We are just back from four nights at Echo Valley Ranch, which fell at the end of our two weeks self drive holiday in Canada.

We found ourselves (unknowingly, until we arrived) slap bang in the middle of family fortnight, so there were families with young children there during our stay. This was not a problem with most of the children, some of whom were delightful, but for two nights of our stay we shared ‘Lookout Lodge’ with a very noisy party of two families who didn’t seem to mind that their kids banged doors all afternoon and were very ill mannered, when we were trying to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the place.

The directions to the property were good, but make sure that when you have travelled the 33k up Jesmond Road, that you turn left when you see the wooden sign for the ranch! We assumed it heralded the beginning of the property and drove straight one -we were wrong!

On arrival at the ranch it was difficult to find reception (officially they don’t have one ‘just a welcome mat’ over the door), but improved signage would relieve the frustration after what could have been a long drive! When we did eventually find the main lodge, we were given a very warm welcome and a tour of the place, which was really handy.

Our room was fine – average really. They are spacey enough, and there is a fridge, hairdryer, and we had a small balcony, looking out over the pastures and the mountains. The view really was quite unrivalled. The bed linen, curtains, etc are in definite need of updating, the furniture drawers stick, there was a leak in the bathroom, but the location of the hotel, oops sorry, ranch, means that these things take on lesser importance than might otherwise be the case. We had a king size bed, and there was space in a loft area with an additional bed. If I stayed here again, I would ask for a cabin – more privacy and less noisy. Pine is beautiful – but even bare feet make a loud noise on it!

I found it odd that there were no ‘do not disturb’ signs for the doors, especially as the doors are not locked generally speaking. (there is a latch on the inside).We went for a nap one afternoon and the cleaner burst in. She was, of course, full of apologies, but a simple sign would have prevented any embarrassment.

There is no doubt that the location of the ranch is second to none. The wide open spaces, glorious views of the mountains, huge skies and stunning sunsets, all help to make this a very memorable experience.

We went specifically to ride, and mostly I was satisfied with that. However, like the previous reviewer, we did not get an all day ride which was what I really, really wanted to do. I am a reasonably experienced rider (a bit rusty perhaps) and this would have been the pinnacle for me. Despite promises that our ‘Riding Experience Package’ gave us guaranteed choice of experiences, this was not the case – so for me this tainted our stay. The riding that we did do was great, (although we repeated one trail) and the wranglers were wonderful –Julie, Brooke, Cheryl all work really hard. I thought that the horses were great, well schooled and well behaved. If you stay in Lookout Lodge be prepared to walk through their paddock in the morning after breakfast, when they have been brought up from the field.
Mealtimes at the ranch are an enjoyable affair if you are in the right company – and we were! One of the highlights of Echo Valley for me was actually the other guests. We met people of many nationalities and had a great time. I particularly enjoyed the two barbecue nights, one with a First Nation drummer, and one with two folk singers, guitar players. The last was our final night in Canada and I will treasure the memories of it always, singing round the campfire, toasting marshmallows and generally having a laugh!

Thursdays are Thai nights, and I don’t eat Thai food, but to be fair, I think if I’d told them then it wouldn’t have been a problem for them to make me something else. The kitchen staff work very hard. The food was great in parts (the apple pie and lemon meringue – WOW!!!) and average in others, but then I never did like hot dogs!

Don’t expect a wide choice of drinks – juices, coffee and tea are available all the time. Red and white wine (usual served at the same cold temperature, strangely) are sold at $4.75 CD per glass and are drinkable. There were some bottles on display for you to buy but no one did. Take a couple with you (plus corkscrew!!!) if you think it’s going to bother you. I was rather pining for a gin and tonic towards the end of our stay!

What else to say? We did some of the unguided trails ourselves, watched Brian with the falcons, sympathised with the turkeys in the pen (who regularly appear on the menu) and walked down to visit the retired horses and donkeys. We didn’t try the spa treatments – to be honest with you, I was put off by the prices, which I found prohibitive, especially as we were at the end of our holiday. I was told by other guests that they were very good.

