Lillooet & Area Visitors Guide 2019 by Bridge River-Lillooet News

2019 LILLOOET & AREA VISITORS GUIDE

Year-Round Adventure

LODGE & RV PARK

Enjoy your stay in elegant comfort & quiet serenity

• Shaw High-Speed Wireless modems in every room • Cable TV • Complimentary coffee & tea • Free Continental Breakfast • All non-smoking rooms • Guest Laundry

Beautifully appointed furniture, appliances & linens

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

8 Full Service RV Sites

• 2 Queen Beds with cozy duvets • Microwave & bar fridge • Air-conditioning • Full bathroom with tub & shower • Free local telephone calls • Hairdryers • In-room coffee & tea

Where to find us:

Travel West on Main Street, turn right on Mountainview Road, up the hill turn right on Bouvette Road, around the and curve you’ll see our sign.

1264 Bouvette Rd., Box 286, Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0 Phone: 250-256-2090 RESERVATIONS: 1-866-456-2090 Fax: 250-256-2091 Website: www.retasketlodge.com Email: retasket@shaw.ca 2

Welcome to Lillooet

Photo: Dawn Mortensen

You’ve made your way here in great company. Those who showed up in the millennia before you arrived have varied and fascinating tales to tell. Those stories, along with the natural environment with which they have coexisted, give this place its unforgettably unique identity. The original inhabitants of this territory are the St’at’imc, who still live here in greater numbers than any other group. More recently European explorers arrived, followed by gold seekers in the 1850s and subsequent waves, then by other miners, railway workers, loggers, ranchers, farmers and all the businesses that supported those endeavours. The town’s population waxed and waned, particularly with the periodic gold-mining booms. Lillooet briefly, in 1860, claimed the title of second largest community west

of Chicago, with only San Francisco boasting a larger population. The population currently sits at just under 2,500 people within the District of Lillooet boundaries and approximately 5,500 when factoring in the adjacent First Nations communities and other residents of the surrounding area. Those are the folks who have come to stay; you’ve come to play. Maybe you’ll decide to never leave, but that’s another story. In the meantime, use the information in these pages as a jumping off point and start exploring. There are plenty more fascinating activities here than what we’ve been able to squeeze between these covers. Start here and discover them at your leisure.

A Lillooet Legend Margaret “Ma” Murray was undoubtedly Lillooet’s most famous resident. She gained fame as the inimitable firebrand editor of the Bridge River-Lillooet News, and was known for her courageous and sometimes outrageous political commentary. She was featured in Time Magazine and on national TV and used her celebrity to become the nemesis for Premier W.A.C. Bennett and other politicians. The paper’s masthead proclaimed, “Printed in the sagebrush country of the Lillooet every Thursday, God willing. Guarantees a chuckle every week and a belly laugh once a month or your money back. This week’s circulation 1,744 and every bloody one of them paid for.” Ma’s legacy lives on in the Lillooet Museum, where her newspaper office has been re-created and in the Lillooet News, which celebrated its 85th birthday this spring. 3

REC Centre is the ‘Heart of Lillooet’ Many local residents like to call the Lillooet REC Centre the “Heart of the Community.” More than just a place of recreation, the REC Centre is a vital part of the fabric of the community. Originally built in 1987 with a $500,000 provincial grant, a $300,000 loan, $300,000 from lo-

cal First Nations and whole lot of fundraising and sweat equity, the Lillooet Recreation, Education and Cultural (REC) Centre was a tremendous source of pride for Lillooet and surrounding communities from the day it opened. Many long-time residents still recall with great fondness the Novem-

ber weekend in 1986 when over 100 volunteers put the roof on the arena. Over two days they pounded five miles of four-inch nails into 17 miles of 2 x 4s. Workers at the local sawmill worked for two days without pay to mill the wood for the roof. After putting their hearts and souls – and their backs – into building their beautiful new facility, residents were heartbroken when the main core of the REC Centre was destroyed by fire in 1990. But with characteristic determination the community rolled up its sleeves and re-opened an even better REC Centre in 1991. The 63,000 square foot facility features an NHL-sized arena, a 25-metre pool, a full-size gymnasium, a fully equipped weight room, a squash court, a bouldering wall and meetings rooms. It is home to the Lillooet Library and its myriad services and CHLS Radio Lillooet, which broadcasts at 100.5 on the FM band. It is also the home of the

THE RUGGED BEAN CAFÉ • Fresh Sandwiches and soups • Choice Galileo Coffees • Fresh daily muffins and more! Come enjoy the views of Lillooet’s majestic mountain from our patio. Serving the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and more! 4

824 Main St., Lillooet

local Army Cadet Corp 3067. There are an estimated 100,000 individual visits to the REC Centre each year. The arena is busy all winter long with minor hockey, adult hockey, figure skating and public skating. Although it is now only open seasonally, the swimming pool hosts swim lessons, lane swims and public swim events. The gymnasium is the site for fitness classes, volleyball, basketball, pickleball and other sports. It also plays host to the Gathering of Hearts Powwow, job fairs, open houses and other public gatherings. The weight room is a beehive of fitness activity all year round. The Lillooet Library is the place to borrow books, movies and music and hosts many programs and community services. The Cadets drill in the REC Centre gym 10 months of the year. The $100,000 kids’ playground, which the community

24 Hour Tire Service • Tires • Brakes • Batteries • Front Ends • Oil Changes Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–6pm Saturday 8am–5pm After Hours Call Out Service

Ph: 250-256-4131 • 249 Main St. Lillooet www.kaltire.com

won in a BCAA contest, has kids crawling all over it 12 months a year. More than 30 years after it first opened the REC Centre is still the beating heart of Lillooet.

THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Br. 66 MEAT DRAWS

FREE

FRIDAY - 6:00 pm SUNDAY - 3:00 pm

• WIFI • Pool Tables • Darts

All welcome at our

Apricotfest BBQ

Come see what we are about!

Thanks to our community for your continued support!

ILLOOET EGION 737 Main Street

Mon - Thurs, Sat & Sun 3pm to 7pm Friday - 3pm to ?

250-256-7332

Your Proud Community Supporter!

Top quality produce, fresh bakery, deli & meats and award-winning service! Celebrating Hockey Canada Day.

Buy-Low staff always helping out the Food Bank.

Old Mill Plaza 6

One of many excited shopping spree winners.

250-256-7922

Shooting for a good time at the Lillooet Rod and Gun Club Hunting season comes and goes but shooting is all year round at the Lillooet Rod and Gun Club. Club president Mike Moore says the facility, located east of town on Airport Road, features a 200-yard rifle and 100-yard handgun range as well as trap shooting. Trap is one three types of clay pigeon shooting, the others being skeet shooting and sporting clays. Archery is also part of the mix, Moore explains. “We do promote archery, we have probably half a dozen bows that if people want to come and try out they can.” While members always have access to the range, an access code comes with membership, there are several public events held each year to give people who are new to shooting sports a chance to give it a try in a safe and supervised environment. To that end, there are two fun shoots every year with .22 caliber rifles and handguns as well as .357 magnum handguns available to try. There is also a .22 caliber silhouette

shoot. One of the fun shoots is a coed event and the other is for women only – a restriction Moore tries to enforce fairly strictly as he has noticed it makes for a less inhibited introduc-

Across from Old Mill Plaza

tion to shooting for some women. “I find that some women are influenced when there are men around watching them, especially a husband, or whatever.”

Winner’s Edge • Camping • Fishing • Hunting • Clothing & Footwear • Bikes & Accessories

17th AnnuAl

Sturgeon Derby

250-256-7807

July 20th, 2019

Book your Sturgeon Trips here!

Sturgeon Season runs July - October 31 Contact: Steve Alain

OUR SPECIALTY IS SPORTS

644 Main St.

250-256-4848

winnersedge@telus.net

Lillooet Business Directory ACCOMMODATIONS

4 PINES MOTEL 108 8th Ave. 250-256-4247 CAYOOSH CREEK CAMPGROUND 100 Hwy 99 S 250-256-4180 FRASER COVE CAMPGROUND 1234 Davis Rd. 250-256-0142 HOTEL DEORO 639 Main St. 250-256-2355 LIL’TEM’ HOTEL & CRANE’S LANDING RV PARK Seton Portage 250-259-8052 MILE 0 MOTEL 616 Main St. 250-256-7511 RETASKET LODGE & RV PARK 1264 Bouvette Rd. 250-256-2090 REYNOLDS HOTEL 1237 Main St. 250-256-4202 WILLOWS AT 6 MILE www.willowscampground.com 250-256-0429

AUTOMOTIVE

INTEGRA TIRE & LILLOOET GLASS 561 Main St. 250-256-4111 KAL TIRE 249 Main St. 250-256-4198 LILLOOET AUTO BODY & TOWING 205 Main St 250-256-4687 LORDCO AUTO PARTS Old Mill Plaza 250-256-0599

CHURCHES

BETTER LIVING CENTRE-7TH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 603 Main St. 250-256-9218 LILLOOET GOSPEL CHAPEL 1147 Main St. 250-256-7655 ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN/ST. ANDREW’S UNITED CHURCH 577 Main St. 250-256-7037

DINING/BARS

A & W RESTAURANT 1152 Main St. 250-256-7789 DINA’S PLACE 690 Main St. 250-256-4264 FORT BERENS ESTATE WINERY 1881 Hwy 99 North 250-256-7788

Bridge River

Established by ‘Ma’ Murray in 1934

OLD AIRPORT GARDENS FARM MARKET Hwy 12 South 250-256-7051 PHARMASAVE Old Mill Plaza 250-256-4262 WINNER’S EDGE 644 Main St. 250-256-4848

RECREATION

BLACK TUSK/ROYAL LEPAGE REALTY 250-256-8383 BRIDGE RIVER - LILLOOET NEWS 979 Main St. 250-256-4219 CAYUSE FLATS TRANSPORT Hwy 99 250-256-7155 DIRECT ELECTRIC 250-256-4157 DISTRICT OF LILLOOET 615 Main St. 250-256-4289 LIGHTFOOT GAS Hwy 99 S 250-256-0010 LILLOOET CONTRACTING 109 Main St. 250-256-7669 LILLOOET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lillooetchamberofcommerce.com 250-256-3578 LILLOOET ELKS 250-256-7972 LILLOOET LIONS CLUB 250-256-1968 LILLOOET MUSEUM & VISITORS CENTRE 790 Main St. 250-256-4308 LILLOOET NATURALIST SOCIETY www.lillooetnaturalistsociety.org LILLOOET PUBLIC LIBRARY 930 Main St. 250-256-7944 LILLOOET REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES SOCIETY www.lriss.ca 250-256-4292 PINETREE REALTY www.katheran.com 250-256-8055 RADIO LILLOOET www.radiolillooet.ca 250-999-2086 RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LILLOOET 250-256-7166 TRADEWINDS HAIR PLUS Old Mill Plaza 250-256-7431

