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British Columbia is rich in history going back to the days of the
fur traders, gold rush and finally the building of the railroad. Your
tour of the gold rush trail will bring you to areas where the first
pioneers settled and thousands of prospectors came in search of gold.
The Gold Rush Trail starts at Fort Langley and travels along the
Fraser River to the Cariboo Country. Built in 1839, Fort Langley was
part of the Hudson's Bay Company's network of fur trading posts across
what is now Western Canada. In response to the gold rush, British
Columbia was proclaimed a Crown Colony at Fort Langley in 1858.
The Fraser Valley is dotted with little towns rich in the history
of the Gold Rush. Stop at Yale, a quaint town which swelled from a
population of 7 to 800 almost overnight with the gold rush. Yale has
a museum and nearby is historic Alexander Bridge. By going down the
Fraser River by motor raft will show the original gold rush trail.
You will see what an amazing feat this was. Take a trip over Hell's
Gate on the Airtram for an amazing view of the Fraser River.
You
will leave the Fraser River Valley and enter the Cariboo country.
You can stop at historic Hat Creek Ranch, a roadhouse used as a stopping
house for the miners.
Your
next stop is Quesnel, the "Gold Pan City," home of famous
Billy Barker. Quesnel, since the early 1860's, has been the gateway
to Barkerville and became the commercial centre of the Cariboo gold
rush in 1862. Travel to famous Barkerville, a ghost town set up as
in the Gold Rush Era. Experience the gold rush as if you were there
at the time. The town boasts numerous shops, restaurants, a theatre
with evening performances, and buildings as it was in the 1800's during
the time of the famous gold rush. Imagine being a miner in those early
days. Enjoy the elegance of British Columbia's country hospitality.
The local hotels and Bed and Breakfasts are situated in heritage buildings
constructed as if in the gold rush.
On
the way back to Vancouver travel along the Cariboo Wagon Trail, the
original Wagon Road to Lillooet," Mile 0" of the gold rush
trail. Lillooet is named the "little nugget" town as it
was the starting point for many miners in search of gold. You can
visit the historical sights such as the "hanging tree" and
the museum.
A small detour from Lillooet takes you to Tyax Mountain Resort.
Amongst other activities at the resort, you can enjoy the Gold Fever
Experience. The Tyaughton Lake watershed is the site of a legendary
lost Indian gold mine where you can use a sluice box, shovel, pick
or gold pans to find real gold. A Mining and Ghost Town Sightseeing
Tour may also be enjoyed during your stay.
We will custom
make you an itinerary best suited to your needs and interests,
including flight, transportation, accommodations, and activities.
Contact us and let us know what
you are looking for in your next Canadian Holiday
Sample
itinerary: Gold
Rush Adventure
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Travel Canada
