Dining

Aboriginal Cuisine

Nibble on fresh, hot bannock or slurp sxusem (a traditional Aboriginal "ice cream") at First Nations Pow Wows and rodeos, such as the Nemiah Valley Rodeo (southwest of Williams Lake) and the Quesnel Tillicum Society Pow Wow.

Guest Ranch Dining

Guest ranches dot the grasslands, especially near Clinton in the South Cariboo. Dig into hearty home-style cooking and baking after a day of riding, fishing, hiking or exploring the outdoors.

Most guest ranches serve breakfasts and dinners family-style around large tables in a main lodge. Laugh and recount the day's activities with fellow guests or ranch wranglers. Lunch is typically packed "to-go" in order to maximize time spent playing outside.

BC Seafood and Local Food Specialties

Rich buffalo burgers are on the menu at a number of restaurants in the South Cariboo (100 Mile House, Watch Lake and Green Lake). Visit the buffalo ranch at 70 Mile House to pick up organic buffalo meat and see these animals roaming the grasslands.

Cattle grazing across ranchlands are a common sight while driving through the region. Order grass-fed "pasture-to-plate" beef from a local producer to create a home-cooked culinary masterpiece.

In late summer, keep watch for sweet corn on the cob from the Soda Creek and Marguerite areas (north of Williams Lake). Look for signs on Highway 97 that lead to "u-pick" sites, or inquire with local stores and restaurants for a taste of local corn.

The coast is drastically different from the dry grasslands of the interior, and dining options reflect the aquatic environment. Seasonally, order local, fresh seafood in coastal restaurants, such as those in Bella Coola.

Food Festivals

Celebrate the fruits of Lillooet in the annual Apricot and Tsaqwen (Saskatoon berry) Festival (July). During the festival, local restaurants and farmers' markets feature baking and treats made from these fruits.

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