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Our Season starts on May 1!
See You There!
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Historic Hat Creek Ranch
offers a rare opportunity to explore the original buildings of a key location in
the transportation history of the Cariboo. The site also present the story of
early use of the valley by people of the Shuswap Nation and their more recent
contribution to the growth of the ranching industry. Here in the dry rainshadow
climate, east of the Coast Range mountains, a unique blend of cultures has
evolved in a landscape of sage, bunchgrass and Ponderosa pines. Come and
experience one of the most distinctive heritage sites in British Columbia.
Interpreters in period clothing will take you on a guided tour of the 1860s
Roadhouse, which catered to miners, pack-train operators, stagecoaches and wagon
trains right up until 1916 when the automobile was first introduced to the
Cariboo. Stroll through the beautiful heritage apple orchard, view
our collection of antique agricultural equipment, and explore the ranch barns
and outbuildings, some of which have recently been restored with the generous
help of the Province of British Columbia.
A brief walk along beautiful Hat Creek will take you to our Native Village,
where members of the Shuswap Nation share their fascinating history and culture
with our visitors and interpret the many original displays that are shown on the
site, which include an authentic Kekuli (pit house), the traditional winter
home of the Shuswap built half above and half below ground.
For a different type of adventure, we offer stagecoach rides along the historic
"Cariboo Waggon Road", gold
panning, archery and more.
Other site amenities include our attractively stocked gift shop in its new
location and an air-conditioned licensed restaurant, which has recently been expanded
to accommodate up to 75 guests indoors and offers fantastic food and great
hospitality. Patrons can also enjoy a glass of wine or an ice-cold beer on our
outdoor patios overlooking the valley.
School and youth groups can select from our ˝-day, 1-day or 2.5-day programs,
which include touring, meals and a variety of unique, period-related activities
for interactive participation. School groups will receive one complimentary
adult admission for every 10 students. Also available is our secondary students
First Nations Studies Program that can be customized to meet BC First Nations
Studies 12 curriculum standards.
For outdoor enthusiasts, camping is available for both individuals and groups.
Our facilities include canvas “Miners Tents”, a Tee Pee, newly constructed
cabins with or without private bathroom and numerous RV sites (8 with electrical hook-ups). For non-RV
travelers, an abundance of tenting sites is available. All camping locations
are situated an easy walk from washrooms, showers, fire pits and our Roadhouse
Restaurant.
For those wishing to experience a unique aspect of the Shuswap native heritage,
we offer overnight stays in a reconstructed Kekuli lodge (underground pit
house) that can comfortably accommodate 18-20 adults or 20-25 children. The
Kekuli is located in a beautiful, secluded section of the site at the junction
of Hat Creek and the Bonaparte River, and includes outdoor washrooms, a fire
pit, and storage facilities. Showers are located near the Visitor Reception Centre.
The Ranch caters to weddings and reunions, with the orchard serving as the
perfect backdrop for a truly romantic outdoor ceremony and the hay shed being
available for gatherings and dances. We also present a variety of unique and
distinctive events throughout the season that include our Draft Horse
Demonstration, and the Bonaparte
Pow Wow (details available upon request).
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further information on
our products and services. We look forward to seeing you in 2010!
Liza Curran
General Manager
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