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Nestled on the banks of the Fraser River, Lillooet is renowned for stunning mountain scenery and legendary history.
The St’at’imc people were the area’s first inhabitants, arriving thousands of years ago.
Lillooet would later become Mile Zero of the original road to the Cariboo goldfields, leading prospectors during the Cariboo Gold Rush of the 1860s. Today, you can still travel along parts of this historic road to riches.
Year round, the Lillooet area offers spectacular outdoor activities. There’s camping, hiking, fishing, swimming or horseback riding in summer. Skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in winter. And Lillooet is only a two-hour drive from Whistler.
Some 14 biking and hiking trail systems around Lillooet provide more than 200 km (124 mi) of unmarked trails to explore. Or hike the Cariboo wagon road and follow the path of history.
Spot fascinating bird life along the Red Rock hiking trail. You can also take a guided horseback trip up Red Rock Mountain.
Lay down stakes at the area's three private campgrounds. Near the long Seton Lake 27-km (17-mi), there is also a free 60-site campground. Or camp in nearby Marble Canyon Provincial Park.
Play the unique nine-hole Lillooet Golf Course, set amid a working sheep ranch. Or pan for gold along the edge of the Fraser River.
Wind along Lillooet's "Golden Mile of History" to explore the area's distinct heritage buildings.
Tour Miyazaki Heritage House, a stately residence built in the 1880s and inhabited in the 1940s by Dr. Miyazaki, a prominent member of the Japanese-Canadian community. Walk across "The Old Bridge," a period suspension bridge built of steel cables and wood in 1913.
Lillooet was originally named Cayoosh Flat in recognition of the local First Nations group, the Cayoose Creek Band. In 1860 the area was re-named in honour of the Lil'wat Nation. Cultural tours are available that include visits to local First Nations sites and a salmon barbecue in a replicated pit house. Ask at the Visitor Centre for more information.
With the discovery of gold in the area, Lillooet was transformed. Situated at Mile Zero on the original road to the Cariboo goldfields, built to transport prospectors, Lillooet became a bustling boomtown.
Today you can visit the Mile Zero Cairn on Main Street; see the Hangman's Tree, an old Ponderosa Pine used as a gallows by Judge Mathew Begbie, the famous "hanging judge."
Lillooet Museum offers artifacts and insight on First Nations inhabitants, ranchers, prospectors and pioneers who settled in the area. You can see the original printing equipment of Lillooet's famous newspaper publishers, George and Ma Murray.
Pictographs are seen throughout the area. See one of the largest pictograph sites in Canada at Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Provincial Park, just an hour's drive from Lillooet. You'll also find pictographs where the Bridge River meets the Fraser River north of Lillooet.
Lillooet Museum recalls the experiences of First Nations inhabitants, ranchers, prospectors and pioneers who settled in the area. You can view the original printing equipment of Lillooet's famous newspaper publishers, George and Ma Murray.
Follow Lillooet's "Golden Mile of History" to tour the Mayazaki Heritage House built in the 1880s. Walk "The Old Bridge," a suspension bridge built in 1913; or view the "Hangman's Tree," once used as a gallows by the famous "hanging judge," Judge Mathew Begbie.
South of Lillooet on Hwy 99, discover a 3 km (1.9 mi) spawning channel with a picnic area offering excellent views during spawning season every odd year.
Nestled in the rugged Pavilion Mountain Range is the limestone canyon that adorns Marble Canyon Provincial Park. The weathered peaks, surmounted by Chimney Rock, recall a crumbling castle wall. The park itself, just a 30-minute drive from Lillooet, is set amid three beautiful lakes.
Don't miss the Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Provincial Park, an hour from Lillooet. This spectacular wilderness park features150 km (93 mi) of hiking trails and routes, four cable crossings, a suspension bridge and several wilderness campsites. You may spot some 50 species of mammals in the area, including cougars, black and grizzly bears. Birders can look out for golden eagles, hawks, owls, white-tailed ptarmigan, woodpeckers and hummingbirds. The Park also has one of the largest pictograph sites in Canada.
Closer to Lillooet you'll find pictographs where the Bridge River meets the Fraser River and enjoy sightings of wildlife such as elk, bears, as well as 10 species of bats. Birders will find over 200 bird species with great viewing around Seton Lake.
Try jet boating through spectacular canyon scenery. You'll pass historic Cariboo Gold Rush sites as well as notable First Nations sites.
Fish for salmon near the mouth of Bridge Creek, or cast for trout and steelhead. The area's prize catches are the prehistoric white sturgeons that can measure up to 3 m (10 ft) in length. Catch and release only.
Head to Seton Lake to dip into turquoise waters. You can swim from the sandy beach or canoe, kayak, water ski and sail following a rocky, mountainous shoreline. The 27-km (17-mi) long lake also offers fishing for rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. Only 5 minutes south of Lillooet.
For whitewater rafters, the lure of the Thompson River near Lillooet is inescapable. Combine a hot climate, desert-canyon scenery and rolling waves and have of Canada's most popular river runs.
Blaze your path on the many cross-country ski, snowshoe and snowmobile trails near Lillooet.
Ice climbers will find easily accessed ice falls at Marble Canyon Provincial Park. Lillooet also hosts a major Ice Climbing Festival each February.
Ice fishing is popular at Pavlion and Crown Lakes in Marble Canyon Provincial Park and at Fountain Lake east of Lillooet.
One of the most memorable winter escapes can be found at Whistler Blackcomb, just over 2 hours southwest of Lillooet. With over 3,306 ha (8,171 ac) of skiable terrain, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains comprise the largest ski area in North America.
Skiers and boarders come to experience 12 magnificent bowls, three glaciers, 200 marked trails and groomed-to-perfection alpine runs.
Whistler Blackcomb also has one of the best terrain parks in North America and the greatest vertical rise ski mountains in North America.
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