Full guest ranch with cabins and a riding program

Families, groups and international visitors booking multi-night summer stays, and groups booking weekends or retreats in other seasons.

All-inclusive weekly or nightly rates per guest covering lodging, meals and riding, plus extras such as lessons, group bookings, weddings and retreats.

• Horse management and guiding
• Hospitality and catering
• Managing staff and seasonal bookings

• Large upfront costs for buildings, horses, tack and vehicles, and slow payback
• Commercial general liability and property insurance covering overnight guests and riding
• Public health permits for the kitchen and a liquor licence if you serve alcohol; check your provincial rules
• WCB or WSIB coverage and employment rules once you hire seasonal staff, which vary by province
• Building, fire and environmental approvals for cabins, plus wildfire and wildlife risks in some regions
• Short summer season and a quiet winter, so plan cash flow and winter horse costs

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $80,000 to $400,000, depending on buildings, horses, tack and vehicles. Large upfront costs mean payback can be slow, so plan your funding carefully.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the number of cabins, the season and bookings. The summer season is short and winter is quiet, so plan cash flow and winter horse costs.

Check insurance covering overnight guests and riding, public health permits for the kitchen, liquor licences, and building, fire and environmental approvals for cabins. Also check WCB/WSIB and employment rules for seasonal staff, which vary by province.