Cariboo-Central Coast Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide with everything you need to know about Cariboo-Central Coast, including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Cariboo-Central Coast

Cariboo-Central Coast is a stunning region in British Columbia, Canada, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. It is the perfect destination for those who love outdoor experiences, scenic views, and enriching cultural attractions. The region is home to several indigenous communities, adding to its cultural significance.

List of Places to Visit in Cariboo-Central Coast

Discover the charming towns, beautiful lakes, and breathtaking landscapes of Cariboo-Central Coast by adding these places to your itinerary.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Barkerville Historic Town and Park: This town is a living museum that takes you back in time to the gold rush era. The historic town offers a range of activities and attractions, including live performances, gold panning, and carriage rides.

  2. Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin: The museum showcases the natural history, artifacts, and cultures of the Cariboo Chilcotin region through a range of exhibits and events.

  3. Riske Creek Schoolhouse: This historic schoolhouse is situated in a picturesque location and provides insight into the region’s educational history.

Natural Attractions of Cariboo-Central Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Tweedsmuir Provincial Park: A vast wilderness of mountains, glaciers, and lakes, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

  2. Hunlen Falls: Located in Turner Lake Plateau, Hunlen Falls is one of Canada’s highest waterfalls, plunging down from a height of 260 meters. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers.

  3. Quesnel Lake: With a surface area of over 1000 square kilometers, Quesnel Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in British Columbia, offering plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cariboo-Central Coast

The region offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the country, catering to all skill levels. Some popular routes include:

  1. Alexander MacKenzie Heritage Trail: Follow in the footsteps of the famous explorer through stunning forests, mountain ranges, and river valleys.

  2. West Chilcotin Trail: This challenging multi-day hike takes you through rugged terrain, pristine lakes, and mountain vistas.

  3. Horsefly Lake Provincial Park Trail: An easy 4.5-kilometer trail around the lake, offering beautiful views and opportunities for swimming and fishing.

Best Things to Do in Cariboo-Central Coast: Activities and Tours

Take advantage of the wide range of activities and tours on offer in Cariboo-Central Coast, including:

  1. Gold Panning: Explore the region’s rich gold rush history by trying your hand at gold panning at Barkerville Historic Town and Park.

  2. Rafting: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Chilcotin River or other nearby rivers.

  3. Wildlife Viewing: Explore the diverse range of fauna in the region, including grizzly bears, moose, and bald eagles.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cariboo-Central Coast

Day 1: Drive up to Barkerville Historic Town and Park, explore the historic gold rush town, and stay overnight in a restored heritage hotel.

Day 2: Hike the West Chilcotin Trail, enjoy stunning mountain views, and camp overnight in the backcountry.

Day 3: Take a guided horseback riding tour through the scenic landscape of the Chilcotin Mountains.

Day 4: Visit Nimpo Lake and try your hand at fishing or swimming in its crystal-clear waters, then stay overnight at a lakeside cabin.

Day 5: Take a wildlife tour through the Bella Coola Valley, looking out for grizzly bears and other wildlife.

Day 6: Explore Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, hike to Hunlen Falls and camp overnight in the park.

Day 7: Relax and unwind at Quesnel Lake, camping or renting a cabin, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Food and Drink Scene of Cariboo-Central Coast

Discover the region’s unique culinary scene, offering local specialties and fresh ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bannock: A traditional indigenous treat, bannock is a fried bread made with flour, water, and baking powder.

  2. Wild Salmon: Enjoy fresh wild salmon in a variety of dishes, including grilled, baked, or smoked.

  3. Wild Berries: The region is known for its abundance of wild berries such as blueberries, huckleberries, and raspberries, which are used in various dishes and desserts.

Local Beverages

  1. Birch syrup: Made from the sap of birch trees, birch syrup is a unique and delicious alternative to maple syrup.

  2. Craft Beer: Local breweries produce a variety of craft beers, ranging from light ales to dark stouts.

  3. Wine: The region surrounding Quesnel Lake features several wineries that produce excellent wines.

Where to Stay in Cariboo-Central Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The region offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, including hotels, hostels, cabins, and guesthouses.

  1. The Hillside Inn (Williams Lake): A cozy motel in Williams Lake, offering clean and comfortable rooms with spectacular views.

  2. Tyaughton Lake Lodge (Gold Bridge): A lakeside lodge offering comfortable cabins, delicious food, and a range of outdoor activities.

  3. Yellow Umbrella Bed and Breakfast (Bella Coola): A charming bed and breakfast with beautiful views of the Bella Coola Valley.

What to Buy in Cariboo-Central Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take home a piece of Cariboo-Central Coast with these unique and locally-made products:

  1. Birch syrup: A delicious and unique souvenir that is sure to impress your friends and family back home.

  2. Indigenous Artwork: The region is home to several indigenous communities, creating beautiful and unique artwork.

  3. Wild Berry Jams and Jellies: Take home a jar of locally-made preserves made with fresh wild berries.

Local Culture and Customs of Cariboo-Central Coast

Cariboo-Central Coast has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by indigenous communities and European settlers. Visitors must respect the traditions and customs of the region’s First Nations and their sacred lands by seeking permission before visiting.

Best Time to Visit Cariboo-Central Coast

The best time to visit Cariboo-Central Coast is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and dry.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cariboo-Central Coast

Do:

  1. Respect the region’s natural beauty and take precautions to avoid harming the environment.

  2. Prepare for the outdoors by packing the necessary gear and clothing for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

  3. Take the time to learn about the region’s indigenous communities and their customs.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the environment and sacred lands.

  2. Ignore trail markers or go off-trail, putting yourself and wildlife at risk.

  3. Fail to seek permission from First Nations communities before visiting their sacred lands.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cariboo-Central Coast

Cariboo-Central Coast is a safe destination for travelers, but visitors should still take common safety precautions such as locking car doors and securing valuables.

Health in Cariboo-Central Coast

Visitors to the region should take care to avoid insect bites and bring adequate sunscreen, water, and protective clothing for outdoor activities. Medical facilities are limited, so it is best to stock up on necessary medication before arriving.

Getting to Cariboo-Central Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

The region is accessible by road and air, with several major cities within driving distance.

Airports Near Cariboo-Central Coast

  1. Williams Lake Regional Airport

  2. Bella Coola Airport

Bus Stations Near Cariboo-Central Coast

  1. Greyhound Bus Station (Williams Lake)

  2. Greyhound Bus Station (Quesnel)

Other Options

Car rentals are available at major airports and cities, providing visitors with greater flexibility in exploring the region.

How to Get Around in Cariboo-Central Coast

Visitors can get around Cariboo-Central Coast by car, bicycle, or on foot. Several companies offer guided tours and transportation to popular destinations, making it easy to enjoy the region’s attractions.

Where to Go Next from Cariboo-Central Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Take advantage of the region’s convenient location by visiting nearby destinations like Vancouver, Whistler, and the Canadian Rockies.

Conclusion

Cariboo-Central Coast is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique slice of Canadian culture and natural beauty. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, this region has something for everyone. With this guide, you can make the most of your trip to Cariboo-Central Coast, experiencing everything it has to offer.

Western moose in the Bowron Slough Western moose in the Bowron Slough Barkerville ghost town Barkerville ghost town Hiking at Bella Coola Hiking at Bella Coola


    100 Mile House
    Bella Coola
    Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
    Wells-Barkerville