Family-Friendly Things to do in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Are you ready to embark on your next great adventure with your family? Regardless of age or ability, there are so many family-friendly activities to discover in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, and we hope you have the opportunity to try them all as you explore this Land Without Limits.

Horses, of Course!

Home to more than half of the province’s guest ranches, you don’t have to go far to find horses here, which is perfect for an authentic family experience. Kids and parents can immerse themselves in cowboy culture, including singing around the campfire and meeting all the new “ranch hands” from all over the world and making new friends!

At the end of the day, you can all recount your experiences while bunking down in a cozy cabin or lodge and rest up for another day of adventure.

Williams Lake | Ollie Jones

Biking Adventures

Considered by mountain biking enthusiasts in the area as the “unofficial mountain biking capital of Canada,” adventurous families can head here for spectacular terrain and quality trail systems. Explore a multitude of distinct riding experiences surrounded by hoodoos, river valleys, rugged canyons, logging roads, steeps, ramps, and single-track ridges.

Cougar Canyon Provincial Park

Hiking Trails

Families of all ages and abilities can enjoy a range of hiking trails – varying from flat and easy to rugged and challenging. Younger kids can explore at their own pace and get into nature, play lakeside, or stop off for a picnic, while more mature families can challenge themselves to alpine adventures and even backcountry hiking treks, if desired.

Tatlayoko Lake

Paddling Fun & Then Some

There is no shortage of family-friendly things to do on and around the water here! Relax with a paddle by canoe, kayak or paddleboard on calm lakes, or hop in for a swim and cool off. Feel free to amp up the energy with some tubing or wakeboarding. Families who like to explore can look into multi-day adventures through some of the region’s chains of lakes like Turner and Bowron, or discover whitewater rafting and jetboating tours along the Fraser and Chilcotin Rivers. Along the coastline, whale and wildlife tours are a surefire crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Watch Lake Lodge

Find Some Fish

Nothing beats catching your own dinner – and kids can make core memories casting a line with mom and dad on one of the thousands of lakes in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. To make things easier, many lakeside cabins and resorts have equipment on hand to borrow or rent, plus boats!

Another incredible option for a family fishing adventure is to head over to the Great Bear Rainforest and try your hand at ocean sport fishing – with a host of fishing tour operators eager to get your family out on the water in the best fishing spots so you can attempt to catch “the big one” and have an incredible story to tell friends and family!

Monarch Icefield | Tyler Cave

Fantastical Flights

Get above it all and see just how natural and beautiful this region is with a flightseeing tour! You and the family can ooh and ahh over glaciers, mountain lakes, peaks and valleys, and discover hidden fishing spots and rarely-traversed trails in places that few have travelled. Head out for day tours picnicking by ice blue, glacier-fed lakes or discover real adventure with a multi-day backcountry camping or mountain biking trip!

Looking for even more adrenaline-rich activities? Check out a few top trips for adventurous families to get inspired.

Barkerville Historic Town & Park | Thomas Drasdauskis

Learn From The Past

History buffs and curious kids (of all generations) will love learning about the long and storied history of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, interweaved through nearly every aspect of the region. Here all ages can learn about First Nations peoples, the prolific fur trade, the incredible Gold Rush and how cattle ranching helped to create British Columbia as we know it today.

There are numerous opportunities for immersive Indigenous experiences to learn about history and culture [/stories/indigenous-experiences-in-the-cariboo-chilcotin-coast/] throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, including the award-winning Xatśūll (hat-sull) Heritage Village [link], located north of Williams Lake above the Fraser River.

The Sugar Shack, 70 Mile House

Find a Treat

Nothing beats finding a fun place to refuel or treat the family after a day of exploring! Look for community farmer’s markets, cafes, bakeries and mom & pop shops to find that next sweet treat or savoury snack.

Terra Nostra Guest Ranch, Kleena Kleene | Jonny Bierman

Sit around the Campfire

At the end of a day of adventure, relaxing, and enjoying each other’s company, how about sitting around the campfire? Whether you’re pulling up to a full-service site with your RV or setting up a tent at a local RV & Camping resort or staying in a cozy cabin or lakeside lodge, evenings are ideal for reconnecting around a gently crackling campfire.

Roast marshmallows, drink cocoa, chat, or just listen to the crackle of the fire and watch the blanket of stars overhead. Wrap up your unforgettable adventure by retiring to your comfortable accommodations and getting ready for a new day of adventure!

Are you ready to hit the road with your family to explore new places and try out new experiences? Download our regional guide for more planning tips for your next family-friendly adventure! 

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