games and activities ensuring that the parents will have some time to enjoy one of our great spa treatments, take a quiet walk, or simply relax as well. One of the weekly kids’ activities is the EVR Scavenger Hunt, the perfect opportunity for the little ones to get to know the ranch and the other kids and do lots of running in the process. Other options include volleyball, badminton, swimming or games in the pool, or playing Frisbee with the eight Border Collies.
The highlight of the week is the two barbeques and campfire nights. The kids get to stay up a little longer, hang out with their new friends at the fire, make music, and roast marshmallows.
Whichever activities the kids like, one thing is for sure: they will go home with many new friends and great memories. At Echo Valley Ranch, we are looking forward to spending another great week with our little guests. Yihaaa!
Tags: Games, Kids Weeks, Scavenger Hunt
Posted in Events, News, The Ranch | 1 Comment »
