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Cariboo Region Holidays

Cariboo Region, British Columbia
Cariboo Region, British Columbia
Cariboo Region, British Columbia
Cariboo Region, British Columbia

Why visit the Cariboo Region

The Cariboo region of British Columbia offers a rare chance to step off the map and into a landscape where wilderness, history and adventure come together in striking harmony. Spanning sweeping grasslands, dense forest, glacier-fed lakes and winding rivers, it’s a place that rewards slow travel and a spirit of exploration.

At its heart is a strong ranching heritage, with working cattle ranches offering guests the chance to experience horseback riding across open range, evenings by the fire and the unhurried rhythms of rural life. Wildlife is abundant, from moose and bears to eagles soaring overhead, and the wide skies and fresh air create space to breathe, reflect and reconnect.

Beyond the ranches, you’ll find excellent hiking, lake swimming, fly-fishing and opportunities to learn wilderness skills in an environment that feels both remote and welcoming. In autumn, the Cariboo’s forests glow gold, and in summer, wildflowers carpet the high meadows.

It’s also a region steeped in Gold Rush history, with echoes of the 1860s trail still present in old trading posts and pioneer towns.

For those seeking authenticity, adventure and a true sense of place, the Cariboo is one of British Columbia’s best-kept secrets: vast, wild and quietly unforgettable.

 

Cariboo Region, British Columbia

Highlights of the Cariboo Region

  • Horse riding on open range – Explore the region’s ranching heritage on horseback through meadows, forests and wide, open countryside.

  • Wildlife spotting – Encounter moose, black bears, deer and eagles in their natural habitat, often with expert local guides.

  • Off-grid wilderness stays – Stay in remote lodges offering home-cooked food, tailored activities and a deep sense of tranquillity.

  • Glacier-fed lakes – Swim, paddle or fish in pristine, silent lakes surrounded by forest and big Cariboo skies.

  • Gold Rush history – Follow the Gold Rush Trail through heritage towns and old trading posts rich in frontier character.

  • Seasonal beauty – Visit in summer for wildflowers or in autumn when the forests blaze gold, and the air turns crisp.

Tailor-Made Itineraries

Below are suggestions for the kind of journey you might take to the Cariboo Region. Your bespoke travel itinerary will be personalised to you, so it perfectly matches the kind of trip that you want to experience. 

Ideal Length: 12 days

Remote Luxury in British Columbia

Soaring above some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, this extraordinary journey through British Columbia is defined by private flights, remote wilderness lodges and rare moments of connection with the natural world.

From £31,000pp From $43,250pp

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Gold diggers

The Cariboo was the heart of British Columbia’s Gold Rush in the 1860s, drawing thousands of prospectors to what became known as the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail. Remnants of this wild chapter still exist today, from historic roadhouses to frontier towns like Barkerville, now a living heritage site where you can step back into 19th-century life.

 

Bears in the wilderness

The Cariboo region is home to one of the densest black bear populations in British Columbia. These shy but powerful animals thrive in the forests, wetlands and meadows that make up this vast wilderness. If you’re lucky, you might also spot grizzly bears, particularly in the higher alpine areas during late summer and early autumn.

 

Good to know

Getting to the Cariboo Region

Travel from Vancouver to the Cariboo region is typically by private charter flight, offering a scenic and efficient journey of around 90 minutes, landing near Siwash Lake or other remote lodges. Alternatively, you can drive north via Highway 97, following the historic Gold Rush Trail, a full day’s drive through changing landscapes, forests and ranch country. Helicopter transfers are also available for lodge guests seeking the fastest and most direct access into this remote and beautiful wilderness.

 

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

For the best chance of spotting bears in the wild, it has to be September with cooler temperatures and golden forests; it’s a magical time to be there.

 

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