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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.
 GRBC06
2008
Rates are per person and include gourmet meals and 6 nights deluxe
accommodations, unguided or guided riding
and all activities |
| 7 days / 6
nights |
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| Deluxe Rooms |
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2,550 |
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can$ $2,550 |
| Premium Room/ Suite |
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2,970 |
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can$ $2,970 |
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Winter Program |
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$2,100 |
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can$ $2,100 |
Open:
May 1 to Oct 16
May 1st - June 15th &
September 1st - October 31st (Children ages 7 & older are
welcome)
June 15th - August 31st (Children of all ages are welcome -
those under age 4 must be accompanied by a nanny)
Children sharing with parents $195/day
Single room supplement + 45%
Taxes: 2.5% Goods
(5% for Canadian residents) and 1.2% hotel tax
Gratuities: 12% |
Open: May to October and during January
and February
Meeting: 70 mile House
Airport: Kamloops, BC
Transfer: Included from 70 Mile House.
From Kamloops ~$250
per group of 5.
Horses: Quarter horses, Arabs, Appaloosas, Standard Breds, Morgans, Paints,
Thoroughbreds and some mixed breed,
Tack: Western
Level:
Novice+ riding level
Intermediate level for riding on your own
Max Riders: 12
Min Age: 7 yrs
Note: superb 4*accommodations and meals, very personalized
service
Other Activities
Children's Program
The 7,000 square foot, log Ranch House is set at the edge of a meadow on a
knoll overlooking a small private lake. It features unpretentious luxury -
old-fashioned country charm and the rustic flavor of frontier living,
finished with elegant touches reminiscent of the Victorian era. The
cathedral ceiling living room, with its western décor, overstuffed
furniture, vintage fabrics, and antiques makes for a relaxed and
comfortable hangout at day's end, when there's always a crackling fire
burning in the 30-foot high river rock fireplace. With its 12-guest
capacity, this ranch provides a unique and intimate haven for romantic
escapes, family holidays, women's getaways, and executive retreats.
Riding Program
Riding horses is the highlight of a ranch holiday and we have a
beautiful, well cared for and well trained herd available to suit your
experience. Our horses come in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors and
temperaments. 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.
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.
The ranch has one of the most unique riding programs in North America.
After some introductory riding with the owners, 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. For example, 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. Less experienced
riders will have the pleasure of personal riding and outdoors
instruction, and 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.
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.
Fishing
The ranch now offers excellent guided fishing excursions during your
stay... see details
Children Programs
June 15 to Aug 31 -- all children are welcome. During May to June 15 and
September and October the minimum age is 7 ..
see details
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see
Forbes Travel rated this
ranch in the top ten luxury ranches
in North America.
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Accommodations
Relax in the hand-hewn log ranch house that offers the finest comforts and
elegance of a grand, Old West country home. Soak in the scents and
serenity of a wilderness setting. This retreat ranch features 6 guest
rooms, each distinctively different, and yet all in harmony with the best
of ranch living.
The guest rooms are all situated in the
lovingly constructed lodge. They are all unique and romantically
furnished with country antiques, western décor and many personal touches
for your comfort and enjoyment. Some have deep-soaking tubs, private
balconies, and lake views. All have private en-suite bathrooms and are
non-smoking. Pamper yourself amidst the luxurious amenities of your
guest room - a pillow top mattress on your bed, eiderdown duvet,
Egyptian linens, plush monogrammed robes, over-sized bath towels,
aromatherapy soap, shampoo and bath oil, and bottled drinking water.
Deluxe rooms
The Aspen:
This charming room, with log walls and view of the aspen grove is located
off the library, and features a queen size bed and 3-piece en-suite
bathroom.
Marshall's Lookout:
This sunny room overlooks the lake from the southwest wing of the ranch
house and has a queen size bed, a day bed, and 3-piece en-suite bathroom.
(This bathroom is exclusive to the room unless the room is booked as an
adjoining room to Jesse's Lair - an ideal setup for families.).
Jesse's Lair:
This cozy, upper back corner room has a bird's eye view through the aspen
woods toward the ranch's vegetable garden. It features two twin size beds
and shares a 3-piece en-suite bathroom with the Marshall's Lookout room.
Alternatively, a private bathroom is available on the main floor.
