Experience the history of the gold rush in British Columbia, Canada

Imagine yourself as a pioneer of BC in the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush. Travel along the Gold Rush Trail through areas where the first pioneers settled and thousands of prospectors braved the harsh climate and terrain in search of gold. Visit Barkerville, the destination of many prospectors during the great gold rush. Highlights are fantastic scenery, great adventures and learning about the rich history of the area.

Day 1 Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver. Stay overnight in Vancouver enjoying the sights and sounds of BC's largest city.

Day 2 Vancouver - Harrison Hot Springs (2 hrs)
Pick-up your rental car and drive to the historic site of Fort Langley, built in 1839, where British Columbia was proclaimed a Crown Colony in 1858 as a result of the gold rush. After trying your luck gold panning at Fort Langley, continue along to Harrison Hot Springs and relax in the warm pools.

Day 3 Harrison Hot Springs - Clinton (3 hrs)
Travel along the picturesque Fraser Canyon, stopping at Historic Yale, a quaint town which swelled from a population of 7 to 800 almost overnight with the gold rush. Cross the roaring Fraser River on the airtram at Hell's Gate. Follow the Thompson River along the Gold Rush Trail to the heart of the Cariboo.

Day 4 Clinton - Barkerville (4 hrs)
Continue to Quesnel, the "Gold Pan City" on your way to one of BC's premiere attractions, Barkerville, a restored gold-rush town from the 1860s. Cozy accommodation in heritage buildings and wonderful country meals await you in this historical site.

Day 5 Barkerville
Spend the day enjoying the true to life setting of historical Barkerville, complete with spectator involved plays in the schoolhouse and courthouse, and town "citizens" dressed in historic costume. In the evening you may want to take in a performance at the Theatre Royal.

Day 6-7 Guest Ranch
Make your way back down south to your next adventure at a guest ranch in the heart of the Cariboo (4-5 hrs). Enjoy horseback riding, fishing, ATVing, gold panning or plain relaxing in this beautiful wilderness setting. Your stay includes hearty meals and ranch facilities and activities.

Day 8 Guest Ranch - Lillooet (3-5 hrs)
Travel to Hat Creek Ranch, a stopping house for the miners before traveling on the Cariboo Wagon Trail to Lillooet, Mile 0 of the gold rush trail. Stay overnight in the "Little Nugget" town. Visit the historical sights such as the "hanging tree" and the museum.

Day 9 Lillooet - Whistler (3 hrs)
Travel via the beautiful Duffy Lake Road to the alpine village of Whistler, which is a popular ski destination resort in the winter. Experience the sights and sounds of this scenic village.

Day 10 Whistler - Vancouver (2 hrs)
Travel the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway to Vancouver. If time permits, stop at the BC Museum of Mining in Brittania Beach to tour the old mine site and catch the Underground Train. In Vancouver, return your rental car. Your gold rush tour has ended.

Included:
9 nights ranch/hotel/lodge accommodations
Hell's Gate Airtram
Fort Langley Heritage Site
Hat Creek Ranch
Barkerville Heritage Site
2 Dinners
1 Lunch
5 Breakfasts
9-day car rental
Comprehensive information package
Room tax

Not included:
Meals not listed above
Gas, taxes and PDW on rental car
7% GST

2006/2007 Trip start dates: Daily May 15 - September 30

Gold Rush Adventure

Gold Rush
Adventure