Historic Hat Creek Ranch

Welcome to Historic Hat Creek Ranch! We provide a unique opportunity for the general public, school groups and bus tours to experience BC?s Gold Rush era and First Nations history through interpretive tours of our 1860?s Roadhouse and Shuswap Native Village. Depending on the availability of our Interpreters, tours may be given in English, French or German. While at the Ranch, visitors can view our collection of antique agricultural machinery, visit the huge BX Barn, stroll through our beautiful apple orchard, see the McLeans' Cabin and watch a blacksmith or a saddle maker at work.

For a different type of adventure, we offer stagecoach rides along the historic "Cariboo Waggon Road", customized trail rides for novice to advanced riders through the surrounding ranchlands and beautiful backcountry, gold panning, and archery.

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 patio with its beautiful views over the sage-covered hills.

School and youth groups can select from our 1/2-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 teepee, 4 newly constructed cabins with or without private bathrooms, 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 a fire pit, storage facilities, a sweat lodge and a Tee Pee. Showers and washroom facilities 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, the Wild West Show & Trappers' Rendezvous and the Bonaparte Pow Wow (details available upon request).

Please do not hesitate to contact us toll free at 1-800-782-0922 or at hhcr@telus.net, should you require further information on our products and services. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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