BLACKCOMB AVIATION www.blackcombaviation.com 250-256-6000 DISTRICT OF LILLOOET REC CENTRE 930 Main St. 250-256-7527 FRASER CANYON RIVER RANCH 250-256-9282 HAYLMORE HERITAGE SITE Haylmore Lane, Gold Bridge HISTORIC HAT CREEK RANCH www.hatcreekranch.ca 250-457-9722 LILLOOET MEMORIAL CURLING CLUB 178 Mountainview Rd. 250-256-4370 LILLOOET SHEEP PASTURE GOLF COURSE 5000 Texas Creek Rd. 250-256-0550 MIYAZAKI HOUSE 643 Russell Lane 250-256-6808 SEKW’EL’WÁS EXPERIENCE TOURS Hwy 99 S 250-256-0002 www.splitrockenvironmental.ca XWISTEN EXPERIENCE TOURS www.xwisten.ca 250-256-7844

RETAIL

ABUNDANCE ARTISAN BAKERY 77 8th St. 250-256-8756 BUY-LOW FOODS Old Mill Plaza 250-256-7922 CARIBOO APIARIES 4007 Moha Rd. 250-256-7231 FIELDS DEPARTMENT STORE Old Mill Plaza 250-256-7555 IDA LILLOOET PHARMACY 656 Main St. 250-256-7538 LILLOOET FARMERS MARKET May - October Fridays 250-256-7797 LILLOOET TIMBER MART 129 Moran Place 250-256-4141 LINDA’S PLACE ON MAIN 777 Main St. 250-256-1884

Lillooet News www.lillooetnews.net

MEL’S RESTAURANT 633 Main St. 250-256-0057 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 66 737 Main St 250-256-7332 RUGGED BEAN CAFE 824 Main St. SUBWAY Across from Old Mill Plaza 250-256-7807

SERVICES

The Lillooet Visitors Guide is produced by The Bridge River - Lillooet News. www.lillooetnews.net • Email: pub@lillooetnews.net Toll Free: 1-877-300-8569 • Phone 250-256-4219 Fax: 250-256-4210 • Cover Photo Credit: Dawn Mortensen

“I don’t encourage any husband’s coming; it’s women only.” In past, approximately 30 women have turned up for this event each year with some of them usually winding up as members, which pleases Moore, as signing up more female members is a big part of his drive to grow the club. For that reason he’s also pleased by an increasing trend he’s noticed of fathers bringing their young daughters to the range. The club boasted approximately 230 members last year, and Moore is always on the lookout for added attractions to increase that number. For example, he’s hoping to add moving ‘splatter’ targets, which show the hits in colored splotches on a black target background. Out-of-town visitors are welcome to use the ranges on a drop-in basis, for a $5 fee, but must be accompanied by a club member. Whatever changes may come to the club in future, one that will not, as long as Moore has anything to say about it, will be the steadfast

rule that no money or any other form of prizes will be up for grabs at any club event. “We’re only there to have fun.” While the ranges can be crowded during events and as hunting season approaches, Moore says

members who are looking for a quiet atmosphere to concentrate on their shooting will have no trouble finding that, as well. “Most days you can go out there, if you go in the daytime, and there’s nobody there.”

Grassroots Golf As it should be! 2 Can Play for the Price of 1

Purchase one round of golf and Receive one round of golf Free by showing this ad at the Clubhouse. One redemption per person. Valid until October 1, 2019. Not valid with any other offer.

5000 Texas Creek Rd

250-256-0550

www.lillooetgolf.com 9

Photo: Dr. Ian Routley

. e l p sim . l a c lo . h s e fr

77 8th Street | Lillooet, BC | Phone: 250.256.8756 |

Organic, rustic baked goods made from the best local ingredients, locally roasted organic, fairtrade coffee and a fresh made selection of breakfast and lunch items. Enjoy our deck or head out on the road, either way, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take care of you! Now located on the corner of 8th and Main, Downtown Lillooet!

Email: abundanceartisanbakery@gmail.com

Lillooet is a birder’s heaven Lillooet Naturalist Society Photo’s by Dr. Ian Routley Different biogeoclimatic zones converge at Lillooet resulting in diverse habitats. We have arid Ponderosa Pine grasslands, Cottonwood riparian and Coastal Cedar and Interior Douglas Fir ecosystems. The area offers an opportunity to see many interior and coastal birds. Lillooet naturalists have confirmed over 250 species of birds including records for all 14 owls of Western Canada. Along Highway 99 toward Seton Lake you can find trails and visitor stops that are excellent birding areas. In the spring and summer these places often yield Warblers and Western Tanagers.

Cayoosh Creek is a nesting area for the Harlequin Duck. Along the Fraser River, on both sides of the historic Old Bridge, the azure-coloured Lazuli Bunting and the striking orange and black Bullock’s Oriole can be found. Listen for the melodic sound of the Western Meadowlark calling from the fields and watch for Chukars as you head toward Pavilion. A hike into the alpine tundra can afford a close look at White-tailed Ptarmigan and other grouse. This is also a good area to see Golden Eagles and other raptors soaring over mountain ridges, especially in late summer. Watch for Clark’s Nutcracker feeding on cones of the Whitebark Pine. The Fountain Valley, about 20 kilometres east of Lillooet, is a migration stopover for many birds including several arctic-bound waterfowl and shorebirds. The valley is also a good place to see breeding waterbirds, especially Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Loon, Canada Goose, Mallard and Spotted Sandpiper. Heading north on Highway 99, the fields past Xaxli’p (Fountain) are a good place to look for the Longbilled Curlew. Watch the fence posts for Mountain Bluebirds. The sparsely treed slopes above the highway support Common Nighthawks and Common Poorwills in summer. Lillooet also boasts 14 of the 17 bat species that occur in B.C. This is one of the reasons we enjoy so few insects in the warm summer season. During your stay, enjoy all that nature has to offer in Lillooet.

100.5 FM www.radiolillooet.ca 250-999-2086 Local news, weather, music and community events

Willows at 6 Mile

Campground - 10 Minutes from Town • Showers/Laundry • Water/Sewer • Hydro www.willowscampground.com email:

willowscampground@telus.net Ron Marks & Shelley Matheson

7 km S of Lillooet - Hwy 12 S - 250-256-0429 11

• Free WiFi • 15 & 30 amp available w/ Power and Water • Hot Shower/Fire Wood/Pet Friendly • Shady Riverfront/Sandy Beach Tent Sites • Sturgeon Fishing from the Beach • Scenic walk or bike over “Historic Old Bridge” to Shopping Mall • 1.5 Km north of Award Winning Fort Berens Estate Winery • No mosquitoes or black flies

& Guest Cabin

1234 Davis Road (Just off Hwy 99) 250-256-0142 pmortensen65@gmail.com www.frasercove.com

“Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.” - Will Rogers

Connecting Buyers and Sellers from Squamish to Lillooet 250.256.8383

dawn@blacktuskrealty.com 1234 Davis Rd., Lillooet BC V0K 1V0 Office Direct: 604-898-5904 Connecting buyers and sellers from Squamish to Lillooet

Agricultural renaissance on Texas Creek HOLLY JEZOVIT

Along the scenic and partially dirt-road drive of Texas Creek Road, 15 km south of Lillooet, you can find Spray Creek Ranch. Farmers Tristan and Aubyn Banwell have established a 260-acre certified organic and diversified regenerative farm where they pastureraise cattle, chickens, pigs, and turkeys. The land itself dates back as a traditional gathering place for the St’at’imc peoples, and the original cabin and irrigation ditches were established around the time the property was deeded in 1897. The Banwells, along with their young son, travel to the regional farmers markets throughout the Sea-to-Sky to deliver their ethically produced beef,

pork, poultry, and eggs. To sample some of their incredible products try visiting Seed to Culture located just off Main Street at 7th Ave. Texas Creek Road is also home to many other organic and sustainable farms. One Love Farm offers a wide range of organic vegetables throughout the season. Owner and farmer Chris Billion is a regular at the Lillooet Famers Market and offers a vegetable box subscription program with deliveries to Vancouver and Abbotsford. Green Dirt Farm produces top quality organic greens and garlic, which can be found at our local Buy-Low. Farma-C, a member of the Rainshadow Collective, produces vegetables and

makes the trek to various farmers markets all year round. Owner Christoph Miles, with partner Jill Miners, have recently

opened Seed to Culture in downtown Lillooet as storefront hub for local producers to sell fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, and other products, all year long. Jill also uses the space as her commercial kitchen for production of her fermented vegetables, krauts, and kombucha. Further down the road, travellers to the area will find Lillooet’s newest winery, Cliff and Gorge. Located at Texas Creek Ranch, Cliff and Gorge’s vineyard boast 10-yearold vines, unique varietals, and stunning views overlooking the Texas Creek gorge, Big Slide and Fraser River. By appointment, guests can visit the tasting room and take home a bottle or two of their Peasant White or Red blends. 13

Lillooet’s Jade Walk was a labour of love George Vanderwolf’s association with jade mining in Lillooet and its unique Jade Walk attraction go back to the beginning. “I found the first jade mine in British Columbia back in October of 1964. We were guiding sheep hunters, they were two mining engineers from Utah,” he recalls. “When we got up there, this was at the headwaters of Hell Creek, we had three hunting guides and two hunters.” Vanderwolf thought that ratio was a little off and he had an idea of what to do about it. “You guys go sheep hunting and I’m going to go find a jade mine. Those two mining engineers thought that was pretty funny that this young guy thinks he’s going to go out and find a jade mine in one afternoon.” Funny or not it was a successful day for everyone. The hunters got their sheep and Vanderwolf not only found a pyramid of jade and managed to break off a good chunk of it to bring back to camp, he also had the evening meal ready by the time the hunters returned. Vanderwolf has been in the jade business, among other ventures, ever since, and it was many years later

that the plan was hatched for a monument to Lillooet’s historic association with the mineral. A plan, he says, that ended up taking on a life of its own. The original plan came from his friend Erdman Tuemp and called for a single polished jade boulder to be mounted in front of the museum. Vanderwolf sold district council on the plan in 2004 and a group of them set to work. “We got the first boulder mounted and the we looked at it and said ‘you know, that looks kind of lonesome.” The local jade network pulled together and more jade boulders were acquired. A lot more; many of them donated and all below market value. Heavy equipment was loaned without hesitation and volunteers stepped up when needed. Jadehenge was born at the original display and then the project proceeded down Main Street. Local merchants got on board and started sponsoring the blocks outside their businesses. “Once we started planting these rocks, everybody wanted a jade rock in front of their property,” Vanderwolf reminisces. “When we started this project we though we would have a unique tourist attraction. It took on a life of its own. It went down the street, down to the cemetery and it went across the river. ” And visitors have been following the linear display ever since. “I do jade walks and tourists really enjoy hearing me tell the stories of the jade. I enjoy children’s reactions especially. They think these rocks are really great.”

