Seven-Up Ranch - A Testament to British Columbia’s Ranching History - Burns Lake, BC

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Francois Lake in British Columbia’s storied ranching country, the Seven-Up Ranch is a meticulously managed and productive cattle operation spanning 3,048 deeded acres across 18 separate titles. This turnkey ranch also includes a contiguous 1,600-acre leasehold property and adjacent Crown range with 600 AUMs, creating a tightly integrated, large-scale land base ideal for a sustainable livestock enterprise.

The ranch is currently home to a Red Angus/Charolais cross herd and has historically supported up to 400 cow/calf pairs, with 160 currently being run. Supporting infrastructure includes two 120' x 40' hay barns, a 120' x 40' calving barn, full cattle handling facilities, and approximately 5 km of fencing on the Crown range. All deeded land is fenced and cross-fenced for efficient grazing management.

Water is a critical asset, and the ranch is exceptionally well-resourced. It holds multiple water licences, two drilled wells, and a gravity-fed dam servicing the corrals and barns. Additional dugouts on the deeded land and plentiful water sources across the range ensure reliable livestock hydration and irrigation potential.

Roughly 800 acres are in hay production, producing an average of 1,200 large bales annually. Another 100 acres are in grain, utilized for silage. The leasehold and range parcels are immediately adjacent to the deeded land, creating a highly functional and cohesive footprint.

With a long ranching history, this region of north-central BC is known for its strong community of multigenerational ranching families, reliable water, and favorable growing conditions. Francois Lake itself offers not only incredible scenery but also moderating climatic effects, helping extend the productive season.

The ranch is offered as a share sale. Cattle and equipment may be purchased in addition to the asking price, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a fully operational ranch in one of British Columbia’s most scenic and agriculturally rich landscapes.

Approx 3,048 acres deeded, 18 titles
Approx 1,600 acres leasehold
Approx 19,000 acres Crown grazing licence

Located in the Colleymount area on the north shores of Francois Lake, BC

Contact Listing Agent.

The Burns Lake area, situated within the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, has a long-standing tradition of ranching, with a mix of multigenerational family operations and new entrants drawn by affordable land and strong water access. Ranching here typically focuses on cow/calf operations, hay production, and some mixed-use grazing.

Key Agricultural Data

Primary Land Use: cattle ranching, hay production, forage crops, and some grain silage.
Average farm size: approximately 820 acres (significantly above the provincial average).
Total Agricultural Land Base (Bulkley-Nechako): over 1.2 million acres, with a large portion in the Burns Lake-Francois Lake corridor.
Number of farms (census region): ~675
Top commodities:
- Cow/calf beef operations
- Hay and fodder production (grass-legume mixes)
- Limited grain/silage crops (barley, oats)

Growing Conditions and Climate

Moderate climate moderated by Francois Lake
Long daylight hours in summer and reliable precipitation
Non-irrigated hay yields in the area typically range from 1.5 to 2.5 tons per acre, depending on field quality and management practices

Cattle Production

Cow/calf pairs typically grazed on deeded and Crown land with grazing leases and AUM-based range tenures
Red and Black Angus dominate the local herd genetics, with increasing use of Charolais and Simmental for terminal crosses
Calves are usually sold in fall at regional auction marts or via direct-to-buyer programs

Access to Services

Burns Lake serves as the regional service hub, offering access to veterinary services, feed suppliers, livestock transportation, and auction support
The area is supported by the BC Livestock Producers Co-op (Prince George), and Nechako Valley Auction Mart (Vanderhoof)

Francois Lake is not only a prime location for ranching but also a destination for exceptional outdoor recreation. The lake itself is renowned for year-round fishing, offering abundant rainbow trout and lake char. Boating, kayaking, and swimming are popular in the warmer months, while ice fishing and snowmobiling take over in winter.

The surrounding wilderness is a haven for hunters, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The ranch and adjacent Crown land offer excellent hunting opportunities, including a healthy population of big bull elk, which are frequently seen on the property. Moose, deer, and black bear are also common throughout the area, making this a true four-season recreational paradise.

With direct access to trails, lakes, and expansive forest, the Francois Lake area is ideal for horseback riding, ATVing, and backcountry exploration—providing endless opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and rich wildlife of northern British Columbia.

Francois Lake is the second-longest natural lake in British Columbia, stretching approximately 110 kilometres through the Bulkley-Nechako region. The lake became a key geographic feature during early European exploration and fur trade activity in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Its name, "Francois," is believed to originate from French-speaking voyageurs or settlers and was likely a reference to the Catholic presence in the region during early missionary activity.

In the early 1900s, settlers were drawn to the lake's fertile shorelines and moderate climate, which proved ideal for homesteading, hay production, and cattle ranching. The arrival of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway to nearby communities accelerated access to markets and supplies. Ranches and agricultural operations developed on the lake’s south shore, with Francois Lake becoming a long-standing hub for cattle, logging, and lake-based transportation.

The lake has long been recognized for its scenic beauty, reliable water sources, and temperate microclimate, which have all supported sustainable ranching and farming over the past century.

Burns Lake, located just north of Francois Lake, began its development in the early 1900s as a strategic midpoint for settlers and transportation routes along the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. Named after Michael Byrnes (with the spelling later anglicized to "Burns"), a railway construction worker, the community evolved from a rail stop to a service and supply centre for the surrounding agricultural and forestry industries.

As the railway brought greater accessibility, settlers established farms, ranches, and mills throughout the area. By the mid-20^th century, Burns Lake had grown into a small but vital regional centre supporting logging operations, cattle ranching, and small-scale farming. With the development of Highway 16, the town’s role as a transportation and commerce hub continued to expand.

Today, Burns Lake remains a central service community for surrounding rural and agricultural properties, including those on Francois Lake, and plays an important role in the region’s ranching economy.

54° 3'16.88"N and 126° 9'21.58"W