Echo Valley Ranch Resort

Usually if I’m in a location for more than a day I’ll separate my travel coverage into several posts (such as food, activities, history). However, since I took so many shots at Echo Valley, I thought bit of a photo essay format would be best this trip recap.

Sitting on almost 200 acres of forest and meadow lands in the Chilcotin Cariboo region of BC owners Norm and Nan built Echo Valley Ranch Resort – their home – for all to enjoy.

Living on the property along with about a dozen full-time seasonal staff, they have managed to bring together rustic Western comforts, luxurious Thai spa and wellness, outdoor adventure along with friendly and caring people. All of these elements fuse together into the simple harmony that is Echo Valley.

Baan Thai Building

Aside from three square meals a day, there was no set schedule to follow – but there was no shortage of activity options. You can set your own activity level, trying out or honing your expert skills with fly fishing, horseback riding, gold panning, going on a 4×4 safari, or bird watching.

I should have been more inclined to sit on my balcony at the Dove Lodge and do some writing, looking out over the rolling hills that were spotted with black bears nibbling on berries in the distance.

The truth of the matter is that between horseback riding, hiking, and the Thai spa, the rest of our group’s time was spent reading in the lodge, feeding apples to the horses, petting the kittens in the barn, or playing fetch with one of the ranch’s eight border collies.

Aside from all of these components – the activities, the unique landscape, the food, and the people – Echo Valley is fully committed to sustainable practices. The buildings are powered by geothermal sources or zero-emission propane, and they offer carbon offsets for their guests’ travel.

Dove Lodge & View

Inside one of the cabins

Lookout Lodge

The kitchen is zero-waste, and they prepare ranch-raised beef, pork, turkey and chicken for organic meats and dairy products.

The family-style breakfast, lunches and dinners were complete with fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, and cheeses. We also enjoyed one of the best traditional Thai meals I’ve had to date.

There are several options when booking a trip to Echo Valley, whether you’re attending for a family reunion (kids are welcome), wedding, a girls or boys weekend, or a romantic getaway with your partner. There’s also a pool, sauna, and hot tub on premises along with a big cookout BBQ and campfire pit.

You can drive up to the ranch or do the “Rail to Ranch” trip like we did through Rocky Mountaineer. The ranch also has its own runway for charter flights and Norm’s plane.

Rates for various stays and packages are available on their website and are comparable to other luxury all-inclusive vacation packages (including all meals, deluxe accommodation, and all activities in a spectacular setting).

You can view the rest of my photos from the trip in my set on Flickr. Follow @EVRanch on Twitter, Facebook, or Flickr for news, updates, and photos.

Disclosure: cmp.ly/2 No publication, individual, or business has paid me to write this post.