SPLI

SEKW’EL’WÁS

Splitrock Environmental is owned by the Sekw'el'was community and is located in the St'at'imc Territory. We welcome everyone to come explore our land through a self guided tour of the Spawning Channel. After your nature walk visit our gift shop filled with St'at'imc inspired products or our native plant nursery.

ROCK EXPERI

Tours - Spawning Chan Tours - Spawning Channel - Nursery

Splitrock Environmental Sekw'el'was (250) 256-0002 office@splitrockenvironmental.ca Highway 99 South Lillooet, B.C. www.splitrockenvironmental.ca Gift Shop/Nursery Hours: 8 - 3:30 Monday - Friday Spawning Channel Hours: 24/7 15

Come join us for

Canada Day Celebration in the Park Monday, July 1st, 2019 10:00 am in Downton Park • Family Activities • Live Music • Face painting

Proudly Sponsored in part by:

• Free Balloons • Great Food and Much More!

Lillooet Museum & Visitor Centre Bridge River

Lillooet News www.lillooetnews.net

For more information, please contact: www.lillooetchamberofcommerce.com 250-256-3578 16

Go golfing among the sheep The name says it all at the Lillooet Sheep Pasture Golf Course. This nine-hole course promises a fun and challenging golfing experience for all levels of players. Just watch out for the mobile hazards on the fairways – a herd of sheep who keep the course fertilized and nicely grazed and are a source of amusement for local and visiting golfers. The course, which is managed by the volunteers in the Lillooet Golf Club, has a pro shop with club and pull-cart rentals and offers snacks and beverage service. The nine-hole course is located on undulating slopes above the Fraser River with majestic mountain backdrops at every turn. Golfers say it’s small but challenging and very fun for all levels of players, with short

Photo: Kelly Destrake

straight fairways, unforgiving small greens, minor doglegs, bunkers and tricky water holes. The first golf course on the site was rudimentary, with sand greens, tin-can cups and very limited maintenance. The Lillooet Sheep Pasture Golf Course is eight kilometres from Lillooet at 5000 Texas Creek Road. Tee time reservations are not necessary, but it’s advisable to call ahead at 250-256-0550 to ensure the course isn’t booked for a private tournament or event. Please keep in mind that Ladies’ Night is on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Men’s on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and that during theses days and times the course is reserved for members taking part in these events.

Quiet, Comfortable & Clean in Downtown Lillooet 2 1/2 Stars on Canada’s Select Star Rating

4pines

• 47 Units • Air Conditioned • Cable TV • Kitchenette • Honeymoon Suites with Jacuzzis • Suites with Jet Tubs • Guest Laundry • Direct Dial Phones/Voice Mail • Internet Access available • Seniors Discount • Reasonable Rates • Complimentary Tea, Coffee & Ice

MOTEL

Toll-Free Reservations

1-800-753-2576 Ph: 250-256-4247 Fax: 250-256-4120

www.4pinesmotel.com 108 8th Ave. Lillooet, BC

Filipino & Western Cuisine Friday Nights Buffets Fully Licenced Every day 11 am - 9 pm

633 Main St. 250-256-0057 17

The spirit of volunteerism

Lillooet is a community in the true sense of the word, which means it is blessed with an abundance of service organizations and individual volunteers who give of their time, their skills and their efforts to improve the community in immeasurable ways. Whether it be The Beautification Committee or the Community Banner Project adding to the beauty of the town; the Lillooet Music Society and the Lillooet Area Library Association enriching the local cultural scene; the Lillooet Army Cadets Support Group or the Just Do It Sports Association supporting local youth; the Lillooet

District Hospital Foundation supporting quality health care; the Lillooet District Historical Society and the Miyazaki House Society lovingly preserving and promoting local history, the list is long and the dedication is admirable. It is the volunteers of the Lillooet and District Rescue Society that put in countless hours of training to prepare themselves to roll out of bed in the middle of the night to perform dangerous swiftwater rescue operations and come to the aid of victims of motor vehicle accidents. The Lillooet Food Bank is there for anyone who is experiencing financial difficulty that results in inadequate nutrition. Other groups are less specialized, lending their talents and energy to a wide range of fundraising and other community projects – 100 People Who Care is a prime example as are service organizations like the Legion, Royal Purple, Elks Club, Lions Club and Rotary Club. Church groups are also active in a wide range of community-support functions. The above are just some examples – by no means a complete list – of the ways in which Lillooet’s volunteer workers put their caring into action to lift up those around them. We thank them for it.

loet Ad Outlines.indd 1

Make Hotel DeOro your home during your visit to our area. Located in the heart of historic downtown Lillooet, Hotel 2019-04-18 10:20 AM DeOro is one of the finest accommodations available.

• Free Wireless Internet • Full Bath

• Air Conditioned • 100% No Smoking • Please, No Pets

• Microwave • Fridge

Our on-site coffee lounge uses only 100% organic, fair trade coffee and espresso beans to ensure the purest of aromas. Drop by for great music, or snuggle up on one of our comfy couches.

639 Main St., Lillooet • Tel: 250-256-2355 www.hoteldeoro.com www.deorocoffeelounge.com Coffee Lounge: 250-256-2255 18

Photo: Patti LaPlaca

Providing Quality Guest Services since 1941

Where Old Fashioned Friendly Service meets . . . Comfortable, Modern Convenience • Classic Rooms • Restaurant • Pub • Cold Beer, Wine & Liquor Store Recently Renovated • Free Wireless Internet

www.reynoldshotel.com

Reservations 1-877-655-5506 or 250-256-4202 1237 Main Street Lillooet, BC

Experience a tour of ancient traditions Join Xwisten Experience Tours for a walking tour along the Bridge River fishing grounds to learn about dipnetting salmon and the traditional wind-dried method of preserving the fish – a staple of the St’at’imc diet for millennia. Hear songs and stories and see an archaeological site that contains more than 80 identified s7istken (pit houses)

– the traditional winter homes of the St’at’imc. The Bridge River community has reconstructed a pit house and visitors can enter the s7istken to see what a winter home would have been like. A team of archaeologists from the University of Montana has been working this site for more than a decade. Who knows what artifacts

they’ll discover? The tour includes a traditional dessert of sxusum (whipped soapberries). Tours are available June to September.

GLAMPING-CAMPING STURGEON GLAMPING-CAMPING STURGEONFISHING FISHINGTOURS TOURS YURTS - DOMES - CABINS YURTS - DOMES - CABINS

FRASER CANYON RIVER RANCH FRASER CANYON RIVER RANCH DAY, FULL DAY, MULTI PACKAGES 1/2 1/2 DAY, FULL DAY, MULTI DAYDAY PACKAGES AVAILABLE RIVERSIDE GLAMPING ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE WITHWITH RIVERSIDE GLAMPING ACCOMMODATION

GUARANTEEFISH FISHONON WEWEGUARANTEE ALLGUIDED GUIDEDTRIPS TRIPS ALL

CHASING RAINBOWS - KAYAK FISHING TOURS & RENTALS CHASING RAINBOWS - KAYAK FISHING TOURS & RENTALS

US AND XPERIENCE CANYON TO ALPINE ADVENTURES STAYSTAY WITHWITH US AND XPERIENCE CANYON TO ALPINE ADVENTURES WATER - MOUNTAIN BIKING - PADDLE BOARDING - KAYAKING WATER FALLSFALLS HIKESHIKES - MOUNTAIN BIKING - PADDLE BOARDING - KAYAKING

RESERVATIONS: RESERVATIONS: 1-800-683-5132 1-800-683-5132 or 250-256-9282 or 250-256-9282

us: frasercanyonriverranch.com Visit Visit us: frasercanyonriverranch.com Email: info@frasercanyonriverranch.com Email: info@frasercanyonriverranch.com

COUPLES, FAMILIES, CORPORATE GROUPS WELCOME! COUPLES, FAMILIES, CORPORATE GROUPS WELCOME! STURGEON SCANNED, TAGGED RELEASED ALL ALL STURGEON AREARE SCANNED, TAGGED ANDAND RELEASED

1-800-683-5132 tel 250-256-9282 1-800-683-5132 LocalLocal tel 250-256-9282 sturgeonfishingbc.com VisitVisit us: us: sturgeonfishingbc.com Email: info@sturgeonfishingbc.com Email: info@sturgeonfishingbc.com Fraser Canyon River Ranch Fraser Canyon River Ranch Lillooet BC V0K Box Box 578578 Lillooet BC V0K 1V01V0

Raise a glass at Lillooet’s first commercial vineyard Fort Berens Estate Winery co-founder Rolf de Bruin remembers saying, “This is the Canada we came for,” as he and his wife and business partner Heleen Pannekoek first drove from Lytton to Lillooet. He continues” The mountains have their own magnificence. As you drive up this way, you feel a sense of bigness and space where there’s a nice rhythm of small farms, big farms, creeks, rivers and forest. That’s what really drew us here. I think people come to Canada with certain expectations and this was the expectation we had.” By May 2009, Lillooet’s first commercial vineyard was on its way. It was the end of their quest to find a small-town home for their family and a place to pursue their long cherished dream of owning a vineyard. That dream first took shape when the young Dutch couple visited vineyards in France and saw the connection between the land, the wine it produced and the people who created it. Fort Berens Estate winery is the first commercial vineyard

in Lillooet. Named for the Hudson’s Bay Company fort that began construction here in 1859 on what is now the winery site, Fort Berens wines have won acclaim nationally and internationally. “Initially, all we had was a shed and what to expect from a winery in a shed?” de Bruin remembers. “But we had a lot of very loyal customers who were blown away by the wine that came out of that shed. They saw the courage and boldness of this venture and the pioneering aspects of it.”

Lillooet Memorial Curling Club

• 4 Sheets of Jet Ice • Bar & Lounge • Lockers • Concession • Pro Shop

Season runs from October to the end of March, ending with our fun-filled April Fool’s Bonspiel!

Leagues • Ladies Please email for specific • Mens days and • Mixed times. • Drop-In

178 Mountainview Rd., LILLOOET 250-256-4370 www.lillooetcurling.ca lillooetmcc@gmail.com

Lillooet Glass

Got a Windshield Chip? A Flat Tire? No Problem... Come visit us! on Main St. across from the fire hall

561 Main St • Lillooet • 250-256-4111 21

Lillooet Farmers Market starts the weekend fresh HOLLY JEZOVIT

Operating from May-October every Friday from 8:30 a.m. -1p.m., the downtown farmers market is the first stop on the weekend market trail for our local famers and producers. The market is often attended by the ever-popular Spray Creek Ranch, One Love Farm, and Rainshadow Collective - just to name a few. The Farmers Market boasts some of the best fresh and organic food in the region. Held in the parking lot

centrally located on Main Street, the market is well supported by the Coupon Program which saw 24 families fed last year and $10,000 in the hands of our local farmers. The market is making a shift to become a non-profit society, which will allow for access to greater funding. The directors for the famers market are working on hiring a full-time market manager, expanding the Coupon Program, and hosting live music at the market. As a member of the BC Association of Farmers Markets the Lillooet marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings are all made, baked or grown by local community members. Plenty of parking is available at the rear of the market lot and along Main Street. Come and check out the amazing crafts, baked goods, homemade soaps, and the regions best seasonal bounty.

