North Cariboo Chilcotin British Columbia
Welcome to the South Cariboo Chilcotin...Big Sky Country.
Welcome to the South Cariboo-Chilcotin, Canada's authentic Wild West experience!
Bordered by the Quesnel River and the Cariboo Mountains, this region of central British Columbia is sparsely-populated ranch country. But in the nineteenth century, it thrived as thousands of hopeful prospectors forged north, following rumors of massive gold deposits - and they weren't disappointed. The Gold Rush, as it came to be known, was an important time in the colonization of British Columbia. Today, the area is still popular only now, prospectors have been replaced by tourists. And considering the beauty of this wide open country, it's easy to see why.
Technically, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Coast is divided up into 3 areas: The Cariboo, once home to the biggest Gold Rush in history; The Chilcotin, comprised of acres of rolling ranchlands; and The Coast which includes 15 thousand kilometers of beautiful, rugged coastline that serves as home to the rare Kermode or Spirit bears. Primarily accessible from Highway 24 (named The Fishing Highway for reasons obvious to any angler), this area is peppered with towns, many that were birthed from necessity as early settlers traversed the Goldrush Trail in search of their fortunes. These communities include 70 Mile House, Green Lake, 100 Mile House, 108 Mile House, Canim Lake, Forest Grove, Clinton, Lac La Hache, Timothy Lake and Lone Butte.
The winters here are long and cold, which suits the droves of avid winter sports enthusiast who enjoy all that the snow-covered South Cariboo-Chilcotin has to offer. From family-oriented ski hills to heli-boarding, the downhill scene has something for everyone. Skate on a frozen lake; cut a hole in the ice and try your luck with the fish; strap on some snowshoes; hire a dogsled team and explore the backcountry; hire a horse and discover the Fraser Canyon… It only makes that crackling fire, steaming cocoa and bubbling Jacuzzi all the more enjoyable at day's end!
Summers in the South Cariboo-Chilcotin bring with them an endless array of outdoor exploring opportunities as well. West from 100 Mile House, the Fraser River offers thrilling whitewater rafting tours as well as close-ups of some of the most amazing erosion-induced natural formations in the province, from towering hoodoos and spires to flatlands. Nature comes in even more breathtaking forms south of Clinton where volcanic activity and glacial meltwater has formed a stunning 120 meter box canyon - Canada's answer to its famous Arizona counterpart. To the east, hundreds of lakes sit against the Cariboo Mountains. And while the swimming, boating and canoeing are fantastic, it's the fishing that makes the area famous. Now, imagine doing all this on horseback… While cursory activities such as hiking, biking and ATV-ing are readily available, this is cattle country. To come all the way out here and not saddle up would be a tragedy. Guest ranches across the region cater to riders of all skill levels, from city-slicker to Marlboro man.
That's what really sets the South Cariboo-Chilcotin apart from anywhere else in BC: the cowboy culture. Generations of ranchers have been riding these high plains since BC's early settler days and it's this Wild West spirit that lives on in the rugged, windswept faces of the locals. There's no better way to explore the meadows, grasslands, lakes and forests of this region than from atop your own trusty steed. Looking for more than a day-long lark playing cowboy? Many working ranches are happy to wrangle a little extra work out of eager and curious visitors. Make a few days of it and see what you're made of, Greenhorn!
Somewhat surprisingly, the arts are alive and well in the South Cariboo-Chilcotin, with festivals, shows, exhibits, even theatrical productions providing entertainment of a caliber that any big city would be proud of. Some of the more popular events and entertainment include Scottish Highland Dancing, choral groups, First Nations pow-wow festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations, live musical performances and even medieval recreationist events. The area is rich with galleries as well as arts and craft shops too. Some of the most amazing and intricate First Nations art can be discovered with a visit to the Canim Lake Band Cultural Centre.
With its great expanses of land, it's no surprise that the South Cariboo-Chilcotin also offers amazing golfing. Don't let the region's rough, weather-worn terrain fool you. The clubs up here brag beautiful contoured fairways, perfectly manicured greens and all the extras including a driving range, practice green, lessons, pull carts, power carts, clubs and accessories. The popular 18-hole CPGA championship course set on the Cariboo Hills provides 6,800 yards that generate as much enjoyment for the novice as for the pro while the quaint 9-hole course in 100 Mile House tests the finesse and judgment of any golfer.
Mount up, partner. The South Cariboo-Chilcotin is waiting!
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