The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is true cowboy country, and home to the province's highest concentration of guest and dude ranches. Discover wilderness settings, scenic trail rides, rejuvenating spas, great food and western hospitality.
Ranches are concentrated near Clinton and 100 Mile House, but others can be found near Williams Lake and in the backcountry.
Relax at a spa-focused ranch like Echo Valley Guest Ranch and The Hills Health & Guest Ranch, which offer indulgent treatments and lavish accommodations. Or look to a working cattle ranch like Big Creek Lodge and Spring Lake Ranch to learn how to rope, brand or herd cattle.
For families (and non-riding kids) Big Bar and Free Rein ranches offer special children activities and plenty of outdoor adventure. Experienced rider? Head to Siwash Lake and Flying U guest ranches to ride the range unaccompanied. Horseback riding isn't the only draw at a guest/dude ranch. Go swimming, biking and canoeing or watch thrilling bareback riding at a nearby rodeo or stampede.
Spa and Health Ranches
Echo Valley Ranch's unique resort features an authentic Baan Thai spa in a remote, secluded location. Join a guided trip and set out on one of the many backcountry trails, then post-ride soothe aching muscles with a relaxing Thai spa treatment.
Health-conscious? The Hills Health & Guest Ranch combines horseback riding and outdoor activities with an 18-room spa and fitness centre. Choose one of many daily exercise programs, relax with a specialized treatment and fuel up on nutritious and organic meals.
Family Guest Ranches
Big Bar Guest Ranch was named "#1 Family Guest Ranch in North America" by Sunset Travel Magazine, a US travel-based magazine, for a reason: adults can hit the trails on a variety of guided trips while kids stay busy with gold panning, swimming or biking at the resort.
Look to Free Rein Ranch to pick and choose from a wide variety of activities. Head out with the whole family on an overnight camp trip, where meals and sleeping are both done outdoors, or simply spend time in the saddle exploring the backcountry surroundings.
Working Cattle Ranches
Get hands on at Big Creek Lodge, a working cattle ranch set amid remote wilderness. Expend energy on a cattle drive or participate in a round-up, and cap off the day around the lodge's roaring fire.
Spring Lake Ranch offers a "working vacation" for cowboy wannabes. Earn time in the saddle by clearing hayfields, branding cattle and repairing fences.
Ranches with Unguided Horseback Riding
At Siwash Lake Guest Ranch, riders have around 32,374ha/80,000ac of open range to roam – unaccompanied or with a guide. After a long day riding, relax in the luxurious lodge or join a guided eco-adventure. It's all part of why the resort earned kudos as "Canada's Top Luxury Dude Ranch" in 2007 by Forbes Traveler.
Flying U Guest Ranch, Canada's oldest working guest ranch, features "Old West" style buildings including a general store and saloon. Pick from miles of scenic trails and discover picture-perfect wildlife viewing. Finish the day with a classic western flick at the Black Horse Theatre.
Cowboy Country
The South Cariboo (the area around Clinton and 100 Mile House), and the area around Williams Lake are the heart of cowboy country, home to real cowboys and working ranches. Don't miss the famed Williams Lake Stampede and the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame in the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin.
Guest Ranch Trip Ideas
Check out guest ranch trip ideas for some more ideas of ranches to visit and what to expect on a ranch vacation.
Practical Points
- Reservations are strongly recommended and in some cases required.
- Riding season is from April to October. Some ranches are open year-round, and offer winter activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and more.
- Most ranches offer packages starting at a minimum of three nights (some day trips available). Packages are usually all-inclusive.
- Riders of all skill levels are welcome. Riding lessons are often available.
Show Less