STOP INVASIVE SPECIES IN YOUR TRACKS

Photo Credit: Megan Menhinick

Help prevent the spread of invasives

Arrive with clean gear

Before leaving, remove mud and seeds

Burn local firewood

Use local or weed-free hay

Stay on trails

Clean, Drain, Dry your boat

www.lriss.ca

www.siwmc.ca

Report a Weed

www.lriss.ca Report a Weed

We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Take a quiet moment to watch for bats In Lillooet we have high bat diversity with 13 of the 15 species in B.C. confirmed here. We had sightings confirmed already in April this year as the bats began to emerge from hibernation, and anyone on the lookout for them will probably have seen bats too. If not, take a quiet moment at dusk, outside away from lights and ideally close to some water. One reason to celebrate our bats is that they are insectivores and may consume many annoying insects. In one hour, a bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes. Some more bat facts: Some species of bats can live up to 40 years. Bats have good vision (they are not blind) and also use their extreme sense of hearing. They use echolocation to maneuver in the dark and to find food. Bats are the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. There are over 1,200 known species of bats worldwide. Nearly 70 per cent of bats are insectivores. Along with bees and butterflies, bats are pollinators,

making them vital to the food supply. - One of the largest bats is the giant golden-crowned flying fox, weighing up to 1.8 kg with a wingspan of up to 1.7 metres. The fruit bats are much larger than our insectivores. - Bats are clean animals, grooming themselves almost constantly. As mammals they breastfeed their young pups â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they do this upside down! - One large urban bat colony is found on the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas. It is home to an estimated 1,500,000 Mexican free-tailed bats. This colony of bats eats approximately 10,000 kg of insects each night. It is estimated 100,000 tourists visit the bridge annually to watch the bats leave the roost at twilight. One colony of 150 big brown bats can protect farmers from up to 33 million or more rootworms each summer. Almost 40 per cent of our bat species are in severe decline, with some already listed as endangered or threatened. White nose syndrome is a fungus that has infected

hibernating colonies in the east with very high mortality (up to 95 per cent) and it has been confirmed in Washington State so we are watching for it in B.C. Lillooet is a bat-friendly town and we have bat condominiums at the Old Bridge as well as at the spawning channel. We have wonderful bat habitat and a diversity of types of habitats leading to our high diversity. We have completed some excellent research here over the years and this summer another educational session for bat biologists is planned, led by expert Dr. Cori Lausen. Our website has bat information and for all the B.C. news go to www.bcbats.ca

Fraser River Lions Trail

Parking: 50°40’54.53”N 121°55’49.37”W Park in Cayoosh Campground close to the Bridge of the 23 Camels. Distance: 2.4 km (1.5 miles). Time: 45 min. one-way. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Built by the Lillooet Lions Club in the 1990s, the Lions Trail is a staple for local hikers, traversing the bank of the Fraser River through diverse habitat affording breathtaking views of the mighty river.

Bridges Walk

Lillooet Area T -------------------------

Parking: N50° 41’ 43.4’’ W121° 56’ 19.9’’ Park in lot behind REC Centre (access behind Museum). Distance: 8.7km (5.4 mi). Time: 1-hour jog, 2-hour walk. Difficulty: Moderate. Popular route with local runners, walkers and cyclists, crosses the Bridge of 23 Camels and the Old Suspension Bridge, offering gorgeous views of town and the famous river with fabulous mountain backdrops.

Hangman’s Park Trail

Jade Walk

Parking: N50° 42’ 21.7’’ W121° 55’ 55.6’’ Park at Old Mill Plaza. Distance (Time): 2.4 km from mall to cemetery (30-45 minutes), 5.3 km for complete route (1 to 1.5 hours). Difficulty: Easy to moderate. This trail commemorates Lillooet’s history as the site of the first jade mine in BC. Stroll down Lillooet’s Main Street and enjoy over 30 unique pieces of jade, some weighing many tons. Pick up a brochure at KC Health & Gifts.

Golden Mile of History

Parking: N50° 40’ 97.9’’ W121° 55’ 89.1’’ Park at Bridge of the 23 Camels. Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles). Time: 1 to 1.5 hours one-way. Difficulty: Easy to moderate walk. This walk highlights the many sights the Lilllooet Historical Society recommends you enjoy in a town whose post-European contact history dates back to the Cariboo Gold Rush. Pick up a “Golden Mile” brochure at the Lillooet Museum and Visitor Info Centre.

Red Rock Trail

Parking: N50° 41’ 52.9’’ W121° 56’ 65.9’’ Park in gravel cul-de-sac at west end of Victoria Street. Distance: 3.4 km (2 mi.) Time: 2 to 3-hour hike Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, 500 metres elevation gain. This popular route takes hikers to the famous Red Rock outcropping 500 metres above town, offering an astounding panorama of the Fraser River valley. Local flora and fauna abound. Take water with you.

az iy n

ou iH t

e re St

Sát’atqwa7 - The River

Parking: N50° 40’ 51.2’’ W121° 55’ 49.7’’ Park in parking area just off Powerhouse Road. Distance: 190 m to 2 km Time: 30 min. to 1 hour. Difficulty: Easy (rocky shoreline). A chance to get up close to the mighty Fraser River. Enjoy a walk through an active ecological restoration site that showcases our beautiful grasslands and Black Cottonwood ecosystem at the confluence of the Seton and Fraser Rivers.

Parking: N50° 40’ 61.9’’ W121° 56’ 09.8’’ Park at Miyazaki House. Distance: 0.3 Miles Time: 1520 minutes. Difficulty: Easy to moderate loop walk. In the heart of Lillooet’s downtown, a brisk walk from the Miyazaki House to the scenic bench where, legend has it, frontier Judge Matthew Begbie hung murderers in the Gold Rush era.

Naxwit Park

Parking: N50° 40’ 25.1’’ W121° 58’ 11.9’’ Park in beautiful, paved wayside park. Distance: 0.35 km (0.2 miles). Time: 10 minutes Difficulty: Easy. A short, easy walk along fast-moving Seton River offers the chance to see mountain goats on the cliffs above and other wildlife. Trails follow spawning channels full of salmon in season. Interpretive signage reveals local ecology and First Nations history.

Seton Spawning Channels

Parking: N50° 40’ 37.1’’ W121° 56’ 39.7’’ Parking lot is off gravel road that is immediately west of Lightfoot Gas. Distance: 1.4 km (0.9 mi.) Time: 20 min. Difficulty: Easy. A pleasant loop around a man-made spawning stream complex built to assist the reproduction of the many species of salmon. When the salmon are running these streams harbour thousands of spawning fish. Now managed by the Sekw’el‘was First Nation.

Campground Trails

Parking: N50° 40’ 06.2’’ W121° 58’ 67.3’’ Park at BC Hydro Campground entrance. Distance: 3.3 kms (2 mi.) Time: 60 minutes. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Two pretty loop walks connected by a steep hill. The loops go through forest, along Cayoosh Creek and offer awesome mountain views. Across Highway 99 from the upper bench you can access the incredible Seton Lake lookout.

Canal Walk

Parking: N50° 40’ 14.1’’ W121° 58’ 40.6’’ Park on immediate south side of Canal Bridge on Highway 99. Distance: 3.2 kms (2 mi.) one-way Time: 40 minutes Difficulty: Easy. On this level roadway along the south side of the BC Hydro canal which connects Seton Lake with the powerhouse on the Fraser, you walk in the shadow of the majestic towering cliffs at the base Mt. Brew. Watch for waterfowl on the canal. Thanks to Fort Berens Estate Winery, the District of Lillooet, the Lillooet Naturalist Society, the Lillooet Historical Society and Sekw’el’was First Nation for their help with this project. For more trails and information, pick up a copy of ‘Canyon to Alpine, the Lillooet Hiking Guide.’

24 46

Seton Lake

Th on do th tra

ea Trail Map - - - - - brought to you by

Fraser

Riv er

12 99

This map is provided as a guide only. The Chamber of Commerce does not take responsibility for the accuracy or safety of the trails included here.

MAP LEGEND Trail Heads Hospital Police Fire Department

Museum & Visitor Centre Campgrounds View Points 99 Provincial Highway 1 kilometre

25 47

oa d fi l l R

Pl. Hoey

s Ka

e an L r O ld

[ 10

AY O

r p C

Road

id ge

D'Este Road

ER VE

[

r p Fraser Cove Campground

Highway 99

p Campground r Æ I Rest Area Visitor Centre

I Æ

Taylor

RI Davis

a Ro

Manson Road

Cr es ce

Short Road

SETON LAKE

Reynolds Road

Davidson Crescent

Crescent

Ha yl m or

Inset A-Seton Lake hwa y

oo d

d Roa

Roa

Pl.

T & T Road

e Na t

Hollywood

Ho l

es Hom

Moha Road (Road 40)

d te a

McKay Road

n Pl.

Main Street

Phair R oad

McE wen Roa d

Xwisten

i ng

To Gold Bridge Bralorne Bridge River

Flem

H ig

Ro nt u H

Mo r a

[

Land

Æ q

Hospital Police Station

LEGEND Ambulance Station

[ [

[ 10

Seton Lake Beach Area

Population : 2324 Elevation : 800ft above sea level Distances from Lillooet

Fire Station School

Shopping Centre

Old Suspension Bridge

Lytton....................64km Vancouver............314km Gold Bridge...........110km Pemberton............100km Cache Creek.........90km Kamloops..............171km

4 Page Pull-Out Map 30 26

27 23

Scotchman Rd.

∆ q r.

Hospital Police Station Ambulance Station

Hangman's Park

Shopping Centre

T'it'q'et Pit House

Lytton....................64km Vancouver............314km Gold Bridge...........110km Pemberton............100km Cache Creek.........90km Kamloops..............171km

Pa r

k Dr . Ma i

d 40

)

Main St.

h 6t

RI VE

re St

h 5t

ne Pi

e Av

e. Av h Pa 4t no ra Pa m no a ra Te m rr a ac La e ne

rk Pa

y9 9

R IV

re St

SER

a Ro

FR A

St re et

[ Dr .

e Av

Roa

et re ne La

r p

D r iv

Su mm er s

r Dr .

we n

Or c hard

[ 7

et re

e Av

Ǐ th

a bi m 's lu an Co m ng Ha

e Av

os t e

wa gh Hi

[

(Ro a

e. Av

ri r D e t F Fos

ill nH

h 5t

o ati

[

e. Av

h 6t

v er as Fr

a hw ig

Street

e. Av

Ǐ

ne La

ane Church L

k 8th Ave.

