RANCH HISTORY
HISTORY OF THE FLYING U RANCH
A Place Older Than the Gold Rush
Flying U Ranch stands apart for a simple reason — it was here before most of British Columbia found its footing. Established in 1849 by an original Crown grant from the Queen of England, the ranch predates the gold rush boomtown of Barkerville and remains the documented oldest continually operating ranch in Canada.
Long before it became a destination, it was a working frontier outpost — built for survival, self-sufficiency, and the demands of a rugged landscape.
The Road to the North — 1849s & Beyond
What is now the ranch's main interior street was once far more than a quiet pathway. It served as part of the primary route pushing north toward Alaska — a corridor used by the Cariboo Fur Brigade, traders, prospectors, and early travellers moving through the Cariboo and beyond. The same trail those traders rode is the trail our guests ride out of the corral today.
Hoofbeats, wagons, and cattle drives once passed where guests now stroll between cabins and the village. The ranch didn't just witness history — it sat directly in its path.
A Working Ranch That Built a Community — 1890s to 1930s
Shortly after the original Crown grant, several of the original log buildings still standing on the property were constructed as roadhouse facilities. Around the same time, the Hudson's Bay Company erected a trading post on the site of what is now the lodge.
From roughly 1890 to 1930, Flying U Ranch was the largest employer in the region. At a time when the surrounding country was still being settled, the ranch provided steady work, structure, and a centre of activity for the area. Visitors arrived from across Europe and North America to experience the rancher's way of life in the open, wild country of the Cariboo. Horses were raised, trained, and worked here. Cattle were raised. Supplies moved through. Skills were passed down.
Much of that legacy still stands today.
Jack Boyd & The Birth of the Guest Ranch — 1922
In 1922, Jack Boyd — a member of the founding family and champion rodeo cowboy known for his card playing, daring exploits, and wild adventures across Western Canada and beyond — changed the course of the ranch forever. His close friend was Tom Mix, the Hollywood cowboy star. Together they founded the Flying U Guest Ranch — the first guest ranch in Canada.
A Village That Grew Over Time — 1849 to Present
Rather than being built all at once, Flying U evolved into a small western village over decades:
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The original barn (1849) — constructed from local timber, anchored early ranch life. An addition was added in the 1890s.
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The blacksmith shop (late 1800s) — supporting daily operations, keeping horses shod and equipment in working order.
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The saloon (late 1800s) — a recreation of the saloons of the era, became a social hub after long days.
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An RCMP office and jail (early 1900s) — reflecting the need for order in a frontier setting.
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The recreation hall and theatre (mid 1900s) — marking the ranch's transition into a guest experience.
Each structure reflects a different chapter — not a replica, but the real thing.
Cabins With a Past — Over 100 Years Old
Today's guests don't just stay "inspired by history" — they stay in it.
Many of the log cabins still in use were originally built for working wranglers and ranch hands. These were practical homes, designed for long days, early mornings, and life lived close to the land. Our guests today sleep in those same cabins — now over 100 years old — answer to the same meal bell, relax in the same saloon, and ride the same trails.
What once housed cowboys now welcomes guests — but the bones, craftsmanship, and authenticity remain unchanged.
Still Standing, Still Authentic — 175 Years and Counting
The Flying U has remained privately owned throughout its entire history — preserving its independence, character, and continuity across generations.
There are few places left where history hasn't been rebuilt or reimagined — but simply carried forward. At Flying U Ranch, the land, the buildings, and the layout still reflect their original purpose. The past hasn't been polished away — it's part of the everyday experience.
And that's what makes it more than historic. That makes it real.
TODAY AT THE FLYING U
John Lovelace
In October 2015, the ranch was purchased by an investment group led by businessman John Lovelace.
John was a Real Estate developer in Ontario and built 3200 housing units. He is a pilot of 40 years and the holder of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association Presidents award.
Over the past 9 years, the ranch, under John’s leadership, has seen a major makeover. While he is not a horseback rider, John is an accomplished businessman. He has added over 60 horses, 24 new staff members, and has remodelled all the executive homes, lodge, and cabins. He has expanded the ranch equipment including tractors, safety equipment, work vans and watercraft. As a result, the ranch has seen a huge increase in guests, especially an influx of young families with children.
John is married to Nancy and has two children and five grandchildren. In the winters he lives an unpretentious life with his two dogs in rural Mexico.