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Free Rein Ranch

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

 We spent an evening at Free Rein Ranch, just off of highway 24 and south of Bridge Lake.  It was a lovely evening out and we go ourselves a canoe and kayak and headed out onto the essentially private lake on the property.  Paddling around the lake at sunset was incredible.  What a way to spend an evening: still lake, gorgeous scenery and a a little bit of wildlife (loons!) to top it all off!

The evening continued with a little game of pool with the host of the ranch, Debbie.  We stayed in one of the lake front cabins, which was very comfortable and private.  In all, I would love to go back just to paddle a little more on the little lake!

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Posted by kamloopstraveller, Kamloops at 07:19 PM

Painted Chasm Beauty

June 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Canyons

We were astounded by the Painted Chasm just south of 100 Mile House.  It seemed
like a painting, yet its vastness reminded us of a smaller version of the Grand
Canyon.  It showed us the diversity in geography available throughout BC, but
especially in the Cariboo area. The colourful layers of volcanic sediments were an
exciting detail within the rock bed that displayed the power of the volcanoes and
glaciers that formed this ancient land. It really did take our breath away!
Excellent hidden gem…cheerio!

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Posted by travelbug, at 04:39 PM

Mount Begbie

June 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, View Points

Hello everyone! We had a fantastic time in Canada and want to tell everyone about a wonderful hike we had in the South Cariboo area. Mount Begbie is about a 10 minute hike just off hwy 97, south of 100 Mile. Once at the top, there is a brilliant, two story look-out tower that gives a panoramic view of the area. My husband brought up a map with us and we were able to point out the Marble Range, the Cariboo Mountains, MANY lakes and a few deer in the valley. We had our lunch on the picnic table right on the top of the mountain! What an experience--don’t forget your binoculars!

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Posted by travelbug, at 03:59 PM

Mt. Begbie

June 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, View Points

Hello everyone! We had a fantastic time in Canada and want to tell everyone about a wonderful hike we had in the South Cariboo area. Mount Begbie is about a 10 minute hike just off hwy 97, south of 100 Mile. Once at the summit, there is a brilliant, two story look-out tower that gives a panoramic view of the area. My husband brought up a map with us and we were able to point out the Marble Range, the Cariboo Mountains, MANY lakes and a few deer in the valley. We had our lunch on the picnic table right on the top of the mountain! What an experience--don’t forget your binoculars!

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Posted by travelbug, at 03:37 PM

Delightful Donkeys at the Hills Health Ranch

May 31, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Guest & Dude Ranches
Find more information about 100 Mile House, Guest & Dude Ranches

A highlight of our trip through the Carbioo region was interacting with the wide array of animals.  At the Hills Health Ranch in 108 Mile there are miniature donkeys that are incredibly friendly!  They nuzzle and give ‘hugs’ and are surprisingly affectionate.  The story of how the original two donkeys Bonnie and Clyde came to the ranch is a great one to ask owner Pat about! 

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Posted by amber, at 07:17 PM

Hiking at the Hill's Health Ranch

May 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Hiking

 

Claire led us on an afternoon guided hike through beautiful pine and birch forests which then opened up into a vast grassy meadow where the blue skies seemed to stretch for miles. The marsh areas house various bird species that are monitored by Ducks Unlimited Canada.  We passed by Sucre Lake where a Red-Tailed Hawk screeched then gracefully glided through the sky and disappeared amongst the pine trees. This unique ecosystem is perfect for bird watching.

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Posted by BecJ, Victoria at 05:59 PM

Free Rein Guest Ranch

May 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Horseback Riding

  For years my wife has been trying to convince me to go on a horse riding vacation, but I was always more than a little reluctant to agree because of a couple of bad experiences I had when I was younger. Finally after some coaxing she convinced me to try it out.

I've always had a fondness for the Cariboo after spending a few years as a youth growing up at 92 mile on highway 97. So we did a little research and found Free Rein Guestranch at Bridge Lake, it looked perfect, and it was! When we arrived we received a very warm welcome from our hosts Kathy and Finlay (and of course little Benny their pet dog)and were shown our accomodation for the week, a great little log cabin that was just right for the four of us. I love log cabins and this was perfect, located nicely right in front of the lake with a great porch for just sitting and taking in the view.

