Land Without Limits

Guest Ranches & Rodeos

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa - Clinton, BC | Blake Jorgenson

From Ashcroft 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 rodeos, rustic guest ranches and resort-style luxury. It’s also cattle country, real cattle country, where 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.

Travellers in the Cariboo Chilcotin can bunk at a working ranch as an aspiring cowhand and experience hands-on riding and roping, branding and herding, or sign up for a horse-whispering workshop and practice “horse language” – to forge the ultimate bond between man and animal. A 14-day expedition into the mountains of Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park leads 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 days spent riding the Tchaikazan-Yohetta Valley Loop or the Chilcotin’s Potato Range that morph into trail-side lake retreats by dusk, with tents pitched in secluded meadows and fat trout reeled in for the supper fry pan.

In fact, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is home to more than half of the province’s guest ranches, ranging from those that provide gourmet restaurants, swimming pools, hot tubs, full-service spas and the full “glamping” experience (“designer” camping) to those offering a more rustic, traditional Canadian experience featuring the stuff cowboy dreams are made of: guitars and cowboy songs and tall tales around a campfire, bunking down in an old-fashioned log cabin or sleeping under the stars in a snug bedroll and waking at dawn to the howl of a distant coyote and the aroma of coffee, baked beans and bacon crisping over an open flame. Or, here’s your chance to relax with a massage after a long day’s ride, to catch a rodeo, to videotape the skills and courage of both riders and animals – to treat your sweetheart to a distinctively western glamping experience. No matter what your wild west dream is, the region’s ranch hands are experts at matching horse to rider, at ensuring both novices and experts are fitted with the ‘right’ in-the-saddle getaway – from family-friendly, low-impact trail rides through aspen and jack-pine forests to multi-hour saddle treks featuring arid, sagebrush-covered vistas stretching as far as the eye can see.

For those keen to learn more about cowboy history, a visit to the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams Lake is another must. Exhibits here are dedicated to preserving and honouring BC cowboys and cowgirls of the past and present, including how cowboys and cattlemen tamed BC’s Wild West. The museum also houses the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame, and its annual Hall of Fame inauguration (held at the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo in April) is an opportunity to meet BC.’s ranching and rodeo pioneers. For a more current take on cowboy culture,  the big, outdoor Williams Lake Stampede in July is a sanctioned Pro-Rodeo event showcasing bareback, saddle-bronc and bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling and barrel-racing events that draw contestants and spectators from around the world. BC Rodeo Association-sponsored events can also be found throughout the region, including local rodeos staged in 100 Mile House, Clinton, Ashcroft, Bella Coola, Williams Lake, Anahim Lake, Interlakes, Redstone and Quesnel – with each rodeo reflecting the spirit of that community, and offering its own special twist on the traditional rodeo format. The Quesnel rodeo is a perfect example, complemented by the city’s Billy Barker Days, for which townsfolk parade about in their finest 1860s garb while enjoying festival activities.

Over in the Great Bear Rainforest, Bella Coola’s annual attraction tempts all comers to try their luck at cow patty bingo. The Chilcotin communities of Anahim Lake, Nemiah and Redstone champion a series of First Nations rodeo events. Children are the stars of spring’s Little Britches Rodeo in 100 Mile House (featuring such entertaining highlights as mutton busting, goat tying and dummy roping). Clinton’s May extravaganza features a full-on Western Heritage Week, with cowboy poetry readings and western musical performances and an old-time ball.

The rodeo season which kicks off in Williams Lake in April with indoor events and wraps up in September as Quesnel hosts the year-end BC Rodeo Association Finals. All season long, rodeo dances are also alive and well throughout the region, showcasing traditional western music and those famous cowboy manners. Rest assured, the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down.

Big Creek Lodge

Big Creek Lodge

Big Creek Lodge offers a full program of activities, including trail riding, cattle drives, camp trips plus excellent fishing, wilderness hiking, hunting and nearly all winter activities. There is also a special program for photographers, wildlife enthusiast, and those simply…

C+ Rodeos

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…

Chilcotin Holidays

Chilcotin Holidays

Here at Chilcotin Holidays, each and every wilderness adventure will allow you to fully engage and connect with the natural world around you. Our wilderness adventures will empower you; allowing you to not only reconnect with nature but also with…

Eagan Lake Resort

Eagan Lake Resort

A family oriented resort located in a beautiful and quiet wilderness setting, with seven cozy family size log cabins and eight campsites with fire pits. The resort is located on 8 acres at the west end of Eagan Lake with…

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa

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

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…

Free Rein Guest Ranch

Free Rein Guest Ranch

We are an all-inclusive guest ranch resort with a focus on natural horsemanship. Visit this all-inclusive guest ranch for a family ranch experience.
Meadow Lake Guest Ranch

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…

Nimpo Lake Resort

Nimpo Lake Resort

Nimpo Lake Resort is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the wonders of the West Chilcotin scenery and wildlife. Our restful lake-side resort offers modernized log cabins with country charm. Each cabin has a private deck and firepit. Cabins have…

Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort

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 you can explore BC's back country by foot, mountain bike, canoe, helicopter, or horseback. Hone in on your love…

Taseko Adventures

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

Terra Nostra Guest Ranch

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Watch Lake Lodge

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

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…

Williams Lake Stampede

Williams Lake Stampede

Over the July 1st long weekend each and every year, Williams Lake, BC, rolls out the welcome mat as visitors arrive from around the world to enjoy several days of Canadian Professional Rodeo Association action at the World Famous Williams…

Wolf Valley Guest Ranch

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…