Top Things to do in Cariboo
Top Hotels in Cariboo
- 1. Super 8 by Wyndham Williams Lake BC
- 2. Days Inn by Wyndham 100 Mile House
- 3. Best Western Williams Lake Hotel
- 4. Super 8 by Wyndham Williams Lake BC
- 5. Super 8 by Wyndham 100 Mile House
- 6. Ramada by Wyndham Williams Lake
- 7. Super 8 by Wyndham 100 Mile House
- 8. Sandman Hotel Quesnel
- 9. Wettstone Guest Ranch
- 10. Quality Inn Quesnel
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Cariboo, Cariboo
Discover the best top things to do in Cariboo, British Columbia including Quesnel's Little People Painted Fire Hydrants, 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site, Scout Island Nature Centre, Barkerville Historic Town & Park, Flying U Ranch, Tourism Discovery Centre, Green Lake Provincial Park, Dragon Lake, Quesnel's Historic Fraser River Foot Bridge, Pinnacles Provincial Park.
Restaurants in Cariboo
1. Quesnel's Little People Painted Fire Hydrants
2. 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By ronb712 - Mission, Canada
We stopped by on our way back to the Lower Mainland to stretch legs, take a break, and use the public washrooms. It's right beside the main Highway so super easy to stop there. It's free, just self guided, no admission etc. Loads of buildings to look at, really interesting, and benches to sit down and have your lunch or snack. There were a couple of booths with vendors selling their wares if you are so inclined. Next time you are driving by stop and have a break, it's worth it!
3. Scout Island Nature Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By 317brendaz - British Columbia, Canada
Great visit. Even saw a deer!! Peaceful and easy walk. Lots to see! Great place to bring your dog! Even an area to get in the water
4. Barkerville Historic Town & Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Billy Barker’s legendary gold strike on Williams Creek triggered a multi-billion dollar industrial revolution that literally built a province. Today, the extraordinary historic town of Barkerville stands as a living testament to BC’s golden beginnings. With its unique street scape of more than 125 heritage buildings, period displays, satellite museums, restaurants and shops there is still so much to explore.
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
Growing up, and when I attended school, there was always something intriguing to me about pioneer life and the gold rush. The history textbooks would write about the exploits and adventures of Simon Fraser as he navigated the canyon that now bears his name; the difficulties people experienced while building the Cariboo Wagon Road were elucidated in much detail; the efforts of Chinese and First Nations railroad workers was noted; and the routes taken by gold prospectors as they navigated north of the 49th parallel and into the Cariboo region was highlighted as the beginning of BC’s industrial boom. Indeed, the descriptors, adjectives and images we were exposed to painted a rosy – albeit very sanitized – picture of BC’s early gold rush beginnings. Because our view of the gold rush town is so sanitized and romanticized, you can understand my excitement the first couple of times I visited Barkerville in the early and mid-1990s. Back then, my textbook understanding of what a gold rush town is and should be was still firmly in place. I was coming to Barkerville, I thought, to strike it rich! Well, okay . . . maybe not; however, I DID have it in my mind that I was going to find some gold to take home . . . and get rich! I wasn’t totally wrong on this, but more on that in a moment. For now, I’ll just say that my early visits to Barkerville were a lot of fun. I didn’t pay much attention to the history or interpretive displays at the time; however, I did take note of the buildings and period actors. After we paid our entrance fee and entered the Barkerville Historic Town and Park site, I couldn’t help but be wowed by what was spread out before me: Over 100 original buildings; 21 reconstructed buildings; and a literal living history: Here I was . . . in Barkerville . . . transported back in time to the height of the Cariboo gold rush circa 1860s. Mind blown. During these early visits, the family and I had a lot of fun and spent the better part of a whole day on site. I remember walking or running to various buildings and being totally surprised at how people lived or worked at the time. Being of school age, the Williams Creek Schoolhouse caught my attention for both its compact size and limited teaching resources (a few books and a chalkboard); the dental office was both horrifying and funny – horrifying because of the questionable dental tools and funny because of the mannequin display; the Waterwheel show was intriguing and slightly humorous, thanks to the character actors, as they told a tale and demonstrated how to operate the vintage Cornish Waterwheel and flume; and, of course, the blacksmith shop captivated the whole family’s attention as we absorbed the tools of the trade during the Victorian era in BC’s gold rush capital. Being in a historic gold rush town, though, the inevitable highlight for me was the opportunity to pan for gold. Would I actually get some? Would I strike it rich? Such questions went through my mind as we approached the gold pan set up, received our tutorial and began actually panning for gold. And wouldn’t you know it! By happy coincidence, I did manage to get a few tiny flakes of gold, which were nicely put into a small bottle for me to keep. Little did I know, of course, that the gold panning was all staged: Everybody would get at least a couple of thin flakes in their pans to take home. Still, for young kids, it’s an exhilarating and fun experience. You just won’t strike it rich like Billy Barker did in 1862. Barkerville, as a town, has a lot of depth (literally and figuratively). Founded in 1862 and named after Billy Barker, whose Williams Creek gold strike triggered the Cariboo gold rush, it functioned as the epicentre of BC’s gold rush boom. At its zenith, in the mid-1860s, it’s reported to have had a population of about 5,000 people. As such, Barkerville was recognized for a brief period as being the largest town north of San Francisco. Even today that fact amazes me. Unfortunately, like most boom towns centered on a single resource, the population declined quite sharply in the 1890s as the gold rush waned. There was a brief resurgence in Barkerville come the 1930s – thanks to a surge in gold prices – but that didn’t last long. Barkerville was subsequently recognized as a “Historic town” in 1958 by the Provincial Government and turned into the major tourist attraction it is today. Barkerville’s last full-time