Lillooet

 The building was formerly an Anglican church named St. Mary the Virgin. Rebuilt in 1960, the original St. Mary’s was carried to Lillooet by miners a century earlier. The museum hosts a floor depicting the life and times of the irrepressible co-founder and editor of the local newspaper, ‘Ma’ Murray. It also houses First Nations artefacts, some thousands of years old. The museum and Visitor Centre are open from May to October, open Tuesday to Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm. 

 This enjoyable walking tour includes intriguing historical sites such as the Chinese Rocks, the Bridge of 23 Camels, the Miyazaki Heritage House and the Hangman’s Tree – each with its own fascinating tale. The Lillooet BC & Area Visitor Information Guide includes a map of the walking tour, and is available to download or pick up at the Visitor Centre. 

 Thirty pieces of jade line the town in a project that took six years to complete. The stones have been cut, polished and mounted to reflect the different qualities each face displays. The Jade Walk is a tribute to B.C.’s Official Gemstone, and Lillooet’s jade mining history. 

 Enrich your understanding of the environment around you – with Splitrock Sek’wel’was eco-cultural tours. Join one of our knowledgeable aboriginal guides for a one-hour natural history walk. Get up close as we explore the habitats, plants, and wildlife of the area. Hands-on and interactive! Explore the connection between our culture and the land. Check out fish and invertebrates up close, learn about pools, riffles and glides, discover riparian and grassland habitats, and then taste test some great berries and juices (in season) and see the work of our local artists and crafters – maybe even make something yourself! 

 Built in the 1880s for the family of gold commissioner Caspar Phair, the house was modelled on the Irish ancestral home of Caspar’s wife, Cerise. In the 1940s, it became the home and working office of Dr. Masajiro Miyazaki. Dr. Miyazaki had worked at a nearby POW camp during World War Two, and became a prominent member of the community, later donating the property to the Village of Lillooet. 

 Visitors are invited to discover aspects of the St’át’imc Nation’s vibrant culture and history at Xwísten Experience Tours. The tour includes opportunities to view a replica s7istken (pit house), view the traditional fishing grounds of the St’át’imc people, watch a demonstration of the preservation of salmon through wind drying, and partake in a wonderful BBQ salmon feast. 

 If you’re visiting Lillooet, take the Kaoham Shuttle along Seton Lake – considered one of the most stunning rail journeys in the world. Please call ahead to confirm the train's availability and schedule!

 250-259-8300

 Named after a fort that the Hudson’s Bay Company began constructing in 1859, the Fort Berens Estate Winery is the first vineyard in Lillooet. Take in the fertile land and mountain backdrop of this young winery, which will harvest its first crop in 2011. The shop currently sells wines carefully composed from Okanagan grapes. Tours are available on request.

 Where else can you enjoy nine holes of golf in the company of sheep and the occasional bear? Lillooet Golf Course is a unique experience, set on a working farm, and is one of only two sheep meadow golf courses in the world. The course is open from May to mid-October. 

 A great location for hiking, rock climbing, swimming, fishing, bird watching and camping, the scenery in Marble Canyon Provincial Park is breathtaking. For more hiking opportunities in the Lillooet area, look for the Canyon to Alpine Hiking Guide in local shops. Pavilion Lake continues to be researched by NASA due to the microbialites. 

 The rivers and lakes around Lillooet are popular with anglers. Contact Fraser River Sturgeon Charters (Phone: (250) 256-7978) or Fraser Canyon Fishing Charters to book an action-packed fishing safari. 

 Gold! Yes, there is gold in Gold Country! The sound of rushing water, as you fill your pan with gravel and sand, the excitement of seeing something glitter in the sun as you work away the sediment and are left with some flakes that spark a smile of satisfaction on your face as you think of all of those pioneers and settlers who came through this region to seek riches during the Gold Rush. Gold panning is a fun, recreational activity for the entire family. It requires patience and oftentimes there may be no golden reward at the end of the day, but you will be rewarded with some lifetime memories that were created while out exploring the waters edge. Seeing fish leaping out in the waves, eagles circling overhead and deer coming down from the mountains to drink the cool water are some of the wildlife experiences you may have while trying your hand at panning. 

 Breath taking views are yours to discover in Lillooet! There are many hikes to choose from and each has it’s own unique characteristics and scenic views. Horseshoe Bend, Red Rock, Camelsfoot, Mission Ridge, Seton Ridge and Burkholder Lake Trail are just a few of the many trails to explore in and around the rugged terrain of Lillooet. Pick up a copy of the Canyon to Alpine Lillooet Hiking Guide for details on how to get to these areas plus many more. 

 For extreme sports enthusiasts, ice climbing the surface of a frozen waterfall is an unforgettable experience. The Joffre Glacier Group and the Marble Canyon boast some incredible winter climbs. Beginners can book lessons with the Canada West Mountain School. For skiing and snowmobiling, consider a trip to the South Chilcotin Mountains for some of the region’s best snow. The many lakes in the area are ideal spots for ice fishing. With a curling rink and popular ice arena (phone: (250) 256-7527) that offers public skating in the winter months, you don’t even have to leave the town centre to enjoy some excellent seasonal activities.