Crossing a rolling prairie landscape, La Reata Ranch, a working cattle-guest ranch, lies tucked away in the beautiful Saskatchewan River valley, along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker, the Ranch is located a good two hour drive from Saskatoon Airport or 45 minutes north from Swift Current on Trans Canada Highway # 1. The nearest town is Kyle (20 minute drive).
The scenery at La Reata is reminiscent of an old fashioned western movie. The landscape is a mixture of rolling prairies, open range, canyons, river hills and sandy beaches at Lake Diefenbaker. The large ranch property includes 9 miles of river frontage. The nature changes its palette with the seasons, from the purple crocus in spring to the pink flowering cactus in summer to the splendour of golden colours in the fall.
Experience the cowboy way of life under the endless sky of the Canadian Prairies. Ride where the Blackfoot and Crow once camped as they hunted Bison across the vast plains. Help the friendly crew look after the herd of two to two hundred fifty cows and new born calves. Work together with your horse, and come to trust him like a real cowboy. Make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
This ain't no pony ride (nose to tail) in the park, La Reata is a Canadian Cowboy Experience that you will cherish forever.
Accommodations & Meals
Our guests stay in western-style wood cabins, which will make any cowboy feel at home. There are six comfortable log-cabins, with two double beds. Each cabin has a private washroom with toilet and shower. We also have two 1.5-story cabins with loft bedrooms that provide enough space for 3 up to 6 guests. We take a lot of pride in making sure that the cabins and washrooms are clean, the beds are comfortable and there is plenty of hot water for every shower. Weekly cleaning is included. Bedding and toiletries are supplied. Everything you need for your cowboy-getaway.
Breakfast and supper are served in the cookshack. Guests and the La Reata crew eat our family-style meals together. Our cook prepares wholesome and plentiful cowboy cuisine which includes plenty of Canadian dishes, home-baked goods, and strong coffee. At breakfast we look out over the rolling hills and plan the day ahead. At supper-time we kick-back and share a few laughs about the day's adventures. We eat our lunch on the range, often with a campfire and some awesome campfire coffee. It sure beats eating your lunch in the office!
After a long day in the saddle, you can treat yourself to a relaxing soak or swim in the lake.
Once the sun sets, we sure hope you will come'on over to the Saloon. Our Old West Saloon has a pool table, foosball, darts, and lots of country music. On many nights, some of the neighbours will stop by to see old friends and meet new ones. If the good times really get go'in, you might find yourself doing the two-step or learning to line dance.
Ranch Activities
When we are not in the saddle, there are plenty of other activities to do. During the summer month guests can walk down to Lake Diefenbaker for swimming, boating, canoeing, and jet or waterskiing (on availability). The Lake also offers a great opportunity for fishing. The large ranch property invites to explorer the untouched wildlife with deer, coyotes, foxes, and owls, and overhead a Golden Eagle or a pair of Pelicans, while hiking in the rolling hills. Or find a private spot along the 14km ranch shoreline with narrow but partway sandy beaches.
In the evening, do what the cowboys do - a game of horseshoes learn how to handle a Lariat or improve your skills by dummy steer roping, or a visit to the La Reata Saloon, where there is a pool table, foosball, and darts. Listen to country music or sit in the hot tub under the stars. End the day with the crackle of a romantic campfire and roasted marsh mallows as a midnight snack.
On some nights we visit the nearby (22km) famous White Bear Saloon for some hot wings and drinks.
Horseback Riding
We do a lot of horseback riding at La Reata Ranch, because there is nothing better to experience the cowboy way-of-life! Please keep in mind that there is no horseback riding offered on arrival or departure days, except for special arrangements with the ranch.
After the famous and extensive La Reata Breakfast, it is time for everybody to saddle the horses! You will get a suitable horse to enjoy the time at La Reata. Then we take off for an exciting day ride to check the herd and to explorer the large ranch property.
Beginners are welcome to receive some basic western riding lessons to comfort any fear or hesitation with the first ride. Everyone interested will have the chance to learn how to handle the rope and work with cattle or try the first barrel race in our large outdoor arena.
All guests are welcome to participate in the seasonal cattle and ranch work. We must check cows almost on a daily base and if necessary, we must move the herd or catch some calves to treat them.
While there is a lot to do every day, we do not forget to relax and have a good lunch break with coffee, beans and sausages cooked over an open fire (depending on pasture conditions). For most riders, a snooze throughout the lunch break is almost a must. From time to time, throughout the summer month, we pack up the horses for an overnight trip and camp-out under the stars – a real cowboy dream far away from urban life.
Special Events
Season Opening TBD - First week of the season: Guests will get the taste of cowboys’ daily spring jobs while calves still come to life. Join us on our daily horseback trips to the pastures to check the herd, treat or ear tag newborn if necessary. Fences need to be checked and fixed. The cattle facilities at the headquarters need to be prepared and set up for the upcoming branding.
Branding The Offspring (Dates Vary Yearly, But Generally End Of May/Early June) Minimum 10 Night Stay) Sold Out! Sign Up Now For Next Year Or Get On The Wait List For This Year! - One of the most popular times at the ranch is early June, when the cattle are rounded up on horseback for an old-time authentic branding. Altogether we move the herd from the pastures to the main ranch. A long day in the saddle with lots of fun and action. The next day is branding day and every hand is needed. Everyone interested has the chance to learn how to rope and to participate in the hard work of the cowboys, like wrestling the calves. Guests should plan to visit for at least ten days in order to become acquainted with the operation and their horse before branding day. The actual round up and branding will take place approx. between June 5 and June 8!
Season Ending (Dates Vary Yearly, But Generally Early October) - With temperatures dropping and fall arriving the season comes to an end. Our herd of cattle must be rounded up on horseback and driven from the summer pastures to the headquarters of the ranch. The cattle will be counted, checked, vaccinated (if necessary) and moved back out into the same or a different pasture. This is a great adventure for guest who love to ride and learn some skills on handling and driving cattle.
Inclusions
Accommodations At The Ranch
Ranch & Riding Activities
All Meals During Stay
All Taxes & Fees Relating To Package
Interested in booking? Want more details? Then please Contact Us and let's talk!
