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Lowdown

  • Established

    1994. Guest ranch since 2001

  • Owner

    Allyson Rogers & Family

  • Manager

    Allyson Rogers & Jana Harman

  • Tel

    1.250.395.6541

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)

    $795 - $1,495

  • Nightly Rates (per child)

    $725 - $995

  • Minimum Stay

    3 days

  • Maximum Guests

    20

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery

  • Memberships

    Founding member of the Magnificent 7 Luxury Wilderness Lodges of Canada; National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World; Canadian Tourism Commission; BC Guest Ranchers' Association; Green Tourism Canada, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association; and BC Wilderness Tourism Association

Surrounded by wide open skies, rolling grasslands and fire-licked forests bejeweled with lakes, The Ranch at Siwash Lake is a legendary private hideaway in BC’s Cariboo region — a 5 star luxury ranch and wilderness resort.

Authentic accommodations pair luxury amidst nature in lavish, safari-inspired “Glamping” stargazing tents and ranch house suites, while farm-fresh, 5-star dining highlights organic food grown on the ranch and foraged from the wilds nearby.

Guests explore BC’s rugged heartland on horseback as part of the Siwash Synergy with Horses™ riding program; awarded as a signature experience for Canada. It focuses on the magical bond between horses and humans for beginners and experts alike.

Beyond riding, Siwash offers fly fishing, frontier games (shooting; hatchet throwing; 3-D cross country archery), wilderness survival, hiking, biking, and helicopter adventures. Those seeking gentle wilderness pursuits kayak on shimmering Siwash Lake, perform outdoor yoga, tour ranch gardens, or luxuriate with a Siwash wellness treatment.

Good time to go

June through September. Siwash welcomes a select number of guests from around the world during the most beautiful months of summer in British Columbia's Cariboo region.

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 5 and over

Siwash is an extremely family friendly ranch.

A stay at Siwash offers children a mixture of fascinating free play and educational content, which builds self-esteem and opens young minds in a journey that brings them close to nature.

Children who demonstrate an ability to safely control their own horse are welcome to ride the trails with their parents.

Arts & Crafts

play-doh, coloring, sketching, Siwash signature horseshoe craft

Activities

hiking, biking, picnics, outdoor play area, supervised swimming

Games

scavenger/treasure hunts, board games, soccer, volleyball, badminton

Environmental & Social Practices

Environment

The Ranch at Siwash Lake has been rated a top eco-friendly luxury destination in Canada (the Globe & Mail) and was the first of only a few in the country to be awarded a Gold certification by Green Tourism Canada.

The ranch is off-grid and runs off solar power. There are many other environmentally sensitive sytems in place: to name only a few, the ranch utilizes rain water; has an extensive recycling and waste management program; produces organic food on site; and advocates for land stewardship. Conservation and preservation projects are ongoing.

We have recently founded the BC Wildland Ecology Centre, a not-for-profit society that will evolve and develop over time, as resources permit. The ecology centre aims to provide educational initiatives on wildfire prevention and regeneration through conservation, demonstration, education, reforestation, and research.

We are committed to taking care of both people and the planet. Nature is our Goddess, and the wilderness our Cathedral!

Ranch History

Siwash is a word from Chinook Jargon, a bridge language used on the frontier between native, french and english pioneers during the gold rush years. To 'siwash' once meant to travel quickly, deftly, and lightly, making use of natural shelters on the trail, or sleeping in the open as a First Nations person might do.

The Ranch at Siwash Lake was crafted from remote wilderness by Allyson Rogers throughout the years 1994 - 2001. Her mission was to share the Siwash experience with sophisticated travelers from around the world by offering unique, luxury all-inclusive ranch vacations that feature nature-based adventure, authentic accommodation, fine cuisine, and first-class service… a soul-pleasing blend of the rustic and the refined, all delivered in style with a smile.

...and to continue developing a dude ranch that’s in complete harmony with the surrounding wilderness; to promote stewardship of the land, freedom of spirit, personal growth, and an appreciation for family and the finer things in life.

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet, Health oriented

  • Meals served

    family style, meals roll with days activities, everyone eats together, children dine separately, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    wine provided with dinner, available for purchase

  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, patio, dining room (casual attire), dining room (formal attire), in-room dining, private dinners

  • You'll definitely love

    ranch-raised beef, ranch-raised pork, farm fresh eggs, ranch garden, organic produce, locally grown produce, fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, other

Our food can best be described as a Canadian mosaic of world flavours—a sensational fusion of international dishes plated with Siwash-style flare.

