Attractions
A group of friends walking on a bridge (Patrice Halley photo)
Many of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast's historic sites and museums tip their (cowboy) hat to western culture, ranches, rodeos and the 1860s gold rush.
Drive past rolling grasslands, mountain peaks, lakes, ghost towns and heritage sites. Along the way, stop at view points to see steep-walled canyons, hoodoos and maybe even a bighorn sheep hopping between the rocks.
Barkerville Historic Town, the largest historic site in western North America, recreates a gold rush boomtown. More gold rush era history is on display at Cottonwood House. For ranching and cowboy related attractions, head to the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin or visit Williams Lake during the big Williams Lake Stampede.
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Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Places of Interest
Here are a few ideas of attractions to experience in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region:
- Barkerville has more than 130 buildings, costumed interpreters and hands-on activities. Take a stagecoach ride to the courthouse, attend a schoolhouse session and watch a theatre performance straight out of the 1800s.
- Cottonwood House Historic Site (near Quesnel) was once a resting spot for miners heading to the goldmines. See one of the oldest standing buildings in BC's interior, antique machinery, riverside walking trails, and a pioneer farm with animals.
- The Williams Lake Stampede attracts some of the best cowboys and cowgirls from Canada and the US. Bull riding, bareback bronc riding, barrel racing and steer wrestling are the main draws, but there are also children's events, live music and a barn dance.
- The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin is the only museum in British Columbia dedicated to rodeos and ranching – and it's home to the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame. It's jam-packed with cowboy photographs, journals, ranching equipment, saddles and, of course, belt buckles.
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Things To Do
Attractions & Entertainment