Kayaking on Watson Lake near 108 Mile Ranch

Locals in Nature's Heartland

Dimps Horn

person standing close to a horse holding the bridle

Dimps Horn has spent 75 years on horseback in her favourite place on Earth, the Cariboo Plateau in central British Columbia. As owner and operator of Watch Lake Lodge near 70 Mile House, she saddles up each day to lead trail rides and share her guest ranch with visitors from all over the world. Surrounded by rolling ranchlands, open grasslands, and the lakes and rivers of the Cariboo region, Dimps reflects on what living in Nature’s Heartland means to her. The rhythms of ranch life, a strong community, and a deep connection to the land are what inspire her to take the reins each day.

Nature's Heartland Travel Questions Answered

Where was this video filmed?
This video was filmed on the Cariboo Plateau near 70 Mile House in central British Columbia, part of Nature’s Heartland. Located near Green Lake Provincial Park and about 20 minutes from 100 Mile House, this area is home to sprawling ranches, sweeping grasslands, river canyons, and a rich and diverse heritage shaped by First Nations and settler stories.

How do I visit this area?
Ways to access the communities in central BC include the following:

By car: The Cariboo Plateau is accessible from all major BC Highways. One option is via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) past Lillooet to Cache Creek, then north along Highway 97. Another route is via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which also connects to Highway 97 at Cache Creek. Always check drivebc.ca for road conditions before setting out.
By train: Take the Rocky Mountaineer’s Rainforest to Gold Rush route from Vancouver to Jasper, Alberta. The route travels from British Columbia’s Central Coast through the interior of the province, stopping in Quesnel.
By air: Fly into the regional airports of Kamloops, Williams Lake, or Quesnel. You can rent a car or RV and drive to 70 Mile House and the surrounding area.

When is the best time to go?
While you can travel to Nature’s Heartland year-round, the warmer months between late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable conditions for road trips and outdoor activities. Summer is ideal for getting out into the region’s forests, lakes, and parks. The shoulder seasons before June and after August bring fewer visitors and quieter trails. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland suited for winter activities and cozy nights.

What can I do nearby?
Nature’s Heartland is abundant with outdoor activities including wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. Take in the layered landscapes and immerse yourself in First Nations culture and Gold Rush history. Spend time in Chasm Ecological Reserve, a protected area filled with ponderosa pine forest. For a taste of history, head north to 100 Mile House, home of the world’s tallest pair of cross-country skis, and 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site.

Where can I stay?
Nature’s Heartland is a prime destination for rustic accommodation in the badlands. Stay in Watch Lake Lodge’s historic cabins built in the early 1900s and hear tales from the past, complete with home-cooked meals and trail rides. There are several other guesthouses, ranch stays, and small hotels in and around 100 Mile House. Meanwhile, Green Lake Provincial Park and other campgrounds in the area offer sites for those who want to sleep under the stars. More remote wilderness lodges may require additional travel by vehicle along the region’s scenic backroads.