108 Mile Ranch is a small residential community situated in the heart of the South Cariboo region of British Columbia, surrounded by rolling hills, ranches, thousands of lakes and boundless recreational activities.
108 Mile Ranch offers visitors activity-packed resorts, a number of charming Bed and Breakfasts, an 18-hole championship golf course and recreational opportunities galore in both summer and winter.
Located on the route to the great Cariboo Gold Rush, the community of 108 Mile House was established when a few of the weary travellers settled in the area, carving out a place for themselves.
A gas station and shopping centre at the entrance to the residential area offers visitors many products and services.
Location: 108 Mile Ranch is located just off the Cariboo Highway 97, south of Lac La Hache and 7.5 miles (12 km) north of 100 Mile House. 108 Airport is the regional facility for the South Cariboo capable of handling corporate jets and multi-engine aircraft, with passenger flights from Williams Lake and Vancouver.
108 Mile features a Heritage Site with a collection of eleven historical buildings on three hectares, including the old 1908 Clydesdale barn, one of the largest in Canada, the 105 Mile roadhouse, the 108 Mile telegraph office, and the 1867 hotel and store. Your visit to the 108 Heritage site will take you back to the good old days of the famous Mile Houses on the Cariboo Wagon Road.
Break your trip along the Cariboo Highway with a dip in the refreshing fresh water of 108 Lake or Sepa Lake. The beaches at these lakes, and the hundreds of others in the area provide ideal spots for picnicking and swimming.
The Jack Gawthorn Memorial Dog Sled Race is held in 108 Mile ranch in January, attracting dog-sledding teams from across Western Canada.
Other not-to-be-missed annual events for the whole family are the 100 Mile Nordics’ Triathlon and the Canada Day Celebrations at the Heritage Site.
Skiing: Downhill skiers and snowboarders are catered for as well, 24 kilometres east of Lac la Hache off the Cariboo Highway. The Mt. Timothy Ski Area operates a family ski hill featuring a snowboard park and a seven-minute scenic t-bar ride up the 1,635-metre hill. Overnight RV plug-in sites are available. Skiing & Winter Activities in the Cariboo.
Arguably the best track-set cross-country skiing in the Cariboo is found at 108 Mile Ranch. The 120-miles (200-km) machine-groomed trail system that loops between 108 Mile Ranch and 99 Mile House are unmatched anywhere else this side of Washington’s Methow Valley. One of the best and most beautiful networks in North America, it is also one of the longest in Canada.
Trail passes are required for use of the groomed trail system. 100 Mile House hosts the annual Cariboo Cross-country Marathon, that draws an international field of between 700 and 1,000 Nordic ski enthusiasts to the second oldest loppet in Canada. The race is held in February, and covers lengths of 10, 20 30 and 50 kilometres.
The trails are divided into two categories. Close to 108 Mile Ranch the terrain is gentle: perfect for the gliding style that makes cross-country skiing such a rhythmic experience. Beginner and intermediate skiers will find these groomed routes just their speed. Closer to 99 Mile House at the 99 Mile House Cross-Country Trails you’ll discover 12 miles (20 km) of steep, high-performance trails with tight corners and a variety of technical sections suited to marathoners. Many of the trails in both 108 Mile Ranch and 99 Mile House are also lit for night skiing, though nothing tops moonlight. Over 20,000 visitors a year come to enjoy the cross-country skiing here. A user fee per day is charged, which includes the use of a large log chalet built by the 100 Mile Nordic Club in the mid 1990s. Ice skating is also possible here.
Dog Sledding: is fast gaining in popularity, and the Cariboo is one of the few areas that has outfitters offering the sport to the general public. Tours lasting two hours or more also afford stalwart mushers the opportunity to drive their own team. Previous experience is not necessary as complete instructions are provided. At nearby Canim Lake, enjoy snowmobiling, ski touring, skating, snow-shoeing and sleighride opportunities.
Other winter activities in the area include snowmobiling and ice-fishing.
Golf: Rolling hills create a stunning backdrop for the championship 108 Golf Resort. The 18-hole, par 71 course overlooks two lakes on 108 Mile Ranch. Golf Vacations in British Columbia.
Lac La Hache Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the Cariboo, especially famous for its kokanee and trophy sized lake trout fishing. Ice fishing is popular in winter.
East of 108 Mile Ranch is Canim Lake. During summer this beautiful area is fantastic for hiking, canoeing, boating and fishing. Winter brings backcountry skiing, as well as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dogsledding and sleigh rides.
Southwest of 108 Mile Ranch you’ll find another wonderful wilderness recreation area, Moose Valley Provincial Park. Bring your cameras or binoculars to get a closer look at the bald eagles, sand cranes and the moose you’ll see while you take a few inspiring days to canoe the chain of 12 lakes that make up the park.
South of 108 Mile Ranch is 100 Mile House, once a major hub on the Cariboo Wagon Road. 100 Mile House is now a major service and commercial area for outlying communities and industries within the Cariboo.
North of 108 Mile House is the small, friendly community of Lac La Hache, which describes itself as the Longest Town in the Cariboo. Highway 97 skirts the entire 19-kilometre shoreline of this beautiful lake in its rolling Fraser Plateau setting, which has many fishing lodges, guest ranches and vacation homes sprinkled along its perimeter.
See the best of the Cariboo, Chilcotin and BC Coast on the Discovery Coast Circle Tour. Cross to Vancouver Island from Vancouver and head north, boarding the Queen of Chilliwack in Port Hardy. Return to the mainland at Bella Coola, and enjoy the grassy plateaus, rolling meadows, picturesque canyons and high mountain peaks of the Chilcotin. The old Cariboo Wagon Road will lead you back to Vancouver through the heart of the Cariboo region. The Inside Passage Tour, the Native Heritage Tour, and the Circle Tour of Northern BC all incorporate the Cariboo Highway 97 for the journey between Prince George and Vancouver. Circle Tours in British Columbia.
