Land Without Limits

Agri-Tourism & Cuisine

Agri-Tourism & Farm Tours | Brad Kasselman

Farm to Table

Farmers and specialty producers along the Fraser Canyon and in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast welcome the chance to share with road-trippers the art, science and dedication involved in raising livestock and growing crops, including their efforts to maintain sustainable farm and ranch ecosystems featuring healthy soils and free-range pasture lands. The South Cariboo is young in terms of grape production, for example. But the vines at Fort Berens Estate Winery in Lillooet dig deep into soil enriched by 150 years of melon, tomato and alfalfa production – a factor, perhaps, in why the winery continues to make the headlines. Since 2012 the BC vineyard has won many gold, silver and bronze medals at international competitions, including gold medals in 2012, 2013 and 2014 at the prestigious Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition. Most recently, the Lillooet area has evolved into a hotbed for hop growers who are helping fuel the rise of BC ’s burgeoning craft-beer industry. In 2013, the organic hops grown by Lillooet’s Bitterbine Hop Company were used by Vancouver’s Powell Street Craft Brewery to produce the Canadian Brewing Awards’ Beer of the Year. The presence of local hop farms also enables BC brewers to craft new, trend-setting products such as “fresh-hopped” beer, made by adding hops to brews within 24 hours of harvest. Backstories such as these are important to those with discerning palates, and for consumers increasingly aware that local, sustainably grown foods are vital to health and well-being and for reducing the environmental impact of long-distance shipping and the need for food stabilizers and other preservatives. The Chilcotin River Valley, guests can overnight on a 1,600hec/3,954ac property serving home-grown organic produce as well as grass-fed meats processed in the ranch’s own abattoir. Also in the North Cariboo, organic producers entice with the uniquely sweet taste of birch syrup tapped fresh from the tree, including a novel birch syrup BBQ sauce, and the historic town of Barkerville serves dishes re-created from the 1800s.

Festivals, Markets & Eateries

The fresh culinary perspective gained in exploring regional flavours is further honed with visits to agricultural fairs and festivals. August’s South Cariboo Garlic Festival in Lac la Hache sees both serious and casual foodies lining up for garlic poutine, panini and gyoza against a backdrop of family fun, live music and a Master Garlic Chef Cook-Off. Many local fairs also showcase youth 4-H competitions highlighting the rewards of raising livestock and growing crops while acquiring life skills. The central Cariboo features such delicacies as the Marguerite and Soda Creek areas’ sweet corn on the cob. From July through October, don’t miss the unique experience of the Cariboo Corn Maze at the Austrailian Ranch on Hwy. 97. Local restaurants and eateries are similarly diverse, from popular food chains along Gold Rush Trail routes to sophisticated dining options scattered throughout the region, where tempting meals are lovingly made with, of course, fresh, local ingredients. Other operators in the region, including B&Bs, open their barn doors so visitors can appreciate the fine art of “farming with the season” while sampling and purchasing local delicacies. Several also offer “Bed and Bale” for those travelling with equine companions. As well, many communities host weekly farmers markets, often with local arts and crafts showcased. At the Bella Coola market, for instance, travellers can stock up on fresh produce and sample regional specialties including fruits, jams, jellies, preserves, and fresh-baked goods as well as browsing garden plants, handmade jewellery, artwork, soaps, ointments, handmade fabric products, wood crafts and more. Gourmands touring the area are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for farm-gate offerings of sweet Walla Walla onions, Russian red garlic and sun-loving Kentucky wonder yellow beans. 

Fort Berens Winery

Fort Berens Winery

Fort Berens Estate Winery is a culmination of the dreams, vision and pioneering spirit of several entrepreneurs. It was founded with a pioneering spirit and forged on the road less traveled. The winery is owned by a team of eight…

Kinikinik Lodge & Restaurant

Kinikinik Lodge & Restaurant

The Kinikinik Lodge & Restaurant (plus store) is situated in Redstone between the Chilancoh and Chilcotin, rivers right along Highway 20 en route to to Bella Coola and the Pacific Ocean.
Lillooet Farmers' Market

Lillooet Farmers' Market

A social hub for the whole community, market vendors and friendly locals congregate every Friday morning on Main Street for the Lillooet Farmers’ Market. If the surrounding views of the Lillooet Ranges aren’t reason enough to stop, the contagious energy…

Lillooet Museum & Visitor Centre

Lillooet Museum & Visitor Centre

The Lillooet Museum & Visitor Centre is situated in downtown Lillooet in a former Anglican church. The original St. Mary's Church, which was torn down in 1960, stood on the same spot and arrived on the backs of miners and…

McLeese Lake Farmers' Market

McLeese Lake Farmers' Market

Located right by the waters edge of McLeese Lake, the McLeese Lake Farmers' Market is one of the most relaxing ways to spend your Sunday morning. From June 7th to September 13th, 9:00am - 1:00pm, drop by and browse an…

Moose Meadows Farm

Moose Meadows Farm

Moose Meadows Farm (established 2002) is located 15 km. west of Quesnel in the rural community of Bouchie Lake. Owned and operated by two Professional Foresters, it is a diverse operation that practices both conventional and innovative farming practices. The…

South Cariboo Farmers' Market

South Cariboo Farmers' Market

From May 1st to October 2nd, every Friday morning from 9:00am to 2:00pm, downtown 100 Mile House transforms into a vibrant collection of vendors offering unique local goods right in the heart of town. Local musicians display their talent as…

WildWay Farm Co.

WildWay Farm Co.

We are a farm/greenhouse/nursery business. We grow and sell plants -annuals, perennials, veggie starts, etc. As well as growing fresh vegetables and fruit for sale. We brew kombucha and water kefir using produce in season on the farm. We also…

Williams Lake Farmers' Market

Williams Lake Farmers' Market

Not unlike other regional markets, the Williams Lake Farmers’ Market was started by a small group of farmers who wanted a local venue to sell their produce. More than 20 years and one location change later, the Friday morning market…