Lake life is what summer dreams are made of, and BC’s central interior is where to find countless bodies of water to take the plunge in. Life is better at the lake, and life is also better at the ranch, so when you combine one with the other, you’re definitely living your best British Columbian life.
BC’s Land of Hidden Waters region is also where you’ll find the best log lodges, cabins and guest ranches that make for a cozy home on the range. Guest ranches are great places for families, couples, or friends to unplug and make memories that last a lifetime. Each one is unique in its amenities, location, lakes, and accommodation options. Some have inclusive meal plans, others have kitchens that allow you to be self-sufficient on your holiday.
Spend sunny days on trail rides, hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, learning how to be a wrangler, or just lounging at the lake at these 14 Land of Hidden Waters lakeside cabins and guest ranches:
1. WELLS GRAY GUEST RANCH, Wells Gray Provincial Park
The wild west is still very much alive at Wells Gray Guest Ranch! This property is beautifully located in the heart of Wells Gray Provincial Park and on the doorstep of epic freshwater adventures. A real saloon serves up breakfast and dinner outside in their signature chuckwagons, and after a trail ride to the nearby river, relax with a fresh pint on the ranch. Accommodations consist of large log cabins, bunkhouses available for group rentals, and camping.
2. MEADOW LAKE GUEST RANCH, 70 Mile House
Meadow Lake Guest Ranch is a charming and welcoming home away from home in the Cariboo region of BC. Located on the Old Gold Rush Trail and serving as a gateway to the Chilcotin, the ranch offers a range of unique experiences for visitors, including horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and more. With comfortable accommodations and a beautiful natural setting, Meadow Lake Guest Ranch is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
3. NAKISKA GUEST RANCH, Wells Gray Provincial Park
There’s no shortage of accommodation types at this real working ranch! A daily hearty Swiss breakfast comes complimentary with a stay in one of their 7 restored cedar log cabins or main lodge/house, while a luxury house just down the road is also available for bookings. Nakiska Guest Ranch has resident cows grazing in the surrounding fields, a wolfdog, and the property is frequented by bears and other wildlife. Come join the resident ranch animals at this unique experience also located in the provincial park.
4. WOLF VALLEY GUEST RANCH, Bonaparte River & Tashinka Lake
Surrounded by Crown land and on the Caribou Plateau sits the off-grid and remote hideaway of Wolf Valley Ranch. Dotted with lakes around the property, the Bonaparte River snaking through and roaming wildlife, this guest ranch prides itself on sustainability and the best care for the environment and their livestock. This is evident in both the farm-to-table inclusive culinary experience and the solar field in which the property is powered by. This is one of the few places where you’ll find Highland cattle alongside many other unique farm animals for a true ranch experience. Cozy cabins are carefully placed around the main lodge while encouraging true disconnect from the every day to reconnect with mind, body, and spirit through comfortable relaxation in the wilderness.
5. SUNDANCE GUEST RANCH, South Cariboo
Located just 4 hours from Vancouver between Lillooet and Kamloops in BC’s historic Gold Country, Sundance Guest Ranch surrounded by Thompson River Valley and close to some great Cariboo lakes. Along with 100+ roaming horses to ride and other activities, the culinary experience is just part of what makes this a must-visit ranch in the Cariboo.
6. CAMPBELL HILLS GUEST RANCH, South Cariboo
Imagine a 2200 sq ft private ranch house overlooking the Bonaparte Plateau and river, a swimming pool for all the family fun, and a luxurious ranch experience that offers not just trail rides, but horsemanship classes, wildlife viewing, and fly fishing too! Campbell Hills Guest Ranch is an experience for up to 8 guests that is different from all other guest ranches.
7. ECHO VALLEY RANCH & SPA, South Cariboo
As an eco-luxury experience that hosts a maximum of 10 guests and was recently awarded Sustainable Tourism Gold Certification, Echo Valley Ranch attracts soft-adventure seekers that are drawn to sustainability, the outdoors, and a luxury experience. Echo Valley Ranch fuses their Eastern Thai and Western cultures together to create a spa and accommodation experience like no other.
8. SIWASH LAKE WILDERNESS RESORT, Siwash Lake
As a National Geographic honoured ‘Unique Lodge of the World’ and also Sustainable Tourism Gold Certified, Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort is a luxury ranch experience that offers farm-fresh, world-class cuisine, adventurous and cultural guided experiences, and has choices in accommodation from a luxurious ranch house suite, barn loft, or their newest additions – exclusive glamping experiences.
9. THE FLYING U RANCH, Green Lake
Famous for their family-fun Flying U experience, this authentic guest ranch consists of historic log cabins, inclusive meal plans, endless activities to choose from, trail rides, a saloon, water sports behind the Flying U boat, or canoe and kayak rentals on Green Lake. The Flying U Ranch has provided a family experience second to none in the Cariboo for decades and welcomes families, couples, and groups to the charming and welcoming property.
10. WETTSTONE GUEST RANCH, Henley Lake
Another lakeside cabin oasis in the Fishing Highway 24 area is Wettstone Guest Ranch. This family ran operation is the only resort nestled on the shorelines of Henley Lake and is the perfect combination of ranch life and lake life with plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Big daily breakfasts, Thursday grill nights on the campfire, kayak/canoe rentals, fishing, and transfers from the Kamloops airport are all part of the package at Wettstone.
11. BEAVER GUEST RANCH, Lone Butte
Unwind and relax in the wilderness of BC’s interior, surrounded by untouched beauty. Though not located directly on a lake, Beaver Guest Ranch is next to four interior lakes. Explore the area on a trail ride with friendly and calm horses, canoe and fish in the nearby lakes, or mountain bike and hike along the scenic trails. Enjoy an all-inclusive getaway with accommodation, breakfast, and dinner.
12. WOLFWOOD GUEST RANCH, Clearwater
Wolfwood is a 160-acre guest ranch and wilderness school surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Wells Gray Park. Born and raised in BC, the family that owns and operates Wolfwood has explored this province extensively and is so pleased to have found the perfect home in Wells Gray Park for raising their family. Tarn & Joanne White, their 2 children Taya and Dax, and Tarn’s mother Deane all look forward to meeting you and sharing their knowledge of the wilderness and Wells Gray Park.
13. KAYANARA, Canim Lake
In the northernmost part of the Land of Hidden Waters Region is the beautiful Canim Lake and near its shoreline, Kayanara Resort. Kayanara resides on a serene 220 acres and has over 7 km (3 mi) of inspiring hiking trails with unbelievable views, and access to unlimited open backcountry right from its doorstep. See all of the wildlife, pristine lakes and rivers you want to explore and then relax the evening away in one of their campsites or cozy cabins.
14. TEN-EE-AH LODGE WILDERNESS RESORT, Spout Lake
Our last lodge is also a guest ranch and situated on, you guessed it, its own lake! Another beautiful lakeside log cabin experience that is on its own ranch and offers canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, and endless family fun.
All of these accommodations and more can always be found on the Places to Stay section of our website. Practice safe and responsible travel by downloading our guides, and don’t forget to see what else the region has to offer in Things to do.