Everything we serve is prepared fresh from scratch the same day in our open country kitchen, using the very best ingredients.

We have a daily set menu in keeping with what's seasonal from our suppliers and available at the ranch or locally. Guests are given ample opportunity to state preferences in advance.

Whenever possible, we incorporate home grown food — mouth-watering beef and pork, free-range eggs—and baby greens for your salads, picked right from our ranch garden.

Our organic, country cuisine is said to rival fine city dining. Our guests call it delicious, designer food; simple and clean, not overly intricate, and most certainly light, healthy and nourishing.

We enrich your dining experience with edible flowers, herbs and wild berries harvested on the day. Regional British Columbia cuisine, featuring wild trout, salmon and venison, is a ranch specialty.

In keeping with Siwash Lakes sustainability initiatives, we pair our delectable dinners with award winning wines from cottage vintners located in the renowned Okanagan Valley wine region of BC. Premium wine, beer and spirits are included in your Siwash experience.

Lowdown

  • Address

    North Bonaparte Plateau
    Cariboo Cowboy Country
    British Columbia
    V0K 2K0
    Canada

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    4000 ft ft

  • Private Land

    250-1000 acres

  • Public Land

    more than 50k acres

Nearest Town - Clinton

Clinton is situated 44 miles / 1 hour from the Ranch.

Rental car

4x4 recommended

Nearest Airports

William Lake Regional Airport (YWL) for commercial flights, Williams Lake

Distance

110 miles / 2 hours 30 mins

Rental car

4x4 recommended

Vancouver International (YVR), Vancouver

Distance

300 miles / 4 hours

Rental car

4x4 recommended

Private Float Plane Charter directly to Siwash, from the river terminal at Vancouver International Airport

Distance

300 miles / 1 hour 30 mins

Ranch shuttle

A private chauffeur will pick up guests upon landing on a wilderness lake located 5 miles from Siwash

Private Air Travel

Nearest location(s)

The closest airport for private jets is the 108 Mile Airport (ZMH); a 45 minute drive away from the ranch. There is a helicopter-pad at the ranch.

Travel by

Helicopter, Airplane, Private jet

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding

  • Riding opportunities for

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Rides are grouped by

    Ability, Pace of Ride, Rides tailored to guest requests, Families ride together

  • Max riders per ride

    6

  • Wranglers per ride

    2

  • Pace of ride

    Walk, Trot, Lope

  • Guest Horses

    30

  • Horse Types

    Quarterhorse, Morgan, Thoroughbred, Appaloosas, Draft, Draft Cross, Paints, Arabians, Geldings, Mares

  • Hours in the saddle

    Morning - 2 hours
    Afternoon - 3 hours

The Setting

Private Land (250-1000 acres)

Go horseback riding through a magical post-wildfire ecosystem and let nature amaze you with its regeneration. Traverse through ebony hued forests bejeweled by wilderness lakes whilst incandescent fuchsia fireweed brushes your stirrups. The landscape is unique, striking, touching, and beautiful.  Here in BC, you’ll experience some of the best horseback riding known to man.

Public Land (more than 50k acres)

While exploring this remote corner of the world ontop your trusty tour guide, experience a plethora of landscapes such as flats & meadows, lakes, ridges, canyons, and forests.

Our Riding

Scheduled rides

Guests head down to the barn at 10AM each morning to groom and saddle their horses. They spend the first morning in a full orientation session, learning about their horse and the skills required to get the most out of their equine experience at Siwash.

Unscheduled rides

Guests can choose how much riding and what type they want to do each day, whether it be an hour working on new skills in the arena, or a two hour ride with some loping before lunch - we cater to the individual.

Guided rides

No nose-to-tail. We take guests in their own family groups, or in the case of couples, either on their own together or paired with another couple of similar ability, to all our favourite places on the range.

Unguided rides

After a few rides with the owner, guests with proven ability and route finding skills have the privilege of riding on their own without a guide or other guests.

Program rides

All-day rides down to a river for a campfire picnic with swimming and fishing; or to a high mountain bluff for an exquisite view, or an epic 7 hour trip through a canyon to breathtaking waterfalls.

Riding Freedom

Ride with your own private guide (2-6 in a party); join with other like-minded guests (maximum 6 in a group); or those with proven ability may ride on your own without a guide or other guests, following orientation and some discovery rides with the owner. The duration, route and pace of each ride is tailored to guest preferences.