Premium rooms
The Meadow Vista:
With a panoramic view of the lake and home meadow, this upstairs room
boasts a private balcony with double French doors, a queen size bed, and
its own private 4 -piece bathroom.
The Lakeside Verandah:
Located off the living room, this elegant room has its own verandah
overlooking the lake, a queen size bed, and a private 4-piece en-suite
bathroom.
Deluxe Suite
The Grande Suite:
This spacious room has a private location on the north side of the ranch
house and is accessed from the 2nd floor landing. It features a king size
bed, sitting area with sofa bed, wood burning stove, and its own en-suite
bathroom complete with 6ft. old fashioned claw foot bathtub.
Meals
The ranch offers savory, wholesome food, prepared from the freshest of
seasonal ingredients and served with casual flare. In the early morning, a
wake-up basket will be placed by your door, brimming with home baked
muffins and freshly brewed tea or coffee. Breakfasts in the dining room
are hearty, and lunches are buffet style featuring nourishing homemade
soups, salads, and breads. Dinners are sumptuous, culinary delights
infused with international flavors. Most often, they are served at the
main dining table, but this will differ according to the menu. Variations
may sometimes include an outdoor barbeque or fireside fondue. In an effort
to provide you with the best of personal service, we can also serve you a
private dinner in your room, on your porch, or set in a secluded spot at
meadow's edge. |
The Lakeside Verandah
The Aspen
Grand Suite
 
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Children Programs --
Toads and frogs... ranch critters and a
wild flower meadow... Welcome to nature's playground, where children of
all ages are welcome during the second half of June, and throughout July
and August. When arranged in advance, guests’ little ones can enjoy our
complimentary children’s program while parents are out riding the range
or just catching up on some rest and relaxation.
The children’s program is
three-tiered. Guests with babies and toddlers are welcome, provided they
bring their own nanny along or make advance arrangements for the
one-on-one nanny service that’s available at the ranch. In either case,
special rates are available.
 Children
aged 4 through 12 can participate in our daily group program, which
revolves quite simply around life on a ranch. Our qualified, experienced
children’s counselor will carefully watch over guests’ younger ones who
will enjoy the great freedom and adventure fostered by a secure, safe
and friendly wilderness environment. The program offers a mixture of
fascinating free play and educational content, designed to build
self-esteem and open young minds in a journey that will bring them close
to nature. Typical activities include western horsemanship, animal
tracking, orienteering, scavenger hunts, nature walks, fort building,
arts and crafts, and outdoor games, depending on the weather, group
dynamics, and the ages of the children involved.
 A
young child may begin the day by picking (and eating!) strawberries in
the ranch vegetable garden, followed by a lesson in horse care and ride
around the home meadow. A scavenger hunt or outdoor game like capture
the flag might also be on the agenda. After a picnic lunch, he or she
might gather natural materials like pine cones, feathers and moss, and
then glue them on a horseshoe to make a ranch keepsake. And there are
eggs to collect from our free-range chickens, pigs to feed, bunnies to
cuddle, butterflies to chase, and a pet cow to play with. One year we
raised an orphaned fawn....
There is a strong horse component to our
children’s program. For younger kids who are interested in learning
about horses but not old enough to ride the trails with their parents,
we offer horse care lessons and include pony rides in the home meadow.
Children ages 7 and older who demonstrate an ability to safely control
their own horse are welcome to ride the trails with their parents. Or
they can stay back at the ranch and ride the gymkhana course.
Your hosts have two children - free-range 9
and 11 year-old kids who really enjoy sharing the joys of ranch living
with guest children. Under the supervision of a children’s wrangler,
Marshall and Jessica will help demonstrate gymkhana events to guest
children aged 7 through 12, who can experience barrel racing, pole
bending, keyhole racing and other gymkhana fun and excitement in the
home meadow.
For those children who may be uncomfortable
around horses, there are plenty of other fun things to discover and
learn about. Childcare is provided between 9:30am and 4:30pm. Due to our
wilderness environment, children should remain under the supervision of
their parents at all other times.
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Winter Adventure Program
- Christmas to the end of February
A foot of fresh snow has formed a soft mantle,
cloaking the aspen woods with winter-stillness. An alpine glow casts its
rosy hue upon this winter wonderland. Your heart soars at the onset of a
marvelous adventure...
