With Summer winding down and the potential of an increased workload looming the horizon, a R&R getaway was just what I needed. I had heard many great things about Echo Valley Ranch and Spa and made the decision go up there for 4 days. The Ranch is a 6 hour scenic drive from Vancouver and is nestled in the Cariboo Chilcotin Region of British Columbia.

I really had no idea of what to expect at the Ranch other than what I had heard about it and what I had read on their website. I have to say, the Ranch was amazing and I wish I could’ve stayed longer.

On the first night of arrival the staff had arranged for an outdoor BBQ, a campfire complete with a stockbroker-turned-cowboy strumming country tunes much to the delight of all us city tourists not quite used to this type of outdoor hospitality. While roasting marshmallows I could not help but notice the hundreds of stars that brightly dotted the night sky. I came to the realization that light pollution was virtually non-existent here which made my star gazing experience truly mesmerizing.

The next few days were filled with activities. From participating in Thai yoga every morning at 7:00am, horseback riding, fly fishing and hiking, time just flew by. My evenings were spent sampling the various Thai massages offered by the Ranch. I have to tell you that I’ve never experienced more authentic Thai massages anywhere. It was a truly relaxing experience.

With an Austrian chef preparing delicious and healthy meals served 3 times a day, I could’ve stayed in the dining area all day long. Amazing food was prepared and served by even more amazing staff.

The accommodations were first class. I stayed in a large ranch cabin next to the horse stables with a wonderful view of the mountains and surrounding areas. Each morning I sat on the porch drinking coffee, reading a book and soaking in the atmosphere. Good times!

I could go on and on but suffice to say that whether you are looking for a relaxing or active getaway Echo Valley Ranch is the place to be. Check it out!

My wife and I stayed at the ranch for a long weekend. The drive up from Vancouver takes about 5 hours, but the scenery is out of this world and there is plenty of breathtaking photo ops, so the drive passes quite quickly.

The ranch itself is nestled in a beautiful valley with spectacular 360 degree views all round. We stayed in the main lodge, which is very clean and comfortable, with plenty of amenities including a hot tub, pool table, movie room, computer with internet access. We spent most of our evenings in the hot tub.

The food was excellent and served in an informal atmosphere allowing you to interact with your fellow guests and discuss plans for the day.

My wife had 2 massages which she was very pleased with (she is a massage practitioner herself, so she knows what's good and what's bad), while I spent the time in the pool and gym.

After the spa, horseback riding seems to be the next most popular activity and they have rides for all levels. A relaxing massage after a few hours on a horse is very welcome!!

All in all, I have nothing to fault, and would recommend a stay to anybody.

Best Bits: Spa, horse riding, the collie dogs!
Worst Bits: Can't think of any

Everytime I visit Echo Valley Ranch I enjoy myself, I feel pampered and can't wait to come back again. After my 10 visits walking through the front door and receiving that warm welcome just feels like returning home. I hardly know what to admire most the scenery, remote wilderness, the great staff, those horses or super meals.

Every day I get to experience a perfect day ..... start with a soak in the hot tub and a cup coffee at sunrise. After a leisurely stretch, it's a delicious family style meal so that I am ready to hit the trail on those beautiful horses. The wranglers have a knack for making each ride a fun filled adventure and a personal experience to treasure. Then comes the really tough decision for the afternoon .... take nap or have a massage. Well since can take a nap anyday, I prefer an excellent massage (for a truly exceptional experience chose one from the Thai menu) followed by a glass wine before dinner. Simple touches like fresh brewed ginger tea after the massage, or saddling my favorite horse, or birthday cakes specially made show how eager folks at EVR are to make sure that the experience is personal as well as memorable.

I am always amazed by the variety of guests that gather for dinner each evening .. from the local cowboys to the Thai staff to bankers from London, to politician's from Phillipines, or to energetic 10 year olds who toast perfect smores.

This is the perfect vacation spot for those who desire relaxed comfort, combination of sport and pampering, or social experience with global flair.

My wife and I took our daughter and her fiance to the Echo Valley Ranch for a nice quite weekend. The ranch is out of this world, wide open space, lots of good hiking trails, even a couple of geocache treasures.
The food was amazing, three wonderful meals a day that the chef poured his heart and soul into. What was really interesting was sitting at the table with other people from all over, sharing stories of other visits to the ranch and other vacations.
The staff were very professional, there when you needed them. Meals and events were organized quietly and efficiently. I did not participate in any of the spa treatments myself however, the girls loved them. I spent most of my time out on the trails exploring. You could sit in the hot tub on the deck and look out over the ten thousand acres, watch the horses run, very peaceful.
We went ther with the intention of relaxing and unwinding and that is exactly what we accomplished.
Hats off to the owners and staff of the EV ranch
Bob Mc Kenzie