Willow Ranch Valemount

I took my two boys (5 & 8), my wife, and Japanese exchange student for a horse ride at Willow Creek Ranch last week while on a sight-seeing tour from Edmonton. It was GREAT! The staff were all friendly and took their time explaining things. The horses were good too - despite the 28 degree heat they gave us a good ride up into the hills behind the ranch. They arranged for two different rides for us. One, for the boys, took us up onto a trail behind the ranch. Each boy had their own guide that walked beside the horse holding the halter until the boys felt confident to "steer by themselves." My wife and exchange student went on a more adventurous ride, a little further and after some good how-to instructions, went off with their guide. The ranch provided cowboy (and cowgirl) boots and helmets for us to use. The staff were very concerned for our safety, and made sure at every step that we felt confident to continue. After our ride, we were treated to some home-made iced tea and encouraged to relax a bit at the ranch to enjoy the views and take in some fresh air. So pleasant. We stayed in town (the boys demanded a waterslide :-) , but noticed that they have cabins for rent right at Willow Creek. We are already planning a return trip in a couple of months. If you are looking for a trail ride or place to stay that is quiet and peaceful, check these guys out.
7 years ago (11-08-2017)

Amazing experience! Very friendly staff, who made our very spontaneous request for a tour possible. Very well treated horses, with their own minds. We rode for two hours (group of six with two Guides) through awesome nature, not just along roads. The views were stunning. We felt very safe the entire time, and would go there again without hesitation. 90 min rides cost about 75 CAN per Person. Thanks a lot guys!
8 years ago (22-05-2017)

We were disappointed with our stay here. The room itself was nice, but the customer service was terrible. We booked our stay online where it clearly stated that kids 12 and under are free, they can sleep on a pull out sofa. So, we booked our trip with our two boys (ages 12, 10). When we arrived, an older gentlemen came out and curtly directed us into a horse trailer/office to check in. When he found out we had two boys with us, he wanted to charge us an extra $50 for his staff to put sheets on the pull out futon. He went on and on about the extra laundry burden this puts on his staff! We showed him where it stated that kids 12 and under stay at no cost, but he simply said that it was wrong, blaming the website. Because Valemount is not a big town and it was getting late in the day, we needed to stay there. He reduced his "extra fee" to $25. We really felt like he took advantage of us and ripped us off! And then, when we asked about seeing the horses and such, he explained that it wasn't a good time and they were all booked up on trips, even on little rides for the boys. Again, the unit itself was nice, (totally decorated modern from IKEA) but the customer service was horrible! We were overcharged and the "ranch" experience didn't exist in the least! We would not recommend this place, and definitely watch what you are charged!
7 years ago (15-08-2017)

Four tables of outdoor seating and very friendly staff. Food was good. In the evening there were many mosquitoes.
8 years ago (29-07-2017)

Great place to stay. The cabin's are very nice and modern and the Hendriks are great people. Spent time with us and let our daughter interact with the horses even though she was too young to ride them this year.
8 years ago (16-06-2017)