resident passed away in 1979. The history of Barkerville, and its significance to the early development of BC’s economy is beautifully told in book publications available at the Park’s admissions building as well as on interpretive plaques placed throughout the site. On recent visits to Barkerville (i.e.: 2019), my focus was much more on the history of the town rather than the actors and their interpretive dance. The historic buildings and their accompanying information plaques thus took center stage. As I ambled about town, I couldn’t help but notice that fewer buildings were open to explore versus my visit a few years earlier and, especially, in the 1990s. I’m not sure why this was the case, but it was a little disappointing. Nevertheless, I did enjoy exploring the likes of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church (built 1870), the whore house (haha) and Barkerville’s historic China Town. The Chee Kung Tong building is itself a National Historic Site of Canada, concomitant with the delicious Lung Duck Tong Restaurant, give a good sense and overview of what gold rush life was like. Additionally, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, I’d also recommend walking off-site about 15-minutes towards the Barkerville cemetery. The “roadway” from Barkerville to the cemetery is actually an original part of the old Cariboo Wagon Road. How’s that for cool? Of course, a bit of nostalgia played into my recent visit as well. It was nice to have my grandparents on site, just as they’d been some 25 years earlier. They moved a bit slower, but still had an enjoyable time walking along Barkerville’s main street, seeing the period actors, stagecoach, and then enjoying a quick bite at the Wake-Up Jake. In short, Barkerville is a wildly dynamic site and very much a form of “living history” as I’ve said elsewhere. Whether you’re young or old, there’s something here for you to see and enjoy. With its impressive set of historic buildings, period costumes, live performances and pleasant staff, Barkerville truly is an “authentic, unique, world-class heritage experience.” At minimum, one should devote at least a full day to explore the area; however, I’d argue that two would be more appropriate to take it all in. One final recommendation: While all of the restaurants in Barkerville are pretty decent, I must strongly recommend a visit to the House Hotel and Saloon. The hotdogs served here are worth their weight in gold ;)
5. Flying U Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By KarenElizabeth0511 - Victoria, Canada
This was my first time back since the ownership changed and we had a great time. As usual, beautiful scenery and the wranglers were amazing. The riding really pushes you to your limits and it is amazing to be able to go on these unguided trips. It's truly unique and I've been to other ranches, but always come back! My first horse was a bit testy for my horseback riding level and they were very helpful with tips and set me up with a lovely new horse. Not that I didn't like my first horse, but he was a bit too much horse for me! The food was very good and the accomodations had some nice updates like new mattresses and the cabins were better insulated - the wood stove keeps you nice and warm. The trails were much better marked than on previous visits. Also, nice to have the boat and kayaks by the lake. I'd like to especially thank Dave, the superwrangler, he was just awesome!!
6. Tourism Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
The Williams Lake Visitor Centre is here to help you with all your travel needs! We provide information on Williams Lake, the Cariboo region, and the rest of Canada. The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin is located in the back half of the building. The centre also boast a gift/coffee shop, interactive displays, washrooms, seating areas, and free internet. Contact us if you have any travel questions, or drop by if you need a rest during your trip! We currently are following Covid 19 procedure to ensure your safety.
Reviewed By sunnygirl0524
I’ve often admired this beautiful log building on our way through Williams Lake, but never realized it had a museum in it! What a treasure trove of local history, artifacts, and memorabilia! There is literally a whole log cabin IN this building! The architecture alone is worth stopping to take a look at. Exhibits showcase local history about the memorable ranchers and cowboys of the area, the Williams Lake Stampede, its indigenous people, local businesses over the years and even some of its celebrities (who knew “Elvis” came from Williams Lake?? (; ) There is no fee... but donations are welcome and encouraged. Great gift shop with many unique gifts as well. A wonderful way to learn about the area. I highly recommend!
7. Green Lake Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Nyvik - Burnaby, Canada
Green Lake in the Caribou, BC area is a beautiful lake with beautiful green coloured water. It is a great place for camping with a few designated campgrounds as well as a place to go swimming for the day (this is one of the few lakes with a nice sandy beach). If you are going for a swim, then you might visit the Little Arrowhead campground on the lake. This is a nice place to go with small children. Recommended you bring an umbrella as there is not much shade. Also bring your floating chairs. There are a couple of picnic tables. If you are planning to go camping, then you need to book a place (several months) in advance as the campgrounds can fill up.
8. Dragon Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By KdDmWorsley - Prince George, Canada
The grounds are well maintained and we were able to launch our canoe right from our campsite. We enjoyed our stay and will definitely return.
9. Quesnel's Historic Fraser River Foot Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Titetown_11 - Quesnel, Canada
We often take Quesnel's "River Walk" and often stop here to head out on the bridge to watch the Fraser rushing underneath. Quesnel was very wise to recognize how important conserving this bridge is to the Community--and visitors. And I really do recommend Quesnel's River Walk. You will enjoy the two rivers, and the path is paved and always clean and safe. They even keep it clear of snow in the winter!
10. Pinnacles Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By TravelMeAllTheTime - London, Canada
We visited here on a vacation day when staying in Quesnel, but wanted something interesting nearby to do. This is free and a great path for children to burn off energy. There are stunning views and it is an easy hike for everyone. We were able to push the stroller for the whole hike.
