“Wellness Awaits You”
Cut into the Thompson River Valley in the midst of sagebrush-speckled high desert hills, the historic village of Ashcroft is home to scenic adventures, wellness and relaxation. With a growing number of amenities to care for your mind, body and spirit, pamper yourself and reignite your sense of adventure while enjoying awe-inspiring scenery.
History
Originally part of Nlaka'pamux (Thompson) territory, the Aboriginal people living in the area relied on the bounty of fish in the Thompson River to sustain their communities. Ancestors of the Ashcroft Indian Band spent the winter months in pit houses near the Thompson River and Ashcroft Ranch.
Visitors to Ashcroft in the late nineteenth century would have witnessed the Gold Rush fever that led to the rapid development of the settlement. With the establishment of the railway, Ashcroft became a major supply centre for prospectors and miners travelling north on the trail to the goldfields. Ranching was also vital to the growth of the community, and in the early twentieth century Ashcroft became famous for its delicious crops of potatoes and tomatoes.
Things To Do
Ashcroft Museum & Archives
corner of 4th & Brink St. Phone: 250-453-9232.
Originally a post office, the museum building dates back to 1917. Exhibits include First Nations and pioneer history, as well as the discovery of coal in the region. Open from May to October.
Walking Tour.
Beginning at the distinctive Fire Hall, visitors are guided by brass plaques that tell the story of each key location. Walking tour pamphlets are available at the museum. Train spotting enthusiasts can enjoy watching the activity on the CPR and CN tracks that run by the town.
Ashcroft Sports & Recreation Centre
992 Highland Valley Rd. Phone: 250-453-2400.
This facility invites guests to use their first class gym and racquetball court. After your workout, head upstairs to The View for a refreshing beverage.
Heritage Place Park
at the end of Railway Ave.
Built in 2000 as part of the village’s Millennium Project, the park features a "walk through time" with displays outlining Ashcroft’s history. Keep an eye out for the waterwheel and railway caboose.
Jo Petty’s Studio
Phone: 250-453-9000.
“Art is an energy that is alive and all around us”. Visit the internationally acclaimed painter at her studio by making a booking 48 hours in advance.
Also of interest are several unique murals and award winning gardens. Mural locations include the Legion, Curling Rink, Heritage Place Park, and Railway Ave.
Hwy #1.
The IHRA sanctioned Nl’akapxm Eagle Motorplex hosts the ultimate in drag racing excitement; night drags, nostalgia races, pro-mods, funny cars, jet cars and more! Avid fan or curious newcomer, come and experience these action-packed events.
Ashcroft Farmers’ Market.
Nothing beats farm fresh local produce. The farmers’ market takes place downtown on Saturday mornings from June until the end of September.
Highland Valley Copper
Phone: 250-523-3307.
Highland Valley Copper is one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, so large that it is visible from space! Such a mammoth undertaking requires big machinery, and a tour of the mine is an unforgettable experience. The tours are FREE and the duration is approximately 2 1/2 hrs. NOTE: the tours are unavailable to children under 12 years, due to safety restrictions. Daily weekday tours run from the end of May to August.
Highland Valley Copper Lookout.
Situated on Highway 97C, the lookout has signage detailing First Nations and mining history within the valley. Don’t forget your camera!
GeoTourism.
The award-winning Gold Country GeoTourism Program is a great way to explore the area with friends or family. Cache locations in the Ashcroft area include a spectacular viewpoint and a historic church.
Recreation
Get involved in dirt biking, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, bird watching and horseback riding during your stay. Hikers can purchase the Recreational Trails Guide (price: $2) at Community Futures (Railway Ave.) and other downtown locations. Contact Sundance Guest Ranch and Historic Hat Creek Ranch to find out more about horseback riding opportunities.
Swimming.
Cool down in the hot summer months by taking a dip in the Ashcroft Swimming Pool (Phone: 250-453-9031). Open from late-May to early-September.
Semlin Valley Golf Course.
The Semlin Valley Golf Course, only a fifteen-minute drive from town, offers a scenic nine-hole course with views stretching across the sage covered hills and valleys below. The area’s warm, dry weather is perfect for taking in this beautiful environment and enjoying the long golf season.
Barnes Lake.
Barnes Lake and neighbouring Willard Lake are both artificial, created prior to 1900 by pioneer ranchers. Once providing vital irrigation, Barnes Lake is now a popular spot for canoeing, rustic camping and fishing for rainbow trout.
