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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.  

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Posted by amber, at 06:21 PM

Discover the Discovery Centre!

July 2, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Williams Lake, Interpretive Centres

Often times, Visitor Information Centres (VICs) fall within the trap of being a quick, unmemorable stop off for visitors who either need directions or a toilet break.  Thankfully, the Williams Lake Discovery Centre (which holds the city's VIC) exceeds these usual expectations and offers visitors an interactive experience that will certainly be memorable.  The building, which can't be missed when driving through town as it is strikingly beautiful with huge wood architecture.  The centre is chalked full of information of the city, region and province, all within an extraordinary building that will have flashes snapping and necks stretching to look up and around, most likely at the humongous tree that rises through the centre of the building.  Whether you chose to have your picture atop a mountain bike with peaks in the background, watch a quick movie in their cozy cabin or just have  a chat with the friendly staff, you won't be disappointed with this rest-stop.   

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Posted by amber, at 05:34 PM

Ghost Town of Quesnelle Forks

June 15, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Williams Lake, Ghost Towns

  In its prime over ten thousand people inhabited the riverside area of Quesnelle Forks but through the progression of the gold rush, it slowly became the ghost town it is today.  Buildings still remain but the dynamic weather patterns have obviously taken their toll and most show . Luckily though, involved community members are investing the time and money to slowly restore the buildings, erect interpretive signage and preserve the historical site.  A stroll through the cemetery invokes mixed feelings of sadness for those who obviously died young in various mining accidents while at the same time, adhering an air of peacefulness seated on the banks of the Quesnel and Cariboo river junctions.  The scenery surrounding the site is absolutely beautiful and there are day picnic areas as well as overnight camping available.  A visit to this site is worth the detour as it is an integral part of the gold rush history of the region and province.

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Posted by amber, at 01:38 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

Miss the Museum? Not Likely!!

May 31, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Williams Lake, Museums

  A visit to the Likely Museum exceeded expectations as we were warmly greeted and received by the involved community member who graciously showed us around.  The museum has a fantastic set up which leads visitors chronologically through the history of Likely and the surrounding areas.  From old mining gear and equipment to abandoned personal possessions from the now ghost town of Quesnelle Forks, the museum offers a personal glimpse into the lives, stories, triumphs and losses of a hidden corner of the Cariboo.  A recent expansion includes a new wing and a beautiful little theatre which showcases old videos and testimonials of the area and its previous residents.

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Posted by amber, at 07:08 PM

Pine Meadow Farm

May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Quesnel, Farms & Orchards

  At Pine Meadow Farm (also a B&B) outside of Quesnel, there is a wide array of farm animals, from horses to pigs to chickens to rabbits, but the feature animals are the lamas!  They are really neat animals and owner Wylie is so knowledgeable that we learned a huge amount about the animals, as well as the challenges and joys of running a farm that size.  We were able to feed all of the animals and had a great time interacting with them. Another unique attribute to the farm is her pet Dalmatian ‘Spring” who comes with an appropriate accessory, an old fashioned fire truck!!

 

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Posted by amber, at 01:20 PM

Moose Meadow's Merry Mammals

May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Quesnel, Farms & Orchards

A great morning farm stop just outside of Quesnel is Moose Meadow Farm.  They have a wide array of animals including lamas, ducks, chickens, horses and even a dog that looks like a spirit bear!  The lamas are friendly and it was so neat to see them come running in from the fields when owner Heloise called them from the fence.  She showed us around the farm after giving us a tour and explanation of birch syrup production (the farms main product) and it was really neat to see all of the animals wandering around in the sun and interacting with one another without issue.  The farm is a lovely setting and the little gift shop that she has is a great place to stock up on souvenirs such as the birch syrup made on site, alpaca socks (from wool sheared from their alpacas), as well as other crafts and keepsakes made by local artisans.

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Posted by amber, at 01:08 PM

108 Historical Site

May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Historic & Heritage Sites
Find more information about 100 Mile House, Historic & Heritage Sites

  We took a break from driving and stopped off the highway at the 108 Historic Site.  Unfortunately it wasn’t open yet for the season but we did have a great walk around the grounds, looking at the old historic buildings that sit on the edge of 108 Lake.  Many are original to the site including a huge log Clydesdale Barn.  

We'd heard from some locals about stories/rumors about the site, specifically about the famous Angus Mcvee, a Scottish woman who owned and operated the hotel in the area in the 1800s.  Rumors say that she used to kidnap girls who were running from home on their way to the Cariboo gold fields and then sell them to traveling men. She also supposedly murdered a large amount of passing merchants, miners and other prospective buyers of her young girls who visited the isolated hotel and in the course of the following years, more than fifty-nine bodies were found in the small lakes of the area. Agnes Mcvee always buried her ill gotten booty near the hotel and in following years after her death, visitors continued to find buried gold and coin in the surrounding areas.  The hotel was ripped down in 1892 and the wood was used to build a post house and telegraph/store that still stand at the 108 Historical site.

Other highlights of the site that we saw included old farming equipment, logging equipment, a one room school house, trappers cabin and blacksmith shop.  The grassy shores of the lake offer a great place for a picnic lunch stop and there is a large area for parking off of the highway which also features washrooms and area information. 

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Posted by amber, at 04:42 PM

Tooties TLC at the Hills Health Ranch in 108 Mile

May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Spas And Wellness

  I treated my feet in the afternoon to a spa pedicure as they needed some TLC after being trapped inside shoes and socks all winter.  The spa area at the ranch is very clean and the charming country decor encourage relaxation and comfort.  The esthetician was extremely friendly and professional, answering my questions about what she was doing, product she was using etc.  After a lovely foot soak, massage and nail care, my tootsies are soft and supple and ready to take sandal season head on!

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Posted by amber, at 04:12 PM

Pilates at the Hills Health Ranch in 108 Mile

May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Spas And Wellness

At first I was apprehensive of trying a fitness class at the ranch but forced myself out of my comfort zone and thought I'd give one a try.  Pilates sounded like a good option, something I’d never tried before and it ended up being a great experience!  The instructor Cathy was friendly and funny and was great at providing a wide array of options for each exercise depending on skill/fitness level.  There was a range of ages and experience levels within the others in the class but Cathy was awesome at giving us newbies tips and advice to ensure we were getting the most out of the moves.  The studio is a great space as the large windows allow a ton of light to stream in and brighten up the room.  The 50 minute class went by as quick and snappy as Cathy’s jokes and we left feeling strong and able. 

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Posted by amber, at 04:06 PM