What to Expect When You
Explore the Gold Rush Trail

Long before “gold fever” struck in the 1800s and drew thousands of fortune-seekers to British Columbia, the land along the Gold Rush Trail was alive with history and culture, shaped by its vast nature and the Indigenous peoples who have lived on the land since time immemorial.

Begin at the mouth of the Fraser River and explore north for a taste of culture, adrenaline, and history. Along the way, you’ll unearth stories of human resilience, adventure, and ingenuity—cornerstones that give the area a character all its own and make this a must-do trip for every British Columbian.

Start Your Trip

If you’re coming from Vancouver or elsewhere in the Lower Mainland, begin your trip at  New Westminster. This riverside city is just one hour southeast of downtown Vancouver on the mighty Fraser River.

Fort Langley National Historic Site, one of the BC’s original Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading outposts, was also a popular stop for gold prospectors. This is a jumping-off point to the Fraser Valley, with its Indigenous culture, lush valleys, lakes, and rivers. Take a Circle Farm Tour and sample goodies from local farms, vineyards, breweries, and artisan producers. Book a guided tour with an Indigenous elder to learn about the living culture of the Stó:lō  people and their deep connection to places like Sumas River, Chilliwack Lake, and beyond (check ahead for tour availability).

Stop in at Harrison Mills (or opt to stay overnight in one of Rowena Inn’s  luxury cabins on the river). Go back in time with a visit to the nearby Kilby Historic Site, BC’s museum of rural life. Hope is the final stop along scenic Highway 7 before the Fraser Canyon that lies beyond. Located on the traditional territories of the Stó:lō Nation, whose culture is intertwined with the land, the town became a European settlement in 1848 with the arrival of the Hudson’s Bay Company, playing a major role in the Gold Rush. This is the perfect spot to grab a home-cooked meal, stretch your legs on a hike, or go on a bike ride.

The Fraser Canyon is also home to the Hell’s Gate Airtram, which offers an exhilarating ride over the raging river below. Nearby, book an interpretive tour at Tuckkwiowhum Heritage Village, located just five kilometres south of Boston Bar on the traditional territories of the Nlaka’pamux people, and learn how Indigenous communities played a critical role in the Gold Rush.

The varied terrain in 100 Mile House, 108 Mile Ranch, Williams Lake, and Quesnel is perfect for two-wheeled fun; from gentle rides to rugged and challenging cross-country treks. Take it easy on a boardwalk ride, or challenge yourself on a multi-day mountain bike expedition in the wetlands near Wells-Barkerville, or near Williams Lake.

There are a number of accessible trail adventures to be had along the Gold Rush Trail, including a visit to the Gavin Lake Low Mobility Trail and Cedar Point Provincial Park.

With so many hiking options, why choose just one place to go? Lillooet is a great hiking home base, offering scenic trails with historic significance. Two hours west, Bridge River Valley boasts a bit of everything: challenging alpine hikes, and meandering ridges and meadows. At the end of the day, reward yourself with a bite to eat and a beer at Jackson’ Social House and Brewhouse, a favourite spot for locals.

In the northeast, the Cariboo Mountains near Likely, Horsefly, Wells, and Barkerville are also popular for adventure seekers.

Pay a visit to Soda Creek for a cultural experience at the Xatśūll Heritage Village 30 minutes north of Williams Lake along the Fraser River. You can even stay the night in a teepee or traditional pit house (kikule). Call ahead to pre-book your visit and enjoy a range of educational and recreational activities to learn about Northern Secwepemc culture and this unique area of the Shuswap.

About 1.5 hours northeast, you’ll find Likely and the decommissioned Bullion Pit gold mine. The ghost town of Quesnelle Forks is just 20 minutes north, with heritage buildings, an old cemetery, and peaceful views of the Cariboo and Quesnel rivers.

Drive two more hours to Barkerville Historic Town and Park, named for Billy Barker’s famous gold strike that helped set BC’s Gold Rush in motion. The site is beautifully preserved with 100 heritage buildings—you can even stay the night in some of them. Book your tickets ahead and plan for a full day’s visit to this National Historic Site (and final stop of the Cariboo Waggon Road).

There are plenty more heritage sites and towns along the Gold Rush Trail—choose your own adventure and plan to stop along the way.

Stop in at a farm market to sample local fare (Desert Hills Ranch and Horsting’s are two of the largest in the area). Be sure to try local craft breweries: Barkerville Brewing in Quesnel and Fox Mountain Brewing in Williams Lake are just a couple of highlights.

Lillooet, with its arid climate and fertile growing soil, is home to two vineyards: Fort Berens Estate Winery and Cliff and Gorge Vineyard.

Sample traditional Indigenous cuisine and take a cultural tour at the the Xwísten (Bridge River) fishing grounds near Lillooet, the traditional fishing grounds of the St’át’imc people. The Fishing Rock & Archaeological Village Tour takes visitors on a walk through village sites, a fishing area, and an archaeological village site of 80 identified pit houses (s7ístken). You’ll learn the wind-dried method used to preserve salmon for winter, and feast on barbecued salmon, bannock, and a traditional dessert dish of whipped soapberries called sxúsum. (Must pre-book ahead of time).

From access to private lakes (and even private mountains!) to wood-burning hot tubs, each ranch offers its own unique blend of equine adventure, creature comforts, and rural charm.

Enjoy a family-oriented guest ranch experience at Eagen Lake Resort (near 70 Mile House), or 10,000 acres of rolling forests and trails at Spring Lake Ranch (near 100 Mile House). Two hours northeast of Lillooet, near Clinton, you’ll find Big Bar Guest Ranch, an Indigenous-owned ranch that provides an incredible wilderness experience, from remote hiking and trail rides to lakeside lounges and wildlife viewing.

Originally published in March, 2018.