If you like birds and bird watching the amount of different birds on the property is unbelievable. Once we were settled in, Debbie (the owner/host/wrangler) and Mervin (the wrangler) wasted no time in getting us familiar with the horses. They carefully chose horses for us that would be compatible with our riding skills (mine being zero!), and had us enter the corral, and approach and harness our own horses. Letting me do this on my own quickly made me realize that horses aren't big scary monsters that are out to kill me, but really amazing animals. Although I wasn't successful at actually catching the horse they had chosen for me, just being among them did me a world of good in getting over my anxieties. They then had us groom the horses to get us comfortable around them and letting them get to know us.

In the evening we all sat together for a homecooked meal and discussed the days events and what we wanted to do during our stay. After dinner we played some snooker and darts and enjoyed getting to know our hosts. The following days and nights were fantastic, consisting of training and horsemanship and some trail rides, some trails were easy and relaxing others were more challenging with steep hills and water crossings. We also tried our hand at barrel racing in the riding arena. Mealtimes and evenings were very enjoyable with great conversation and enjoyable activities. My wife and two children 12 and 14 had an excellent time and didn't want to leave, we actually ended up staying an extra night. All in all I found this trip to be very therapeutic, the best vacation I've ever had and I would highly recommend Free Rein Guest Ranch to everyone! And this is coming from someone who wasn't very fond of horses. The hosts are excellent and make you feel right at home and the surroundings are spectacular. I wish we had had more time to enjoy all of the activities that were available, maybe next time.

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Posted by Spuddge, Vancouver at 09:41 AM

Year-round Outdoor Recreation at the Hills

May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Hiking

 After only a brief exploration of the Hills Health and Guest Ranch and its surrounding property, it’s hard not to be humbled by the extent and range of activities offered throughout the year for those wishing to embrace the great outdoors.  We were excited to learn about hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding available once the snow had cleared, and shocked when Pat informed us that the Ranch had much to offer when the snow had fallen, as well.  
Tube runs serviced by a t-bar, ski and snowboard runs and terrain park, and a vast network of cross country trails will keep the outdoor recreationalist busy while waiting out the winter.  And with no need to transport your own gear as the Ranch offers an ample line-up of ski, snowboard and mountain bike rentals to its patrons.

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Posted by samegan, Kamloops at 08:54 PM

Horseback Riding at the Hills Health and Guest Ranch

May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Horseback Riding

 After a guided hike through The Hills’ boreal forest and rolling meadows typical of the Caribou region, past Sucre Lake and a visit with a Red-Tailed Hawk, we were fortunate enough to experience the property from another perspective, on horseback.  Upon arriving at the stables, four of the horses we had previously awed over grazing the property had already been saddled-up for us, fed, and were ready to go!
Bryce and Laura, two of the Hills’ experienced and friendly wranglers, quickly showed us the ropes of basic riding techniques before setting out through the forest and up to a lookout showcasing the beauty of the surrounding area; views of the Ranch, 108 Lake & its community, and the seemingly endless landscape beyond.  
Having never ridden horseback before, we joked about my riding the tallest, fastest and least predictable of horses.  A beautiful, white beast of a horse named Dawn was appointed to me and Amber rode General, which we later learned to be a born athlete.  However regardless of my own inexperience, it turned out to be Bryce who was bucked off when his own horse was mysteriously spooked as he attempted to hop on.  A little embarrassed over the endeavor, he calmly “got back on the horse”, adding legitimacy to the age-old adage.  Although we were impressed with his composure throughout the incident, Laura simply giggled and reminded him that he now owed her a case of beer as his hat had fallen from his head in the midst of all the madness.

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Posted by samegan, Kamloops at 08:47 PM

Flora & Fauna of the Cariboo

May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Flora

Driving though the Cariboo region made me feel like I was in a Clint Eastwood movie. The rolling hills and meadow out here are dry and unforgiving, but majestically beautiful with snowcapped mountains, rushing rivers, peaceful lakes amongst stands of birch, pine and spruce trees. Along our journey form the 108 mile ranch to Likely we encountered numerous birds from black-tipped pelicans, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, Groase. While driving on the back roads and trekking through the wild spaces we encountered moose, deer, chipmunks, black bears.

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Posted by BecJ, Victoria at 06:48 PM