News & Awards

 

Canadian Tourism Awards Winner – November, 2018

Canadian Tourism Awards - Small/Medium Business Winner 2018

The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada to recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry, and to reward those people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travelers superior tourism experiences in Canada.

Historic Reesor Ranch is winner of the Hilton Worldwide Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award.  This award is presented to a tourism business ( under 20 employees) that exemplifies industry best practices in all aspects of its operations, and is thus an example of all-round business excellence in the tourism industry.

 

Winners of Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Service Award October 2018

 

2018 ABEX Customer Service Winner

Sponsored by World Trade Center Saskatoon at Prairieland Park.

The Service Award is awarded to a business demonstrating exceptional performance to providing quality customer service.  Judging considers the relative size and particular conditions of the business, as well as the growth potential, stability, investment strategy and quality of customer service initiatives.

For 113 years and six generations, the Reesor family at the Historic Reesor Ranch has been preserving the legacy of ranching in Saskatchewan.  In 2017, it became Saskatchewan’s first working ranch to designated as a Provincial Heritage Property.  The business strikes a successful balance between managing growth and maintaining the integrity of the land, while consistently delivering an authentic, memorable visitor experience.  In addition to their Canadian Signature horseback riding adventures, the Historic Reesor Ranch offers guests the Ranch Hall Grill, guided ATV tours, enticing winter getaway packages and Wine in the West tours.

 

Reesor Ranch Provincial Heritage Property plaque unveiled › Maple Creek News-Times

Historic WD & Alice Reesor Ranch 100 years
Historic WD & Alice Reesor Ranch 100 years

Established in 1904, the Historic W.D. & Alice Reesor Ranch represents the shift from large corporate ranches to smaller family-run ranching operations that occurred in Saskatchewan during the early 20th century.  Built between 1906 and 1916, the ranchhouse, barn, granary, bunkhouse and roothouse still retain a high degree of historical integrity.  Their craftsmanship and placement relative to each other and to local landscape elements typify ranch architecture in the Cypress Hills during this period.  The buildings and grounds also display modifications made over time to accommodate both the demands of an evolving ranching industry and the changing needs of the family. – Government of Saskatchewan 2018

 

Tourism Saskatchewan Business of Year Winner 2017

 

Winners of Saskatchewan Tourism ‘Business of the Year (under 20 employees)’ Award  2017

 

Day is done for the herd at Historic Reesor RanchBusiness of the Year Award (Under 20 Full-time Employees).  Sponsored by Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.  Presented to the operation that has demonstrated all-around excellence and models best practices in the tourism industry, resulting in strong growth and/or a record of success.  The business exhibits a commitment to education and training and has shown community involvement and leadership.  It is seen as a strong partner in tourism and achieves high levels of customer satisfaction.

Historic Reesor Ranch, located high in the Cypress Hills, has established a proud legacy during its 113-year history.  It has been home to six generations of the Reesor family and has operated as a guest ranch and bed and breakfast since 1991. In 2017, the Reesors took their dedication to preserving history to a new level, meeting the guidelines to become Saskatchewan’s first working ranch to be designated a Provincial Heritage Property. The business strikes a successful balance between managing growth and maintaining the integrity of the land, and consistently delivers on the promise of an authentic, memorable visitor experience. The popular Ranch Hall Grill, guided Horseback Trailrides, ATV tours, enticing winter getaway packages and upcoming Wine in the West tours are examples of new services and offerings that enhance appeal. Recent technical upgrades and the availability of online booking further demonstrate the commitment to guest satisfaction.

 

SaskTourism finalist logo 2017

Finalists for Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence 2017  

1. Business of the Year Award (under 20 employees)

2. Fred Heal Tourism Ambassador Award – Sponsored by Wanuskewin Heritage Park.  Presented to the individual/committee/organization that has made a major contribution to the promotion and/or development of Saskatchewan as a tourism destination.  This individual or group sees the value in teamwork and collaborates with their community and/or region to promote and support tourism.

Historic Reesor Ranch, located in the Cypress Hills, is a sixth generation ranching operation that has been in existence for 113 years.  In 1991, the Reesor family opened the doors of the 1916 Arts and Crafts home to guests and Historic Reesor Ranch quickly became an award-winning bed and breakfast.  The working ranch is a Canadian Signature Experience.  In 2017, it celebrated the milestone of becoming Sasktchewan’s first ranch to be designated a Provincial Heritage Property.  The title pays tribute to the faithful and respectful preservation of history for both the property and area.  The Reesors are unwavering in their efforts to welcome visitors to the region and treat them to authentic western hospitality.  They work closely with national, provincial and regional partners to promote Saskatchewan’s impressive landscape, cultural history and divers activities that make it a truly special place to visit.

 

 

BravoEntrepriseAward

 

Winners of “Tourism Services” Award. Saskatchewan Bravo Entreprises! 2011

Conseil de la Cooperation de la Saskatchewan.

Since 1997 the Reesors have shared this unique treasure with their visitors.  Their family ranch dates back five generations, with two recent additions to the sixth generation.

In 1900 W.D. Reesor came west to manage the Markham Ranch Company.  He moved his family into their first permanent home in 1906.  In 1916 the present house was built, incorporating the first home into it.  It was the first home in the region to have power and water.

Today,  the Reesors help visitors from around the world to discover the peace and tranquility of their ranch and this beautiful country.   In 2004 the Reesor family ranch received the Century Family Farm Award, recognizing 100 years of continuous ranching on the original home quarter of land.

To continue making a viable living on the ranch with ranching and tourism, the Reesors formed the Reesor Springs Natural Spring Water Company in 1999.  They sell this natural spring water locally and to Cypress Hills Vineyard and Winery.

Visitors experience the heart and grandeur of the Canadian Prairies at Historic Reesor Ranch.

 

 2006 Tourism Saskatchewan 'Spirit of Saskatchewan'

Winners of the Saskatchewan Tourism ‘Spirit of Saskatchewan’ Award 2006

This award celebrates the tourism experience that helps capture the essence and spirit of Saskatchewan.  This product or service helps define who we are to visitors in term of pride, authenticity and sense of place.

Historic Reesor Ranch continues to provide a living testament to the resourcefulness and tenacity of the early prairie settlers.  It shares a story that is integral to Saskatchewan’s history – that of pioneers coming west to start a new and better life for themselves and their families.  The fifth generation of Reesors is now living on the same land and the family is working to ensure that the ranch will be passed down for generations to come.

Finalists for Saskatchewan Tourism ‘Spirit of Saskatchewan’ Award 2003, 2004, 2005

Finalists for Saskatchewan Tourism ‘Land of Living Skies’ Award 2002, 2003, 2005

This award recognizes a tourism business that has demonstrated innovative efforts to prevent and reduce the environmental impacts of their business operations through planning and practice.  Their commitment to environmentally responsible tourism and changing the way they conduct business will serve as an example for others.

Good land management is key to operating a successful ranch and also very beneficial for a tourism business.  Historic Reesor Ranch works to maintain the natural beauty of its own land and also works closely with neighboring Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park to preserve the natural landscape of the hills.  Time is also spent educating guests in this regard.