Lillooet, at Mile "0" of the Cariboo Wagon Road, 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.
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.
The area just outside of the flats of Lillooet has been the principal site of First Nations villages 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
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. For six months of the year (from winter through spring), Lillooet also has an indoor swimming pool available for 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 Events
In 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 barbecue, and various apricot-themed dinners. There are kids' activities, pancake breakfasts, and cook-offs. The Annual Sturgeon Fishing Derby takes place the weekend after 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.
Driving Routes
Explore Lillooet's vibrant culture and history, and take advantage of exciting hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and bird watching along various historic and geographically significant driving routes through Lillooet.
Where to Begin
Drop by Lillooet Visitor Centre 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).
Read Less