Street

9th Ave.

oa d

t Fraserview S

Road

Hillcr es

id Br

Russell

∆ q

Street

. 11th Ave

Main

Murray

10th Ave.

11th Ave.

12th Ave.

[

14th Ave.

Fleming Pl.

Ave.

[ 1

ou nt ai nv 2 ie w

s Lane JC Reynold

16th

17th

Street

a oh

FR A

ia or ct Vi

St .

bia Colum

eet

Garden

McE

Crest .

tr Pine Grove S

Street

h os

Scotchman Rd.

Recreation Centre

yo Ca

Na po le on

Hillcr est D r.

Dr .

Curling Rink

E ag leso

[

Population : 2324 Elevation : 800ft above sea level Distances from Lillooet

Rd .

Fire Station

Conway Park

Bo uv et te

Ra n

Canada Post Office

hA ve

as ke t

Visitor Centre

[

t Re

tD ke s a

R et

[ [ [ [ [ [

School

p Campground r Ǐ Rest Area

LEGEND

t Driv e Par k

D riv

XWĂ?STEN

EXPERIENCE TOURS

Traditional Fishing & Archaeological Village Tours Available June to September

BOOK NOW

250-256-7844 www.xwistentours.ca email: tours@xwisten.ca

Shuttle Service Available for in-town pick-ups. Call for more details.

Community Link Bus

Serving Bridge River & Lillooet Areas Operates July and August Schedule available at: www.xwisten.ca 31

Lillooet’s Heritage

Miyazaki House Built in the 1880’s for the Phair family, the Miyazaki House is the heart of Lillooet’s gold rush history. Purchased by Dr. Masajiro Miyazaki after WWII, it tells the fascinating story of his life in Lillooet and his many contributions to the community over four decades.

Open Seasonally Museum, local art, weekly music concerts and community events. Available for private tours and event rentals.

643 Russell Lane, Lillooet, BC (Behind the Post Office) Admission by Donation 250-256-6808

Like us on

FB.com/TheMiyazakiHouse/

www.miyazakihouse.com

Dr. Miyazaki’s original office

Dive with an ancient mystery Your eyes are not deceiving you if you spot a yellow submarine (remotely operated vehicle) slipping beneath the waters of Pavilion lake northeast of Lillooet on Highway 99. Mysterious treasures are located on the floor of the limestone-walled mountain lake – microorganisms known as microbialites. They form an underwater “garden” resembling shrubbery in the shapes of cauliflowers, artichokes, coral and chimneys. Pavilion Lake is one of the few places on Earth where microbialites formations are found. NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the University of British Colum-

bia joined forces in 2004 to establish the Pavilion Lake Research Project to explore, study, photograph and sample these fascinating freshwater structures. Believed to be similar to some of the earliest life forms on Earth, the microbialites offer a potential window into ancient ecosystems on Earth and possibly on Mars, as well. Recreational SCUBA diving in the lake is only allowed in selected areas to protect the microbialites, scientific equipment and ongoing experiments. This still allows divers to see microbialite structures in some areas of the Pavilion Lake bottom, which is located in the traditional territory of the Ts’kw’aylaxw people (Pavilion Band), and was added to Marble Canyon Provincial Park in 2001 to protect the microbialites, which are estimated to have begun to form after the glaciers receded from the area 11,000 years ago.

Welcome to Lillooet! See us for all your automotive accessories and parts needs.

Op 7 D en a We ys/ ek Old Mill Plaza 11 - 155 Main St. 250-256-0599 33

Katheran Milne RealtorÂŽ For 43 Years

Buying or Selling? A Good Realtor is Important!

Make Every Choice in Life a Good One! www.katheran.com katheran@katheran.com 250-256-8055

Lillooet Trivia Quiz Test your knowledge with this fun true or false quiz about an area filled with surprises.

The tallest building in town is three stories high. False. It’s two stories.

True or False? When Simon Fraser landed here, he displayed a tattoo on his forehead and an image of the moon on his chest to show the Indian people that he began his journey from the east several months ago. True!

When future Prime Minister MacKenzie King and his bride honeymooned on The Pacific Great Eastern (PGE) Railway in 1919, she rode on the cowcatcher for a better view of Seton Lake.

After getting intoxicated one night, Judge Begbie came to court with a hangover the next morning and promptly fined himself $5 for being drunk and disorderly.

Swedish Mapmaker GLA Kartor AB included Lillooet and Telegraph Creek on its 1992 map of B.C., but not Kelowna or Kitimat. True!

False. It wasn’t Begbie. Lillooet magistrate Richard Hoey was the fellow who fined himself.

The road over Mission Mountain to Shalalth was once so bad that B.C. Electric posted signs warning “Any employee of the company caught exceeding 15 miles per hour on this road will be fired. True!

In 1972, an aldermanic candidate suggested stores should close during the summer months for a four-hour afternoon siesta. False.

False. King never married.

The Stl’atl’imx Nation Tribal Police (SNTP) is the first Indian Force in B.C. to achieve provincial police status. True. It happened on July 24, 1992.

Bridge River Valley mining entrepreneur Joseph Zotique LaJoie first made news in March of 1900 when he showed up in New York City claiming he had single-handedly reached the North Pole, where he discovered a previously unknown civilization. True!

The Mile 0 Cairn is at Mile Zero of the Cariboo Road. False. The actual Mile 0 was across the river at Parsonville.

Photo: Michele Garrett

Take a Hike with Lillooet’s

Hiking Guide To enjoy the best of Lillooet’s spectacular scenery, flora and fauna, take a hike into the rugged mountains and meadows surrounding the town. The Lillooet Naturalist Society’s “Canyon to Alpine: Lillooet Hiking Guide” describes thirty-two day hikes and contains information on trails and access, routes and topography. The guide stresses a gentle footprint and contains information about natural history. Enjoy its spectacular colour photos as you plan your trek, from a leisurely stroll to a more challenging excursion. Enjoy your hike, enjoy your stay, enjoy Lillooet!

Available for sale at various local retailers in Lillooet

“Know nature in the Lillooet area and keep it worth knowing”

Lillooet Naturalist Society

www.lillooetnaturalistsociety.org 36

How about a hike? The ‘bible’ for hikers in this area is the Lillooet Naturalist Society’s Canyon to Alpine Hiking Guide. It includes trail and access information on 32 hikes, dazzling colour photos by Ian Routley, route maps and topographical information. Close-to-town hikes include the Bridges Walk. It’s a total distance of approximately 10 kilometres and includes the Old Bridge and the Bridge of the 23 Camels, (this is also the route of Lillooet’s annual Terry Fox run); the Lions Trail, the Powerhouse Restoration Site, the Seton Spawning Channels, the Canal Walk and the trail above Lillooet to Red Rock (becoming known among the hiking fraternity as the Lillooet Grind). Tips for the trails less traveled: - travel in a group of at least three people - carry enough water and food for your trip. Hiking in the mountains requires extra energy and Lillooet’s hot, dry climate can cause heat exhaustion - leave enough time to return in daylight - leave an outline of your intended hike, including your location and expected time of return, with someone who can report you missing in case of an emergency - please remember your wilderness ethics; walk on established trails, bring along a small garbage bag so you can pack out your garbage and be respectful by staying back from nests, young animals, dens and feed-

Lightfoot Gas

Photo: Jacquie Rasmussen

ing and rutting spots - use caution when accessing trails using forest service roads as these roadways are often not well maintained Spring finds the volunteer team from the Naturalists Society out on the trails, as they become accessible, removing deadfall that has accumuPizza available for pick up! Fresh Made Daily: sandwiches, soup, pasta and more!

lated over the winter months and doing any other maintenance work to keep the routes accessible. All funds raised from sales of the Canyon to Alpine Hiking Guide go into the society’s coffers to fund that sort of maintenance work, as well as education, conservation and restoration work.

Canada's Best Value Inn

Mile 0 Motel

Great Scenic View of the Fraser River

Full Service Gas Station & Convenience Store Open Daily from 7am - 11pm

250-256-0010

Kitchen Open 6 days a week 7am - 6pm Mon - Sat 7 am - 7 pm Fridays

Highway 99 South

• 36 New Units – Air Cond – Cable TV • Free wireless Internet – Movie Channels • Honeymoon suite (Fireplace – Jacuzzi) • Family Suite w/Separate Room – Jet Tub • Banquet Hall – Guest Coin laundry ‘Your Home Away From Home’ P: 250-256-7511 • F: 250-256-4124 Located at 616 Main St. Toll Free: 1-888-766-4530 Downtown Lillooet, B.C. V0K 1V0 Email: info@mileomotel.com Website: www.mileomotel.com

Go for the gold There’s gold in them thar hills. And rivers. And creeks. The lure of the lustrous precious metal has drawn people to Lillooet for more than 150 years and they continue to be tantalized today by the prospect of gold. The provincial government has created 14 recreational panning reserves around B.C. that are open to the general public for recreational gold panning, three of which are in the Lillooet-Lytton area. Gold-seekers are welcome to use hand pans, hand shovels and metal detectors in their search for placer gold nuggets and “colour” that has broken free of the motherlode and been drawn down by gravity into rivers and streams. People should not pan for gold where a mineral or placer claim has been staked, within a park, on First Nations lands or on private property unless permission is given. When in doubt, ask. Gold panning tips: • Eat a hearty breakfast; porridge is a good choice. • Gold is unmistakable. If you think it’s fool’s gold, it probably is. Fool gold (pyrite) is hard and brittle, while gold is soft and malleable. • Pans come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. You can purchase metal or plastic gold pans; metal is durable and will last many seasons whereas a plastic

TAKE YOUR PICK! ‘Relive the 1860s Gold Rush and Native History!’ Located 80km east of Lillooet along scenic Hwy. #99

Old Airport Gardens Farm Market • B.C.’s Best Tomatoes • Fruits, Veggies, Herbs • U-Pick • We Pick Phone/Fax: 250-256-7051 1/4 Mile South of Lillooet Turn-Off on Hwy 12

Fun for the whole family with:

~ Guided Tours of 1860’s Roadhouse & Native Interpretation Site ~ Stagecoach ~ Restaurant & Gift Shop ~ Goldpanning, Archery & More ~ RV Sites, Camping, Cabins, & Public Shower House ~ Stay in a Covered Wagon

Open Daily May to October

Telephone. 250-457-9722 or Toll Free 1-800-782-0922 Email: contact@historichatcreek.com www.historichatcreek.com 38

New Location!