The dry grasslands of Elephant Hill Provincial Park are an ideal habitat for many wildlife species, including the rare Western Rattlesnake, Sharp-tailed Grouse, mule deer and coyote.
A great location for hiking and hang-gliding, Cornwall Hills Provincial Park is well worth a visit in July and August when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Admire the spectacular limestone canyon and waterfalls that held special ceremonial and spiritual significance to local First Nations people at Oregon Jack Provincial Park. Look out for culturally modified trees and pictographs, and remember to keep a respectful distance in order to help preserve this heritage for future generations.
Winter Fun
Barnes Lake and other surrounding areas offer excellent ice fishing, cross-country skiing, skating and snowmobiling opportunities. Don’t miss the Cars on Ice races (see Events below).
Public Ice Skating.
Public skating is available most weekends during the winter months at the Drylands Arena (7th St. Phone: 250-453-9545).
Dining & Accommodation
Treat yourself to a delicious steak, bakery favourites or a hot drink in a heritage teahouse. The Ashcroft Manor & Teahouse (Trans Canada Hwy #1 West. Phone: 250-453-9983) marks the original site of Ashcroft and has a 149 year history. Today, the site includes a museum, six original historic buildings, a gift shop and a restaurant. The Ashcroft Manor is open from May to late October.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy friendly service and freshly baked delights at the Ashcroft Bakery (303 3rd St. Phone: (250) 453-9212). The Buffalo Station (301 3rd & Railway Ave. Phone: 250-453-0005) and Chris’ Under the Bridge (50, 1st St. Phone: 250-453-9180) are both licensed establishments that serve up mouthwatering cuisine. For the most stunning view of the river, reserve a table at the the restaurant located above the Ashcroft Sports & Recreation Centre (992 Highland Valley Rd. Phone: 250-453-2400).
When it’s time to unwind, Wellness Awaits You in Ashcroft. From B&Bs and guest ranches to retreats offering facilities such as a pool, hot tub and yoga, you can relax in style.
Rest on the banks of the river at Legacy Park Campground (Railway Ave. Phone: 250-453-2642). The campground is open from May 1st to September 30th.
Events
The Barnes Lake Cars on Ice races held annually in January and February are exhilarating. The Cars on Ice team also offer programs for new and experienced ice racers.
The Ashcroft Fine Arts Club Show & Sale, held in April, exhibits the works of Ashcroft’s thriving arts community, which includes both hobbyists and artists of international acclaim. The Ashcroft Fine Arts Club also hosts an Art Walk at local businesses during the summer months. Pick up an Art Walk map at the Tourist Info Booth.
Don't miss the Ashcroft & District Stampede & Parade, held annually on the third weekend in June (Fathers’ Day weekend). Cowboys and town folk unite to host the Ashcroft & District Stampede, which kicks off with a traditional pancake breakfast followed by a colourful rodeo parade down Railway Avenue. Spend the afternoon watching cowboys compete in outstanding rodeo events that offer entertainment for all ages. Finish the day by kicking up your heels at the ever-popular Saturday night dance.
September brings the Ashcroft & District Fall Fair. See, taste and delight in the wonderful variety of ‘locally grown’ fruits, flowers, veggies, crafts, art, lively entertainment and beautiful displays at the Ashcroft & District Fall Fair.
End the year while revelling in the spirit of Christmas when Ashcroft lights up to celebrate the season with the annual Santa Parade, Santa Madness shopping, craft sales, Christmas teas, Skate with Santa and a stop by the CPR Holiday Train.
The Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society hosts regular music, theatre and art events including a dinner concert series and Music in the Park.
See the Events Calendar for more event listings in Ashcroft.
Key Facts
Population: 1800
Elevation: 335m.
Average daytime summer temperatures 29.6C
Average daytime winter temperature -5C
Amenities include:
• Accommodation
• Grocery Store
• Health Food Store
• Restaurants
• Service Station
• Outdoor Public Pool
• Ice Areana
• Curling Rink
• Municipal Park
• Museum
• Shopping
• Credit Union
• Pharmacy/Drugstore
• Barber
• Hair Salon
• Post Office
• Recreation Centre/Workout Gym
• Library
• Hospital
• Ambulance Service
More Info
Village of Ashcroft
Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal
Radio: CFMA-FM 89.5
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