Tourism, Agriculture, & the Art of Finding Balance

What happens when rugged farmland and breathtaking wilderness become more than a backdrop? What if they’re an invitation to experience a way of life? In British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, agriculture and tourism blend seamlessly, fostering a profound connection to the land that both inspires visitors and strengthens local pride. For Amy Thacker, CEO of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association and a farmer herself, this intersection of traditions brings the region’s stories vividly to life.

With roots stretching back to the gold rush era, the region’s agricultural heritage has long been intertwined with its identity. Cattle drives and livestock movements once shaped the landscape and its communities—a legacy carried on today by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous ranchers. Each group brings its own traditions and perspectives, but they share a deep pride in the land and a collective commitment to preserving, nurturing, and sharing it with others.

“We underestimate the power of the people. And that balance of people and nature is what makes a place successful and will enable it for all of the future generations.” — Amy Thacker

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