1152 Main St. 250-256-7789 Hours: Summer 6am - 9pm Winter 6am - 8pm

Photo: Lloyd McNary

tic pan will crack with wear. Bigger pans hold more gravel – greater chances of riches - but smaller pans are lighter and fit easily into a backpack. • Gold is very heavy, which means it will sink down in creek bottoms and riverbeds. Searching the bottom of a streambed is a good place to scoop up some dirt to try

your hand at panning. • Black sands are a good indication of minerals, so look for these locations. • Don’t stick to one spot; keep your options open. • Letting the cat out of the bag is a lot easier than letting it back in.

Local knowledge. Global reach.

250-256-7166 TheRightAgents.ca

*RE/MAX* Real Estate (Kamloops) 258 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC 250-374-3331 39

Fishing in Lillooet:

from mighty sturgeon to rainbow trout

Photo: Roxx Ledoux

In all the world of freshwater fishing, there’s nothing to match the sheer exhilaration of hooking a monstrous white sturgeon in the

fishing, birds of

Fraser River and there’s no better place to do that than Lillooet. Fraser River sturgeon grow to lengths of more than three metres

Lil’tem’ Mountain Hotel

Shuttle Kaoham Take the fo t e ra from Lilloo time fe -li -a -in once rience train expe

For reservations call 250-259-8052 Seton Portage, BC

and can top out at more than 600 kilos. When hooked they often raise their entire girth out of the water

Discover the pristine beauty and unspoiled wilderness of the Seton Portage area. Visit Lil’tem Mountain Hotel to experience culture, nature and history intertwined.

Crane’s Landing RV Park

and perform an amazing tail walk, sometimes more than once. It’s a sight – and a fight – not to be missed. These fish weren’t born last month, last year, or even in the last 50 years. They have a long life span and many of the Fraser’s sturgeon are 100 to 150 years old. Lillooet’s Middle Fraser sturgeon population is designated as endangered, but is considered healthy enough to support a catch-and-release sports fishery. If you want photographs of your catch, always leave large sturgeon in the water. Releasing them quickly is critical to their survival. Please obey the guidelines for handling sturgeon and respect this living reminder of a prehistoric past. There are plenty of options for fishing experiences of the more familiar and smaller-scale varieties, as well. Rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden, steelhead and salmon abound in the rivers, lakes and creeks in and around town. Seton Lake offers good fishing for trout

and Dolly Varden off the dock or by boat at the south end of the lake at Seton Portage/Shalalth. Fountain, Pavilion, Crown and Turquoise Lakes are all favourites for those using flies or conventional tackle, and there are great trout fishing lakes in the Bridge River Valley, as well. The Bridge and Fraser Rivers are

both home to chinook, the largest salmon specie. Sockeye salmon are found in the Bridge River in the fall, while steelhead are found in the winter. The salmon and steelhead fisheries are subject to local openings, so please check local regulations before wetting a line.

Photo: Patti LaPlaca

Proudly serving Lillooet since 1971. • Pharmacist on Duty 5 Days/Week • Seasonal Supplies • Books/Magazines • Greeting Cards • Lottery Centre • Gift Shop • Toys

Pharmasave Lillooet

Old Mill Plaza

250-256-4262

www.pharmasavelillooet.com email: pharmasave178@gmail.com Hours: Mon. - Thurs. - 9:30 am - 6 pm

Friday - 9:30 am - 8 pm

Saturday - 9:30 am - 6 pm

Sunday - 11 am - 5 pm

Playing in a winter wonderland

Photo: Lee Lau

Your new life awaits Come explore the opportunities Lillooet has to offer. Discover our potential, Reap the rewards.

For more information, please see our webpage: lillooetchamberofcommerce.ca or call us at 250-256-3578 42

Photo: Michele Garrett

experiences are available at Tyaughton Lake, near Gold Bridge. This is a great way to experience the full extent of what the Chilcotin Mountains have to offer.

Brand REG’D

Churning waterfalls in summer give way to massive icicles in winter that are perfect for climbers brave enough to come and conquer them. The Lillooet region offers stunningly beautiful mixed vertical ice terrain. The Joffre Glacier Group, easily accessible off the Duffey Lake Road (Highway 99) south of Lillooet, is one of the more popular places for beginners and advanced climbers alike. Mount Matier and Mount Joffre are highlights. Marble Canyon Provincial Park, located 35 kilometres northeast of Lillooet on Highway 99, is also easily accessible and features a labyrinth of canyons leading off the main canyon. There’s much more to our winter wonderland than ice climbing. You will find some of the most amazing snowmobiling anywhere by heading up Highway 40 towards Bralorne. Where the South Chilcotin Mountains meet the mighty glaciers of the Gold Range, this unique terrain makes it a gold mine for sledders. From the steep and deep to endless icefields, forest trails to open meadows, soak up the spectacular views and create tracks in the deep powder. Popular riding areas are Taylor Basin, Bralorne/Noel, Slim Creek and Lone Goat. The River Road (55 km) is the sled-accessed route into Gold Bridge from the Pemberton Meadows. Take the East Hurley fork to sled into Bralorne. Backcountry skiers and boarders have a few options – guided tours, cat skiing, heli-skiing or ski touring – whether it is in the Sunshine Mountain area near Bralorne, the Hurley River Pass area or in the South Chilcotin Mountains. The South Chilcotin Mountains provide an excellent venue for powder skiing. Being on the cold side of the Coast Mountains, the Chilcotin Mountain Ranges receive the heavy snowfalls that the coast ranges are famous for but are influenced by the colder temperatures of the inland regions, blessing the region with deep cold snowpacks. These great snow conditions provide excellent opportunities for ski touring and heli-skiing. The mountain ranges in the vicinity of Gold Bridge are home to a handful of mountain huts that provide the ski tourer a perfect base to return to at the end of a day of ski touring. Single and multi-day heli-skiing

• Superb Alfalfa\Sweet Clover Honey • Pure Natural Beeswax Candles

Your local transport company supporting our community!

Also Serving: Shalalth, Seton Portage, Gold Bridge and Bralorne Areas Call Lillooet Dispatch

KAMLOOPS Pickup & Delivery Mon. to Fri.

250-256-7155

ee Come s . the 10 ft Bear!

your photo ke

with the bee s!

Your face here! Your face here!

TOURS, GROUPS, & BUSES WELCOME!

250-256-7231

CARIBOO APIARIES

4007 Moha Rd. Lillooet, B.C. 4 km North on Hwy 40 to Gold Bridge at the Bottom of the Hill

Photo Credit: Sid Scotchman

Lillooet Museum and Visitors Centre Celebrating Lillooet’s History! OPEN - May to Mid-October • See artifacts from the Cariboo Gold Rush days • First Nations Displays • View the old presses used by ‘Ma’ Murray to print the Bridge River - Lillooet News • Free local, regional & provincial information & maps

790 Main Street, Lillooet, B.C. 250-256-4308 lillmuseum@cablelan.net

www.lillooetbc.ca 44

• Full Service Pharmacy & OTC’s • Local Native Art - hand-crafted items shirts, hoodies and more

• Giftware • Greeting Cards • Snacks, Foods & Drinks and much more! SENIORS DAY Every Wednesday 10% OFF (Excluding prescriptions.)

Lillooet IDA Pharmacy 656 Main St. 250-256-7538

More than gold and jade awaits Rockhounds A rockhound has been defined as an amateur mineralogist, but really it’s someone who enjoys collecting interesting rocks and minerals. For decades, the Lillooet area has been a popular destination for rockhounds. While Lillooet is most famous for its gold and jade, agates and jasper have been found on each side of the Bridge of the 23 Camels and the sandbars downstream. The aptly named Yalakomite can be found at the Horseshoe Bend of the Bridge River on Highway 40. The Yalakom River

Road area is significant for cinnabar, pyrite, gold and nephrite jade. The green gemstone can also be found off Highway 40 in the Marshall Creek area. The Bridge River Valley is also home to the oddly named Thunder Egg, a rock in the shape of a rough sphere that is formed within volcanic ash layers. Fossils 50 million years old are embedded in the rocks at Fossil Cliffs above Spruce Lake. Fossils can also be discovered near the foot of the limestone slides at Marble Canyon where they border Highway 99 at the west end of Pavilion Lake.

Photo Credit: Sid Scotchman

Dream it... Let us help you Do It. • Heli Fishing • Picnics • Hiking • Sightseeing • Heli Golf • Weddings & Proposals

www.blackcombhelicopters.com

250-256-6000

Historical Panels

Historical Plaques A. Mile Zero Cairn

1. The Fraser River Tacoutche Tesse – The Mighty One

10. Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie 11. The History of Agriculture in Lillooet

B. Lillooet Post Office

2. The Gold Rush

12. Highways and Byways of Lillooet

C. Chinese Rock Piles

3. The Bridge River Hydro System

13. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway

D. District of Lillooet Office

4. The Declaration of the Lillooet Tribe

14. Vernon Pick and Walden North

E. Old Camel Barn

5. St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church The History of the Lillooet Museum

15. Ntqwixw Ntqwixw refers to the area in the vicinity of the Old Bridge where Stʼátʼimc catch salmon

F. Old Newspaper Office

6. Muticultural Lillooet 7. The Chinese in Lillooet

16. White Sturgeon, Bats & Osprey

8. Japanese Canadians in Lillooet

17. Welcome Highway 99 North

9. The Story of Miyazaki Heritage House

18. Welcome Highway 99 South

Downtown Lillooet

12th Ave S

R I V E R

h 7t

F R A S E R

Main Street

11th Ave S

Gateway Welcome Kiosk

1 17

oad er R

ve hA

10th Ave S

e Pion

Av e

6 A 5 7 8

oet

e Av

GOLDEN MILES OF HISTORY

Lillo

6th

tre

LillooetÕs

12 11

Lillooet Museum & Visitor Centre 10 C

G. Old Bridge

G 15 Old Bridge 16

14th Ave

m Ca

f th

F R A S E R

Main Street

Bri

3 e2

R I V E R

els

Bridge of the 23 Camels

ON SET

ER RIV

SETON LAKE

Cr ee

kR oa

y hwa Hig

4632

Greater Lillooet Area

Te xa s

y uff

o eR ak

O AY

Ly tto n-

EK RE

o lo

Lil

13 14 18

SH O

Lillooet’s Golden Miles of History

Photo Credit: Roxx Ledoux

In 2015-16, the District of Lillooet embarked on an ambitious project – creating Lillooet’s “Golden Miles of History” historic panels and plaques. Because of space considerations, the News cannot include all the historic details in our Visitors Guide, so here is a modified version of Lillooet’s Golden Miles of History: 1.The Fraser River “Tacoutche Tesse” – The Mighty One In the spring of 1808, Nor’wester Simon Fraser and his companions set out from Fort George (now Prince George) in four canoes to follow Tacoutche Tesse – a river they thought was the Columbia – to its mouth. Aided by First Nations all the way down, Fraser noticed the once-seething river began to rise and fall with the tide.

