A DAY AT THE FLYING U
DAYS YOU'LL NEVER FORGET
No two days are exactly the same here — but every day is a full one. The ranch runs on a rhythm that's been working for over 100 years. Settle into it.
Here, the spirit of the old west lives on and things remain pretty much as they were 100 years ago.
Upon arrival, each guest is assigned their own historic cabin. This is a highlight of the ranch experience - you'll immediately want to take a few moments to appreciate the unique experience, complete with wood-burning stoves, hand-hewn log furniture, covered sitting porches with rocking chairs, and a view of the most beautiful lake in central BC.
The General Store and Office is open 9am–5pm for drinks, snacks, gifts, and souvenirs.
GETTING ORIENTED
After you check in and get settled, it is time for your orientation course (provided at 8:45am and 12:45pm daily).
Here you will go over all the ranch riding rules so that you can stay safe while you ride on the 60,000 acres of trails. Then it’s down to the main barn to meet the horse wranglers and get introduced to the horses. The Flying U has 100 horses and experienced wranglers including our head wrangler and our senior wrangler.
Each guest is assigned a horse according to his or her ability, and that horse will be the guest's mount for the duration of their stay. Then, to get you comfortable, you head out on an orientation ride with your wrangler to get you familiar with your horse and the environment.
THE RIDING
Rides depart daily at 9:00am and 1:00pm, running approximately 2 hours each.
For those wanting a longer day in the saddle, full day rides of 5–6 hours are available with a lunch stop on the trail. Sign-up sheets are posted in the lodge — all riders must sign up before the daily deadline.
We ride through 60,000 acres of Cariboo wilderness — aspen groves, meadows, ridge lines, and trails that date back to the Alaska/Yukon wagon route of the early 1800s.
There are many trails to choose from and is accommodated to the different levels of riding experience.
AFTER THE DAY'S RIDE
After the day's ride, guests have a number of activities to choose from.
There is swimming and canoeing on Green Lake or enjoy a game of badminton or horseshoes. Or you can choose to head up to the games room for a game of pool or ping pong.
A highlight of the day is our boat cruise, every day at 3pm in our 14-passenger special bowrider. General swim happens daily at 4pm. That’s when we also provide complimentary water tubing for children and adults alike.
THE MEAL TIME BELL RINGS
Mealtime at the lodge/dining room is announced with the clanging of the bell, following a tradition that goes back generations.
Family and friends eat together ranch-style on benches with long tables. Breakfast is served promptly at 8am and at breakfast, daily announcements are made regarding trail and weather updates. Then the buffet lunch is at 12pm and dinners are at 6pm.
The Flying U has an authentic western saloon separate from the main lodge. The Longhorn Saloon is open from 5pm to 6pm daily for happy hour and again after dinner. Cocktails are served to the sounds of the circa 1880 nickelodeon. Beer, wine, cider and coolers can also be purchased in the dining room.
The 24-hour refreshment station in the lodge is always stocked with cowboy cookies, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
EVENINGS AT THE RANCH
Evenings are completely your choice.
You can take a canoe out for a romantic paddle or just go to your cabin with a book. There is a horse drawn hayride every Tuesday and Saturday starting at 7pm at the front of the lodge. Every Friday night is line dancing. Entertainment is topped off with an old western whoop-de-doo with a live band Saturday night. And overnight there is an open fire in the fire pit with smores.
Again, guests are encouraged to enjoy the ranch at their own pace with hot chocolate or something stronger in the saloon.
Tuesday & Saturday
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Horse-drawn hayride with Babe & Star, departing 7pm from the front of the lodge. Followed by a bonfire at the custom fire pit — marshmallows, stories, and a sky full of stars.
Friday
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Line dancing in the lodge.
Saturday
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Live band and the legendary Western Whoop-de-doo. The whole ranch comes together.
Also available
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Archery, karaoke, Trivia and movie nights are available on a rotating basis on all other evenings throughout the week. Open fire at the fire pit overnight (when BC fire bans allow).
YOUR DAY COULD LOOK LIKE THIS
A FLYING U SCHEDULE
7:00am – 8:00am 🎣 Early morning fishing off the dock — rainbow trout and kokanee are biting before breakfast.
8:00am — The Bell Rings Breakfast is served in the lodge, ranch-style on long tables with benches. Daily trail and weather announcements are made here. The tradition goes back 100 years — don't be late.
8:45am Riding orientation for new guests — ranch rules, meet your wrangler, meet your horse. From here you head out on your first ride to get comfortable with your mount and the land.
9:00am – 11:00am Morning ride — 2 hours through the Cariboo wilderness with your wrangler and your horse.
9:00am – 12:00pm Fishing off the dock continues for those staying onshore.
12:00pm — Lunch Buffet lunch served in the lodge.
12:45pm Second riding orientation for late arrivals and new guests.
1:00pm – 3:00pm Afternoon ride — 2 hours through 60,000 acres of Cariboo wilderness. Sign-up sheets posted in the lodge daily.
Not riding this afternoon? The waterfront and dock are yours — diving board, bench seating, or just your feet in the water.
3:00pm – 4:00pm Nature launch tour and Caribbean Swim with Big Larson — a Flying U signature. Don't miss it.
3:00pm – 6:00pm Open waterfront — canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding. All equipment provided, all complimentary.
4:00pm – 5:00pm Power boat tubing — complimentary for all guests, kids and adults alike.
5:00pm – 6:00pm Happy hour at the Longhorn Saloon — swinging doors open to the sounds of the circa 1880 nickelodeon. Beer, wine, cider, and cocktails served.
6:00pm — Dinner Served in the lodge. After dinner the saloon reopens — most nights it stays open late.