List of historic ranches in British Columbia facts for kids

Ranches are large farms where cattle, horses, or other livestock are raised. In British Columbia, Canada, ranches have played a huge part in the province's history and development. Many of these ranches started in the 1800s. They helped shape the landscape and economy of different regions.

These ranches are often found in areas like the Cariboo, Chilcotin, Thompson Country, and Okanagan. They are known for their beautiful scenery and rich history. Some ranches are still operating today, continuing traditions that are over a hundred years old. Others are now historic sites or parks. They help us remember the early days of ranching in BC.

Famous Ranches in British Columbia

British Columbia is home to many famous ranches. Each one has its own unique story. These ranches often have interesting founders or special historical events connected to them.

Ranches of the Cariboo and Chilcotin

The Cariboo and Chilcotin regions are famous for their vast ranch lands. Many ranches here have been around for a very long time.

Bridge Creek Ranch

The Bridge Creek Ranch is located in the South Cariboo. It was founded in 1912 by William Cecil. He was the 5th Marquess of Exeter, a noble title from England. This ranch is still operating today. It has been owned by different Marquesses of Exeter over the years.

Chilancoh Ranch

The Chilancoh Ranch in the Chilcotin region started in 1886. It was founded by Hugh Peel Lane Bayliff and Gertrude Louise Jane Lane Bayliff. This ranch is also still active. It is currently owned by R. Hugh L. Bayliff and Hellen L. Bayliff.

Cottonwood Ranch

The Cottonwood Ranch is in the North Cariboo. It began in the 1860s. This ranch is part of the early history of the region.

Gang Ranch

The Gang Ranch is a very large and well-known ranch. It is located where the Chilcotin District meets the Fraser Canyon. It was established in the 1870s. Today, it is known to be owned by Saudi money.

Hungry Valley Ranch

The Hungry Valley Ranch is another ranch in the Chilcotin District. It is currently owned by John Wells.

Sky Ranch

Also in the Chilcotin District, the Sky Ranch is another historic property.

Ranches of the Thompson and Okanagan

The Thompson and Okanagan regions also have a rich ranching history. These areas are known for their warmer climates and fertile lands.

Ashcroft Manor Ranch

The Ashcroft Manor Ranch, also called Cornwall Ranch, is in Thompson Country. It was founded in the 1860s by Clement Francis Cornwall. He was a Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia.

Coldstream Ranch

The Coldstream Ranch is located in the Okanagan-Shuswap area. It was founded by Charles Frederick Houghton. Later, Forbes G. and Charles Albert Vernon were important owners of this ranch.

Dominion Ranch

The Dominion Ranch, also known as Semlin Ranch, is in Thompson Country. It was linked to Charles Augustus Semlin. He was the 12th Premier of British Columbia.

Giusachan Ranch

The Giusachan Ranch is in Kelowna, in the Okanagan region. It started in the late 1850s. It was later owned by Aberdeen Holdings. Lord Aberdeen was also connected to this ranch.

Monte Creek Ranch

The Monte Creek Ranch, or Duck's Ranch, is in Thompson Country. It began in the 1850s. Jacob Duck bought it from its first owner, known only as "Monte." Hewitt Bostock was also a notable owner.

O'Keefe Ranch

The O'Keefe Ranch is in the North Okanagan. It was founded in 1867 by Cornelius O'Keefe. This ranch is now a popular historic site. Visitors can learn about pioneer life there.

Ranches of the Fraser Canyon and Bridge River

The rugged Fraser Canyon and Bridge River Country also have their share of historic ranches.

Basque Ranch

The Basque Ranch is in the Fraser Canyon, near Big Bar Ferry. It is connected to the family of Garnet Basque, a well-known historian.

Boothroyd's

Boothroyd's, also called Canyon Gardens, is in the Fraser Canyon near Boston Bar. It was established in the 1860s.

Diamond 'S' Ranch

The Diamond 'S' Ranch is in Pavilion, within the Fraser Canyon-Lillooet area. It was founded in the 1860s by Robert Carson. It was sometimes called "Carson's Kingdom."

Empire Valley Ranch

The Empire Valley Ranch is also in the Fraser Canyon, near Big Bar Ferry. It started in the late 1850s. Clarence Bryson has owned it since 1956.

Gun Creek Ranch

The Gun Creek Ranch is located in the Bridge River Country.

Moha Ranch

The Moha Ranch is another historic ranch in the Bridge River area. It started in the 1870s.

Rexmount Ranch

The Rexmount Ranch is also found in the Bridge River area.

Ranches of Other Regions

Currie Ranch

The Currie Ranch is near Pemberton and Mount Currie. It started in the 1870s. John Currie was a notable rancher connected to this property.

Douglas Lake Ranch

The Douglas Lake Ranch is in the Nicola Country. It was founded in 1886. It is one of the largest ranches in British Columbia. "Chunky" Woodward and Bernie Ebbers were past owners.

'R' Ranch

The 'R' Ranch is in the Similkameen Country. It was founded in 1864 by Francis Xavier Richter. He was also an owner of the ranch.