Canada dude ranches more than stand up to their US counterparts, providing authentic western dude ranch vacations for adventure travelers and wannabe cowboys. Top50 has found the four very best Canada dude ranches to ensure that your dude ranch vacation is an experience you'll never forget. Choose from Echo Valley Ranch and Spa, Free Rein Ranch, Three Bars Ranch, Tod Mountain Ranch, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort and Siwash Lake Ranch - Canada dude ranches that guarantee the ultimate dude ranch vacations.

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa, Canada

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa in British Columbia is a luxury Canada dude ranch that promises to dissolve your stresses, evaporate your worries and give the you the dude ranch vacation of a lifetime. Adventure travelers can hike in the mountains and through desert canyons, and those after a more relaxing dude ranch vacation can simply relax and indulge at the ranch spa. Located in secluded wilderness, this unique Canada dude ranch is great for older families (over 13s only), couples and those looking to relax in western ranch surroundings. Offering dude ranch vacations for beginner to advanced riders over beautiful countryside, Echo Valley's horseback riding opportunities only add to the relaxing experience.

Free Rein Ranch, Canada

Free Rein Ranch is a Canada dude ranch located in the secluded wilderness of British Columbia, offering tens of thousands of acres over which to roam on horseback. At Free Rein, dude ranch vacations are all about heading out on horseback for days crammed with adventure. Guests can improve their riding skills in the arena or head out on the trail and explore this Canada dude ranch's remote and stunning landscapes. Guests are really given "free rein" to decide how they would like to spend their dude ranch vacation, whether it's horseback riding, other non-riding activities offered by the Canada dude ranch, or simply relaxing at the ranch. Welcoming children aged seven upwards, Free Rein is great for family dude ranch vacations.

Three Bars Ranch, Canada

Three Bars Ranch sits in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, and specialzes in family dude ranch vacations and beginner riding opportunities. The Canada dude ranch offers a fully supervised chidren's program for kids aged six upwards, and boasts a diverse non-riding activities and horseback riding program. Despite specialising in family dude ranch vacations, singles and couples can also enjoy a peaceful and relaxing Three Bars' dude ranch vacation tailored to their needs.

Tod Mountain Ranch, Canada

Tod Mountain Ranch is a small, exclusive ranch hidden in the Louis Creek Valley and surrounded by forested mountains. This is the only of Top50's Canada dude ranches to offer adult-oriented dude ranch vacations, which guests can enjoy in a relaxing, tranquil environment. Whether you choose to go horseback riding along forest and mountain trails, relax on the deck with a good book, or indulge in a relaxing massage, this Canada dude ranch promises to personalize your dude ranch vacation so you get out of it exactly what you want. A great one for couples and singles looking for peace and tranquility in their dude ranch vacation.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Canada

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is Top50's only luxury tented safari camp and with a coastal location on the edge of Vancouver Island, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. From whale watching, deep-sea fishing and sailing, to surfing, kayaking and looking for local sea life, this Canada dude ranch won't let you get bored! Take relaxing horseback trail rides through canyons and rainforests, then relax in the spa, hot springs or hot tub. With gourmet food to boot, this is one luxury dude ranch vacation that really does promise the adventure of a lifetime.

Siwash Lake Ranch, Canada

Siwash Lake Ranch is another Canada dude ranch with more than a hint of luxury. The authentic 4th-generation luxury dude ranch offers a highly personalised service at the exclusive, intimate hideaway, plus offers action-packed adventure and a unique horseback program tailored to guests' needs. Guests can ride unescorted throug 80,000 acres of British Columbia wilderness, then relax back at the ranch with a spa treatment in the luxury tented spa. With nearly as many staff as there are guests, guest ranch vacations at this Canada dude ranch are guaranteed to be highly personalized with outstanding service.

For more information on Top50's Canada dude ranches, visit their ranch profiles at Top50Ranches.com

Dude Ranch specials from the Sugar and Spice Ranch don't come better than this - and it's our special of the month for July! Why? Because for a limited time only, when you book your Wyoming ranch vacations with Sugar and Spice on special weeks in August 2012, the second person travels absolutely FREE*!

