72 Hours of Winter Experiences along BC's Gold Rush Trail

Hop in your car for a three-day adventure, exploring the history of the Gold Rush Trail as well as getting outside to enjoy winter wonder. This 72-hour itinerary is a quick and easy way to get a taste of winter activities and things to do on the Gold Rush Trail between Clinton and 108 Mile.

Clinton Emporium | Angela Heidt

Day One: Clinton History & Trails

Get on the road in the morning, and in just a few hours, you can be in the lovely Village of Clinton, BC. Once you’ve arrived, get ready to explore this small, friendly community and take in the unique Western atmosphere, stunning scenery, and opportunities for winter recreation.

Start off with a stroll through the village, taking in historic buildings and sights rich in heritage. If you would like to learn more, grab a copy of Clinton’s Historic Walking Tour booklet – available at the Museum, Village Office, and local businesses. And for even more slices of history, make sure you stop in at the wide range of shops situated along Antique Alley, including the Clinton Emporium and North Road Trading Post.

If you’re a winter lover, then plan a visit to local snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails on Big Bar Road, which explore the semi-arid environment with views of the Marble Range. The range of trail difficulties from beginner to advanced are perfect for all abilities. Note that rental equipment opportunities are limited, so best to bring them with you!

Snowmobilers will also find ample opportunities to get out and shred through the snow, particularly along the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail, which extends north from Clinton all the way to Wells.

100 Mile Nordics | Jonny Bierman

Day Two: 70 Mile / 100 Mile and More Winter Adventure

Just 20 minutes from Clinton is the town of 70 Mile House – established in 1862 as a hostel for Cariboo Waggon Road work crews. Home to a selection of family-run guest ranches, you can plan your stay to take in some cowboy culture as well as a wide range of outdoor activities should you wish or continue along the Gold Rush Trail for further adventures.

Moose near 70 Mile House | Nicole Goodwin

70 Mile is also home to one of the Cariboo’s most famous roadside stops – The Sugar Shack. Plan a stop for some legendary poutine and Quebec-inspired dishes, as well as treats you can take with you.

The hundreds of lakes surrounding this area beckon local and visiting ice fishermen looking for their daily catch, while a little further north, you can find ample cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails at the 100 Mile Nordics Ski Trails, along with rentals and lit trails for night explorations.

Finish your day off at 100 Mile House, often referred to as the ‘Handcrafted Log Home Capital of North America’ and also the self-proclaimed ‘International Nordic Ski Capital.’ Originally a fur trading station on the Hudson’s Bay Company Brigade Trail, this town was also an important stagecoach stop on the Gold Rush Trail and home to cattle ranching and forestry industries. Next it’s time to retire to your cozy winter cabin for a comfortable night of rest and relaxation.

Day Three: Historic Spots & Home Bound

Don’t head home just yet! Only about 10 minutes north of 100 Mile House, you’ll find one of the Carioo Gold Rush Trail’s most popular attractions: the 108 Mile Ranch Historic Site. This collection of lakeside heritage buildings features the largest log barn of its kind left in Canada, stone sculptures, refurbished log buildings and period implements and tools. Although the site is closed in the winter, stop to take a look from the road as you pass by on the way to the 108 Community Trail Network, home to 30 winter trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Extend your 3-day exploration of the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail by adventuring to the North Cariboo – find a convenient list of 10 Things To Do around Quesnel and Barkerville and the rest of the North Cariboo region. Explorers can find more information on BC’s Gold Rush Trail by visiting goldrushtrail.ca.