Cariboo Wilderness Lodge

Introduction
British Columbia Canada

Private and exclusive, this retreat offers freedom, adventure, and the finest comforts in an intimate, pristine wilderness setting of unparalleled beauty — untouched, peaceful and spectacular.  It's a 160-acre working ranch, tucked away in the heart of B.C.'s Cariboo country. Satisfy your yearning for freedom and adventure and enjoy the comforts of a grand, 4 1/2 Star ranch estate and unlimited riding.
Explore the plateau and deep canyons and ride to your heart's desire - on your own or with a guide. 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.

Accomodation

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.

Riding

Riding horses is the highlight of a ranch holiday and we have a beautiful, well-loved and well-trained herd available to suit your experience. Our horses come in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors and temperaments. We have Quarter horses, Arabs, Appaloosas, Standard Breds, Morgans, Paints, Thoroughbreds and some mixed breed, all-around great saddle horses. You'll be treated to your own horse for the duration of your stay, with extra care taken in giving you a mount that matches your abilities and personality.
All guests will have the pleasure of personal riding and outdoors instruction, and first-time riders and those with less experience will be encouraged to progress at their own pace. They as well, might soon find the freedom to ride without a guide. All guests are welcome to practice walking, trotting and loping (cantering) their horses.

Children ages 7 and older who demonstrate an ability to safely control their own horse are welcome to ride the trails with their parents. If a child is under 12 years of age, participation in an unescorted group will be at the discretion of the owners, based on the child's riding ability and maturity. Those children needing more practice can be led around the barn area and home meadow when the opportunity arises. Otherwise, parents may enjoy riding time while their kids are happily playing back at the ranch, under the close supervision of our children's counselor (see children’s program).

Itinerary

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

Rates and Dates for Cariboo Wilderness Lodge

Dates Note: Spring and fall are Adult oriented. June 21 to late August is suitable for children of all ages. During Winter 10+ yrs.

Other Info
Meeting: 70 mile House or ranch
Airport: Kamloops or Williams Lake
Transfer: Kamloops or Williams Lake

Climate:

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.