Gold RushSnowmobile Trail

DRIVER’S LICENCE AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

A valid driver’s licence is needed to operate an off-road vehicle (ORV) on public roads, highways and forest service roads.
If you operate an ORV on or across highways, you’re required to obtain ICBC’s Basic Insurance. If you operate an ORV on forest service roads, you’ll need $200,000 in third party liability insurance. This may be obtained from ICBC or other insurers.

OPERATING ON A HIGHWAY OR PUBLIC ROAD

To operate on a highway, you must have an operation permit, except for crossing a highway or loading/unloading (see details below). Operation permits are available from any RCMP detachment near the Gold Rush Trail.

An operation permit is not required if you ride across a highway in a straight line at right angles to the highway, where traffic crossing the highway is controlled by a stop sign or a traffic control signal. If the speed limit is over 100 km/hr, you can only cross where there is a traffic control signal.

Unless specifically provided for in an operation permit, you must not operate an ORV on a highway between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise.

The restrictions above do not apply in a parking lot for the purpose of unloading or loading an ORV.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Though the trail meanders close to nearby communities, there are no direct access points along the trail to pull into a service station or business for fuel or food and beverage needs.  Access to these items is only via car or truck and not available by snowmobile.
• Prepare for the trip, consider terrain, location, weather, check avalanche warnings—use this information to prepare for ways to deal with them.
• Locate the area you will be riding—familiarize yourself with the area using a map.
• Assess your physical condition, equipment and safety rules. Use this info to help you decide whether the timing of the trip is good or not.
• Notify someone about where you are going, whom you are going with and when you expect to return. It’s a good idea to leave your specific route with a family member or friend.
• Cell phone service is not available on many areas of the trail. Dial 911 in case of emergency.

SAFE CROSSINGS:
Be careful when crossing railways or roads of any kind. Come to a complete stop and make absolutely sure no traffic is approaching from any direction. Then cross at a right angle to traffic.

TRAVELLING ON ROADWAYS:
When operating on plowed roads within the approved “Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail” all highway laws and rules apply. Always ride to the extreme right hand side, in single file.

• If an unplowed road edge is present, snowmobilers must use this surface
• Always obey posted speed limits and other signs, go slower when the road is narrow
• Always yield to motor vehicle traffic in front or behind you
• Never stop on a road or trail, ALWAYS pull off the road / travelled surface
• Remember a plowed road will have vehicle and possibly industrial/logging truck traffic. When encountering an active logging road use extreme caution!

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK:
Persons using the trail assume all responsibility for personal injury or damage to equipment resulting from the use of the trail and any facilities.

OBEY TRAIL SIGNS:

WEATHER CONDITIONS:
Due to the length, seasonal constraints, and maintenance of the trail, it is advisable to check the conditions of the trail prior to attempting the route.

TRAIL ACCESS POINTS:
Riders may enter at any point along the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST) and are not required to ride the entire trail in one go as the trail boasts numerous access points. The trail can be accessed from any of the communities along the route or via forest service roads along the route. Main access points are marked with signage, however due to the unlimited number of possible entry points not all are marked.

PARKING:
It is suggested that vehicles be parked in any one of the GRST communities (including 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, 108 Mile House, and Horsefly). Riders might also consider parking in Lac La Hache and heading toward Helena Lake in order to meet the GRST. Roadside parking is available virtually anywhere along the vast network of forest service roads in the area. We advise drivers to use common sense when parking as vehicles left blocking roads may be moved by the authorities at the expense of the driver. Extreme caution should be taken when parking in areas which are being actively logged; parking is at your own risk. Alternatively, parking may be available in conjunction with your accommodations.

WILDLIFE:
Riders have the wonderful opportunity to view a wide variety of wildlife while riding on the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST). Larger types of wildlife which may be seen include deer, moose, caribou, and bears. Other fur-bearing animals such as beavers, lynx, fishers, bobcats, wolverines, badgers, and martins may also be seen. You may also encounter smaller forms of wildlife such as rodents and birds.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE:
To keep this historic trail in pristine shape for generations to come, we ask that you assist us in adhering to the following trail etiquette requests:

• Pack out what you pack in – if you bring food/beverages, camping items, machine maintenance items and such, please do not leave any waste behind. Please pack-up all garbage and bring it with you to dispose of in an approved waste disposal or recycling bin at the next community along your way.
• Do not drink and drive – Driving under the influence is an illegal, chargeable offence in British Columbia
• Wildlife encounters – For your own safety, please use caution and do not approach wildlife. Remember, it is against the law to chase or harass wildlife.
• Stay on designated trails – Riders are encouraged to stay on designated trails as certain areas may have off-road closures for the protection of wildlife.

70 MILE HOUSE:
Approximately 42 kilometers south of 100 Mile House and 32 kilometers north of Clinton, the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST) begins in 70 Mile House. There is a service station in 70 Mile House where you can fuel up your machines before venturing out onto the GRST. Other amenities in the small community of 70 Mile House include a motel, restaurant, and pub.

100 MILE HOUSE:
The next community along the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST) is the District of 100 Mile House. Whether your machines require fuel, service, or parts, this is a wonderful place to stop for rejuvenation. The community offers a very wide variety of overnight accommodations, restaurants, pubs, fuel service stations, as well as motorsport/recreation shops. Alternatively, riders can stop in nearby 108 Mile House for fuel and accommodations.

HORSEFLY:
The final destination of the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST), Horsefly, is situated in the beautiful Cariboo Mountains. The beginnings of the Cariboo Gold Rush can be traced back to Horsefly. In 1858, with the help of two First Nations Men named Tomaah and Baptiste, Peter Dunlevey and his men found large amounts of gold in Horsefly. In this community, riders can obtain fuel and groceries. Restaurants, overnight accommodations, and a pub can also be found.

Show your support and donate to the GRST today. Your donations assist in funding towards the expansion of the trails, signage, trail maintenance, GPS map development, website development and so much more!