The heritage sites, museums and galleries of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast paint a vivid picture of early exploration and frontier life in BC.
Travel the original Cariboo Wagon Road on the historic Gold Rush Trail to discover a restored gold rush boomtown, visit a real-life ghost town and explore heritage buildings that include period ranches as well as a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse and general store.
The rare collections and artifacts of Cariboo museums offer a detailed look at the pioneers, cowboys and Aboriginal people whose legacies give this region its lively and intriguing character. This history is enhanced by the emerging and established artists and craftspeople whose impressive works are on display at the public galleries in Williams Lake and Wells.
Theatre and performing arts fans should visit Barkerville Historic Town which is staffed with actors who double as tour guides. New productions are staged there each year.
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Cowboy Culture
Cowboy culture is an important part of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, which has more guest ranches than any other region in the province. There are an especially large number of ranches around Clinton, which is often referred to as “The Guest Ranch Capital of BC.”
The large number of ranches means lots of options for visitors: meander across rolling hills on horseback, help round up cattle on a working ranch, join a pack trip in the wilderness or be pampered at a Baan Thai spa.
Many communities have annual rodeos (such as Quesnel, Anahim Lake and Bella Coola). The Williams Lake Stampede (held every Canada Day long weekend) is one of the largest rodeos in Canada and draws international spectators and competitors.
For cowboy memorabilia, stories and the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame, head to the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams Lake.
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