By Marisa Paterson
For many, the thought of vacation time ends with the first hint of autumn. For others, heeding the call of tropical climes is a vital part of chasing away the winter blues. But those lucky enough to visit the Cariboo after the snow flies will soon learn why the region is one of British Columbia’s hottest winter vacation destinations.
Gold seekers came here in the late 1800s looking for a better life, and savvy visitors will find that the region provides a wealth of varied opportunities for sightseeing and recreational adventure. Whether searching for exhilarating skiing, snowmobiling or dog-sledding, or a relaxing spa retreat, the Cariboo has it all – and more. And with so many accommodation options, there’s sure to be one that’s right for every traveller’s needs – and pocketbook.
The Cariboo stretches from Lillooet in the south, Mile ‘O’ of the historic Gold Rush Trail, to Barkerville in the north, trail’s end for past prospectors and now a living history museum. To the west are the towering Coast Mountains and the giant cedar of the Bella Coola Valley and the fjords, islands and channels of the Discovery Coast Passage. To the east are the Interlakes, an angler’s paradise, and the snowcapped peaks of the Cariboo Mountains.
Located on the Fraser River, Lillooet marked the end of the first leg of the water route from the Pacific coast to the Cariboo gold mines. From here, the Cariboo Trail travelled north to such destinations as 100 Mile House and 150 Mile House, named for their distances from the start of the trail. West of Lillooet lies Gold Bridge, with its surrounding cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails.
Don’t forget that this is also cowboy country, and the spirit of old-fashioned hospitality, good ol’ home cooking and a relaxed western atmosphere lives on, especially in the region’s many guest ranches. Continue north along Hwy 99 to the junction of Hwy 97 between Cache Creek and Clinton. Hwy 97, ‘The Gold Rush Trail,’ will take you into the Cariboo north from Cache Creek or south from Prince George.
Clinton is the first town along the northbound route. During the gold rush of the late 1850s and early 1860s, it was at the junction of several wagon roads leading to northern goldfields. The town still retains much of its frontier character. Nearby Hart Ridge offers alpine skiing. Clinton and area is known as ‘The Guest Ranch Capital of British Columbia.’ Guests can take in a wide range of activities, including cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, skidoo expeditions, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, skating, tobogganing and ice-fishing, and, at the end of the day, marvel at the Northern Lights while relaxing in the outdoor hot tub.
The Cariboo is one of British Columbia’s finest areas for fishing. ‘The Fishing Highway’ (Hwy 24) will lead appreciative anglers to more than 100 lakes. Running from Hwy 97 at 93 Mile east of Little Fort, the route is also referred to as the ‘Side Door’ if travelling from Alberta. Many resorts in the area as open year-round for ice-fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Miles and miles of cross-country trails can be found throughout the Cariboo. The area around 100 Mile House (the self-professed ‘International Nordic Ski Capital,’ which no doubt explains the world’s largest pair of cross-country skis outside the Visitor Centre) and 108 Mile Ranch boasts a 200km machine-groomed trail system. What better opportunity to get in shape for the locally staged Cariboo Marathon, an event that attracts an international field of skiers every February. Other winter activities in the area include snowmobiling, dog-sledding, ice-fishing and downhill skiing.
Dog-sledding is fast gaining in popularity, and the Cariboo is one of the few areas that has outfitters offering the sport to the general public. Tours lasting two hours or more also afford stalwart mushers the opportunity to drive their own team. Previous experience is not necessary as complete instructions are provided. At nearby Canim Lake, enjoy snowmobiling, ski touring, skating, snow-shoeing and sleighride opportunities.
The 108 Mile Ranch features a heritage site with a collection of seven historical buildings, including a 1908 Clydesdale barn, one of the largest in Canada. The Jack Gawthorn Memorial Dog Sled Race is held here the third weekend in January and attracts teams from throughout Western Canada. And the annual A&W Snowboard Championships are held at 108 Mile each winter.
When the fur trader dropped his axe into a remote Cariboo Lake, he probably never suspected it would be the basis for the name Lac La Hache. Winter activities here include downhill skiing at Mount Timothy Ski Area, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice-fishing.
Williams Lake, the commercial heart of the Cariboo, is famous for hosting one of BC’s largest stampedes, held every July 1st weekend. The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin tells a colourful story of the area, including the unique history of the stampede (first held in 1919). Travel west from Williams Lake to Puntzi Lake and the Chilanko Forks to find plenty of cross-country ski trails and excellent terrain for snowmobiling. The ice-fishing is also good, particularly for whitefish in January. The Tatlayoko Lake area is another favourite cross-country skiing destination.
There are winter recreation areas east of Williams Lake, as well. Try Horsefly, where the first Cariboo gold was discovered in 1859. The visit wouldn’t be complete with out a stop at the Jack Lynn Museum, which displays artifacts from those times. While there inquire about the area’s resorts for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
The world’s largest gold pan was placed at Quesnel as a memorial to an area once yielding the richest gold fields in North America. Today, the area offers competitive wintersports enthusiasts the chance to race for a different kind of gold in two renowned events: mushers go the distance in the Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Race (an official Iditarod qualifier) in January, while snowmobile enthusiasts take to the powder in the Great Canadian Hill Climb in April. Downhill skiing and cnowboarding is provided at Troll Mountain Ski Resort.
Wells, a thriving arts community, is developing a fine reputation as a retreat for artists. Those preferring creative ways of exploring the great outdoors will no doubt find Wells is a prime place to be in winter, with great alpine and backcountry trails and groomed networks. A very popular hill climb for snowmobilers is held in Wells every winter.
Barkerville, BC’s legendary gold-rush town, is one place where visitors have a chance to not only see history but to experience it. The town boasts no fewer than 125 original and restored buildings (note that the full interpretive program operates only in summer). In winter, the town is a popular destination for cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.
The list of Cariboo winter activities goes on and on. The best way to enjoy them all is to come, stay and play an extra day or two. And you know there will always be more to see and do next time, too.
To plan your Cariboo Country visit and to receive a calendar of special events, contact:
Cariboo Tourism Association
266 Oliver Street
Williams Lake, BC
V2G 1M1
Tel: 1-800-663-5885
Source: Reproduced with the kind permission of the Cariboo Tourism Association