To finish with I feel I must mention the dogs! I arrived at Echo Valley rather worried about this aspect as I am (was) nervous of dogs. I now want one! There are seven resident collies, and various other dogs whose ownership I never quite established, and they will all go for a walk with you if you want. (in fact, it became a source of rivalry – how many dogs can you get on your walk?) They are gentle and great fun, and I miss them!

I agree with the comments of the reviewer below about Echo Valley resting on its laurels but all in all, I think it would be really difficult to have a bad time at this place, just join in and go for it!

I believe that they are living on their 10 year reputation. At one time I could see how they could be a 4+ starr rating. However, their buildings are in disrepair and need to be up-graded and restained. They show a lack of regular maintenance and up-keep. We had the honeymoon cabin that is poorly decorated, it had no dresser drawer to put clothes (we had to live out of our suitcases that were on the sofa), the faucets in the sink had the hot and cold water reversed, the tiolet did not flush properly, the spa tub leaked and we had to keep filling it with water. After numerous requests we finally got a dresser for our clothes. As for the faucet and toilet repair we were told parts were on order (we were their for 2 weeks). We were told that this is a 4* ranch not a hotel by the owners.

They offer fly fishing in their ponds (catch and release) on their websiet and their DVD vedio. The owner does not want anyone catching his fish in his ponds. So, that is not available. Niether is all day horseback rides that they offer. The wranglers said they were told to discourage them. The don't provide the 3 step meditation that they say that they offer. Their green house that they say they grow their own organic vegitables doesn't look like it has been used for sometime. They don't provide plane rides that they offer on their website/DVD. Their horses are fat and out of shape. It is not fair to the horses. They are put out to pasture every night to gorge themselves on green grass. Then brought in each day to haul people around. I think the owners think that the horses look pretty out in the pasture in the afternoon and mornings. They don't have the Thai dancing that hey advertise on their website/DVD. Their fitness trainer is not qualified and gave us poor advice that caused injury to my wife.

Now with all that said, it was still a great exerience. The staff is excellent and they seem to go out of their way to pamper you. The owners act like you are a guest in their house (not a customer). The food and chef is top shelf all the way. Their Chef Kim is everytning that they say and more. The spas treatments are second to none. The Thai spa staff really know their stuff. All treatements were the best and worth everypenny.

I would say that it was a great experience and worth the price.
They just need to put some of their profits into maintenance and up-keep. They need to either offer what they advertise or take it out of their brocures, website and DVD vedio. The bait and swithch approach did not set well with me. The owners did not like feedback.

My teenaged daughter and I visited two summers ago. The owners were away and the ranch was hosted by a WAY over the top friendly Iranian girl who continually annoyed us. There was a very hard sell to get us into the more expensive spa treatments which we had no interest in and she constantly barraged us with the most personal questions. It was relentless. The food was just ok...we have been to many places around the world and have some idea of what to expect. There is a buddhist temple on the property and the underlying theme of buddhism resonates throughout. This fine as long as you are aware and expecting it.
Be prepared also for endless follow-up mail, brochures and phone calls. The highlight were the delightful guests we met.

My wife and I spent a week at EVR and what an incredible time! The spa is out of this world, we've never had Thai massages before and we felt like brand new peope afterwards. Question: have you ever traveled and had a hard time finding good food everyday? Well don't worry about that at the EVR, Chef Kim is AWESOME! The food and the way he prepares is incredibly healthy and tastes extrodinary. Be sure to ask for his special cheese cake, it alone is an experience. Horseback riding was lots of fun. My wife is an avid rider but I am a beginner. The wranglers at EVR took me out for 2hrs on a group trail ride and I had a wonderful time, they always looked out for me and it was so nice seeing the scenery through the woods. Lastly if you have ever wanted to see a falcon hand feed and trained you'll be amazed. Check out the photo of Brian (breeder/trainer) and one of his birds. It is a site to behold. We will definitely be returning next year.
Thanks, Rob &Chris (Seattle, Washington)