British Columbia Ranch Vacation, Cattle Drives, Horseback Riding, 100 Mile House BC

Overview: Our Guest Ranch is a Licensed Guide Outfitter since 1880 and conducts guided wilderness adventures throughout the 5,000 square km operating area in the South Chilcotin Mountains. While our Ranch is easily reached by vehicle - it is 5 hour drive north of Vancouver and a 2 hour drive north of Whistler, access to the pristine wilderness of our guide territory is by foot, horse or float plane only. Its remoteness helps preserve the outstanding quality of wilderness. Located on the lee side of the Coast Mountains, the South Chilcotins lie within a transition zone between the Coast Mountains and the Chilcotin Plateau. This favoured position produces a Rainshadow. This means sunny skies and a dry climate. The environment is “almost bug-free.” The area is renowned for its bio-diversity, with vegetation ranging from Douglas fir to alpine tundra. Plants, representing both temperate vegetation to the south and boreal vegetation to the north, occur together. Massive ancient firs give way to the trembling aspen and meadows brocaded with an abundance of wild flowers that bloom May through to September at their preferred elevations. An outstanding variety of wildlife inhabits our guide area. California Bighorn sheep, Moose, Mule deer, Mountain goat, Grizzly, Black bear and wolf are plentiful and frequently sighted. "Chilcotin" is an Indian name meaning "People of the Blue Water". The glaciers give the lakes throughout our territory an emerald turquoise color. The water is clean and cold as it seeps out of the sandy shale mountain slopes. Not just any horse can take our riders safely and reliably through the mountains. Our horses are sure-footed Mountain Cayuse horses from the Cariboo-Chilcotin where the wild herds still roam. The Chilcotin Mountain Cayuse is not a thoroughbred, but a mixture of breeds that have developed over many generations. They have stamina and toughness, lots of energy, intelligence and a good disposition. They are patient and gentle with small children, yet spirited enough for experienced riders. Western hospitality with all the activities of a true western lifestyle, and reliable Cayuse horses matched to your abilities!

Package Information: Our Van will pick you up at around 7:00 am from your hotel in Vancouver for a scenic ride to our ranch. After arrival at around noon we show you your rooms and start your stay with a delicious lunch. The next few days you are enjoying your stay at the ranch and participate in the different activities. We conduct Guide Training Programs, so we're real good at teaching novice and young riders. You'll be impressed with your thorough introduction to Western Mountain riding as you learn to control your Cayuse horse by practicing horse sports in our gymkhana. Whether it's the "River Ride" or "Eldorado Pass", you'll find each ride cleverly crafted to gradually take you to new heights. If you're advanced, the alpine is just a short ride away with high passes and 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Mule deer, mountain goat, moose, and bear are regularly seen. This is not trail riding! When you're not riding, enjoy our library, swim at a nearby lake, or play a board game before enjoying the camaraderie of the evening campfire. Bring your guitar or other portable instrument and songbooks. If you're a family group, relax while your children have riding lessons. Guides are available for target practice, bareback lessons, gold panning, horse logging demonstrations and horseshoe throwing competitions.

Get involved in shoeing a horse, tying the diamond on the pack, or throwing a lariat. You'll find our Activity Options are unique. Tour the turn-of-the-century mining town, visit a mining or a chain saw museum, drive to the foot of a glacier or explore old pioneer cabins. Winter activities include ice fishing, horse drawn sleigh rides, target shooting, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. After a full day of activity you enjoy a delicious dinner in our main dining room. You'll find it hard to believe you are in the wilderness when try our legendary western fare. Satisfy your newfound appetite on unlimited fresh fruit and vegetables, lots of home made baking, and delicious and hearty main courses. Some favorites include candied salmon, barbecued ribs, tomato salad with balsamic and olive oil dressing, chick pea and spinach salad, oatmeal cookies and butter tart squares. The last morning at the Ranch you can participate in one of our Activity Options. There's target practice, horse logging, bareback lessons and more. After a delicious lunch you depart from the ranch at around 1:00 pm and arrive in Vancouver at 6:00 pm.