All Blogs

Waterfall Right in 100 Mile House!!

July 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Waterfalls

 Just wanted to share this gem with everyone! Beautiful, huge park located right in the heart of 100 Mile House just a minute off of HWY 97. I had no idea that such a great rest stop existed until a friendly waitress in 100 Mile mentioned it would be a great place to take my kids.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by GoCanucks17, at 02:22 PM

Lone Butte

July 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Historic & Heritage Sites
Find more information about 100 Mile House, Historic & Heritage Sites

We really liked the quaint rest stop located in the quiet village of Lone Butte—right on hwy 24 (the fishing highway). Just a few restaurants, a general store (with a gas station), an art gallery and a few other amenities make up this charming log village, just southeast of 100 Mile House. We saw the historic water tower beside the railroad; as well the playground for our kids was a nice break. The ancient, volcanic butte was an incredible geographic feature that was only about a ½ a kilometre away. Best when viewed at sunset. Great rest stop!

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by travelbug, at 02:04 PM

Crystal Waters Guest Ranch

July 14, 2009 | Tips from Us > 100 Mile House, Horseback Riding

As a Brit, cowboys have always conjured up images of John Wayne or the Marlboro Man ads of the 70s. I finally got to meet the real thing at Crystal Waters guest ranch in the Cariboo.

Taking  time off around Canada Day, my fiancé and I drove up from Vancouver to Whistler, taking in the colourful Canada Day parade there, before heading up over the Duffy Lake road to Lillooet and onto Highway 97 – the Gold Rush Trail. From towering peaks around Pemberton, the landscape flattened into gently rolling hills as we entered the Cariboo region. Turning right onto highway 24 at 100 Mile House, we arrived at Crystal Waters to be greeted warmly and shown our rustic cabin at the edge of Crystal Lake.

We were truly among real-life cowboys ‘n’ girls. Stetsons, big buckle-belts, blue jeans and pointy boots were the order of the day. Jokes came thick and fast around the dinner table, while home-cooked food was hearty and good old-fashioned family values prevailed.

As newbies we were given the gentlest of their handsome horses to ride – and bumped along like sacks of potatoes behind our guide (appreciating the more comfortable Western-style saddles). The ranch encompasses the Rayburn River Wetlands (a Ducks Unlimited project) and we spotted fluffy goslings, a beaver dam and all kinds of birds.  Underfoot, a carpet of wildflowers provided bursts of colour  (lupins, roses, Indian Paintbrush and Arnica). We learnt how the ranch cattle are susceptible to wolves, bears and coyotes – a tough job to look after them all. Guests are encouraged to get involved in the workings of this ranch, rounding up cattle, branding and even mucking out stables.

Home on the range, activities included games of horseshoe, canoeing or kayaking around Crystal Lake, swimming, fishing for trout or simply lazing in deck chairs and gazing at the resident bald eagle and osprey through binoculars.  Stories were swapped around the fire pit at night and fellow guests  admitted they couldn’t bear to leave. In fact many have been returning for over a decade.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by Bethan, Vancouver at 12:11 PM

Centennial Park

July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Waterfalls

Hello!! We found a gem while passing through 100 Mile House we found its Centennial Park and were surprised by its size.  It has a waterfall, playground, tennis court, expansive picnic area, and so much more to explore while hiking.  It is a great place to stretch your legs or to spend a whole afternoon exploring the many trails.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by travelbug, at 04:51 PM

The Hill’s Health Ranch- Heated River Stone Massage!

July 8, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Spas And Wellness

 

I had the chance to spend a couple days at the Hill’s Health Ranch at 108 Mile House enjoying the variety of services (fitness classes, yummy cuisine, pool/hot tub, spa treatments etc) they provide. 

The most relaxing experience was pre-soaking in the hot tub for half an hour then getting a Heated River Stone Massage. I felt absolute euphoria and months of built up stress melt away. The essential oils and heated stones enabled my muscles to relax on a deeper level compared to a conventional massage and sent me into a state of bliss. I’ve never felt so calm and grounded after a massage.   