Good to know

We coach one-on-one to ensure that all guests learn to take their riding to a new level, from complete novice through to expert.

Weight limit for riding

250-300 lbs

Riding considerations

no riding experience needed, We recommend a good level of physical fitness, We consider height and athletic ability as well as a guest's weight

Hours in the saddle

Guests ride as little or as much as they please. Typical rides can last from one hour to all day.

Why our riding stands out

  • Ride happy, healthy and responsive horses through the wilds of BC with no nose-to-tail; guided by professionals whom are passionate about interpreting the local history, culture, terrain, flora and fauna.
  • Guests are matched with their own personal horse for the duration of their stay. Siwash's signature equine experience, SiwashSynergy™, takes riders through a step-by-step engaging orientation, covering everything from grooming and groundwork to saddling and riding.
  • Private guides offer plenty of one-on-one coaching for beginner through advanced levels, and Siwash gives guests the freedom to ride unguided for those with proven ability.

Sample Riding Itinerary

Day 1 of SiwashSynergy™

-       Meet your horse

-       Orientation on groundwork, grooming, saddling, and riding

-       2 hour guided morning ride

                              ~LUNCH~

-       3 hour guided afternoon ride

-       Unsaddle & groom your horse

 

Day 2 of SiwashSynergy™

-       Groom & saddle your horse

-       2 hour Canyon Ride

                              ~LUNCH~

-       3 hour Ridge Ride

-       Unsaddle & groom your horse

 

Day 3 of SiwashSynergy™

-       Groom & saddle your horse

-       1 hour arena session consisting of lessons, games, western rodeo/gymkhana lessons or casual riding.

                               ~LUNCH~

-       Relax at Ranch

-       Water sports on Siwash Lake

-       Hiking/Biking/Running

 

Day 4 of SiwashSynergy™ — ALL DAY TRIP

-       Groom & saddle your horse

-       Ride to a river

                                ~LUNCH at River~

-       Tubing, swimming, fishing, and relaxing at the river

-       Ride back to Siwash

-       Unsaddle & groom your horse

 

Day 5 of SiwashSynergy™

-       Groom & saddle your horse

-       2 hour ride through flats, meadows, and lakes

                                  ~LUNCH~

-       3 hour ride of your choice

-       Unsaddle & groom your horse

Riding Lessons

Individual private lessons by request.

Details

lessons come with package, basic riding lessons, advanced horsemanship lessons

Given by

wrangler, ranch owner or manager

Location

on the trail, in the arena

Wildlife Safaris

Black Bear viewing is daily in June and September. From June through to September guests may see deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, porcupines, cougars, owls, eagles, and various species of other birds.

When

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Frequency

Daily

Arena Work

Type

outdoor arena

Activities

roping from the ground, barrels, pole bending, gymkhana

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)

    $795 - $1,495

  • Nightly Rates (per child)

    $725 - $995

  • Nightly Rates (non-rider)

    $795 - $1,495

  • Minimum Stay

    3 days

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Tues, Sat

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Tues, Sat

  • Style of accommodation

    Ranch rustic, Tents, Glamping, Luxury 5-Star

  • Packages available

    3 night, 4 night, 1 week

Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort can cater for up to 20 guests. Accommodation includes Lodges, Cabins and Luxury Tents. See below for details and indicative rates.

Lodge | Ranch House Two Bedroom Siwash Suite

Rates (Per Person)

$700 - $1,100

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

Located in the log ranch house. Two connecting rooms with two full en-suite bathrooms; private balcony; sitting area with pullout sofa; full luxury amenities; sleeps a family of four or five with king bed, second king bed or two singles, and pullout double sofa bed.

Rooms

2

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

mini-bar, fridge, microwave, crib, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, wood fireplace, washer / dryer

Lodge | Ranch House Two Bedroom Frontier Suite

Rates (Per Person)

$700 - $1,100

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

Located in the log ranch house. Two connecting rooms with one 3-piece ensuite bathroom; sitting area; full luxury amenities; sleeps a family of three or four with one king bed and two singles.

Rooms

2

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

mini-bar, fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes

Cabin | Cariboo Suite

Rates (Per Person)

$700 - $1,100

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

The private and luxurious Cariboo Suite is located separately from the lodge in the lovely loft of our hand-hewn log barn. It features a living room with a sectional sofa that pulls out to a double bed, and alcove with two single beds or one king bed. A separate bedroom boasts beautiful views and a king size log-framed bed. A 4-piece bathroom and private balcony overlooking the horse corrals complete the offering.

