Vancouver, Canada
A Canadian ranch Reading Retreat combining horseback adventures, breathtaking wilderness, books, ranch downtime and unforgettable evenings under the big British Columbia sky.
Indulge in literary bliss at our exclusive reading retreat, where leisure meets literature, and like-minded women come together for a celebration of words.
Join us solo, or better yet, come with your best friend, sister or another incredible woman in your life for a 6-day retreat that blends relaxation, literature, and laughter.
Location
Vancouver, Canada
Welcome to cowboy country.
Set amongst the dramatic landscapes of British Columbia's Thompson River Valley, Sundance Guest Ranch is the kind of place that makes you want to put your phone away, pull on a pair of boots and stay outside until the stars come out.
For this very special Ladies Who Lit Reading Retreat, we're swapping city streets for horseback trails, wide-open countryside and proper ranch living.
Our days will revolve around one guided horseback ride each day, giving us plenty of opportunity to explore Sundance's beautiful terrain while still leaving that all-important Reading Retreat space to slow down.
Between rides, find yourself a sunny spot on the deck with your current read, wander one of the ranch's walking trails or simply do absolutely nothing for a while. Sundance has outdoor decks designed for sitting back with a book, alongside a heated seasonal pool, walking and hiking trails, games areas and an adults-only lounge.
And when the sun goes down, the ranch isn't going quiet.
Expect line dancing, karaoke, relaxed dinners, plenty of laughs and evenings spent getting to know a group of women who arrived because they all had at least two things in common: they love books and they fancied doing something a little bit different.
This is an adventurous Reading Retreat, but you absolutely don't need to arrive as an experienced horse rider. Sundance welcomes riders ranging from beginners through to experienced riders, with an orientation before your first ride and horses matched appropriately to guests.
Think less roughing it in the Wild West and more books, boots, horses, pool days and a little main-character cowboy energy.
Horse Riding – Important Information
Horse riding is a core part of this Reading Retreat and Sundance Guest Ranch operates strict height and weight restrictions for all riders for the welfare of its horses.
These restrictions are non-negotiable at 185 lbs. Sundance reserves the right to prevent a guest from riding where its riding policy is not met, including where the height or weight supplied before arrival is inaccurate. Refunds will not be provided by where riding cannot be offered as a result of incorrect information being supplied.
We appreciate that weight can be a sensitive subject. This policy is entirely determined and enforced by Sundance Guest Ranch for the safety and welfare of its horses.
Itinerary
Daily Horse Riding
Saddle up for a guided daily ride through the spectacular landscapes surrounding Sundance Guest Ranch.
Line Dancing
Pull on your boots and learn the moves with a fun-filled line dancing session at the ranch.
Karaoke
Grab the mic for a lively evening of karaoke with your fellow retreat guests – singing ability very much optional.
Walking & Hiking Trails
Explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace along the ranch’s scenic walking and hiking trails.
Games Room
Embrace a little friendly competition or enjoy a laid-back afternoon in the ranch’s games room.
Book Discussion
An evening filled with delicious food whilst we chat about the book of the trip and what we’re currently reading
Book Swap
Bring along a wrapped book to exchange with another guest during our book swap. Wrap it up, keep it a surprise and prepare to leave with a new read.
Goodie Bag
Leave with a brand new tote bag filled with a few goodies inside
Meet & Greet
It all begins with an introduction over cocktails. Meet the other ladies and get ready for a gorgeous few days.
Reading Time
Your evenings may be full, but your days are free with time to focus on you (and your TBR pile).
Welcome Dinner
Come together over an incredible meal to chat and take part in our coveted book swap
Welcome Drinks
Cocktails, introductions, and the first of many conversations you'll wish you'd started years ago.
Rooms
Settle into your comfortable ranch-style room, complete with air conditioning and a private en-suite bathroom. Rooms typically feature either two queen beds or a queen and single bed, with individual room configurations allocated subject to availability.
Payment Options
We offer two ways to secure your place on this Reading Retreat — choose the option that works best for you.
Pay in full (save 5%)
If you’re able to pay upfront, you’ll receive 5% off the room price as a little thank-you for paying in full at the time of booking.