Photo Credit: Michele Garrett

2. The Gold Rush In 1856, Hudson’s Bay Chief Factor James Douglas began supplying First Nations with hand tools to collect placer gold for trade on the Fraser River while American miners trickled in from Oregon Territory. Douglas sent a shipment of gold to San Francisco in 1857, word got out and the stampede was on. Lillooet became Mile Zero of the Cariboo Road and blossomed into the

largest settlement north of San Francisco with a population of 16,000 at its peak. 3. The Bridge River Hydro System Hydro-electric development of the Bridge River system began in 1927 and was completed in 1960. The system consists of three reservoirs, three dams and four generating stations. BC Hydro engineers designed the system to use the water three times before releasing it to the Fraser River. 4. Declaration of the Lilllooet Tribe On May 10, 1911, 16 St’at’imc Chiefs signed a declaration asserting their ownership of territorial lands and protesting the poor treatment they were receiving from the provincial and federal governments with respect to the alienation of land by settlers at Seton Portage. The Declaration begins: “We the underwritten chiefs of the Lillooet tribe (being all the chiefs of said tribe) declare as follows: “We speak the truth, and we speak for our whole tribe, numbering about 1400 people at the present time. We claim that we are the rightful owners of our tribal territory, and everything

pertaining thereto. We have always lived in our Country; at no time have we ever deserted it, or left it to others. We have retained it from the invasion of other tribes at the cost of our blood. Our ancestors were in possession of our Country centuries before the whites came. It is the same as yesterday when the latter came, and like the day before when the first fur trader came.” 5. St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church (Lillooet Museum) St. Mary the Virgin was one of three Anglican churches built under the supervision of the Royal Engineers for the new colony of British Columbia. The original St. Mary’s, which was torn down in 1961 after a century of serving the community, was endowed with furnishings and silver liturgical service by a wealthy English gentlewoman. 6. Multi-Cultural Lillooet Following the 1846 partition of British and American Pacific territories, trappers, traders and packers – British, French Canadians, Métis, eastern

First Nations, Mexican muleteers and Kanakas from Hawaii – found refuge from U.S. race laws north of the border. Cayoosh Flat was the Fraser River terminus of the Douglas Trail, the first road built into the Colony of British Columbia, but that name was never popular. After consultation with St’at’imc Chiefs, the town was renamed Lillooet. Thousands of people and pack animals made their way north to the Cariboo goldfields. Some stayed here to farm and open shops to supply them. The boom didn’t last. With the construction of a new road between Yale and Clinton in 1863, Lillooet was bypassed. Twenty years later, unemployed Chinese rail workers started mining to survive. They discovered gold in Cayoosh Creek and the town boomed again. 7. The Chinese in Lillooet When B.C. became part of Canada in 1871, work started on a railroad that would connect the Pacific Coast to the rest of the country. Thousands of workers were required and, at the time, the easiest way to bring them in was by ship from China. Once the CPR was completed in 1884, many of the Chinese workers came to the Lillooet area to re-work tailings left behind by miners bound for the Cariboo. The Chinese miners discovered that Cayoosh Creek had been overlooked. Over the next three years they mined it to a depth of 14 feet and took out millions of dollars in

placer gold. It didn’t have monetary value to others, but there was treasure found here by the Chinese miners - jade. Revered as the “Stone of Heaven” in their culture, they shipped many tons of it back to China. 8. Japanese Canadians in Lillooet When Canada declared war against Japan in 1942, there were more than 20,000 Japanese Canadians in B.C. The majority were Nisei, born and raised in Canada. Following the declaration of war, a 100 mile “security zone” was declared on the west coast and Japanese Canadians were forcibly and, under the Geneva Convention, illegally removed from this area.

Photo Credits: Sid Scotchman Photography

Four internment camps were established in the Lillooet area – Bridge River, Minto, McGillivray Falls and East Lillooet. 9. The Story of the Miyazaki Heritage House The Miyazaki Heritage House’s large porch, shuttered windows, bell eaves and Mansard roof reflect the 1880s era when it was built by Gold Commissioner, Government Agent and prominent merchant Casper Phair and his wife, Cerise. Their son, Artie Phair was taking pictures in Bridge River (South Shalalth) when he met WWII Japanese-Canadian internee Dr. Masajiro Miyazaki. Since Lillooet was without a doctor, Phair drafted a petition that allowed the Miyazaki family to move into his fine home and turn one of its front rooms into a medical office. In 1945, Dr. Miyazaki purchased the property. In 1950 he became the first Japanese-Canadian elected to public office in Canada. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1977 for his “unselfish service” to Lillooet and his home is now a community landmark.

10. Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie A 6’5” giant of a man with piercing blue eyes, prematurely white hair and an impeccable Victorian wardrobe, Matthew Baillie Begbie travelled on horseback or on foot over “goat tracks” and by canoe on “foaming torrents.” He presided over goldfield courts in tents, shacks or the open air. When one convicted miner complained about his legal defence, Begbie agreed to set him up with another trial “by your Maker,” thereby earning the epithet – The Hanging Judge. Yet Begbie was a compassionate man who sought extenuating circumstances when a jury pronounced a death sentence and defended Chinese miners and First Nations against discrimination.

11. History of Agriculture Jonathan Scott, a planter from Kentucky, farmed the upper bench of the magnificent tablelands across the Fraser after a nine-mile long flume/irrigation ditch from Fountain Lake was built in 1861. Miners were missing tobacco even more than their wives and for the next 20 years he sold plugs and cut tobacco straight off his presses. The first grapes in the Lillooet area were grown at Fountain from cuttings sent from Italy in 1863. After experimental trials verified the superior terroir of local soils, our first commercial winery was established in 2009. Since then, Fort Berens has won many awards and medals. Lillooet boasts B.C.’s best tomatoes. When Japanese Canadians were interned here, they shipped many train carloads of luscious Lillooet tomatoes to Vancouver. Food lovers now come here every year and buy hundreds of kilos of tomatoes at the Old Airport Gardens. Stone fruits, especially apricots, thrive in Lillooet. Lillooet’s annual Apricot Tsaqwem Festival also honours native Saskatoon berries, equally prolific and widely used by First Nations, eaten fresh or dried for storage. 12. Highways and Byways of Lillooet In the Lillooet area, ancient St’at’imc First Nation trails formed a sophisticated trading network later used by fur traders. In 1862, as gold miners pushed north, Parsonville, directly across the Fraser from the town, became Mile Zero of the Cariboo Road. In 1827, a Hudson’s Bay sketch map of the Lillooet area showed a First Nations bridge accessing Skumakum and from then on, the waterway it crossed became known as the Bridge River. By 1896, miners had discovered the upper Bridge River and within a year, there were over 200 claims on it. Access to the rugged Anderson Lake Douglas Trail/Highline Road starts at Terzaghi Dam off Highway 40 going up and over Mission Mountain to the community of Seton Portage and follows Anderson Lake to D’Arcy. 13. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway Construction of the historic Pacific Great Eastern (PGE) Railway was an epic undertaking vital to the development of 20th Century British Columbia. 49

The PGE Railway reached Lillooet in 1915 and continued on into the Interior of BC. Construction of the railway during times of war and economic depression is a credit to the railway crews who built the PGE on some of the toughest and most challenging sections of rail line anywhere in North America. Still, in its early days, the PGE’s reputation for reliability was occasionally less than sterling and it was jokingly referred to as Past God’s Endurance, Please Go Easy and Prince George Eventually. Its name was changed to the British Columbia Railway in 1972. 14. Vernon Pick and Walden North Vernon Pick was one of Lillooet’s most fascinating residents. Born in rural Wisconsin in 1903, Pick had very little formal education but he had an appetite for knowledge, studying philosophy, literature, science and religion. At age 48, after nine gruelling months of prospecting, he made the lucky strike that catapulted him into wealth and fame as the Uranium King of America. In the 1970s, he built his 100-acre Walden North complex outside Lillooet.

15. Ntqwixw Ntqwixw refers to the area in the vicinity of the Old Bridge where St’at’imc catch salmon. “The St’at’imc way of life is inseparably connected to the land. Our people use different locations throughout the territory of rivers and mountains and lakes, planning our trips with the best times to hunt and fish, harvest food and gather medicines. The lessons of living on the land are a large part of the inheritance passed on from St’at’imc elders to our children. As holders of one of the richest fisheries along the Fraser River, the St’at’imc defend and control a rich resource that feeds our people throughout the winter and serves as a valued staple for trade with our neighbouring nations. The St’at’imc can think of no better place to live.” (Nxekmenlhkalha lti tmxicwa, St’at’imc Land Use Plan) Please be respectful of our St’at’imc fisher people. It is every person’s obligation to keep the lands healthy for future generations. 16. White Sturgeon, Bats and Osprey White sturgeon are the largest freshwater fish in North America, attaining lengths in excess of six

Photo: Betty-Lou Cahoon

metres and weights of more than 600 kilograms. An ancient relic of the Jurassic Period, they can live for over 150 years. To help save the species, in 1994 the Province of B.C. imposed catch-and-release sport fishing regulations, commercial harvesting of sturgeon was banned and aboriginal authorities placed a voluntary moratorium on the fishing. There are more than 1,000 species of bats worldwide and unlike other mammals, bats are unique in their ability for sustained, flapping flight. Our bats navigate and pursue their insect food by using an enhanced sonar system (ecolocation). Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind; in fact most bats have excellent vision. In 2003, the District of Lillooet combined with the Lillooet Naturalist Society, decided to make the Old Bridge bat friendly and bat houses were installed under the structure. 17. and 18. Welcome Welcome to St’at’imc Territory and Welcome to the spectacular District of Lillooet located in the traditional territory of the St’at’imc Nation.

Scale in kilometres

WHISTLER

(Some sites maintained to minimal levels)

Camp Sites

(Some of these roads impassable in winter and some have very rough conditions)

Forest Service Roads or Seasonal Roads

(Most of these roads are unpaved. Some have rough conditions in places)

Paved Highway Secondary Roads

Legend

NaIRN faLLS

Finding Your Way

JoffRE LakES

BRIdgE RIvER

CLINToN

691 kilometres (429 miles) Three to seven days.

