The history of ranching in British Columbia dates back to the 1860s, when cattle were first introduced to the region. The early ranchers were mostly American and British, and they brought their herds to the province to take advantage of the vast grazing lands that were available.
In the early years, ranching in British Columbia was a challenging and often dangerous occupation. The region was sparsely populated, and ranchers had to contend with harsh weather conditions, wild animals, and the rugged terrain. However, they persevered, and by the late 1800s, the industry began to grow and prosper.
The development of railroads in the late 1800s made it easier for ranchers to transport their cattle to markets in other parts of Canada and the United States. This, in turn, led to an increase in the number of ranches in British Columbia, as more and more people saw the potential for profitable cattle ranching.
During the early part of the 20th century, the industry continued to grow, and many ranches became large-scale operations with hundreds or even thousands of head of cattle. However, the economic depression of the 1930s and the outbreak of World War II brought many ranches to the brink of bankruptcy.
Despite these setbacks, ranching in British Columbia has continued to thrive. Today, there are still many ranches in the province, ranging from small, family-run operations to large, commercial enterprises. Cattle ranching remains an important part of the economy in many rural areas of British Columbia, and it is a source of pride and tradition for many families who have been involved in the industry for generations.
British Columbia with a coastline of over 16,777 miles is the 3rd largest province and over half of all the province’s residents live in the greater Vancouver area.
British Columbia has a rich history of ranching that dates all the way back to the mid-1800s. Some of the more famous ranches include:
And many more!
There are many operating guest ranches today that allow experiencing ranching in British Columbia in a less strenuous manner than the cowboys of the 1880s.