Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Leave city life behind as you trek north to the Cariboo-Chilcotin Coast region, which extends from a remote stretch of the Pacific Ocean to a high plateau that has been prime ranching country for over a century. The region’s human history is dominated by one of Canada’s biggest gold rushes, when over 100,000 miners and fortune seekers travelled along the Cariboo Wagon Road from Hastings Mill (the site of present day Vancouver) in search of their fortune. This era comes alive at Barkerville, a restored gold rush town, and at Hat Creek and Cottonwood Ranches, which thrived as stopping points along the long route north. Each of the three sites offers plenty to see and do and wonderfully scenic settings in which to simply relax and soak up the past.

Barkerville Historic Town
Provincial Historic Site

After Billy Barker struck gold in 1862, thousands of goldseekers descended on what quickly became known as Barkerville. At its peak, the rough and tumble town was home to 10,000 people, but fortunes eventually faded and by the 1920s it had been all but abandoned. Today, over 130 buildings have been restored or re-created, with costumed interpreters helping to bring the Cariboo Gold Rush back to life. Enjoy Theatre Royal and its new shows each summer, try your hand at panning and be rewarded by the glitter of real gold, and when you get hungry saunter in to one of many gold-rush themed restaurants. For a truly unique experience, book a room at one of Barkerville’s historic bed and breakfasts.

Barkerville Historic Town © Photo courtesy of Studio Grandell

Barkerville is 88 kilometres east of Quesnel. The grounds are open year-round, although most attractions only open from mid-May to the end of September.

Services: visitor centre, guided tours, bed and breakfast accommodations and camping, restaurants, gift shops, picnic area, washrooms.

For more information, call 888.994.3332 or visit www.barkerville.ca

Cottonwood House
Provincial Historic Site

Built in 1864 to serve travelers on the Cariboo Wagon Road, Cottonwood House is one of the oldest buildings still standing in British Columbia’s interior. Walk the original Cariboo Wagon Road and wander through the roadhouse that once served weary guests such as infamous Judge Begbie and poet Pauline Johnston. Activities include farm animals, traditional games such as horseshoes, walking trails along the Cottonwood River, and wagon rides. Lunch is served in the restored General Store, with the most sought after tables are set along the veranda. The gift shop is notable for its locally made wood products.

Cottonwood House is east of Quesnel, along the road to Barkerville. It’s open mid-May to early September.

Services: cabin accommodations and camping, restaurant, gift shop, picnic area, washrooms

For more information, call 250.992.2071 or visit www.cottonwoodhouse.ca

Historic Hat Creek Ranch
Provincial Historic Site

Step back in time to the 1860s at Historic Hat Creek Ranch, set on one of the few remaining publicly accessible stretches of the Cariboo Wagon Road. Established as a stopping point for miners, pack-train operators, stagecoaches, and wagon trains heading to the Cariboo goldfields, many original buildings remain, including the roadhouse. Visitors can jump aboard a stagecoach, wander through the orchard, and even stay overnight in a teepee. A path along the banks of Hat Creek leads to a re-created Shuswap village that includes an authentic Kekuli (winter pit house). Here you will learn about the enduring presence of the Shuswap people and their contribution to the ranching industry.

Historic Hat Creek Ranch is at the junction of Highways 97 and 99, north from Cache Creek. It’s open May to September.

Services: guided tours, demonstrations, stagecoach rides, accommodations, RV sites and camping, food services, gift shop, picnic area, washrooms Historic Hat Creek Ranch

For more information, call 800.782.0922 or visit www.hatcreekranch.co