Finding Family Ranch Vacations

By Nicolle Dupont

If you're looking for a family vacation that offers something for everyone -- without breaking the budget -- then consider a family holiday on a guest ranch.

As they say, the family that plays together, stays together.

Whether it's an adventure vacation or just a time to re-connect and de-stress, a family ranch vacation is a perfect way to lure the kids away from their computers and open their eyes to the majestic wonders of British Columbia's unspoiled wilderness.

For kids of all ages, a family ranch vacation is a welcome alternative to being "dragged" through museums or historical locations that don't mean much to them.

For you and your partner, it means avoiding exhausting theme parks, bad food, and too many hours waiting in line.

Escaping to a British Columbia guest ranch is the great family-friendly vacation whether your family are old hands or greenhorns. It's also an easy way to introduce children to horseback rising. Kid programs allow everyone to learn and enjoy the experience at their own pace, while coming away with new confidence-building skills and experiences.

To make sure everyone can enjoys themselves, all BCGRA member ranches work on the all-inclusive model, meaning one price takes care of the meals, snacks, and core activities.

And anyone with kids knows that life is easier on everyone when the meals -- and dishes -- are taken care of so everyone can relax!

Check for alternate activities that will suit the entire family, from entertainment to games. Of course, kids and adults can all benefit from activities designed just for them, from games rooms to spa treatments!

Be sure to check age restrictions to make sure everyone in the family is old enough to safely enjoy the trail rides, or that alternate, supervised activities are available.

To help you get started, we've highlighted BCGRA members ranches which pride themselves of their family-first focus that accommodates everyone's needs for a family ranch vacation.

Nicolle Dupont is the Director of Marketing with the BC Guest Ranchers' Association, representing member guest ranches in British Columbia, Canada which adhere to strict standards and exemplify the western ranch ideal of personal, homelike hospitality, and atmosphere. http://www.bcguestranches.com