Lillooet British Columbia

"BC's Little Nugget"...

A land of adventure Spectacular scenery, wildlife, and history are just around the corner. Lillooet, British Columbia's best kept secret, is within easy driving distance of Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops and the Fraser Valley - come visit us and see what our community has to offer! For history buffs, Lillooet is a must-see! In 1860, the town was the 2nd largest North American centre west of Chicago, behind San Francisco. For active people, the recreational potential of Lillooet is unlimited. The area's large unspoiled mountains, valleys and lakes offer breathtaking scenery and first class opportunities for the outdoorsman. Formal recreational activities include: a curling rink, tennis courts, a stock car track, a BMX track, a skateboard park, a bowling alley, the Mile '0' Riding Club and many other organized sports teams. Lillooet is also fortunate to have a first-class recreational facility that houses an indoor swimming pool, ice rink, racquetball and squash courts, gymnasium, daycare, public library and meeting rooms. Lillooet is a paradise for locals and tourists alike!http ://www.lillooetbc.com

seton lake rECREATION aREA

The Seton Lake Recreation Area is 5 km southwest of Lillooet on the Duffey Lake Road. An alternative route is via the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 12 from Lytton through Lillooet. History and Hydroelectric Operation The Seton Lake Reservoir Recreation Area is located on Cayoosh Creek, near the confluence of the Seton and Fraser Rivers, in an area first inhabited by the interior Salish-speaking St'at'imc (STAH-tleum) people. Their underground winter homes, or "kekulis", can still be seen at the Seton Lake Viewpoint. In the later 1800s, hundreds of Chinese prospectors scoured the banks of Cayoosh Creek in search of gold. The remains of a Chinese bake oven can be seen in the campground, a reminder of the gold rush days. Seton Beach is a day-use area that offers access for picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing. The stand of acacia trees providing shade to the beach area was planted in 1942 by Lillooet residents in memory of World War II casualties.http ://www.lillooetbc.com

The Old Suspension Bridge

Since the construction of the Bridge of the 23 Camels, this old span is know as "The Old Bridge" to people who live in this community. It was built in 1913 and is a suspension bridge or steel cables and wood with 'dead men' embedded in the rock banks of the river. The middle of the bridge is held up by cables. This bridge replaced a winch ferry that was powered by the river current and had been in use since 1860. In 2003 the District of Lillooet along with the Ministry of Transportation completed a restoration of the Old Bridge. The District of Lillooet with the Lillooet Naturalist Society decided to make the old bridge "bat friendly" and Bat houses were installed as part of the restoration project. If you are watching closely at dusk, by water in the Lillooet area, you may see some of our bats performing their amazing aerial stunts.http ://www.lillooetbc.com

tHE mUSEUM & VISITOR CENTRE PICNIC SITE

The Museum and Visitor Centre is situated in the former Anglican Church, St. Mary the Virgin. The original St. Mary's, which was torn down in the 1960's stood on this same spot and arrived on the backs of the miners of 1860, who carried the timber, piece by piece, cut and numbered for immediate assembly in Lillooet. Although it was endowed with furnishings and silver liturgical service by a wealthy English gentlewoman, the doors of the original church were never locked in 120 years. It is a matter of record that miners and other travelers slept in the church when there was no room elsewhere and cooked their food on the stove that heated the building. The original chancel was incorporated in the new St. Mary's and the melodeon and bell from the old church are displayed in the museum. http://www.lillooetbc.com

hANGMANS TREE

This old Ponderosa Pine tree is located on the bench above Main Street. Turn left at the United Church and head up the hill. "Hang" a right at the first road you come to, and there, on your left in the park above the road, is the tree. It was used as a gallows for the administration of justice more than 100 years ago, when the law in these parts was Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie. The bough which actually accommodated the noose has since rotted off and the gnarled old pine has been cut down but remains on site. There is a record that two thieves were hanged there and buried underneath, but legend has it that in all, eight lawbreakers swung from it. If you don't think the walk is worthy of the story, it is certainly worthy of the view - beautiful! http://www.lillooetbc.com

Fraser Canyon River Ranch

Fraser Canyon River Ranch has been operating in the middle of the Fraser River for 6 years, offering Sturgeon Fishing tours in a remote wilderness setting away from the crowds of the lower Fraser River. Relax at your own private deluxe Yurt Cabin overlooking the river canyon watching the eagles soar by. Our yurts are fully self contained with all the comforts you will need from hot water, solar power electricity to a B.B.Q on the deck. Our company is devoted to doing our part for the environment, and is a strong advocate of fish conservation. Our facilities are completely solar powered and we support our local farmers by purchasing as much produce from them as we can to offset our carbon foot print. We are members of the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society and all sturgeon caught by us are measured, tagged and photographed before being gently released back to the wild. It's Easy to get to the Fraser Canyon River Ranch! Located between Lytton & Lillooet on Highway 12. (50km north of Lytton or 11km south of Lillooet)

lILLOOET gOLF cOURSE

Lillooet Golf Course 6 km south of Lillooet on Texas Creek Road Lillooet, BC Ph: 250-256-0550 One of the most unique golfing experiences for you to enjoy! A picturesque and challenging 9-hole course, home to a mixed breed sheep herd, who keep the course well fertilized and grazed. Have no fear, the sheep are there to enjoy the beautiful views along side you. The owners and staff are committed to customer service, and ensuring challenging playing conditions for all skill levels and ages. With its short straight fairways, minor doglegs, unforgiving small greens, bunkers and tricky water holes, and of course, the wooly hazards This course promises a unique golfing experience. Reservations recommended for weekend play. See you soon, it's worth the trip! http://www.exploregoldcountry.com/tourism_gr_golf.php

Kumsheen Rafting Resort

The Kumsheen Rafting Resort is one of the finest wilderness adventure centres in Canada located in Canada's hot spot - Lytton, BC. Kumsheen rafting trips feature big waves, warm water and a desert-like climate. With white water rafting trips on the Thompson, Fraser and Stein Rivers there is a unique experience for guests of all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts can also choose from scenic mountain bike tours, rappelling/rock climbing, river kayaking, or view the spectacular White Canyon setting from their outdoor hot tub and swimming pool. Kumsheen hosts and sponsors a series of events throughout the spring, summer, and fall including the annual Labour Day Weekend Lytton River Festival. Kumsheen?s 36 years of experience and all-inclusive resort facilities can accommodate the needs of groups as large as a couple hundred. Start planning your adventure today! http://www.kumsheen.com