What should we bring with us to the ranch?

We suggest you bring with you: camera, rain jacket, a couple of warm layers, long trousers, sports shoes or hiking boots, and sunglasses.

In the autumn quick-dry or fleece trousers are useful. In October you should bring hats and gloves.

 

Do I need to rent a 4×4?

No. You don’t need a 4×4 during any of the seasons that we are open to guests.

 

Are there any restrictions on visitors to the ranch?

We do not take children under the age of 14, or guests over the age of 70. If you are over 65 you should be fairly fit and agile.

Because we are off the power grid, you cannot use hairdryers at the ranch and we do not offer laundry services.

We have limited satellite-linked internet for guests to use. We only offer use of our satellite telephone service in the case of emergencies.

 

Will you return my deposit if I cancel or wish to change my dates?

No. Your deposit, whether you have paid in part or in full, is non-refundable and non-transferable. We can not make exceptions to this policy on compassionate grounds and recommend you take out holiday cancellation insurance.

We may change our rates without warning but will hold the price and terms we offered at the time you booked.

 

Are there any physical limitations for guests?

Our tours are tailored to the group we are guiding. Some guests prefer a serious hike when we take them into the alpine, for others a shorter walk is enough.

You do not need to be in peak physical shape. However guests who have medical conditions may want to let us know as we may not be able to take them on some of the tours. 

 

What if I have food allergies or am a vegetarian?

We can usually cater for guests with allergies and vegetarians. We would, however, ask for some warning.

 

Will I have to sign a waiver to stay at the ranch?

Yes, all guests will have to sign a legal waiver accepting risks inherent in the wilderness. We can provide an advance copy of this on request.

 

Are the wild animals around the ranch dangerous?

There is always a risk associated with large wild animals. Your guide will brief you on how to react should you encounter a bear and will also carry bear-deterrent. Your guides are all fully-trained and certified.

 

How long will it take me to get to the ranch?

Around eight or nine hours driving time from Calgary, nine or 10 hours from Vancouver and 11-12 hours from Seattle.

We protect our exact location to avoid attracting bear-hunters and others but will send you full details when you book.

 

Who will the other guests at the ranch be?

We have had guests from different corners of the world but most are from Great Britain, the US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

 

What is the weather usually like?

It is impossible to accurately predict the weather but typically we have warm springs and sunny autumns. There are always rainy and cloudy days however.

 

What about the cabins – how many people can they accommodate?

Our Volga cabin can accommodate four, but we usually book it for two. The Sunny cabin, the Eco-cabin and the New Cabin each accommodate two people in comfort. Our total capacity is eight guests.

 

Can you guarantee that we will see bears?

No. So far almost all our guests who have come during bear season have seen bears and almost all our autumn guests have seen grizzlies, but with nature there can never be any guarantees. We do not offer refunds if you do not see bears.

 

When is the best time to come?

It depends on what you would like to see and do. Spring is fresh and vibrant and the black bears are abroad. In autumn the grizzly bears come down from the mountains to fish in our valley.

Whenever you decide to come we think we can offer you a magical holiday.