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VANCOUVER
The GRT begins in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region in the buzzing modern-day metropolis of Vancouver. As British Columbia’s largest city, Vancouver boasts a very wide variety of activities for all to enjoy. If you like sports, you may want to take in a Major League Soccer (MLS) game at BC Place and cheer for the local Vancouver Whitecaps. You might also want to check out some Minor League Baseball (MiLB) at Nat Bailey Stadium, where you can cheer for the local Vancouver Canadians, Northwest League affiliate to the Toronto Blue Jays. The University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Museum of Anthropology, Science World, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the Sea Wall are all must see attractions in the Vancouver area. Additionally, there are always a multitude of events going on in the area, so there is always something for everyone to enjoy.
MIGHTY FRASER VALLEY
Although Victoria currently serves as British Columbia’s capital, New Westminster was the capital of colonial British Columbia. Visitors to New Westminster are encouraged to visit Irving House and to take a ride on a paddlewheeler. The fabulous Fraser River Discovery Centre is an absolute must see on a Gold Rush Trail (GRT) exploration trip. While you are in the area, you might also consider checking out the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Canadian National Historic Site and the historic community of Steveston.
Those who are interested in history will certainly be enthralled in a visit to Historic Fort Langley. As a Parks Canadian National Historic Site, Fort Langley offers a full schedule of events, allowing the opportunity to explore living history. To fully take in this experience, visitors should relish in a day of exploration and relax during a night of camping. From Fort Langley, the GRT continues northward to Hope, Yale, Boston Bar, and Lytton. Be sure to stop at Harrison Mills, the Othello Tunnels, Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park, Hell’s Gate, and Jackass Mountain on your journey through Mighty Fraser Country. Tuckkwiowhum Village is also a wonderful place to stop and explore Interior Salish First Nations culture.
THOMPSON VALLEY
The Thompson Valley GRT communities include Spences Bridge, Ashcroft and Cache Creek. Stay overnight in Goldpan Provincial Park, begin a river rafting expedition, and try your hand at angling for steelhead trout in Spences Bridge. Explore Ashcroft’s very diverse, rich history involving the Canadian Pacific Railway, First Nations, and the fire which destroyed most of Ashcroft’s businesses in 1916. In Cache Creek, the Gold Country GeoTourism Program (geocaching) promises fun and excitement for all ages. If you have never tried geocaching before, Cache Creek is the perfect place to get started.
MILE 0
The ultimate destination of prospectors was the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Region, where they journeyed onward to Barkerville, still seeking the concealed treasure. From beautiful scenic views to the largest heritage site in Western North America, the Region boasts many things to see and to do. The community of Lillooet, Mile 0 of the Cariboo Wagon Trail, rests near the stunningly beautiful Seton Lake.
From the shores of the vividly blue lake, the Rocky Mountaineer passenger train can be seen off in the distance. Another must see is BC Hydro’s Seton Dam. Visitors can even camp near the Seton Dam in the BC Hydro Seton Dam campground where they can view a Chinese bake oven left intact as a reminder of the gold rush. We suggest that you stop at Xwísten Tours for an Upper St’át’imc First Nations experience. On your way to the South Cariboo, you are sure to enjoy a unique visit at Hat Creek Ranch where you can explore pioneer life on the Gold Rush Trail as well as Secwepemc First Nations culture.
SOUTH CARIBOO
In Clinton, be sure to stop and see the museum which is home to a wealth of information on the gold rush. You might also consider visiting Clinton during the month of May to witness the Canadian event with the greatest longevity. The Clinton Annual Ball has been an ongoing event since 1868. Hopefully, Clinton will soon be the new beginning for the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST). The GRST currently begins in 70 Mile House, although an expansion to Clinton is in the works.
Not only is 100 Mile House located on the GRT, but it is also the largest community on the GRST. There are a ton of things to do in the 100 Mile House are. Activities you may enjoy in the area include partaking in power sports, hiking, backpacking, golfing, cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting, swimming, ice skating, and many more as the possibilities are endless. The only limitation is your own imagination.
Nearby 108 Mile House offers a wonderful opportunity for people who enjoy a day on the lake, especially anglers. In 108 Mile House, a unique opportunity to venture out on guided horseback rides is available. Cross-country skiing and golfing are very popular activities in this area.
Lac La Hache traditionally served as a First Nations gathering place for celebrations where lehal games, foot races, and socializing would take place. For anglers and water-skiers alike, Lac La Hache is a delight. In 150 Mile House, visitors are encouraged to stop at the little red school house on the side of the highway, located beside the 150 Mile Elementary School.