Deposit + payment plan
Prefer to spread the cost? You can secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit, then pay the remaining balance via a payment plan. The full balance must be paid no later than 60 days before the retreat start date.
Full details on deposits, payment plans, cancellations and refunds can be found in our Booking Terms & Conditions.
Solo Occupancy
£2700
Shared Occupancy
£3300 (£1650pp)
Details
Accommodation, food and drink (including alcohol), one complimentary group transfer, and a full itinerary.
Flights, travel insurance, food & drink outside of the accommodation.
There is a complimentary group transfer available from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Further details will be provided in your welcome pack closer to the time. Arrive from 1pm, settle in, exhale. We’ll say our goodbyes by 11am on departure day — slow mornings encouraged.
Secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit, then pay the remaining balance via a payment plan. The full balance is due 60 days before the retreat start date. Prefer to pay upfront? You’ll save 5% when you pay in full at the time of booking.
Sundance Guest Ranch. 2591 Kirkland Ranch Rd, Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0, Canada
Sundance Guest Ranch is set across a working ranch environment, so guests should expect uneven ground, outdoor pathways and varying terrain throughout the property. Horse riding and some walking activities require a reasonable level of mobility, and strict height and weight restrictions apply to all guests wishing to ride. If you have limited mobility, accessibility requirements or any concerns about taking part in the activities, please contact us before booking. We’ll be happy to discuss your individual needs with the Sundance team and confirm whether the retreat and accommodation are suitable for you.
Once your place is secured, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Around 6 months before your retreat, you'll receive a Welcome Pack with everything you need to know — including your final payment information, full itinerary, travel guidance and local recommendations. Around 60 days before departure, we'll be back in touch with final details and everything you need to get ready for your Reading Retreat.
Gallery
FAQ
Property-based retreats start at 1pm.Yacht-based retreats begin with welcome drinks near the marina from 1pm, with boarding usually around 3pm.
Hotel-based retreats typically have check-in from 3pm.
While you're welcome to arrive any time after the stated start time, we recommend not arriving too late so you don’t miss the welcome drinks and introductions.
Exact timings may vary depending on the location and property. Guests will be notified closer to their retreat, with confirmed check-in details included in their Welcome Pack.
Property-based retreats (hotels and villas) usually end at 11am.For our yacht Reading Retreats, guests usually disembark at 10am.
Exact timings may vary depending on the location and property.
Guests will be notified closer to their retreat, with confirmed check-out details included in their Welcome Pack.
Each is location-specific! Itineraries are outlined on the individual Reading Retreat pages. Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the itinerary, activities, or accommodation due to circumstances beyond our control. Guests will be informed of any significant changes as soon as possible.
Our Reading Retreats range from relaxing to adventurous. You can find this information on each retreat listing on our website. The itinerary is shared in advance via the WhatsApp group chat, and each day is designed to balance free time with planned activities. Everything on the itinerary is entirely optional, including evening meals, so guests are welcome to spend time on their own if they wish.
The cost of the retreat does not cover flights, so you are responsible for booking your own. We recommend booking your flights as soon as your spot on the Reading Retreat is confirmed, to secure the best options and fares. If you’d like any assistance or support in choosing the best flights, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re happy to help.
For select Reading Retreats, we offer a complimentary group transfer at a set, scheduled time. Please refer to the “Getting There” section of your specific retreat listing for full details.
Where a group transfer is provided, the timing is arranged around the retreat’s check-in and check-out times and will be confirmed in your welcome pack. If you would like to use the complimentary transfer, please make sure your flight times align with the scheduled transfer time, as we’re unable to adjust group transfers around individual flight schedules.
Guests are notified of the Book of the Retreat 50 days before departure via the group WhatsApp chat. We always take great care in selecting a title we feel will be exciting and engaging for all guests.
Reading the book is completely optional; however, we do host a book discussion on the final night of the retreat for those who would like to take part.
For our property and yacht Reading Retreats, you’ll be joined by a dedicated host and chef (and a skipper for yachts). For hotel-based Reading Retreats, a host will be on-site throughout, supported by the hotel’s team to ensure a truly memorable experience.
