The museums of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast are known for their sizeable, often eclectic collections and rare artifacts that commemorate the region's history. Learn about the legends of bronco-riding cowboys at the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin . Or discover Lillooet's colourful history of First Nations inhabitants, pioneers, prospectors and ranchers at its namesake museum . The Quesnel Museum and Archives uses an extensive collection of rare artifacts and exhibits to take you through the trials and triumphs of early farming, logging and mining life in BC, while exhibits at the Wells Museum recall the second Cariboo Gold Rush of 1930-1967.
Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in
Williams Lake is dedicated to preserving and promoting
ranching and rodeo heritage in BC. Here, you'll discover what ranch life was like along the
Gold Rush Trail and what it's like now at ranches still in operation today. The museum houses the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame with its cowboys, artists, poets and musicians.
Learn more about the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams lake: Lillooet Museum Lillooet Museum records the community's colourful past, from its earliest arrivals to the ranchers, prospectors and pioneers who went on to settle in the area.
The museum, situated in a former Anglican Church, offers ample gold rush-era relics, as well as
First Nations artifacts - some thousands of years old. You can also see the original printing equipment of Lillooet's famous publishers, George and Ma Murray, as well as a re-creation of Ma Murray's News Office. As you enter the Museum look to your left and see the largest, mounted Rocky Mountain Elk head ever registered in BC.
Quesnel Museum & Archives One of the top community museums in BC,
Quesnel Museum and Archives has over 30,415 artifacts and archival items. Through a range of exhibits you'll experience the trials and triumphs of daily farming, logging and mining life in BC. You'll also find a First Nations exhibit and one of the most significant collections of rare Chinese artifacts in North America. And meet 'Mandy' - the haunted doll! Afterwards, take a stroll along the Downtown Historical Walk.
Wells Museum The
Wells Museum occupies a building that once housed the old Island Mountain Mine office. Today you'll find a diverse collection of artifacts recalling the second Cariboo Gold Rush from 1930-1967. Of particular interest are the giant chess set made from drill bits as well as the two vaults used for gold and money located on the sides of the building.
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