Scenic Drives

CLINTON Fraser River

Downton Lake

Seton

iver

ASHCROFT

LILLOOET

Lake

SETON PORTAGE

Thompson River

97C

SPENCES BRIDGE 8

PEMBERTON

LEGEND

LYTTON Lillooet Lake

Circle Tour (paved)

WHISTLER

Circle Tour (unpaved) Caution: Some roads are seasonal

1 Fraser River

Highway Number

BOSTON BAR

TO MERRITT SQUAMISH 5 Harrison Lake

HOPE HARRISON HOT SPRINGS

HORSESHOE BAY

VANCOUVER

MISSION

TO PRINCETON

CHILLIWACK

Du Cir

Som (174

BRITISH COLUMBIA

T follo the wild F Hor Starting in Lillooet, this Fountain route follows Valley the 40 Grav el spectacular Duffey Lake Road (Highway 99),road, 68 min Ro Duffey Lakegravel - Hurley ad Year-round kilo stor River Road Circle Tour Carp 2 ½ hours ente rL WASHINGTON

The region around Lytton and With their pick-axes, gold pans and Lillooet offer another change of mules, prospectors in the 1850s and landscape. This semi-arid area 1860s endured peril after peril to receives lessto thanVancouver 25 centimetres of follow dreams of gold to thefrom Lillooet The their round-trip loop rainfall annually and there’s a friendly Cariboo. Tunnels along the route are provides some of the most beautiful vistas in over rivalry between the two towns named for former Fraser River gold southern mining bars. British Columbia.which community can claim the title as Canada’s real hot spot.

LILLOOET

D'ARCY

SETON PORTAGE

k La

d An

Riv

d oa

Hu (S r le y Ro ea s onal ad )

Grant a Wish r ve

ake

al on as

Some seasonal roads (June to October), 281 km (174 miles): one day Follow Highway 99 from

GOLD BRIDGE

BRALORNE

Duffey Lake

n Lake

loo

r Lak

BRALORNE

Riv

Downto

Lil

Pavilion Lake

ge R

The round-trip loop from Lillooet to Vancouver provides some of the most beautiful vistas in southern British Columbia. Starting in Lillooet, this route follows the spectacular Duffey Lake Road (Highway 99), which winds through rugged wilderness, past snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes to Pemberton. It continues through the Coast Mountains and past the world-famous ski resort at Whistler on the newly upgraded Hwy. 99 to Squamish and the Pacific Ocean and then to Vancouver. East of Vancouver, the trip north along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) provides a striking transformations in scenery as the metropolitan area gives way to the fertile agricultural heartland of B.C. the Fraser Valley. Highway 1 follows the Fraser River and the old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail.

Gun Lake

Brid

Anderson Lake

691 kilometres (429 miles) Three to seven days.

Carp

ente

Coast Mountain Circle Tour

Brid

CACHE CREEK 1

Gun Lake

Tyaughton Lake

PAVILION

Tyaughton Lake

GOLD BRIDGE

With four spectacular scenic drives reaching all corners of the Lillooet area, this is a circle-touring paradise. Explore one scenic drive or use Lillooet as your base and explore all of them.

Kelly Lake

E Tran a st met agri H Car W pro afte Car form T ano T cen frie com hot

The trip to Gold Bridge-Bralorne Creek to start this tour. Ten min from Lillooet follows Highway 40, thegravel leftroad, andalong across ato mostly the the Frase steep canyon of the Bridge River. Xwisten (Bridge River First Nat Watch for wildlife and rocks. For a Local Aboriginal people fish fo photo op, stop at the spectacular Horseshoe Bend, where the dip nets, then cut varied the fish and rocks and minerals in the hillside tell in the wind.story. The adry fascinating geological road hugs the shoreline A right turn ofatCarpenter the village at Lake, formed by the construction of a Flats begins the ascent into Fou hydroelectric dam on the Bridge River Like us on: inits 1948. Gold Bridge and Bralorne beautiful mountain meadow were home to the richest gold mine picnickin inforests. Canada forCamping 40 years, untiland the mine

ser

Fra

Gifts • Home Decor • Jewellery 99 Fashion & Accessories er

Riv

Duffey Lake

600 Block Main Street Downtown Lillooet 52 at Fountain Lake. Another righ 52 48 250-256-7310 Lake, formed by the construction of a hydroelectric PEMBERTON

MOUNT CURRIE

Lillooet Lake

dam on the Bridge River in 1948. Gold Bridge and

12 affords a panoramic view o

u nt

ain

Valley Road

the “Big Slide” East of Vancouver, the tripisnorth along the ... so massive that the cost of ting, fishing, snowmobiling Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) provides aradise. The routethe continues widening road through it is prohibitive. and begin the climb to the pla striking transformations in scenery as the As and adown into the Pemberton closed in 1971. a result, forarea a distance of 400 metres the road Mountain (elevation 1520 met gives To The areareturns is a hunting, fishing, way to the fertile of themetropolitan journey to becomes lane carved out of the cliffValley. side. The trip offers anCache exciting d snowmobilingone and rockhounding agricultural heartland of B.C. the Fraser 99 (Duffey Lake Road). paradise. Thenavigating route continues this over by wagon Imagine mule! of the r Diamond S Cattle To Goldor Bridge Creek Ranch Highway follows Rive the Hurley Pass1and down intothe the Fraser River and the old r e sbeef for more than a century th Pemberton Valley. Rush The finalTrail. leg of Cariboo Gold Fra the journey returns to Lillooet via organic beef. With their pick-axes, gold pans and mules, Highway 99 (Duffey Lake Road) 99 After descending from Pavil prospectors in the 1850s and 1860s endured peril FOUNTAIN route follows the shoreline of K Fountain after peril to Valley follow their dreams of gold to the VILLAGE Year-round gravel road, 68 at inviting Downing Provincial Cariboo. Tunnels along the route are named for kilometres (42 miles) 2 ½ hours enjoy the beauty of this tranqu former Fraser River gold mining bars. Follow Highway 99 from Lillooet The road from Kelly Lake le towards Cache Creek to start this tour. and Lillooet offer The region around Lytton Ten minutes out of Lillooet, to the left its copper-colored mountains a another change landscape. and across the Fraserof River, are the Fountain On the return trip to L ranches. Xwisten (Bridge River First Nation) This semi-arid area receivesLILLOOET less than 25 fishing grounds. Local Aboriginal at Lake historic Hat Creek Ranch, a centimetres rainfall annually and there’s a people fish for of salmon here with dip Highways 97 and 99, for an o nets, thenrivalry cut the fish and hang it the on two towns over which friendly between racks to dry in the wind. welcome. Be sure to ask abou community claimat the title as Canada’s real A right turn can at the village 12 the ranch house. hot(Xaxli’p) spot.Fountain Flats begins the ascent into Fountain Valley, with its Further along Highway 99, beautiful mountain meadows and 99 pillar of Chimney Rock can be deciduous forests. Camping and picnicking spots are available at Camping is available at Marble Fountain Lake. Another right turn Duffey Lake Hurley River Road Park, and Pavilion and Crown onto Highway 12 affords a panoramic view of Fountainview Farms, B.C.’s places to swim or picnic. Circle TourMountain Pavilion largest grower of organic carrots. Not To Whistler far north of the Fountain Valley Road to October), 281 km Some roads (June 245seasonal kilometres (152 mile) one day intersection is the “Big Slide” ... so To Lytton (174 miles): one day ThisthatScenic follows part of the original massive the cost ofDrive widening the Gold Rush Trail. Follow Highway 99 road through it is prohibitive. As a Pavilion Mountain Cariboo Wagon Road/Gold Rush Trail. Follow north from Lillooet to the aboriginal result, for a distance of 400 metres the 245 kilometres (152 mile) one The trip tooneGold Bridge-Bralorne from Lillooet community of Ts’kw’axylaw (Pavilion). Highway north from Lillooet to the aboriginal road becomes99 lane carved out of day follows 40, a mostly gravel road, along Turn right and begin the climb to the cliff Highway side. Imagine navigating this 100.5 FM community of Ts’kw’axylaw (Pavilion). Turn leftpart of This Scenic Drive follows the plateau atop Pavilion Mountain by wagon or mule! the steep canyon of the Bridge Watch for Road/ the River. original Cariboo Wagon www.radiolillooet.ca (elevation 1520 metres). y • Fishingand • Hunting • Camping TO PRINCE wildlife rocks. The trip offers an exciting drive GEORGE 250-999-2086 • Clothing & Footwear through thenews, heart of the Diamond S Local weather, For a photo op, stop at the spectacular e CLINTON Cattle Ranch, a producer of prime • Bikes & Accessories Horseshoe Bend, where the varied rocks and beef for more than music a centuryand that’s on Trips here! now raising organic beef. After community events minerals in the hillside tell a fascinating geological descending from Pavilion Mountain, , 68 story. kilometres (42 miles) The road hugs the shoreline of Carpenter the route follows the shoreline of r

r’s

ser

Fra

Riv

DEANO’S PIZZA

from Lillooet towards Cache Ten minutes out of Lillooet, 644 River, Main St. are 250-256-4848 he Fraser the winnersedge@shaw.ca First Nation) fishing grounds. UR SPECIALTY IS SPORTS le fish for salmon here with ish and hang it on racks to ll

Kelly Lake

g id

PAVILION

ve Ri

Pizza • Lasagna • Spaghetti

rillage at (Xaxli’p) LILLOOET Fountain a into Fountain Valley, with ver

Pavilion

Lake & DELIVERY TAKE OUT

meadows and deciduous e ten Fre 682 Main St. TO CACHE u l G CREEK picnicking spots are available t TO LYTTON s ne Cru e l 250-256-0064 ther right turnAonto vailabHighway c view of Fountainview

Kelly Lake. A picnic at inviting Downing Provincial Park allows time to enjoy the beauty of this tranquil valley. The road from Kelly Lake leads to Clinton, with its copper-colored mountains and many historic ranches. On the return trip to Lillooet, drop in at historic Hat Creek Ranch, at the junction of Highways 97 and 99, for an old-fashioned western welcome. 43 Be sure to ask about the ghost lurking in the ranch house. Further along Highway 99, the unique limestone pillar of Chimney Rock can be seen to the right. Camping is available at Marble Canyon Provincial Park, and Pavilion and Crown Lakes are lovely places to swim or picnic.

53 53 49

12th Annual

Apricot Tsaqwem Festival July 19-21, 2019

• Farmers Market • Quilt Show • Family Activities • Live Music • Great Food • Tons of Fun!

George Leach

REC Centre Lawn Dance

Saturday, July 20th starting at 6pm

Fun for the Whole Family! Norman Foote

Don’t Miss Lillooet’s Biggest Event of the Year! 54

Cayoosh Creek

Scenic campground on the shore of the Fraser River. • RV sites with 30 & 50 amp service. • Non-serviced (tenting) sites. • Sani-Dump service. • Washroom facilities with hot showers, toilets and sinks. • Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. • Potable water sources are spread throughout the campground. • Wifi lounge • Firewood available

Located on the corner of Hwy 99 north and south. Phone: 250-256-4180 Email: cayooshcreek@lillooetbc.ca

While you explore our rugged landscape, discover our unique, local independant businesses. www.lovelillooet.com