In the 19th Century, the Cariboo Gold Rush put the region on the map. Prospectors from around the world flooded the area. These hearty characters were eager for adventure and infinite riches expected with the discovery of gold. This gave rise to robust cattle and forestry industries and led to the construction of roads and infrastructure, as well as governmental jurisdiction to bring order to the freewheeling Gold Rush territory.

Named after the once-abundant caribou, the Cariboo region spans a vast area with over 3,000 lakes. Understanding this region means appreciating its rich history of First Nations, fur trading, and ranching. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, cougars, wolves, moose, beavers, deer, eagles, hawks, owls, and countless bird species.

Situated in the central interior and heart of the Province, and bordered by the Cariboo Mountains in the east and the Fraser River to the west, this biodiverse area changes from north to south. The forested North Cariboo (where the goldfields were found) gives way to the coniferous forest and mountain lakes of the Central Cariboo. While the South Cariboo – where Four Hearts Ranch is located – has towering evergreens such as the Douglas fir and pine, rolling grasslands, lakes and wetlands.

The Cariboo’s outdoor recreational activities are second to none, with swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, mountain biking, hiking, ATVing, birding, numerous fishing opportunities, hunting, horseback riding and wildlife watching. Just south of the Ranch is the Interlakes Rodeo – a local fun-filled annual event that draws a large crowd to celebrate this region’s heritage.

One of the fundamental features of this vast area is community. Despite the wide-open spaces – or perhaps because of it – the sense of community runs deep. At just 15 minutes away by car, the 2,000 person town of 100 Mile House hosts all the amenities required for sustaining the Ranch lifestyle. Originally a fur-trading station and a stagecoach stop on the Gold Rush Trail, this thriving municipality is the main service centre for the outlying communities. 

The area is also home to one of British Columbia’s most active cross-country skiing clubs and hosts the vibrant South Cariboo weekly farmers’ market. The market is a great place for folks to gather, showcase their produce and handmade crafts, enjoy good food, listen to music, and catch up on the latest news.

Golfers will appreciate the CPGA-rated championship course at 108 Golf Resort, featuring 18 holes situated between two natural lakes. Additionally, the region offers plenty of outdoor activities, including tennis, fishing, canoeing, and mountain biking on trails that wind through deeply wooded forests.

The South Cariboo Regional Airport, located at 108 Mile Ranch, is an easy 20-minute drive away. This year-round airport serves corporate, government and recreational users and hosts a number of private planes and private charter airlines flying throughout B.C. as well as into Alberta, Idaho, Washington and Montana.

Williams Lake Regional Airport is just over an hour away and serves as a base for private jets and scheduled airlines as well as helicopter charters and vehicle rentals.