Rooms

2

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

mini-bar, fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, washer / dryer

Entertainment

dvd

Luxury Tent | New to 2019 — Safari Tent in the Siwash Star Camp™

Minimum Stay

1 night

Description

The Siwash Star Camp™ consists of 2 star gazing tents, a cedar soak hot tub, a campfire, and a platform outdoor-dining deck. Each tent has one bedroom with one king bed/two single beds that roll out for stargazing; a loveseat; and a wood stove. A 3-piece indoor luxury bathroom is 20 ft. away from the tents. A camp host and stargazing guide will stoke the fire, serve your meals, draw the hot-tub, tend to any of your needs, and teach you how to navigate the wide-open skies.

Rooms

2

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

mini-bar, fridge, crib, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, wood fireplace

Entertainment

hot tub

Booking Policy

We require a 50% deposit to confirm a booking; balance owing must be paid 60 days in advance of your stay.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, Riding, yoga, bottomless glasses of premium wine, beer and spirits, soft beverages, bottled water in guest rooms, a night at the Siwash Star Camp™

Extras

Tax

7.7% for international guests

Gratuity

10-20% suggested please

Other

Private individual riding lessons by request; alfresco private dining; special VIP private boating excursions for wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and water sports including water skiing, tubing and wake boarding. Helicopter adventures including heli-hiking, and heli-gold panning.

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Cowboy hats, Cowboy boots, Riding helmets, Saddle bags, Rain coats

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone.

  • Business Services

    Executive business center , printers, common computer, Board room.

Onsite

Outdoor Activities

mountain biking, Yoga, sporting clays, bird watching, Shooting - trap / clays, 3-D cross country archery, hatchet throwing, hiking, waterfall safari-hiking, wilderness survival, fly fishing, and helicopter safaris..

Water based Activities

hot tub, lake water sports, river floating, Stocked pond on site for trout fishing

Spa

relaxation massage, rock treatments, couples massage, manicures, facials, pedicures, aromatherapy wraps

Fishing & Wildlife

Nestled high on the Bonaparte Plateau, the ranch is surrounded by numerous wilderness lakes, and flanked by two rivers. Their picturesque shores are all within a half hour radius of the ranch.

Your personal angling guide will take you to our favourite fishing spots in a 4x4 truck. Many of these places are well hidden—off the beaten track—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 emerald depths, listen to the wild call of a loon, and take in the excitement of a fish on the line.

You'll be fishing for 2-15lb. rainbow trout, 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 preference. We also have a pond on site at the ranch, stocked with rainbow trout for your angling pleasure.

Your guide will help you "match the hatch" and perfect your dry fly and wet fly techniques, using both floating and sinking line.

Fishing on offer

spin, fly, river, stocked pond, lake, stream, equipment available, guided inclusive, guided non-inclusive, unguided, instruction available

Wildlife

Black bears; moose; deer; coyotes; wolves; cougars; porcupines; eagles; owls; ospreys and the list goes on! A myriad of wildlife thrives in our genuine wilderness paradise.

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of up to 30.

Book exclusive use of Siwash Lake Ranch for a tailormade corporate retreat. Please contact us for more information.

Weddings

We can cater for groups of up to 30.

Please contact us for more information.

Highs

  • Outstanding horseback riding program: ride on your own or with private guide, no nose-to-tail, comprehensive, hands-on experiential program for all levels
  • There are myriad nature-based activities for everyone to enjoy – you’re spoilt for choice!
  • Ultra-luxe amenities include fine dining, a high standard of comfort in lodge and guest accommodations, and spa services are magically delivered in the woods under canvas
  • Small, private, authentic and exclusive, there’s a maximum of 16-24 guests and 14 staff, ensuring royal pampering, personal service and an intimate, boutique atmosphere

Lows

  • Due to the ranch’s remote wilderness location, special arrangements for dietary requests, childcare etc need to be made in advance, otherwise there is no guarantee they will be available

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Very special

The highlight for us was the activities - especially the riding, which (even as complete novices) we loved. There is a focus on education and 'on the job' learning - e.g. you don't just get plonked on the back of a horse and set off, you learn to groom, saddle and walk the horse first. Of particular note was our all-day 'river ride' complete with picnic lunch, campfire and fishing - very memorable indeed.

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort on TripAdvisor