Wyoming dude ranch vacations are a recent addition to the Sugar and Spice empire. While the famous mother-daughter vacations are located at a ranch down south in Banderra, Texas, the whole family can enjoy dude ranch vacations at Sugar and Spice's new Wyoming dude ranch. We love that to celebrate their first summer season, the Wyoming ranch is offering this incredible 2-for-1 special. Explains Sugar and Spice's owner Leigh McCourt: "We have decided to go all-out and offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime rate - and an equally amazing dude ranch vacation."

Book a Sugar and Spice Wyoming ranch vacation package for August 11-17 or August 18-24, 2012, and two people will travel for the price of just one. "Never again will you see this kind of discount and never will you have opportunity to save so much if you don’t act now!" adds Leigh.

To make sure you don't miss out on this family vacation opportunity of a lifetime, book your 2-for1 dude ranch vacations today - it's sure to sell out fast!

*Special rate offered on a first come, first served basis. Offer expires soon, book now to avoid disappointment.

For more information on Sugar and Spice dude ranch vacations, visit Top50Ranches.com

Dude ranch vacation of the month for July 2012 is the wonderful Siwash Lake Ranch in British Columbia, Canada. Why? Because this stunning Canada guest ranch is all about freedom.

The word 'Siwash' actually comes from Chinook Jargon, a bridge language used on the frontier between native, French and English pioneers during the gold rush era. To 'siwash' means to travel quickly, deftly and lightly, using natural shelters or sleeping in the open - just as the First Nations people would have done.

This theme of freedom and a closeness with nature translates throughout the whole of Siwash Lake's dude ranch vacation experiences. Ranch owners Allyson and Roy welcome guests to their ranch, which they strive to maintain "in complete harmony with the surrounding wilderness and to promote stewardship of the land, freedom of spirit, and an appreciation for family and the finer things in life".

On your first day at Siwash Lake, Allyson will spend a whole day with you, introducing you to the guest ranch's beautiful land. A professional horse woman and an avid naturalist, Allyson has a university degree in outdoor education and is the daughter of a mountaineer - so she knows her stuff! And there are so many ways that she and Roy will help you appreciate the freedom of the dude ranch. Whether you want to embark on a wilderness survival adventure, go mountain biking to discover hidden corners of the ranch, go bird watching or fishing (Roy's speciality!), or simply set out on foot with a map and a good sense of direction, you'll feel a true release from the stresses and strains of everyday life. 

Why not take a 4x4 trip to see waterfalls? Or go back to nature and take to the lake, with river floating and a whole host of water sports on the calm waters of Siwash Lake.

But, of course, true freedom is best experienced on horseback. And this is where Siwash Lake steps it up a notch. After being matched with the perfect horse to suit your ability, you're free to groom, saddle and ride your own personal horse daily as often as you wish. Nose-to-tail riding this is NOT! Whether you're after a guided trail ride with an experienced wrangler to learn more about the land, or you prefer to head out on your own to explore the 80,000 acre Canada guest ranch as you please (offered to riders with proven ability), you have the freedom to choose. Ride Siwash Lake's pristine rangeland as you learn about local history, culture, terrain, flora and fauna. From beginner through advanced levels, Siwash lake will give you freedom on horseback as you've never experienced it before.

Says Top50 Editor Mel Rutherford: "We have chosen Siwash Lake this month, as a celebration of freedom. It's pretty timely, what with both the Fourth of July and Canada Day celebrations, each of which represent freedom and celebrate their respective countries' heritage. We also chose it as a celebration of the land - with the recent wildfires that have hit many parts of the USA, we are so much more thankful for the freedom we are given to ride over such beautiful, natural country, which will hopefully remain just as unspoilt in years to come. Dude ranch vacations at Siwash Lake are a true representation of freedom."