 Whether
you've joined us for dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross
country skiing, or a combination of all these spectacular, cold season
sports, the ranch provides the perfect setting for a nature-based winter
adventure.
 Outdoors,
ice crystals dance and glitter in the late afternoon air. A deep blue
sky is tinged with crimson at its edge, where it reaches down to touch
the forest. Wild animal tracks of all kinds weave a tapestry through the
frozen landscape. The gentle, rolling terrain around the ranch is home
on the range for the wolf, coyote, cougar, moose and deer.
 Indoors,
a crackling fire glows in the 30-foot river rock fireplace, an
overstuffed sofa with vintage fabrics beckons, and soft music resonates
in the cathedral-style living room. An aroma of homemade bread, mingled
with the promising scents of a gourmet meal in the works, wafts
throughout the ranch house.
The ranch welcomes a select number of
guests throughout the months of late December, January and February,
when they are assured of the best winter conditions - usually a
three-foot base of snow, blue skies, and an average outdoor temperature
of -15 degrees Celsius (+5 degrees Fahrenheit). Driving in to the ranch
is no problem, as we regularly snow plow the ranch roads with our own
ex-highways road grader.
 We
offer a special all-inclusive, five-night winter wonderland adventure
that gives you a sampling of all our great cold weather activities: dog
sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and tobogganing, as
well as ice skating on Siwash Lake and cross country skiing (bring your
own skates and skis).
Or, please talk to us - we'll be happy
to help create your own custom package, which focuses on your favorite
activities. You can dog sled all day every day if you wish! And of
course, you can also enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation at this
tranquil wilderness hideaway.
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Fishing
Fishing for wild trout in the quiet solitude
of our lakes, disturbed only by the splash of big rainbows dancing on
the end of your line, is the ultimate fishing experience.
 The
Cariboo region's rivers, lakes and streams provide spawning, rearing and
foraging habitat for wild native fish, including B.C'.s legendary
rainbow trout. Prolific fly hatches, a nutrient rich environment and
clear, cold waters make this area a fantastic fishing destination. In
particular, the backcountry around the ranch is an angler's paradise.
Remote and pristine, it provides both the perfect habitat for wild trout
and a refreshing oasis of wilderness solitude for the fisherman.
 Nestled
high on the Bonaparte Plateau, the ranch is surrounded by natural
meadows, open forests of pine and fir, groves of aspen poplar, numerous
wilderness lakes, and is flanked by two rivers. There are more than nine
excellent trout fishing lakes and a river close by - their picturesque
shores are all within a half hour radius of the ranch. Your personal
angling guide will take you to our favorite fishing spots in the ranch's
four-wheel drive truck - many of these places are well hidden and off
the beaten track and just getting to them is like being on a safari
adventure. There will be plenty of wildlife and stunning scenery along
the way.
 Once
there, you're sure to relax and let nature unwind your woes. Bask in
warm sunshine sparkling on azure depths, listen to the wild call of a
loon, and inhale the sweet scent of pine wafting by on a soft breeze.
You'll be fishing for 2-8lb. rainbows, and will have the opportunity to
use waders, float tubes, and a boat with super quiet, electric motor. We
offer all types of fishing - you can do traditional spin casting from
shore, troll from a boat, or learn to fly fish - whatever your pleasure.
If you've never been fly fishing before, your guide will help you match
the hatch and perfect your dry fly and wet fly techniques, using both
floating and sinking line.
All fishing gear is available at the ranch,
including your rods, reels, flies, bait and lures. Please note that you
will require a fishing license, which can be purchased at the 70 Mile
House general store on your way in to the ranch. To protect future
stores we encourage the practice of catch and release.
 All
levels are welcome - beginner through advanced - and the one-on-one
personal attention we're famous for ensures that the fishing is tailored
for your specific wishes. You'll head out after breakfast each day and
return around 4:30 pm. We'll pack you a delicious lunch and snacks, and
all the gear you'll need. Welcome to one of the finest fishing and
outdoor experiences offered - in the world class waters of British
Columbia.
If you don't purchase a package that
includes guided fishing, you can add fishing on to your regular stay at
an extra cost, with 24 hours notice.
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