Travel through Slumach country near Vancouver, BC to search for the elusive Lost Creek gold mine in Slumach's Gold: In Search of a Legend.

The legend of Slumach’s gold near Pitt Lake, BC has stood the test of time. Curious seekers have travelled through the backcountry of British Columbia to find the elusive gold mine that has sparked a myth that time has only intensified.

The Legend of Slumach

Slumach was a native man hanging around New Westminster, BC in the late 1800s. His legendary life is now a matter of exaggerated myth: did he really discover a hidden gold mine in the mountains around Pitt Lake? Did he really bring back gold nuggets “the size of walnuts”?

The tale goes that Slumach, a Salish man living in the port of New Westminster, found a creek bed filled with gold for the taking. He would bring bits of it back to the town’s saloons and spend like a millionaire. Word got out that he’d take women with him to the mine but they’d never show up again. He was hung for murder in 1891.

Slumach’s Gold: In Search of a Legend

Rick Antonson, Mary Trainer and Brian Antonson wrote one of the best books on the subject in 1972. Still an active legend followed by many, they presented a balanced account of facts versus fiction. This year the book was re-published to include new discoveries, a fresh perspective and tantalising tidbits.

People are still seeking Slumach’s gold mine in the Pitt Lake area even though there is no tangible proof that it exists. Slumach was never convicted of murdering women, although he was finally hung for killing Louis Bee at the provincial jail in New Westminster.

The most important piece of evidence is a letter written by Jackson, an Alaskan miner in the early 1900s. In it he mapped out a fairly vague route to the gold mine with physical markers to guide the way. It was found with Volcanic Brown’s belongings, a man who disappeared in 1931 after numerous attempts to find the gold. His last camp contained a jar with 11 ounces of gold in it.

Getting to Slumach’s Hidden Goldmine

The Pitt Lake area, 35 km northeast of present-day Vancouver, is where the gold mine is said to be. As far south as Lillooet Slough and Sheridan Hill to as far north as Stave Glacier, there are many theories about where exactly the location is.

Where to Stay

To explore the area, camping out in the often-dangerous landscape is one of the only ways to go. Otherwise, try Pitt River Lodge, almost smack dab in the middle of Slumach country. Hear local tales and rumours while staying cozy inside the hand-crafted lodge.

Many have died while searching in the harsh terrain of the mountains. Yet still to this day, young and old alike are drawing new maps, forging trails and using GPS waypoints to track down the precise location. The gold mine is still out there, perhaps, for those adventurous enough to look for it. But do you know about the curse?

Decide for yourself by reading Slumach’s Gold: In Search of a Legend, published by Heritage House.