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. Lytton is also a good place to try out geocaching and is part of the Gold Country GeoTourism Program.
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.
Geocaching is free and fun for the entire family. It is best described as a modern treasure hunt using GPS units. With more than 75 treasures to be found between Hope and Barkerville, the Fraser Canyon has more than its fair share both as part of the Chasing the Butterfly passport / geocache program and Gold Country's GeoTourism Program.
Near Lytton, caches are hidden in Botanie Valley, the Stein Valley, the Reaction Ferry landing, Goldpan Provincial Park and Lytton Cemetery, with still more to be had at nearby Spences Bridge and beyond. Pick up a free Gold Country GeoTourism booklet at the Lytton Visitor Centre for co-ordinates and background destination information, as well as a sticker page to record finds. Once full, the page can be redeemed for prizes.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking, mountain biking 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 bighorn sheep, the largest salmon runs in the world and botanicals such as alpine flowers, 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.
Lytton is one of Canada's best river rafting spots, 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 or open fishing, as well as Blue Lake; check with the Hope Visitor Centre or Lytton Visitor Centre 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, though, on occasion, tiny flecks of real gold still colour the shore).
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 snowmobile owners, there are plenty of winter trails to explore around Boston Bar and Botanie Valley.
Driving Routes
Driving routes through Lytton are a good way to explore the area’s Aboriginal and railway history, incredible natural setting, and endless land and water adventures.
Check with the Yale Museum or Lytton Visitor Centre for maps and information on things to do.
Read Less