15 cozy cabins where lake life & cowboy culture thrive

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 15 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.

Wolf Valley Guest Ranch │Wolf Valley Guest Ranch

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.

Echo Valley Ranch │@echovalleyranch

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.

Siwash Star Camp™ │@taylormichaelburk & Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort

9. GRAHAM DUNDEN GUEST RANCH, Green Lake

Lake days and western culture go hand-in-hand at Graham Dunden Guest Ranch. Located near the beautiful Green Lake, this authentic pioneer-style ranch serves up a German-Bavarian experience that perfect for the whole family. Choose from accommodations in the authentic and original Heritage Ranch House (the original but now modernized homestead from the pioneers’ days) or the cabin.

10. 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.

11. FREE REIN GUEST RANCH, Bridge Lake

On the famous Fishing Highway 24, this highly-rated working ranch is more than just trail rides and beautiful wide-open spaces. It’s canoe and kayak rentals, wildlife viewing, hiking and mountain biking, and a sauna to relax in at the end of it all. Endless land and water adventures, intimate horsemanship clinics and riding lessons are all part of the luxury experience while staying in their luxury suite, lodge, or lakeside log cabins.

12. 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.

Wettstone Guest Ranch │ Wettstone Guest Ranch

13. SPRING LAKE RANCH, Spring Lake

Another log cabin lakeside gem that is also situated on its own lake is Spring Lake Ranch near 100 Mile House. Along with horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, wilderness experiences, and their newly constructed log cabins, they also have an authentic wood-burning hot tub to relax in after a day of activities.

14. 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.

15. 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.

© 2024 Land of Hidden Waters. All Rights Reserved.

Handcrafted by Eco Escape Travel & BLKWTR.

Share This

Copy Link to Clipboard

Copy