Lillooet

Lillooet is the main town in the Fraser Canyon and Bridge River Country region of British Columbia. It was the first native town in the British Columbia Interior, and was briefly the largest town of the Fraser River Gold Rush in 1858-1860. Described by colonial Governor James Douglas as "the prettiest spot for a town on the Fraser I have seen", local scenery was compared by early travellers to that of the Himalayas due to the extreme heights and sheer precipices around Lillooet and in surrounding canyon country. In a pronounced desert-like rainshadow, the town's setting is framed by spectacular cliff walls and towering mountains.

Understand
Lillooet is very hot in summer, often sunny when areas toward the Coast are rainy or areas farther east into the Interior are overcast.

Get in
Lillooet is on Highway 99 and is 225 km (140 miles) from Vancouver, 130 km (80 miles) from Whistler, and 270 km (168 miles) from Williams Lake. If driving from Vancouver, the route via Whistler is more scenic though slightly slower, though for any of the many routes approaching Lillooet from other directions, you will not be disappointed. Lillooet is the perfect weekend getaway or day trip from major centres. With several hotels and motels, B&Bs, restaurants and a well-informed staff at the Visitors Center, Lillooet is well equipped to accommodate a romantic weekend getaway, a quick day trip out of the city and summer family adventures.

Do

 * Sturgeon fishing and river rafting are available through various companies.
 * Mountain biking and hiking. Bike rentals available.
 * Sturgeon fishing and river rafting are available through various companies.
 * Mountain biking and hiking. Bike rentals available.
 * Mountain biking and hiking. Bike rentals available.

Buy

 * Some local stores feature jade products and local gold. Also handicrafts and specialty crops.  Lillooet is famous for its cherries, apricots, local honey, and ginseng.

Drink



 * The Reynolds Hotel and the Hotel DeOro have pubs and liquor stores (see "Sleep" section).

Go next

 * Bridge River Valley - remote community to the west