Transfer Option:

You and your horse will be spending a lot of time together while you're at the ranch. The best way to get to know your new pal, other than spending hours in the saddle, is to take part in the daily care of the animal. You'll be taught basic horse care and how to saddle your own horse each morning. Right after breakfast and when you return to the barn at day's end, you can groom your mare or gelding. Most people catch on right away and especially enjoy this opportunity to feel at one with their horse.
Spend your first day learning the lay of the land. Natural western horsemanship and wilderness tips will be the main agenda. After that you can ride as little or as much as you like for the rest of your stay - on miles of trails that meander out from the ranch through 80,000 acres of pristine rangeland. Pine laden paths lead through sun dappled aspen groves, old growth forests that stand in silent splendor and enchanting wild flower meadows. Explore a hidden river canyon, search through an old homestead, check on the ranch cattle, or meditate in the quiet serenity of a secluded, backcountry lake.

One of the ranch’s most famous features is that after some introductory riding with a guide, and by demonstrating a basic understanding of the wilderness setting, accomplished riders may ride on their own if they choose. Otherwise, a guide is always available for small group rides (maximum 6 guests) where the route and duration of ride will be in accordance with guests' wishes — with no boring nose-to-tail rides!

You can have a private day exploring on your own or come along on one of our special guided trips - ride down to the Bonaparte river for swimming, climb our favorite mountain bluff for a spectacular, panoramic view of the entire range, or traverse a deep canyon to enjoy the breathe-taking scenery of Crater Lake and its accompanying waterfalls.

Riders are welcome to take a break at any time. Spread out on a sunny knoll and delight in the honeyed scent of clover - carried on a breeze so soft, it caresses your skin. Nature's symphony is all around. Hear the call of a loon, the howl of a coyote, or the gentle hum of gossamer-winged dragon flies buzzing by. A delicious picnic lunch will be tucked into your saddlebags if you choose to roam the range all day. On cooler spring and fall days, we'll often stop along the trail and build a campfire at lunch time.

Subject to change

Spring
May
New grass begins to show in the meadows around mid-May when the cattle are turned out to graze. The leaves on the aspens are just beginning to unfurl and the lake is teeming with a variety of migrating ducks.
June
At the start of this month, we plant in the ranch vegetable garden. This is an especially good time to spot a wide variety of wildlife.

Summer
July
Wildflowers everywhere! All is lush and green.
August
Generally the driest and warmest month. Enjoy long, hot summer days scented with clover.

Fall
September
Fall in the Cariboo is glorious and makes for fantastic riding conditions. The aspen leaves are in a blaze of color around the third week.
October
Enjoy clear, frosty mornings and warm, golden afternoons. Often a good time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

Winter
Crisp, dry days with clear clue skies, bright sunshine and 1-3 ft. of fresh snow. Average temperatures are -5° to -15° Celsius, (+10° to +25° Fahrenheit) but can drop to -20° to -40° Celsius (0° to -40° Fahrenheit).

The Ranch is situated at 3,500 feet above sea level on the Cariboo plateau. As a result we can get snow in April, and frosts in early September. But we also have +25° Celsius (75° Fahrenheit) in May and October. Spring and Fall can sometimes be muddy. Please be prepared for all types of weather!

A long-sleeved shirt and jeans are good for riding in, and some people like to wear tights underneath to decrease the chance of chafing.  “Wrangler” brand jeans are best.

For hiking, lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes or boots and walking shorts are suggests. 
Bike or riding helmets are strongly recommended for children who will be riding.

The general store at 70 Mile House is a 40-minute drive away – if you will be fly fishing please pick up your license there while on the way to the ranch.  All fishing gear is available at the ranch.
Lastly, please throw in your slippers to keep your feet cozy in the ranch house, as we leave our boots at the door.

