Guest Ranches
Echo Valley Ranch & Spa - Clinton, BC | Blake JorgensonFrom Lillooet in the south to north of Quesnel and west into the Chilcotin wilderness, BC’s “Land without Limits” is the province’s go-to destination for rustic guest ranches and resort-style luxury. Here in cattle country, riding enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the local cowboy culture in unique ways—guided by experienced cowhands who are more than happy to share their appreciation of this iconic way of life.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is home to more than half of the province’s guest ranches, ranging from a more rustic, traditional Canadian experience, to those that provide gourmet restaurants, swimming pools, hot tubs, and full-service spas. Picture yourself bunking down in an old-fashioned log cabin or sleeping under the stars in a snug bedroll, waking at dawn to the howl of a distant coyote and the aroma of coffee, baked beans, and bacon crisping over an open flame.
BC’s Wild West: A True Guest Ranch Experience
Terra Nostra Guest Ranch, Kleena Kleene | Jesaja Class
Take your four-legged steed through boundless wildflower meadows and tall grass pastures, trot past secluded glassy lakes and along serene plateaus, and end the day under never-ending starry skies around a cozy campfire. Even if you’ve never ridden a horse, watched a western, or stayed anywhere but a five-star resort, today’s modern-day dude ranches offer a getaway into the cowboy lifestyle for those at all levels of familiarity. The guest ranches in BC’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast offer the experience of a lifetime. With promises of a powerful connection to nature, wildlife, and each other that few have previously had the chance to experience.
Travellers in BC’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast can immerse themselves in cowboy culture by bunking at a working ranch as an aspiring cowhand. Experience hands-on riding and roping, branding and herding, or sign up for a horse-whispering workshop to practice “horse language” and forge the ultimate bond between human and horse.
Adventurous riders can embark on a 14-day expedition into the mountains of Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park, leading to an archaeological site near an obsidian quarry of special significance to the Carrier people. Other treks include guiding herds from winter feedlots to summer pastures (or back again in the fall) and multi-day rides along the Tchaikazan-Yohetta Valley Loop or the Chilcotin’s Potato Range. These journeys morph into tranquil lakeside retreats by dusk, with tents pitched in secluded meadows and fresh trout reeled in for the supper fry pan.
No matter what your Wild West dream looks like, the region’s ranch hands are experts at matching horse to rider, ensuring both beginners and seasoned equestrians find the perfect in-the-saddle getaway—whether it’s a family-friendly trail ride through aspen and jack-pine forests or a multi-hour trek across arid, sagebrush-covered landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
Find Your Perfect Guest Ranch in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Terra Nostra Guest Ranch | 6ixSigma Productions
Prefer a more relaxed escape? Unwind with a massage after a long day’s ride, catch a rodeo where you can capture the skill and courage of both riders and animals on video to enjoy for years to come. Treat yourself, or your sweetheart to a distinctively western glamping experience, complete with stunning scenery and cozy comforts.
BC’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is home to an incredible variety of guest ranches, from luxury retreats with gourmet dining, spa treatments and stays in luxury cabins, to authentic wilderness experiences where you can ride, rope, and sleep under the stars. No matter your style of adventure, there’s a perfect ranch waiting to immerse you in the region’s rich culture. Continue your journey with a cozy cabin guest ranch holiday, and if you are looking for additional inspiration, here are 11 reasons why it’s a must.
Accommodations and Activities in Guest Ranches
Big Creek Lodge
Big Creek Lodge offers a full program of activities: horse trail riding, ATV tours, kayaking, camp trips on horses, excellent fishing, wilderness hiking, mountain biking, hunting, day trips to the Nemaiah Valley for wild horse viewing and hiking at the…
C+ Rodeos
C+ Rodeos produces rodeos, primarily in British Columbia. Their business provides rodeo stock and services to over twenty communities throughout the province annually. C+ has been in business for over thirty-five years and has recently added destination events to our…
Echo Valley Ranch and Spa
Echo Valley is a small, eco-luxury Guest Ranch and Spa thoughtfully designed to inspire connection with the restorative elements of our natural surroundings. Discerning soft-adventure seekers are instinctively drawn to our respectful, sustainable and comfortable lifestyle. Step away from life’s…
Flying U Ranch
People have been coming to Flying U Ranch for over a century to enjoy unguided horseback riding on 60,000 acres trails, with private log cabins and lodge dining. At Flying U the horses run free in a gated ranch setting…
Meadow Lake Guest Ranch
Located on the old gold rush trail, 30 minutes NW of Clinton, BC, Meadow Lake Guest Ranch is your home away from home in the Cariboo and your gateway to the Chilcotin. We are open year-round with accommodations for every…
Red Cariboo Resort
Red Cariboo Resort is surrounded by raw nature and is an ideal location to begin your discovery of British Columbia near the Dean River and Anahim Lake. In the evenings, you can indulge in a homestyle Canadian BBQ dinner followed…
Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort
This National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World is renowned as a top luxury wilderness resort, guest ranch, and eco-retreat. Here, guests can explore BC's backcountry by foot, mountain bike, canoe, helicopter, or horseback. Hone in on your love for…
Spring Lake Ranch
Come and experience a peaceful get-away as the guests of the Barkowsky family. Tucked in the heart of British Columbia's Cariboo Country, Spring Lake Guest Ranch is a natural paradise, near 100 Mile House. The newly finished golden log cabins…
Taseko Adventures
Come away and experience authentic Canadian Mountain living immersed in the Taseko wilderness area. Come Explore beautiful back country and enjoy a simpler, richer way of life. Come be inspired with invigorating sights, good food, cozy beds, and exhilarating activities…
Terra Nostra Guest Ranch
A Canadian Guest Ranch Experience awaits in one of the most unspoiled areas of the Chilcotin BC district: Terra Nostra Guest Ranch on Lake Clearwater. Enjoy a walk, hiking or horseback riding in unspoiled nature, or explore the lake by…
Watch Lake Lodge
Watch Lake Lodge incorporates 12 rustic cabins, 8 sites for tents, trailers, and campers, a safe swimming area, row boats, and a small convenience store. It's known for excellent Rainbow Trout fishing, horseback rides, and even small cattledrives. Rustic and…
Wettstone Guest Ranch
Nestled in the Interlakes Area of the South Cariboo in British Columbia, Canada, the Wettstone Guest Ranch is close to an array of outdoor activities, yet far from the crowds of Jasper or Banff. Here you will experience the Wild…
Wilderness Trails
Wilderness Trails facilitates conservation trips into the vast wilderness of the Chilcotin Ark. All our trips are based on our six principles of Nature Connection, Conservation and Stewardship, Personal Development, Self-Sufficiency, Empowerment and Conscious and Aware. Each and every wilderness…
Wolf Valley Guest Ranch
Wolf Valley is a remote retreat, an abundant acreage all surrounded by Crown land and filled with nature, wildlife, solitude. A hidden place in the wilderness of south-central British Columbia which you can explore by foot, bike or on the…