Gold Rush Trail

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Gold Rush Trail

Explore, discover, & disconnect. Ever had gold fever? The Gold Rush Trail itself starts in New Westminster and winds its way north up to Barkerville.

You're about to embark upon a journey along the Gold Rush Trail that was travelled by gold seekers since the late 1850's who had that "gold fever", hoping to strike gold. Travelling the Trail, you'll experience many fascinating "nuggets" of history as you voyage throught some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world, meeting some of the friendliest people along the way. There are countl

ess unique activities to take in too! Experience a rafting expedition down the mighty Fraser Canyon, a hiking trip into ancient valleys, fishing in one of hundreds pristine lakes, visiting the many museums and historical sites, and trying your luck panning for gold. We invite you to take in the magic and mystery of the Gold Rush Trail.

05/30/2026

This isn’t just a road trip. It’s the story of British Columbia.

The Gold Rush Trail connects history, Indigenous culture, and landscapes that shaped the province long before highways existed.

The real treasure isn’t just gold. It’s the chance to unplug, avoid the crowds, and experience a wilder side of BC.

Download the Gold Rush Trail Guide and start planning your trip: https://hubs.la/Q04jphG00

Photos:
Destination British Columbia
Michael bednar
Andrew Strain
Tyler Cave

05/29/2026

It all starts tomorrow! The Main Season at Barkerville Historic Town & Park opens May 30 and, with it, a full day of stories wait for you!

Catch a show at the Theatre Royal, hop on a stagecoach, and try your hand at gold panning. Wander through Main Street as the blacksmith works the forge, the presses roll at the Cariboo Sentinel, and history unfolds all around you.

This season also brings back favourites like weekend programming at the Richfield Courthouse, alongside new experiences, from the Mrs. Houser Story to the History of Gold Rush Music. You’ll find Indigenous storytelling at Kelly Hall, Chinese heritage in Chinatown, and a new travelling exhibition, Odysseys & Migration, at the Welcome Centre.

Plan your visit at https://hubs.la/Q04cXdcq0 and make a day of it.

📷:
Jonny Bierman

05/27/2026

Not all BC road trips happen by car 🚴

The Gold Rush Trail is one of the best ways to explore British Columbia on two wheels, whether you’re into mountain biking, gravel riding, or road cycling.

Ride through historic routes, small communities, backcountry landscapes, and trails once used during the Gold Rush era. It’s active, scenic, and a completely different way to experience the region.

We rounded up 3 ways to cycle the Gold Rush Trail, check them out here: https://hubs.la/Q04hZgsx0

📷
Gold Rush Trail / Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association

05/04/2026

On the way to Barkerville, there’s a place where travellers have been slowing down since the 1860s: Cottonwood House Historic Site.

Wander through original heritage buildings and take your time along this peaceful site as soon as it opens for the season, on May 30th.

Ready to slow down a little?

Get travel tips like this straight to your inbox—sign up for the newsletter today.https://hubs.la/Q04cXfll0

📷 Tyler Cave

04/30/2026

This could be you!

On the road to Lillooet: windows down, curves ahead, mountains, rivers, and that feeling that you don’t need to be anywhere else.

Save this for when you’re ready to hit the road!

📷 by pedalpaddleplay driving from Salmon Arm to Lillooet

04/28/2026

6 things to do in Clinton

We did the travel research so you don’t have to—just show up and explore.

Save this for your next Cariboo stop.

04/25/2026

What if you could choose how the story begins?

At Barkerville Historic Town & Park, 2026 gives you two ways in.

Ease into it during the Shoulder Season (May 15–29), when the town feels quieter, a little more personal. Wander through select shops and exhibits, take your time, and pay what you can with admission by donation.

Or wait for the full swing of the Main Season (May 30 – Sept 13), when the streets come alive with Theatre Royal performances, stagecoach rides, and hands-on gold panning that pulls you right into the rush of it all.

Same place. Different pace. How do you want to experience it? Find out more at https://hubs.la/Q04cTzKJ0

📷 Mia Cirotto | Barkerville Historic Town & Park

04/24/2026

Just outside 108 Mile House, the Sepa Lakes loop stretches for 11 km of easy, open wandering: flat, wide, and made for everyone. Walk it, run it, bike it, bring the kids, bring the dog… just don’t rush it.

It’s the kind of trail that asks for nothing and gives you space to notice everything.

Trail options along BC's Gold Rush Trail are endless. Check the full list in the link: https://hubs.la/Q04d9CnS0

📷 by: Ashley MacLease and the scenery | AllTrails and Roy Nakamura and his dog| All Trails

04/23/2026

Open the window. Let the stillness in.

Tag your Cariboo escape partner below!

📷 .vanloon at Gun Lake

04/21/2026

The Gold Rush Trail story in British Columbia isn’t complete without Indigenous Peoples.

From guiding prospectors to sustaining early journeys, their role was essential—yet often overlooked.

Take a moment to learn the full history. Tap the link in our bio.

📷 in order:
Julie Elizabeth | Williams Lake Pow Wow
Quesnel & District Museum Archives | Cariboo Gold Rush
Mike Retasket | Chasm Provincial Park

Address

Williams Lake, BC

Website

http://www.goldrushtrail.ca/

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