Summer Bucket List Getaways in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

As summer greets us with long, sunny days and warm, breezy evenings, a whole new atmosphere unfolds. The air is filled with the vibrant energy of the season, and inviting outdoor adventures await. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to embrace the sunshine and experience all the beauty that summer has to offer, get ready to take some notes and check off these numerous getaways in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast from your bucket list.

Cast into Adventure and Go Fishing

Micheal Bednar

Fishing in lakes and rivers in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast guarantees an exceptional angling experience. Anglers from all over will find it unforgettable, making it an easy addition to your bucket list. When planning your summer fishing getaway in the region, be sure to check out at least a couple of these amazing spots:

Beloved by naturalists, artists, explorers, and photographers alike, Bella Coola Valley boasts the magnificent Atnarko and Bella Coola Rivers teeming with Pink, Chinook, and Coho salmon. Right next door to this paradise lies the Turner Lake chain within Tweedsmuir Park, celebrated for its abundant wildlife and home to Dolly Varden, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout.

The Dean River is known among fly fishing enthusiasts with its pristine waters and plenty of Rainbow trout. Lakes like Anahim Lake and Nimpo Lake offer breathtaking views and a constant spectacle of trout leaping from the water. Further along Highway 20, Tatla Lake emerges as a popular destination for Kokanee fishing, while neighbouring Bluff and Horn lakes present opportunities to reel in Bull trout weighing up to 10 pounds.

Turning towards the eastern horizon, fly fishing aficionados flock to the Horsefly River, a breeding ground responsible for three-quarters of the rainbow trout population in the neighbouring Quesnel Lake. In the meantime, Dragon Lake showcases its beauty, its shores graced by cattails and bulrushes, while Charlotte Lake, nestled at the foothills of the Coast Mountains, produces trophy-sized rainbow trout.

If you’re still craving more, don’t forget to explore the incredible Fishing Highway 24, offering a plethora of options for fishing enthusiasts of all kinds. With so many fantastic spots to choose from, you’ll likely find yourself planning multiple summers just to experience them all and tick them off your bucket list.

Conquer Rugged Terrain on Mountain Bike

John Wellburn

If thrill-seeking is more your speed, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop having fun amidst the rugged terrain and exhilarating mountains scattered throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. From South Chilcotin to Barkerville, the mountain biking possibilities are endless for your summer getaway.

In South Chilcotin, Spruce Lake beckons riders with its epic alpine meadows and interconnected trails totalling over 200 km, including iconic routes like the Gun Creek Route and the Taylor-Pearson loop.

Meanwhile, the 100 Mile House area boasts an extensive network of backcountry trails suitable for all skill levels, with the 108 Mile Trail Network serving as a prime starting point. Williams Lake offers over 200 tracks and trails catering to riders of every level, featuring the exhilarating Fox Mountain and Desous Trail Networks.

In Quesnel, riders can explore diverse terrain, from challenging climbs up Dragon Mountain to gentle rides for beginners. The Wells-Barkerville area contains extraordinary trails, while Lillooet presents four epic trails, including the popular Della Creek.

Lastly, Clinton emerges as a global gravel riding destination, offering a vast network of gravel roads amidst stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for adventurous riders seeking unforgettable experiences.

Take a Summer Stroll Through Williams Lake

Williams Lake | Jonny Bierman

Located in the heart of the Cariboo region, Williams Lake is enveloped by abundant natural beauty and offers a variety of activities. Exhibiting a perfect fusion of outdoor adventure and small-town charm, it’s an ideal destination for winding down during summer and ensuring a memorable getaway in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast.

Take delight in wandering through the town’s streets as the weather grows warmer and more inviting. You’ll undoubtedly be captivated by the cozy atmosphere and friendly locals. A leisurely stroll down Oliver Street offers more than just a simple walk; it provides a genuine glimpse into the town’s rich heritage. 

But perhaps the greatest reason to visit Williams Lake during summertime is simply to slow down and savour the moment. So why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and escape to Williams Lake this season? Check out more things to do here.

Grab Your Binoculars and Discover the World of Birdwatching

Thomas Drasdauskis

Whether you’re new to birdwatching, an expert, or simply seeking an excuse to get outside, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is the perfect location for all your bird needs during your getaway! From South Cariboo to Anahim Lake, summer is the ideal time for spotting numerous bird species as some of them emerge from their cozy nests to explore their surroundings, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.

Prepare to marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the sub-boreal and cedar-hemlock forests, dry sagebrush slopes, lakes, grasslands, and aspen parklands, which are home to nearly 200 breeding bird species. Ponds and lakes are filled with ducks, geese, swans, and coots, along with rarer migrants such as the Eurasian Wigeon and Tundra Swan. As you observe boreal, coastal, and interior bird species, you’ll discover an abundant habitat for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds.

Nature lovers can also venture along plateaus and through valleys in BC for their summer getaway, making a stop at Anahim Lake, a quaint town offering hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and, of course, birdwatching. Adventurers there will have the chance to spot white pelicans, trumpeter swans, waterfowl, and bald eagles!

Head towards the western slopes of the Cariboo Mountain Range and discover Bowron Lake Provincial Park. Encompassing a 116km chain of lakes and waterways, this hidden gem is the perfect spot for observing upwards of 20 species of waterfowl. The park is also home to a large songbird population, including the western wood-pewee, Hammond’s flycatcher, eastern kingbird, and many more.

If yellow-headed and red-winged blackbirds are more your thing, don’t skip The 100 Mile Marsh, a small wetland near the town of 100 Mile House. The area features a grassy picnic area and benches for sightseeing, and you can also spot plenty of sandpipers, swallows, grebes, and ducks. Naturally, don’t miss the chance to check their lovely town while you’re there!

Indulge Your Senses and Explore the Farmers’ Markets

Lytton | April Roberts

Summer is the perfect season for chasing those colourful farmers’ markets in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast as they start to open with the good weather – offering local seasonal produce, baked goods, and of course, delicious farm-raised food! When planning your summer getaway bucket list, consider adding a few of these delightful farmers’ markets:

Lillooet Farmers’ Market: A social hub for the whole community, market vendors and friendly locals congregate every Friday morning from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm on Main Street for the Lillooet Farmers’ Market, running from May 10 to October 11, 2024.

Williams Lake Farmers’ Market: A market that remains as popular as ever amongst locals and tourists, families, and vendors. It operates on Tuesdays from 2 pm to 7 pm (June 11 to September 27, 2024) and Fridays from 9 am to 2 pm (May 4 to October 11, 2024).

South Cariboo Farmers’ Market: Downtown 100 Mile House transforms into a vibrant collection of vendors offering unique local goods right in the heart of town every Friday from 9 am to 2 pm, running from May 10 to September 27, 2024.

For the full list of farmers’ markets in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, check out the BC Farmers’ Market Trail and get ready to indulge your senses!

With its thrilling and diverse landscapes, charming towns, and fun activities, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast beckons as the perfect destination for your summer bucket list getaways. Enjoy your summertime travels!