There is no better way for an urban cowboy to experience how real ranchers once lived than at Historic Hat Creek Ranch in Cache Creek or at the Ashcroft Manor & Teahouse.
Or, go even further back in time digging for ancient fossils at the McAbee Fossil Beds; guided fossil bed tours are available and provide all the equipment needed to search for fossilized plants or insects that can be up to 50 million years old.
With interpreters in period clothing, explore the original buildings that played an integral role in Cache Creek's transportation history, including an 1860s Roadhouse. Other activities include stagecoach rides around the 130ha/320ac grounds and panning for gold.
On-site facilities include a restaurant, canvas "Miners Tents," a teepee, newly constructed cabins, and numerous RV sites and tenting sites with washrooms, showers and fire pits.
Stuctwesemc First Nation
Hat Creek Ranch has a Native Interpretation Centre where members of the local Stuctwesemc First Nation share their history and culture, and provide information on the many original displays that are shown on the site. Interpretive panels in the area describe how the Stuctwesemc community made the transition from their traditional uses of the land to becoming expert ranch hands throughout the region.
Ashcroft Manor & Teahouse
Situated on the Trans-Canada Highway between Cache Creek and Ashcroft, the Ashcroft Manor & Teahouse is more than just a place for a light lunch. Built in 1862, it is one of the oldest roadhouses in British Columbia, and was originally intended to accommodate fortune seekers on their way to the northern gold fields. It also served as the first courthouse in the area. Today, the original buildings still dot the property and the original house, next to the teahouse, is a free-of-charge museum housing hundreds of period items.
McAbee Fossil Beds
The McAbee Fossil Beds is the most diverse in British Columbia with more than 50 plant varieties, countless insect and fish species, and even a few feathers, from the Eocene age (36-56 million years ago). These fossil beds are located just off the Trans Canada Highway 13km/8m east of Cache Creek and are marked by a sign on the entrance gate.
The McAbee fossil site is made up of shallow lake sediments dating back 50.2 million years. To reach the fossil beds, walk 5-8 minutes from the parking lot up a moderately inclined dirt road; this allows access to a 364m/400yd outcropping of 50.2 million year old lake sediment. Guides are available in July and August (weather permitting).
Visitors can dig for fossils, and rock hammers, bags, hard hats, and goggles are provided. Wear closed toed shoes, a sun hat and sun block, and carry a water bottle since temperatures in July/August can sometimes reach 38˚C/100˚F.
The fossil beds are part of an ongoing study at Thompson Rivers University, so all fossils found are examined before visitors leave and significant fossils may be taken to the university.
For more information about the McAbee Fossil Beds, Hat Creek Ranch historic site and Ashcroft Manor & Teahouse, stop by the Visitor Centre.
Read Less