BCAA

I f you think you have the guest ranch experience figured out, think again. An hour's drive east of 70 Mile House in the sprawling Cariboo country wilderness, Siwash Lake Ranch (siwashlakeranch.com) is where the traditional dude ranch meets five- star pampering – with an eco twist. Cowboy life is still at the heart of Siwash, but there's also something for the hiker, paddler and birdwatcher, as well as the foodie. Morning PaDDLe Rise early for an espresso then head out for a pre-breakfast canoe or stand-up paddle along glassy-smooth Siwash Lake, keeping an eye out for mallards, mergansers, loons and other waterfowl. You may even spot a moose wading among the bulrush marshes fringing the lake. giDDy uP Though Siwash boasts a range of different adventures for guests, horseback riding remains at the core of the ranch experience. After sizing up a pair of cowboy boots, each guest is treated to a crash course in horse care, including horse tack, grooming, picking and cleaning hooves, and strapping on saddle blankets and saddles. After climbing into the saddle, you'll follow a guide along myriad trails, short and long, that wind through aspen groves and soaring Douglas firs surrounding Siwash Lake, keeping on the lookout for bear, deer, moose and other wildlife. tent Like royaLty In the 15 years since opening, this swatch of Cariboo wilderness has transformed into one of Canada's premier resort properties. Suites on the top floor of the Ranch House balance luxury with the rustic ranching aesthetic, while a short walk away you'll find the two-room Cariboo Suite located in the barn loft. Canvas tent cabins are the newest addition and will have you feeling like an aristocrat on safari. Each of these thousand-square-foot tents is situated in a private glade overlooking Siwash Lake, and feature hardwood floors, a king-sized bed, propane hearth and in-floor heating in the private outdoor shower stall where your ceiling is the blue sky and starry night. n – Andrew Findlay Cowboy Chic Go upscale on your dude ranch getaway at Siwash Lake Ranch in the cariboo DID YOU KNOW? Driving up to Siwash Lake Ranch? Fill up at Husky and earn CAA Dollars on fuel and in-store purchases. Visit bcaa.com/husky RanchER's FEast Everything at Siwash Lake Ranch, including a deep commitment to sustainability, is a reflection of its maverick owner, allyson Rogers, a former West Vancouverite whose urban sensibilities were balanced at a young age by an active outdoor life. Solar energy powers the ranch, and organic kitchen ingredients are sourced from gardens and pens visible from the windows of the Ranch House dining room, including vegetables, herbs, eggs, bacon cured from ranch-raised pigs and house-made chorizo. weekender destinations courtesy Siwash Lake Ranch fall 2015 bca a .com 21 Saddle up for a guided ride. luxuriate in a fully equipped tent cabin.

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