Group sizes can vary depending on the venue, but we typically welcome 12–16 guests per Reading Retreat, plus our host(s), chef, and a skipper for yacht-based retreats.
You will be added to a WhatsApp group chat with the other guests 60 days before the retreat begins, giving you the chance to get to know each other beforehand.
Guest ages generally range from 20s to 60s, but we’ve welcomed people from 18 to 75, so our retreats are truly open to everyone!
On the first evening, we host a blind book swap. It’s a fun ice breaker that sparks conversation – and you get a new book! If you’re not comfortable in group discussions, we’ll do everything we can to ensure you feel at ease. You can also share any preferences or notes in advance on your preference sheet.
For the Book Swap, we ask that guests bring a book they’ve loved and think someone else might enjoy too. It doesn’t need to be new – it can be your well-loved copy, whatever works best. We also ask that you gift wrap the book, as it really adds to the fun of the experience.
The food reflects the local cuisine of the country. We aim to offer a mix of familiar favourites alongside exciting new dishes you may not have tried before.
We’re no longer able to offer part payments directly. That said, you’re very welcome to settle the balance at a time that suits you anytime up to 60 days before the retreat. Alternatively, Klarna is available in most regions via the payment link if you’d prefer to spread the cost.
Yes! All dietary restrictions are fully catered for. You’ll receive a preference sheet before your Reading Retreat, allowing you to share any requirements in advance.
There isn’t a daily housekeeper to make the beds during the retreat.
Although we love dogs, our Reading Retreats are for humans only.
A solo occupancy room accommodates one person, while a shared room accommodates two.
If your plans change and you’d like to switch between solo and shared occupancy, that’s no problem – just reach out to us, and the price will be adjusted accordingly.
Yes! We host private Reading Retreats for special occasions such as hen dos, birthdays, or other celebrations. Each retreat can be tailored to create a memorable and personalised experience for your group. Email help@ladieswholit.co.uk to find out more.
While we don’t operate a waitlist, the best way to be first in the know is by joining our Book Club. Members receive early access to newly announced Reading Retreats and get first dibs on any spaces that become available.
As of 2026, we have a new booking system in place. For both solo and shared occupancy, only one deposit is required to secure your room.
In the run-up to your Reading Retreat, you’ll receive a Welcome Pack with a payment link for the remaining balance. Guests have up to 60 days before the retreat starts to pay in full and can choose to settle it all at once or in installments via Klarna. Please note, if the balance is not paid in full at least 60 days in advance, the booking will be forfeited.
As a UK-based business, all of our payments are processed in British Pound Sterling (£). Stripe, our payment provider, will handle the currency conversion for you and you will be responsible for any currency conversion fees.
With our new booking system, the balance needs to be managed together by the guests. You can choose to pay it in full whenever it’s convenient, or spread the cost over time using Klarna.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to transfer your booking to another Reading Retreat. However, we can provide a refund for your trip, minus the non-refundable deposit, if requested up to 60 days before the retreat starts. If you’d like to join a different retreat, you’re welcome to book through the standard process, which ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all our guests.
Passports are required as part of our standard policy, as they’re needed for guest registration at our Reading Retreat locations. In some cases, they may also be necessary for local registration or activity sign-ups.
Explore more of our Reading Retreats
Cornwall Journaling Retreat
Yorkshire, England
What our guests are saying about their stay
Pure magic! From the moment we arrived at the most breathtaking villa nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills, Meagan made sure every detail felt like it had been curated straight out of an Italian dream.
I attended the February Caribbean reading retreat and wish I could rate it higher than 5 stars! This was the best vacation I could have imagined. Not only was the resort amazing, the conversation and the ladies could not have been better.
I had such a lovely time on my retreat to Sicily. Megan is an amazing host who really looked after all of the group and made the trip feel like a fab holiday with friends. I went alone and everyone was lovely - I will happily book again next year. Book! You won't regret it.
Find out first...Join the book club
Join the Ladies Who Lit book club and be the first to know when new retreats drop and last minute spaces become available.
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