“Though many argue that the South Cariboo is so much more than horses and cowboys - the spirit of the wild west lives on!”

The Spirit of the Wild West

By Jamie Ross

It is cool, clear summer night.  I sit with an international group of guests, sharing stories around the campfire.  The horses have been fed and watered, and now stand content, picketed on a thick, cotton rope between trees.  It is a dark night with no moon, though there is a brilliant display of stars.  A cowboy sits on a hewn, log chair, cradled in his arms is a steel string guitar.  He strums and sings.  His yodeling, foot-stomping, and sad country ballads are offered out to the silent night air.  The fire crackles and pops, flames lick around a pile of logs.  A blackened coffee pot sits on a rock at the fire’s edge. 

In the South Cariboo region of Interior British Columbia, the spirit of the wild west lives on.  For this is cowboy country, and trekking by horseback remains a very pleasant way to explore the rolling grassland, alpine meadows and open forests that make up the region.  Your horse trip can be as tame or wild as you desire.  Stay in that extremely civilized, luxurious lodge, with its pool, hot tub and sauna, gourmet restaurant and warm bed - or camp out under the stars, snug in a bedroll; awaken to the distant howl of a coyote and the aroma of bacon frying over an open fire.  And it makes little difference whether you are a total greenhorn, or miles in the saddle have made your backside as tough as leather, Cariboo Country has the perfect place and the ideal horse for you, the choices, it seems, are as endless as the trails.

Resorts, outfits, and working ranches will put you in the saddle, offering trail rides, pack trips, cattle drives, roundups and western barbecues. Ranches extend a warm welcome to city slickers wishing to play cowboy for a spell. Guests can saddle up and enjoy a trail ride over rolling hills dotted with ponderosa pines, wrangle strays on an authentic cattle drive, discover friendly guest ranches, go on a wilderness pack trip or attend an exciting, small town rodeo.  No matter which riding adventure you choose, old fashioned western hospitality and a great time are guaranteed.

Live a day in the life of a real cowboy by helping the ranch hands brand calves, herd cattle from one pasture to another, and feed and water the animals. Rest and relaxation are offered too _ you decide how much or how little to do.  Ever have that urge to head out on the open range, a hundred head of cattle and hundred miles to go? In the South Cariboo you can experience an authentic cattle drive.  Participants help set up and break camp, take part in herding the cattle as they move from meadow to meadow, and enjoy live western entertainment, cowboy tales and campfire singalongs.

Also available are multi_day riding trips into the wilderness, where pack horses transport camping gear, personal supplies and food. Help set up and break camp and brush and tie down the horses, and enjoy meals cooked over an open fire.  Overnight accommodations range from rustic log cabins to tee pees to a simple bedroll under the open sky.

Besides some stunning scenery, the South Cariboo also offers up some bountiful wildlife.  It is home to bears, moose, deer, wolves, coyote, eagles and hawks.  Guests also enjoy sunny skies and a dry climate while venturing out in picture_perfect riding country.

The Cariboo has, for whatever reason, tried to shed its image as a land of horses, cowpokes and cattle drives.  It has so much more to offer, it is argued - world-class golfing, fantastic fishing, cultural experiences, fine restaurants and splendid accommodations.  The marketers have tried to distance themselves from the wild-west perception.  The trouble is, the cowboy image is too real to go away.

So pull on those blue jeans, pull your hat down tight, tie that colourful bandanna around your neck and step into those unblemished cowboy boots - it’s time they were initiated.

Where to Stay … The South Cariboo’s guest ranches offer a standard of luxury and comfort unknown by yesteryear’s cowboys.  You can take to the saddle for an ambitious all-day ride, relax poolside or enjoy a soothing massage.  Accommodations that can help get you in the saddle include:

The Best Western 108 Resort, (800) 667-5233 - www.108resort.com
Cariboo Log Guest House, (250) 396-4747 - www.caribooguesthouse.com
The Hills Health Ranch, (250) 791-5225 - www.spabc.com
Montana Hill Guest Ranch, (250) 593-4255 - www.montanahillguestranch.bc.ca
The Schmid-Meil Bed and Breakfast, (250) 791-5644 - www.schmid-meil.com
The Wolf Den Country Inn, (877) 397-2108 - www.dogsled-canada.com