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 Lillooet, at Mile "0" of the Gold Rush Trail, on the eastern edge of the Coastal Mountains and overlooking the Fraser River, is a community rich in culture and history and rife with endless outdoor activity options. Incredible hiking, mountain biking, fishing, bird watching, ice climbing, heli-skiing, and snowmobiling are readily available here. History buffs will find much to explore at Lillooet's many historic and heritage sites.
History and CultureThe Lillooet Museum, one of 14 stop on Lillooet's Golden Mile of History self-guided walking tour, features First Nations artifacts and Gold Rush memorabilia. Lilloet also has an interesting historical relationship with jade, which can be experienced along the jade trail beginning at Jade Park. Locals still find pieces of this semi-precious green stone along the shores of rivers in the area.
Rock piles left by Chinese gold miners, some 3.5m/12ft high, are visible at the Miyazaki Heritage House, as well as below Hangman's Tree Park and downstream from the Old Bridge. Every week local talents perform at Music at the Miyazaki, an outdoor concert.
Lillooet was the principal site of a First Nations village for thousands of years. Today, First Nations guides provide cultural tours of a replica Sheesh'kan, or pit house, an active archeological site, and the "fishing rocks" and drying racks, where salmon traditionally caught and prepared.
Land Activities In addition to hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and fishing, Lillooet offers great golf. Lillooet Golf Course is a unique 9-hole, par-35 course with roaming sheep that keep the grass neat and trimmed. Wildlife tours by train or guided hike area another activity option in Lillooet.
Water Activities Experience the exhilaration of jet-boating on the mighty Fraser River. Jet-boat guides can point out significant locales in First Nations and Gold Rush history. Cast a line into the crystal waters of Lillooet's many lakes and streams for salmon or several varieties of trout, or fish local rivers for feisty Steelhead or massive Sturgeon. On a hot Lillooet summer's day, picnic on the beach at Seton Lake Park and cool off in the refreshing lake waters. Lillooet also has an indoor swimming pool for year-round splashing.
Winter Activities Lillooet is one of the best locations in British Columbia for ice climbing due to nearby and easily accessible frozen waterfalls. Take an ice climbing day-trip from Vancouver, Whistler, or Kamloops. Lillooet also has great backcountry snowmobiling terrain, and plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails to snowshoe or cross-country ski in winter. Check out heli-skiing operators in the area to gain access to some heart-pounding vertical.
Festivals and EventsIn July, Lillooet hosts the annual Apricot Tsaqwem Fest celebrating, of course, apricots, as well Tsaqwem, or the Saskatoon Berry. The festival includes the Apricot Open Golf Tournament, a tour of the Jade Walk, a street dance and barbeque, and various apricot-themed dinners. There are kids' activities, pancake breakfasts, and cook-offs. The Annual Sturgeon Fishing Derby coincides with the Apricot Tsaqwem Fest.
Salmon in the Canyon, held in August, is a new annual event sponsored by the Lillooet Naturalist Society and local First Nations. The event celebrates all aspects of the nature in the canyon and the importance of salmon to the lives of First Nations peoples. A thriving farmers market is held every Friday morning in Lillooet from early May to late October.
Where to BeginDrop by Lillooet Visitor Centre (790 Main Street) during the summer season for more information on things to do and maps of the area, or during the off-season stop in at the District of Lillooet office (615 Main St.).
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