From the earliest Aboriginal inhabitants to the area's more recent settlers, people of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast have left an indelible mark on the landscape. First Nations in this region include the Tsilhqot'in (also known as Chilcotin), Kwakwakaw'akw (Kwakiutl), Nuxalk (Bella Coola), Secwepemc (Shuswap), the Interior and Coast Salish, and the Kitasoo (Tsimshian) and Xaixais of Klemtu .
Their historical and traditional territories encompass a variety of landscapes, from lush, green coastlines to high altitude plateaus. Explore Aboriginal culture, history and traditions through artwork , tours and a heritage village .
Learn more about the Petroglyphs in Bella Coola: Today, many of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast's hills and valleys are used as ranch lands. Discover the region's "cowboy culture " through guest ranches, rodeos and even a cowboy museum.
North of Williams Lake , the national award-winning Xats'ull (pronounced hat-sull ) Heritage Village offers the opportunity to explore the traditional and spiritual way of life for the Xats'ull First Nation (a member of the Secwepmec, or "Shuswap" Band). The Xats'ull people have occupied these lands for over 5,000 years and around 350 of them live and work in the community today.
To make the most of your experience, book a guided visit in advance to enjoy story-telling from elders, a sweat lodge, traditional meals, ceremonies, songs or dances around a fire. Stay overnight in a pit-house or teepee alongside the mighty Fraser River.
For BC's Aboriginal cultures, petrogpyphs or ancient rock carvings are an intrinsic link to the past. More of these extraordinary symbols have been recorded in BC than in any other Canadian province. Locations for petroglyphs were places honouring the power and mystery of nature, including waterfalls, rock formations or caves. Just outside
Bella Coola's Petroglyph Gallery showcases authentic Northwest Coast Aboriginal artwork with an emphasis on works by Nuxalk (pronounced nu-halk) and Northern BC's Gitxsan (pronounced GIT-san ) artists.
Nuxalk carvers use materials such as red cedar, bark and paint to create colourful and distinctive masks, paddles and plaques with ceremonial and cultural significance. Many of the carvings have traditional stories associated with the legendary characters they represent. Learn more about elder carver, Silyas Saunders and First Nations commerce .
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast has more guest ranches than any other region in the province. There are an especially large number 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 . Watch a video blog about a visit to this museum.
Learn more about cowboy history in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region.
Tips on Aboriginal & Cultural Visits Some locations are open seasonally or by appointment only, so always check operating hours in advance.
Artifacts and regalia have historical and cultural significance. Do not touch items unless you have been given permission to do so by a knowledgeable guide or local.
If possible, also ask permission to take photos - some artifacts such as totem poles have interesting stories, and in asking for permission visitors learn more about the local history.
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