2024 Season Year End Report

As we bid farewell to 2024, we're excited to share our year-end highlights and give you a sneak peek into the thrilling experiences awaiting you in 2025! Dive into our latest newsletter for updates, offers, and insider tips.

This ranch has seen an overwhelming resurgence of activity as guests from Canada and around the world seek a break from politics, smartphones, and AI. Instead, they choose a lakeside vacation with horses, campfires, and downhome western entertainment.

As we reflect on the past season, I am thrilled to share that October, once considered a slow month, shattered records capped with an impressive 100 guests joining us for Thanksgiving dinner.

Key highlights from the season include:

Our most productive Wrangler Weeks to date.

The busiest August in our history.

A record number of families with children visiting the ranch [a long-term goal of mine here].

These outstanding results can be attributed to a robust domestic market, the welcome return of our American friends, and a strong European presence. I'm delighted to see our new guests embracing the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of the Western lifestyle, where individuals from all walks of life come together. Our goal remains to establish the Flying U as a cherished Canadian treasure and promote BC as a vibrant destination of the Old West.

In this newsletter, discover what's new at the ranch in these exciting updates, and thank you for being part of the Flying U family!

John Lovelace 

President and CEO 

Flying U Ranch 

Est. 1849 

This season, our horses carried riders of varied experience on unforgettable journeys. In September, every horse received a thorough dental and vet inspection, and we're delighted to report the entire herd is in excellent health.

We're proud of our exceptional equine family and can't wait to share them with you next season!

The Flying U Herd: Exciting Additions and a Season to Remember

As we wrap up another incredible season at the Flying U, we're thrilled to share updates from our vibrant herd.

New Additions



In May, we welcomed our first foal of the season, Arnold, born to Star during a dramatic hailstorm. Star and her mother, Babe, joined our family in April and will be the stars of next season's hayride.

Our riding herd also expanded with fresh faces, including Blackie, a beloved original hayride horse since 2012. Blackie's gentle nature and impressive size have made him an instant favorite among riders.

In August, five new horses joined the Flying U family:

• John, a gentle giant
• Miss Mare and her companion Randy
• Big Ben and Drake, who quickly won over our wranglers’ hearts

All five have settled in beautifully and are eager to meet next season's guests.

This season, we're thrilled to introduce several new trails and enhancements to our existing network, offering even more opportunities for exploration and adventure. A special shout out to Brian Scatena and Will Anderson for designing and implementing the changes.

New Trails:

Spanky's Trail: Named after one of our beloved long-time residents, this trail provides easy access to Wilkinson and is a favorite hideout of Spanky’s.

Sawmill Trail: Connecting Boyd Pass with the Nagi Trail, this trail is marked with saw blades for easy navigation.

Scat Trail: A convenient connector to Round Lake from Boyd Pass.

Muddy Waters Trail: An alternative route to Round Lake, with an optional detour via Oar or Not Trail for less adventurous riders

Yukon Trail: Starting at the bottom of Sawmill, this trail leads to Upper Charlie Meadows and connects to Graham's Lake, our local water crossing.

Hidden Lakes Trail: A scenic, tree-covered loop near the gymkhana.

Appaloosa Trail: Explore new vistas and return safely to the main trail.

Trail Expansions:

Nagi Trails: Now with access to multiple lakes for a picturesque lunch stop

Wilkinson Access: Easier than ever, with Spanky's Trail.

This winter we will update our trail map with all the new changes so 2025 will be your best ride ever!

In 2024, our traditional non-equine Western events thrived under the expert guidance of Cowboy Steve, Ariel, Montanna, Rebekah and Liv. A standout surprise was the line dancing, which drew immense enthusiasm from staff and guests alike. The infectious energy of our team ensured the dance floor was always filled.

Our diverse range of activities created an immersive Western experience that left lasting memories. including:

• Archery
• Live Saturday Night entertainment
• Hayrides
• Fireside chats
• Saloon photo shoots
• Canoe lessons
• Yoga with Jane

Two exciting events made their debut in 2024 and will become staples in 2025:

1. Friday Night Western Swing Square Dancing: Join our seasoned caller, Patrick, for an evening of lively square dancing.
2. Sunset Boat Cruise: Embark on a relaxing, twice-weekly cruise (Tuesdays and Thursdays) aboard a classic motorboat, accompanied by a guest presenter sharing tales of the Old West's legendary stories.