Welcome to the very best in off-grid, luxury living in the wilderness. This eco-friendly, boutique lodge is built with hand-hewn spruce logs and is set at the edge of a meadow on a knoll overlooking a small lake. A lovely southern exposure is perfect for the solar panel array that’s used to power the place. All guest accommodations have en-suite bathrooms and are non-smoking. Amenities include writing desks, heavenly beds dressed with eiderdown duvets, the best Egyptian linens, hair dryers, natural aromatherapy toiletries, robes, purified drinking water, plush oversize towels, DVD players with movie library, and wireless Internet service (out of respect for other guests, use is confined to the library and to guest rooms). French doors open to a spacious deck, where you can share your day's adventures over drinks and appetizers while wild birds serenade from the nearby pines. Or you can retreat to one of several verandahs, to steep quietly in the gentle ebb and flow of the great outdoors. 4½ Stars (out of 5)  — Canada Select 5 Green Keys — Eco-rating with the Hotel Association of Canada Rated One of Top Ten Luxury Dude Ranches in North America (the only Canadian ranch to make the list) — Forbes Traveler Nominated for Tourism British Columbia's 2009 Environmentally Responsible Tourism Award
Inside, the lodge features laid back, western-style luxury; old-fashioned country charm and the rustic flavor of frontier living, finished with casual elegance reminiscent of the Victorian era. The cathedral ceiling great room, with its western décor, overstuffed furniture, vintage fabrics and antiques makes for a relaxed and comfortable haven at day's end, when there's always a crackling fire burning in the 30-foot river rock fireplace. The lodge also has a library and separate 20-seat fine-dining room with lounge area, plenty of indoor space for 14 guests. The lodge has several guest rooms with beautiful lake and wilderness views for you to choose from, each distinctively different, and yet all in harmony with the best of ranch living. Premium rooms have a queen or king size bed, French doors leading onto a private balcony or a sitting area with glass-fronted wood-burning stove, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with shower and soaker tub. Deluxe rooms have a queen bed or two single beds and a private 3-piece en-suite bathroom.
Siwash
	This very luxurious room features a king size bed, sitting area with sofa bed, glass-fronted wood burning stove, and its own spacious, 4-piece en-suite bathroom, complete with 6ft. old fashioned claw foot bathtub.
The Meadow Vista
	With a panoramic view of the lake and home meadow, this beautiful room boasts a private balcony with double French doors, a queen size bed, and its own 4-piece bathroom.
The Lakeside
	Enjoy your fresh brewed coffee or tea on the privacy of your own porch in the mornings. This elegant room has its own verandah overlooking the lake, a queen size bed, and a private 4-piece en-suite bathroom.
Aspen
	This charming room, with cozy log walls, cowboy decor and view of the aspen grove is located off the library, and features a queen size bed and 3-piece en-suite bathroom.
Frontier Suite  (adjoining Marshall's Lookout + Jesse's Lair)
	This sunny room overlooks the lake and wilderness on the west side of the lodge and has a queen size bed, sitting area, and 3-piece en-suite bathroom. Combined with the Jesse's Lair this is an ideal setup for families).
The Jesse's Lair
	This bright and cozy room has a bird's eye view through the aspen woods toward the ranch's organic garden. It features two twin size beds and  a  shared bathroom with the Marshall's Lookout room. It's perfect for children or for two adults traveling as singles.
	The deluxe Cariboo Cabin  (Suite) This cabin is separate from the lodge (entire top floor of our beautiful log barn) and it has a bedroom with king bed and gorgeous view of the lake and meadow, a separate and spacious living room with alcove that has 2 single beds and pullout double-size sofa bed, and a 4-piece bathroom, with a balcony overlooking the horse corrals. It's wonderful as it is our most luxurious suite, but at the same time its location away from the lodge and closer proximity to the ranch action immerses guests in the experience.
Eco Rating The ranch has been awarded Five Green Keys by the Hotel Association of Canada. A Five Green Key eco-rating is awarded to a hotel that exemplifies the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations. The ranch employs cutting edge technologies, policies, and programs which set the international standard for sustainable hotel operations. It is located completely off the grid and uses solar power. Every other aspect of the ranch has been designed or is currently undergoing a retro-fit to be eco-friendly as well. The ranch’s environmental guidelines and procedures policy ensures the overall footprint of the operation is minimal. Owners and staff practice sound land stewardship principles and in turn, pass on their knowledge and motivate guests to do the same. Promoting harmony with nature is paramount. The ranch has a commitment to conservation and has completed a project in concert with Ducks Unlimited to enhance the delicate wetlands surrounding the local lake. Many endangered and threatened species, including amphibians, reptiles, insects, plants, birds and animals make their home in the wilds surrounding the location and the ranch acts as den mother to all these creatures, guarding their precious habitat from excessive and invasive logging, mining, and non-nature-based, backcountry recreation. “Book the whole Ranch” For a special group of friends, a family gathering, or an executive retreat, have the run of the ranch for your own exclusive use. The ranch is perfect for a very private and beautiful family reunion. And for business purposes, the uniqueness of our setting coupled with full amenities makes for a most productive corporate meeting or workshop. You'll each have your own horse, and an attentive staff to serve your every need. We will cater especially to meet the specific requirements of your group. The ranch house can accommodate 2 or 3 families, or 6 executives along with their spouses, or 5-7 persons traveling as singles. This all-inclusive package features riding on your own, horsemanship instruction, special guided rides, ranch events, entertainment, plus many other outdoor activities, all your meals, non-alcohol beverages, and childcare. Note:  Out of respect for the ranch animals and neighboring wildlife, unfortunately we cannot accommodate your pets.  For the health and comfort of our guests, the ranch house is a non-smoking environment.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.