


Lytton Things To Do
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Awe-inspiring in dimensions and diversity, Lytton and the Fraser Canyon are rich with First Nations culture and a hard-earned heritage of railways and gold rush pioneers. Hikers, river rafters and history buffs all flock to the region. Walking tours of Lytton, and especially Yale, are a delightful step back into history, and provide a chance to relax in a park or meet local artists. Ken Glasgow's outdoor metal sculptures are really something. Land Activities Train Spotting Train spotters can be spied at various scenic locations along the Thompson River and at Siska Bridges near Lytton, the point where both the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railways cross the Fraser River. Outdoor Adventures Hiking, mountain biking, geo-caching and camping are additional ways to explore the canyon's diverse landscapes, all of which have enough variety that beginners, extreme and family adventurers can participate. Natural Sights & Wildlife The varied geography also supports a range of wildlife. These include black and grizzly bears, rattlesnakes and Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep, the largest salmon runs in the world and botanicals such as alpine flowers, valley-deep ponderosa pine and prickly pear cactus that flourishes in the dust-bearing cliffs. Water Activities River Rafting The Fraser River has long been the canyon's lifeline and although it ceased to be an important transportation artery when the railways blasted their routes through the rockface, its waters have risen to prominence once again as one of the world's top spots for white water rafting. Rafting Capital of Canada Lytton even calls itself the rafting capital of Canada, largely because it sits on the confluence of the Fraser River and its largest tributary, the Thompson River. The Nahatlatch River nearby is renowned for almost 14km/9mi of continuous rapids and is used as training waters for many Olympic contenders. Fishing Fishing however is less accessible. Although very much a part of Canyon lore and lifestyle, most areas along the Fraser River are reserved for First Nations. There are spots on the Nahatlatch and Thompson Rivers for catch and release as well as Blue Lake; check with the Hope or Lytton Visitor Centres on current regulations and licensing requirements. Winter Activities Rock Hounding The Lytton area quietens in winter months. Hell's Gate Airtram and many of the outdoors' outfitters close for the season, as do some campgrounds and restaurants. But the Fraser Canyon is no less spectacular to drive. For rock hounders, lower water levels reveal gravel sandbars that are rich with semi-precious finds such as agate, rhodonite, geodes, jade and pyrite which is not to be confused with real gold which, on occasion, still colours the shore with tiny flecks. Self-Guided Walking Tours Although Yale's Pioneer Tent City is seasonal, a self-guided walking tour around the community's historic district is still rewarding, as it is in Lytton. If the weather's dry which in the Canyon it invariably is, there are always walking choices even if it's only a short stroll such as Alexandra Bridge. And for skidoo owners, there are plenty of snow trails to explore around Boston Bar and Botanie Valley. Check with the Yale Museum or Lytton Visitor Centre for maps and information on things to do.
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