ESL Program at Silver Spur Trails Wilderness Ranch

Our school is exclusive. It is nothing like a "big" city school in Vancouver, Calgary or Toronto. We have an amazing program to offer our students. In our corner of the world the spirit of the Pioneers lives on, the hospitality and the friendliness  of those who knew the hard life. Opportunities for adventures are abundant at our ranch. The unique ESL program is an ideal English learning program for outdoor enthusiasts and horse lovers. This is the opportunity to turn learning English into the ultimate adventure. Our unique ranch setting makes learning English fun and relaxing! ESL at the wilderness ranch is with 15 hours of classroom study each week combined with a one of a kind wilderness life style experience. Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program is based on participation and is suitable for all ages. The small classes and qualified teacher create a friendly atmosphere that make your language studies in the magical back country of British Columbia an unforgettable experience. Spend your afternoons participating in activities designed to help you practice your English skills and develop conversational fluency.

The students get to share our Canadian lifestyle and the unspoiled Okanagan wilderness for a unique educational experience.

The program includes horse management, Western horseback riding lessons, bareback riding in the corral and introduction to natural horsemanship. Once the riding and confidence level is adequate, students will be ready to go out on the trails. Target shooting, archery practice and learning wilderness skills are also part of the afternoon activities. The students can go on hikse and learn about the mountains, the forest, plants and wildlife. We take you to a lake for fishing and canuing or you can join us on a shopping trip. We offer an exceptional activities program in a incredible wilderness location.

On weekends, students have a chance to get involved in ranch activities and work with the horses. Optional activities and trips are available to students (additional fee may apply).

At The ESL Wilderness Ranch We Offer:

• 15 hours of classroom study per week
• Studying in a beautiful and natural setting
• A wilderness lifestyle experience
• Active participation on a horse ranch
• Afternoon horse riding and ranch activities included in the tuition fee!
• Large selection of educational videos and books about nature and horses
• Bonus: "Wild West Hunt" - Skill training overnight adventure for students staying 4 weeks or longer

Student Accommodation

• Home stay is at the ranch, no commuting involved
• Rustic single rooms with shared bathroom
• Family type meals and community living

School Information at a Glance

• Course Length: 2 or 4 weeks (customized courses can be arranged)
• Minimum age: 16 +
• Levels: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
• Classroom hours: 15 per week
• Certified English teacher (ESL)
• Class sizes: Up to 5 students per teacher
• Arrival Sundays, Departure Saturdays
• Rustic class room, outside school if weather permits
• Weekly field trips to apply practical English in real situations
• Accommodation and all meals
• Upon successful completion of the course, students are presented with a certificate of accomplishment.

Course Information

Course Fees are inclusive of:

• 15 hours classroom tuition per week
• Horse and ranch associated activities in the afternoons
• Use of saddles, tack and other ranch equipment as necessary
• Accommodation and all meals
• Free transfer from Kelowna or Vernon for students booked for 4 weeks or longer
• Bonus: Wild West Hunt - Skill training overnight adventure for students on a program of 4 weeks or longer

Afternoon and Evening Activities

• Horseback riding lessons and natural horsemanship
• Ranch associated activities
• Target shooting and archery practice
• Practicing wilderness skills
• Educational videos
• Trips to nearby local lakes
• Fishing, canoeing, hiking, gold panning
• Weekend trips to rodeos, horse events, auctions and more (admission fees NOT included)
• Shopping, Theatre, casino and more
• Opportunities to view wildlife, including bears, moose, deer, foxes, owls and eagles.
• Programs offered depends on time of year

Wild West Hunt - Skill Training

Between June and October, students on a program of 4 weeks or longer will have the bonus opportunity to take part in our exciting "Wild West Hunt".

Don't just watch it, experience it! Learn to track the dangerous wanted fugitives in the wilderness of the back country. Live the real cowboy experience by sleeping under the stars, cooking some grub over an open fire, learning the grit of the land and the thrill of the chase. Test your skills as a gun hand and ride the open range on an overnight horse camping trip into the wild. On these trips students will be riding on demanding trails, learning about wilderness survival, camp life, taking care of horses and tracking and viewing the wildlife.
There is no additional cost for these trips!!!

Since Silver Spur Trails is also a B & B and Guest Ranch, guests may be present during your stay. We try to motivate students to helping with ranch chores, talking to our guests and helping out with riding lessons and trail rides.

Wilderness ESL Winter Program (November to April)

English language studies in a magical winter setting in beautiful British Columbia.

Join Silver Spur Trails Wilderness Ranch for some unforgettable winter fun while learning English. The program includes either group lessons or private lessons, depending on the demand. Please ask us for details. The ESL program is similar to the summer version combined with winter activities. It's perfect for skiers and snow boarders as we offer trips to Silverstar Mountain Resort and unlimited snow shoeing at the ranch. Ice fishing is also part of the package. Enjoy riding up the trail through deep snow on horseback and breathing the cold, crisp air. The horses are an amazing sight with their thick and fuzzy winter coats. They enjoy  rolling in the deep snow and are chubby from the lack of work during the winter months. You will enjoy the quiet and the seclusion of our ranch, nestled between the mountains. It's a good place to relax in front of a flickering fire place. You can also soak in the hot-tub after a fresh, crisp and cold winter day!

For more information please contact the ranch!

Transfer from Kelowna International Airport or from Vernon can be arranged.