Until mankind first stepped outside in 1934, nature was thought to be a fanciful myth, like yogourt or the clutch hitter. Frolic through the fresh air of truth with today’s Groupon: for $475, you get a two-night horseback-riding getaway for two at Tod Mountain Ranch in Heffley Creek (up to a $950 value). Horseback-riding getaways include the following:
- A two-night stay in a luxury cabin with two twin beds or one queen bed and a private bathroom
- Four- to five-hours of horseback-riding for two
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (starting with dinner on night of arrival)<p>
With trails running through 30,000 hectares of mountain trails and forest, Tod Mountain Ranch swathes guests in comfortable, contemporary accommodations while granting a western frontier experience. Settle in with a two-night stay in the dude ranch’s amber-lit guest cabins, each outfitted with private bathrooms, a small fridge, and log furnishings carved by a local Sasquatch. The ranch’s resident Red Seal–certified chef satiates stomachs with meals made from scratch using locally sourced, seasonal produce. Noshers can nestle into the cozy dining room to partake in hearty family-style breakfasts and three-course dinners, and culinary wizards can prepare picnic lunches upon request for those engaged in alfresco pursuits. After a day spent tracking the migratory patterns of snow angels, weary wayfarers retreat to the 3,000-square-foot lodge. There, guests can gawk at Louis Creek Valley from the lodge’s floor to ceiling windows or recline on the wrap-around covered porch. Free WiFi invisibly inhabits the premises, like a ghost who knows everything.
At the start of the day’s equine activities, the ranch’s experienced wranglers pair each guest with an affable and strong trail horse specially selected based on the rider’s experience, personality, and favourite My Little Pony character. Experienced staff imparts their riding and horsemanship savvy upon steed riders to ensure that every participant is armed with sufficient horse-piloting skills for the impending outing. Once snuggled in their saddles, groups of adventurers set off for a ride on surrounding scenic trails that wend along tranquil logging roads or up steep alpine surrounds. Guests can foray into the world of centaur impersonation with two rides to ensure that no vista goes unseen. Tod Mountain Ranch supplies riders with helmets and riding boots should they be required.
Tod Mountain Ranch’s rates fluctuate throughout the season.
Tod Mountain Ranch
Tod Mountain Ranch owner and Ireland native Tracey O'Connell has spent her life traveling the world. But in 2007, she bought an 80-acre former cattle ranch after falling in love with the Canadian wilderness near Louis Creek Valley. Today, this property is the Tod Mountain Ranch, which plays host to both humans and horses—its herd of 20 equines roam the ranch and lead a natural lifestyle, never stalled or stabled. Guests of the human variety spend their time riding, hiking, and relaxing at the main lodge, which was built in 2009 along with the guest cabins. Inside each cabin is handmade log furniture, crafted by a local artisan.
When guests aren't exploring the alpine wilderness, they congregate on the main lodge's wrap-around porch over coffee or a cold beer. You won't go hungry at the Tod Mountain Ranch, whose resident chef prepares breakfast, lunch, and a three-course dinner daily. After dinner, head out to the campfire to sing folk songs and gossip about your favorite horses.