 Fraser River near Lillooet, Tourism BC photo From First Nations history to the larger than life legacy of the Cariboo Gold Rush, Lillooet (population: 2,324) has something for everyone.
Lillooet's History Situated at Mile Zero (Marked by the Mile 0 Cairn), on the original Caribbo Waggon Road to the goldfields, Lillooet became a bustling boomtown during the Cariboo Gold Rush of the 1860s. Today, you can still travel parts of this historic road to riches. The cairn was used as a base measure for all the mile posts to the north: 83 Mile, 100 Mile House, and 150 Mile House.
Gold Rush history is kept alive at the Lillooet Museum with its many gold-rush-era relics. The museum, housed in a former Anglican church, also has an impressive collection of Aboriginal artifacts on display. And don't miss a peek into Ma Murray's newspaper office. Awarded the Order of Canada in 1972, the late Ma Murray became an icon in BC journalism after she began publishing the Bridge River-Lillooet News in 1934.
Visit the historical Hangman's Tree that was used as a gallows for the administration of justice more than 100 years ago, when the law in these parts was Sir Mathew Baillie Begbie. Legend has it that in all, eight lawbreakers swung from the tree.
Things to Do in and around Lillooet Lillooet has more than 200 km (124 mi) of unmarked hiking and biking trails to explore. There’s camping, swimming, horseback riding and fishing for salmon and the pre-historic White Sturgeon.
Also nearby, visit one of the largest pictograph sites in Canada at Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Provincial Park, a spectacular wilderness park.
In winter, blaze your path on the area’s many cross-country ski, snowshoe and snowmobile trails. The world-renowned Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is just over 2 hours southwest of Lillooet.
Insider Tips
Visitors to Lillooet are encouraged to take a walk down the main street and follow the Jade Trail. Be on the lookout for jade carvings and huge jade boulders.
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