Comments (1) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by BecJ, Victoria at 04:49 PM

Tin Cup Greens Golf Course - Cariboo

July 7, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Golf

Tin Cup Greens Golf Course in the Cariboo is located just 13 km from 70 Mile House towards Green Lake on Bonaparte Rd.  

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by priority, 150 Mile House at 06:53 PM

Fun at the Free Rein Ranch

July 2, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Guest & Dude Ranches
Find more information about 100 Mile House, Guest & Dude Ranches

The Free Rein Ranch was a highlight of our trip through the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.  We were only able to spend a short time there but the time we did have was relaxing and fun!  We arrived with a few hours of sunshine left and were able to take out some kayaks on the small lake in behind the ranch.  The surrounding forests mirrored perfectly onto the glass still water as loons and other birds fished around us.  While we didn't see any that evening, our host Debbie told us that often other wildlife such as moose come down to the lake to drink and frolic in the water that is overlooked by the gorgeous log lodge.  The horseback riding made for a fantastic morning and learned a ton about interacting and riding horses.  Our hosts and guide were easygoing, fun and sweet, providing comfortable, cozy beds and simple, yet yummy food along with smiles and stories throughout our stay.  By the end of our trip we felt like friends, rather than just simply visitors and it made us excited for a return trip.  

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by amber, at 06:21 PM

100 Mile Marsh

June 22, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Bird Watching

Attention avid bird watchers!! I came across this bird watchers paradise while hiking in the South Cariboo. Located by the South Cariboo Visitor Center, the 100 Mile Marsh is home to many bird species. I saw a red winged and yellow headed black bird, Canadian geese, ruddy duck, pilealted woodpecker, and even a blue heron. Nice 20 minute walk around the trail circling the marsh offers plenty of opportunity to view the wildlife. Good ideas everyone…happy travelling!

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by GoCanucks17, at 04:43 PM

108 Heritage Site

June 22, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Historic & Heritage Sites
Find more information about 100 Mile House, Historic & Heritage Sites

 We loved the 108 Heritage site! A cluster of old buildings curved around the edge of the 108 Lake, near a rancher’s field. We were greeted by costumed guides that looked like they stepped out of the late 1800s, when the gold rush brought thousands of gold seekers in quest for a fortune, ranchers, and road houses (hence the name 108 Mile) The heritage site boasts a general store, post house, barn, church, black smith shop, school house, ice house, trappers cabin, collection of sawmill machinery and a HUGE Clydesdale barn… we were so surprised at how much there was to do and see. We could’ve spent hours wandering the Victorian styled ranch house admiring the restored parlour, kitchen, bed rooms and much more. We went for a long walk around the well maintained 108 Lake and Sepa Lake and had a picnic on the sandy beach. We enjoyed chatting with the friendly locals who also were enjoying the nice weather and relaxed, small town atmosphere. Hope to return again soon!

Comments (0) | Permalink

Posted by GoCanucks17, at 04:31 PM

Horseback riding at Free Rein Ranch

June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Horseback Riding

The morning after our stay at Free Rein Ranch, our host took us out on a 2 hour trail ride.  We had the opportunity not only to ride, but also to catch our own horses, prepare and saddle them as well.  That was a pretty cool experience.  Apparently for guests who stay they quite a bit of time are taught a whole bunch about horsemanship and riding.  Would have been cool to spend more time learning!

The ride we took was quite pleasant and gentle, but we saw quite a bit.  From rolling farm lands, to a little creek bed and heavy wooded areas, the scenery was every changing and quite relaxing.  My horse, Casper, was as 'friendly' as can be and I really enjoyed having the chance to ride again after many years of not riding.   Hey, and they even suited us up with real cowboy boots!!

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by kamloopstraveller, Kamloops at 07:27 PM