Siwash Lake Ranch, Kamloops Country

rooms

The resort features cosy and individually styled rooms in either ranch house suites, barn lofts or canvas cabins - lavish safari-inspired tents with fabulous views. 

All rooms feature extremely comfortable beds, balcony or sundeck with fabulous views, bathrobes and DVD player.

The ranch house suites are all individually decorated and sleep from two to five. The Cariboo Suite with a separate lounge is more privately located and can accommodate up to five guests – ideal for families.

The one or two-room spacious canvas cabin tents have a master bedroom with king size bed, sundeck, hardwood floor, electricity, living room with sofabed and, in the case of the bigger tents, an alcove with two single beds. The en-suite bathroom includes a flush toilet and indoor/outdoor shower.

facilities & activities

This is simply a horse rider’s heaven. Guests of all riding abilities have the opportunity to explore British Columbia's rugged heartland on one of the ranch's 30 plus horses as part of Siwash's ‘Synergy with Horses’ riding programme. Regarded as one of Canada's finest equine experiences, it involves supportive and informative teaching by personal guides and hands-on horsemanship with a fun-filled focus.  Guests have the same horse for the duration of their stay and are encouraged to become assertive and intuitive to establish trust with their mounts.

Aside from riding, there’s the opportunity to try your hand at fly fishing, canoeing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, water skiing or tubing on Siwash Lake. If you feel in need of relaxation try a yoga lesson or treat yourself to a luxurious treatment at the wonderful tented spa set in a forest clearing, open two days a week.

The ranch is home to many wild animals including cougar, coyote, bears, moose, deer and beavers.  Reveal your innermost Bear Grylls by learning survival skills including shelter building, lighting a campfire, using a bow drill and foraging for food and water!

All inclusive rates include daily riding and adventure activities, specially trained guides, equipment and instruction.

dining

Food is an important part of the Siwash experience and the chef here uses home-grown vegetables, river caught fish, ranch beef and wild venison from nearby forests.

A wake-up tray filled with homebaked muffins and tea and coffee will be placed by your suite door every morning at 8am.  A hearty Canadian breakfast is also served in the dining room, whilst lunch is served outdoors where possible.  Before dinner, chef's daily hors d'oeuvres are served on the sun deck or by the fire.

Though you can take a gourmet picnic lunch in your saddlebag if out riding for the day a relaxing three course dinner can be enjoyed in the ranch house on your return.

During the summer months, a casual barbecue may take the place of dinner.  Typical dishes include marinated ranch beef and pork.

All food, soft drinks, premium wines, beer and spirits come as part of the all-inclusive package. 

family

What a venue for a full-on family adventure! As far as riding is concerned, children who demonstrate an ability to safely control their own horse are welcome to ride the trails with their parents, whereas those who need more practice and be led around the barn area and home meadow.

During the summer months of July & August children can enjoy the Free-Range Kids Club while parents are out and about. Typical activities may include horsecare, animal tracking, wilderness survival training, treasure hunts, arts & crafts, nature walks, fort building and outdoor games.

The chef is happy to provide simplified versions of dishes for children.

The ranch is adult-only (over 12) in May and September, but families with children are welcomed between June and August.

location

The resort is located off the beaten track on the historic Gold Rush Trail in the spectacular scenery of the southern interior of Cariboo country in British Columbia. It is halfway between the coast and the Rocky Mountains, about two hours from Kamloops.  The resort is accessible by floatplane, private jet, helicopter and four wheel drive. Vancouver International Airport is a 10 hour direct flight from the UK. The resort is a five hour scenic drive north east from here.