For more information on Siwash Lake Ranch, visit Top50Ranches.com

By Mel Rutherford

Wyoming dude ranch vacations with the Sugar and Spice Ranch are a recent addition to owner Leigh McCourt's dude ranching empire. Originally located in Banderra, Texas, providing mother-daughter 'bonding through horses' ranch vacations, Leigh has this year expanded north to Wyoming. And for a limited time only, book a Wyoming ranch vacation with Sugar and Spice on selected weeks in August 2012 and another person will go absolutely FREE*!

Sugar and Spice Wyoming

Yup, you heard right. This incredible 2-for-1 special comes at a time when some parts of the US have been hit by wildfires. Explains Leigh: "In celebration of the blessing of our Wyoming dude ranch being safe from the fires, we have decided to go all-out and offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime rate - and an equally amazing dude ranch vacation."

Sign up for a Sugar and Spice Wyoming ranch vacation package for August 11-17 or August 18-24, 2012, and two people will go for the price of one. "Never, ever again will you see this kind of discount and never, ever again will you have opportunity to save so much if you don’t act now!" says Leigh. 

What are you waiting for? Book now to get your special 'two for the price of one' dude ranch vacations - this offer ain't gonna be round for long!

*Special rate offered on a first come, first served basis. Offer expires soon, book now to avoid disappointment.

For more information on the Sugar and Spice Ranches, visit Top50Ranches.com

Colorado wildfires have dominated the headlines in recent months, but we’re pleased to report that none have affected any of Top50's Colorado ranches. 

Photo: Toby Dahl Photography

C Lazy U Ranch, a Colorado dude ranch located near Denver, has not left anything to chance despite being in no immediate danger as a result of the Colorado's wildfires – the nearest of which being more than 100 miles away.

Says Brady Johnson, Director of Sales and Marketing at C Lazy U: “We have done tons of fire mitigation, removing trees and creating a defensible space. We have a water/fire truck on site with which we have put out small fires in the past – but nothing serious. We have a full fire-evacuation plan for the guests, staff and horses.”

Reassuring words for anyone taking their dude ranch vacations at the C Lazy U, as well as travellers looking to book a ranch vacation at the luxury dude ranch in future. “You do everything in your power to be prepared for the worst and you have to hope for the best,” says Brady. “Fortunately we are not in the line of fire and have not been subject to the smoke of other fires. Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by these devastating fires, but at this time, it continues to be business as usual at the ranch.”

Colorado's two primary airports, Denver International Airport and Colorado Springs Airport, have not experienced any flight cancellations or issues impacting visibility or airport operations.

Laying low
Another of Top50’s Colorado dude ranches, Vista Verde Ranch, is handily located in a valley that is largely protected from fires. “In fact, the officials have told locals that the ranch is probably the safest place [in the area] to be in the event of a fire,” says Stephanie Wilson from the luxury dude ranch.

That hasn’t stopped Vista Verde from taking precautions. “With the dryness this year, we have reinstated our evacuation plan and spent hours updating it, reviewing it and being ready for the worse-case scenario,” says Stephanie. “Our hope is that if we plan for the worse, we may get lucky and not have to face this problem at all. The safety of our staff and our guests is the leading factor in our evacuation plan, as is the wellbeing of our animals.”

“We’re in the clear at this point, but we have been through fires before,” says Stephanie. “In 2002 there were two large fires burning on either side of the ranch, which came within about five miles. It was scary, but we were never evacuated. The fire crews were amazing at keeping us informed, checking in on the ranch and making sure we were all safe.”

Despite putting restrictions on the Colorado dude ranch’s activities, the team got creative with their horseback riding, hiking, biking and fishing programs – and everyone still had a great time. “In fact, one of our most loyal guests came here that week for their first ever dude ranch vacation at Vista Verde,” remembers Stephanie. “Apparently they still had a good experience as they have returned time and time again, and now take dude ranch vacations at here three or four times a year!

“Hopefully we don’t experience fires this summer. However, we are prepared for it in the event that it happens, and also recognize that it isn’t a bad thing for the long-term health of the forest.”

Stay updated
Travelling to Colorado for your dude ranch vacations? Find useful information and updates regarding the wildfires here.