CARIBOO MOUNTAINS
Horsefly is currently the final destination of the GRST and is one of British Columbia’s most unique communities, boasting an area rich with history. In 1858 the Cariboo Gold Rush began in Horsefly when Peter Dunlevey and his men discovered large amounts of gold in the area, thanks to their First Nations friend Tomaah and their guide Baptiste. Horsefly also offers spectacular views such as the majestic salmon run in the Horsefly River and gorgeous Moffat Falls.
Located in the picturesque Cariboo Montains, Likely is the gateway to the back road to Barkerville, the ultimate destination of the GRT. If you are heading through Likely, stop and see the Bullion Pit. It was used as a mine from 1892 until 1942 and today stands as a 400 foot deep man-made canyon, running 3 kilometers in length.
CENTRAL CARIBOO
Williams Lake is known as the Hub of the Cariboo, so if you are passing through, be sure to stop and see what all of the fuss is about. Located in Williams Lake, the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin is home to the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame. The World Famous Williams Lake Stampede, which occurs annually during July long weekend, began in 1919. In Canada, the only stampede greater is the Calgary Stampede. Mountain biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding and power sports are all popular activities within the Williams Lake area.
Soda Creek and the Xatśūll Heritage Village are the next must-see destinations along the GRT. At Xatśūll Heritage Village, visitors can engage in Northern Secwepemc First Nations experiences. From Soda Creek, visitors carry on along highway 97 to McLeese Lake, originally known as Mud Lake. During the summer months, the public swimming area is very popular at McLeese Lake.
NORTH CARIBOO
Quesnel is home to Billy Barker Days, held annually on the third weekend of July. The festival coincides with the Quesnel Rodeo and celebrates both local and British Columbia gold rush heritage. Those visiting Quesnel may also enjoy a visit to the Quesnel Museum at LeBourdais Park as well as the Historic Cottonwood House on Highway 26. Quesnel is the starting point for the Dog Sled Mail Run, and in Quesnel, visitors can experience dog sledding first hand.
Wells is one of the most unique communities in all of beautiful British Columbia. You will know when you are in Wells as the buildings are painted in extraordinarily vibrant colours. Those visiting Wells should be sure to check out the Sunset Theatre. If you will be in Wells during the first weekend in August, the ArtsWells Festival of All Things Art is a spectacular event.
Barkerville is the largest heritage site in Western North America, a living history museum, and a Canadian National Historic Site. In the historic town, visitors are able to view a variety of live displays as if they were living in the 19th Century. You can visit Theatre Royal, Cameron & Ames Blacksmith, the Cornish Waterwheel, Wendle House, Judge Begbie’s court as well as both English and Chinese schools. If you are able, be in Barkerville on July 1st, to celebrate Dominion Day. Until 1982, the day which commemorates Canada’s confederation (Canada Day), was known as Dominion Day.
STAY & PLAY
Along the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST), there are many places to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation. No matter if you prefer roughing it in the great outdoors or having a roof over your head at night, you will find the right accommodations for you. You can camp virtually anywhere along the GRST, or if you seek more comfortable accommodations, you can stop in a community along the trail.
CAMPING
Of course, camping is a lower cost option than accommodations which offer numerous amenities. In theory, you could sleep under the stars or set up a tent along the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST).
Valentine Lake, Helena Lake, Rail Lake, Spout Lake, and Two Mile Lake also offer established recreation campsites, which are pay per use, for those seeking a little more comfort. If you are planning to stay in a recreation campsite, we encourage you to do some research and find out what these campsites have to offer as the amenities at each will vary. Many other lakes in the area along the GRST also have unofficial camping areas for you to enjoy.
LODGING
Cabins and lodges have a higher cost than camping, but offer more amenities for your enjoyment. Typically, when you stay in a cabin, you do not need to bring anything other than your own food and toiletries. In lodges, food is usually provided. Most cabins and lodges will have shower facilities. You might also consider staying at a quaint bed and breakfast during your Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST) adventure. The best way to be sure what is or is not included in your stay is to confirm upon reservation.
Cabins and/or lodging may be found in the GRST locations of 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, 108 Mile House, Spout Lake, Two Mile Lake, and Horsefly. The communities of 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, 108 Mile House, and Horsefly each also have at least one motel and/or hotel. Bed and breakfasts can be found in 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, 108 Mile House, and Horsefly. Please be advised that accommodations at each facility will vary, so we recommend that you do some research to find a place that will best suit your needs.
AMENITIES
Those seeking food, fuel, power sport parts and service, or other supplies should also consider stopping in some of the wonderful communities along the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST).