These additions promise to further enrich our guests' Western adventure.

Our ranch marina, a beloved hub of post-equine activity, has undergone significant enhancements this fall.

• Papa Larson: Our 14-passenger workhorse has been revitalized with a comprehensive engine overhaul, fresh upholstery, and a sleek new paint job.
• Mama Larson: Has returned from the Lower Mainland with a brand-new 5-liter engine, ensuring reliable performance.
• New Addition: An 18-foot Glastron bowrider joins our fleet in 2025, specifically for exhilarating tubing experiences.
• Thundercraft Restoration: Our meticulously restored, 20-foot Canadian-made Thundercraft is now ready for tranquil Sunset cruises.

The Flying U Fleet is now better equipped than ever to provide unforgettable experiences on the water.

When our new management team took over the ranch nearly a decade ago, we recognized a void in community offerings for our neighbours and residents in the Green Lake and Watch Lake areas. This year, we revived a cherished tradition by introducing regular Saturday night fine dining events in the Lodge's Century Room.

The response was overwhelming, with reservations filling up weeks in advance. The evening's magic continued after dinner, as guests donned their dancing shoes for live entertainment.

We're thrilled to have reintroduced this beloved tradition, which has roots dating back 100 years. It's wonderful to see neighbours gathering again on Saturday nights, rekindling a sense of community that's been cherished for generations. See you again in 2025!

We're thrilled to announce the completion of Prospectors Park, our private heritage site nestled on 26 breathtaking acres of boreal forest in the heart of the Flying U Ranch!

Seven years in the making, this labor of love was made possible by our incredible team, and dedicated volunteers at wrangler weeks. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard over the years and especially the folks at Wrangler Week this fall who worked so hard to get it done. Also a huge shout out to neighbour Al Watrich for working so hard on this project.

Prospectors Park is more than just a beautiful space – it's an immersive experience waiting to happen! From RVs and wooded campsites to a manicured tiered lawn overlooking a private lake ideal for weddings…. it's the perfect addition to the Flying U. But most of all it’s a sheltered free grazing area for the horses and it also serves as a fireguard for the village! 

Our lodge has revamped its menu to blend Western favorites with inclusive, innovative options. Signature steaks, roast beef, and ribs remain, now adaptable to special diets. Our meals are the single biggest source of positive guest comments in 2024. We have added: 

• 12+ lunch options, including a variety of fresh salads
• Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto, and nut-free choices
• International flavors and plant-based dishes

Our commitment to diversity ensures every guest finds something to savor. Join us to experience exceptional dining where flavor meets inclusivity.

Western comfort food meets innovative cuisine – come taste the difference diversity makes! Special Thanks to Chef Zoe who will be returning in 2025.

Experience the Ultimate Western Getaway at no cost.

Are you passionate about the great outdoors, horses, and hospitality? We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our team for a unique two-week experience at the Flying U Ranch!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Horse Care and Wrangling
• Waterfront Assistance
• Lodge Support

Perks:

• FREE two-week stay at the Flying U Ranch (valuable experience and memories!)
• Immerse yourself in the Western lifestyle
• Meet new people and make lifelong friends
• Enhance your skills in hospitality, animal care, and outdoor activities

Requirements:

• Age 18+
• Ability to interact and assist guests
• Preference given to returning guests

Application Deadline: January 15, 2025

How to Apply:

Email your resume to office@flyingu.com by January 15, 2025. Include any relevant experience, skills, or connections to the Flying U Ranch.

Join our ranch family and experience the ultimate Western adventure!

Expanding Ranch Seeks Talented Individuals

We're excited to announce openings in various departments for the 2025 season (May 1 - Oct 15). If you're looking for a unique and rewarding work experience, consider joining our team!



Available Positions:

• Wranglers
• Hospitality
• Waterfront
• Kitchen
• Servers
• Grounds Keeping
• Office

Perks:

• On-site accommodation available
• Full use of ranch amenities
• Competitive pay
• Meals 

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Resume submission deadline: January 15, 2025

How to Apply:

Email your resume to office@flyingu.com by January 15, 2025. We look forward to hearing from you!



Don't miss this fantastic opportunity!