Visit Quesnel BC on the Gold Rush Trail

Cariboo Gold Rush Trail

Fraser River Walking Bridge | Quesnel BC

Discover the city of Quesnel, located nearly equidistant between Williams Lake and Prince George. Positioned along the Gold Rush Trail as part of Cariboo Waggon Road and at one end of the Alexander MacKenzie Heritage Trail, the city is positioned at the confluence of the Fraser River and Quesnel River.

The vibrant community is popular for getaways – offering a variety of accessible and adventurous activities along with numerous accommodation options. Visitors often enjoy exploring downtown where they can find the Quesnel Museum and Visitor Centre, City Hall, and the quirky Painted Fire Hydrant Walking Tour – featuring historical characters from Quesnel’s past. To experience history in person, bring the kids for a family-friendly afternoon of gold panning by borrowing a gold pan from the Quesnel Visitor Centre.

Other interesting explorations include the Chinese Cemetery Tour (honouring the Chinese labourers who contributed to the success of the Cariboo Gold Rush) making up part of the Quesnel Pioneer Cemetery with graves dating back to 1878, and the Riverfront Trail, a 5.2 km (3.2 mi) path beginning at the historic wooden trestle walking bridge looping around Quesnel and Fraser Riversides. Keep an eye out for the memorial to five Tsilhqot’in Chiefs who were executed in 1864 and learn more about Quesnel’s First Nation’s History.

Quesnel | City of Quesnel/Bonnie Grenon

Outdoor adventurers can tackle local trails on foot, snowshoe or cross-country ski, and find mountain biking trails for all ages and abilities including technical single-track, long rock slabs, fast, earthen descents, jump tracks, ascent trails and pump tracks. Play a leisurely round on one of three local golf courses, drop a line in local lakes and rivers to see what you can catch – and you can borrow fishing gear free of charge from the Quesnel Visitor Centre with a refundable deposit.

Quesnel is proud to offer a selection of accessible activities including playgrounds, low mobility and accessible trail networks for visitors of all abilities. RVers are encouraged to stay at the Quesnel Downtown RV Park and Campground for a convenient location on the Quesnel River near everything you need.

In the cooler months, Quesnel is a winter lover’s paradise with frozen lakes and rivers, snow activities and fun tours. Take to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, try your hand at ice fishing, skating and curling or enjoy fantastic but low-key downhill skiing without all the crowds at Troll Resort.

It’s all here and waiting to be discovered! Find a comprehensive list of things to do in Quesnel here.