Travel the Cariboo Region in British Columbia
Lures of Gold Rush, First Nations and Ranching History
Jul 10, 2009
The “Gateway to the Cariboo” in Clinton, BC is located approximately 40 kms north of the Trans Canada Highway #1 and Cariboo Highway #97 junction. It takes about four and a half hours to drive there from downtown Vancouver. The Cariboo’s most northern city 400 kms north of Clinton is Prince George, known as a leading contributor to BC’s softwood lumber industry.
Brief Cariboo History
The Fraser River and its watershed meander through much of the Cariboo region. Its banks have been home to many First Nations for up to ten thousand years. Trade relationships and overland routes called grease trails developed between the Interior Salish, Chilcotin and Coast Salish First Nations people for the exchange of goods.
Popular trade items were furs, fish and obsidian. Eulachon, also known as oolichan, became a trading commodity from the Pacific Coast. These small fish were either eaten or its rich oil used as a condiment, greasy in texture, which often leaked onto the trails during transport.
The first recorded European contact was in 1893 when Alexander Mackenzie’s expedition with the North West Trading Company traveled many of the grease trails in search of beaver pelts and other furs for eventual export to Europe.
It was not until the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1858 that the Cariboo’s discovery was revealed to the world. Thousands of gold prospectors made their way to Williams Lake, Quesnel and Barkerville to stake their claim traveling up the Cariboo Wagon Road from the west coast and overland from the east.
The Cariboo Gold Rush died down by the 1880s and settlers established some of the biggest cattle farms in the world like the Gang Ranch and Alkali Lake Ranch. The Williams Lake Stampede held every year on the Canada Day Weekend captures the spirit of the ranching history and has been an annual event since 1919.
In 1912, the access into the Cariboo showed more promise with the Pacific Great Eastern Railway which fully completed the line from North Vancouver to Prince George in 1956. Construction of paved highways further extended travel in the 1950s and offered an easier mode of transportation for travelers, a growing number of residents and business trade.
Summer Travel in the Cariboo
Tourists are normally drawn to the interior of BC because of its vast wilderness, incredible scenery, outdoor recreation and Gold Rush history. Although adventurous activities are offered throughout the year, summer remains the busiest season. World-class fishing on hundreds of lakes and guest ranches has made the region notably unique from the rest of the province.
The most popular cultural attraction is the Barkerville Historic Town with 125 buildings restored from the 1860’s when the Cariboo Gold Rush was at its peak. Barkerville's Chinatown is a prominent feature to the town reflecting the influx of Chinese prospectors of the time.
A visit to the Xat'súll Heritage Village in Soda Creek between Williams Lake and Quesnel introduces a glimpse into the history of the First Nations who live by the Fraser River. The Village offers daily educational tours and an extended stay program that includes teachings from the Elders. An opportunity to learn about the traditional way of life, hunting, fishing and gathering practices, the language, ceremonies, and their art is an invaluable experience.
The Williams Lake Stampede
The Williams Lake Stampede showcases the best professional cowboys and cowgirls in North America. Spectators sit in a semi-covered outdoor stadium to watch the action hosted by a commentator and rodeo clown throughout the day. Some of the rodeo event highlights include:
- Bull Riding – Watch as competitors take on one of the most dangerous events as they attempt to ride a raging bull.
- Ladies Barrel Racing – Teamwork is tested between the horse and its rider as they circle 3 barrels for a timed race to the finish line.
- The Mountain Race – Cowboys and cowgirls race down Fox Mountain on their way to the Stampede Grounds as fast as possible without injuring themselves or their horses.
- Wild Horse Racing – A team of three attempt to saddle a wild horse and steer it across the finish line.
Daytime activities combine the Stampede with a moderately-sized Fairway and vendors in the Bronc Buster Trade Fair. Musical performances begin daily in the afternoons into the night and a beer garden is available for those of legal drinking age. Traditionally, there is a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning followed by an impressive Parade through the downtown streets.
The 84th annual Williams Lake Stampede will be from July 1st to July 4th 2010.
References
Bocking, Richard C. Mighty River: Portrait of the Fraser. Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre, 1997.
Harvey, R.G. Carving the Western Path. Vancouver: Heritage House, 2006.
Cariboo Gold Rush. Vancouver: Heritage House, 1999.
