Cache Creek

“Your Overnight Oasis on the Gold Rush Trail”

Nestled along the Bonaparte River and renowned for its hospitality, Cache Creek is a popular stopover point for travellers.  Take a break for a home-baked bite to eat and a cozy bed for the night, or stay and enjoy the community’s parks, fossil beds, golf course and other tourist attractions.

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History

While the town blossomed as a supply point of the 1860s Gold Rush, there are two stories on the origin of the town's name. Some claim it derived from the fur trade of the 1800s when supplies were stored or "cached" in the valley junction. Others say it came from a stagecoach robbery that occurred during the gold rush.  The police were chasing two bandits; one was killed and the other, badly injured, buried the loot along the creek bed.  The robber succumbed to his injuries before he could return, and the treasure remains yet to be found...

Things To Do

Splash out at the gift shops and indulge in fresh fudge, or purchase gifts of B.C. jade, pottery and art before exploring some of Cache Creek’s top attractions.

McAbee Fossil Beds.

A must-see for rock hounds venturing through Gold Country, the McAbee Fossil Beds are a fascinating geological find.  Formed from the sediment of a lake over 50 million years old, the remains of ancient plants, fish and insects have been discovered in the rock.  Visitors are invited to tour the beds and hunt for their own fossils.

Bonaparte Bend Winery.

Located on the Bonaparte Ranch (2520 Highway 97N), the Bonaparte Bend Winery specializes in superb fruit wines made from a vast range of locally grown fruit.  Wines include blueberry, cranberry, apple and Saskatoon berry, depending on the season and how long the stocks last!  The on-site restaurant serves delicious food.  Open April through September.

Cache Creek Visitor Information Centre.

Adopting the town’s ‘50s and ‘60s theme, the Info Centre is a town landmark and a useful resource for local and regional tourist information.  Internet access is available here.  Open mid-May to mid-September.

GeoTourism.

Those with a sense of adventure will find the Gold Country GeoTourism Program a great way to explore the local area.  Immerse yourself in tales of Gold Rush robberies and mysterious mine shafts as you locate Cache Creek’s hidden “caches”.  

Recreation

Cache Creek’s semi-arid desert climate and long summer season is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, ATV-ing, fishing, swimming, golfing and camping.  

Semlin Valley Golf Course.

The Semlin Valley Golf Course is a scenic nine-hole course with views stretching across the sage covered hills and valleys below.  Cache Creek’s warm, dry weather is perfect for taking in this beautiful environment and enjoying the long golf season.

Arrowstone Provincial Park.

This large wilderness park that keeps the valley undisturbed is home to Douglas fir and is ideal for wildlife viewing, photography, camping and hunting.

Cache Creek Park.

On a hot summer’s day, visit this 11-acre park to go cycling, take a dip in the outdoor pool, have fun at the baseball diamonds, basketball court and horseshoe pits, or simply relax in the gazebo and have a picnic.  Kids will have a blast at the playground.

Dining & Accommodation

Visitors to Cache Creek are spoiled for choice when it comes to good food.  Chum’s Family Restaurant (1108 E. Trans Canada Hwy) and The Bear’s Claw Lodge (1492 Hwy 97N) serve hearty western meals.  Try Greek specialties at the Heartland Family Restaurant (987 S. Trans Canada Hwy) and mouth-watering Chinese cuisine at the Wander Inn (1034 S. Trans Canada Hwy).  For light snacks, pizzas and pies (all homemade and delicious) stop in at Anie’s Pizza and Bakery.  Farm fresh delights are available at Horstings Farm.  

Cache Creek has many types of accommodation for visitors to choose from, including inns, lodges and motels.  Brookside Campsite offers a variety of amenities including a heated pool.  To escape from it all, try the “Hide-Away” rental cottage at Silverspring Ranch. 

Events

The Mother's Day Annual Campbell Hill Fly-In is held each May at Campbell Hill airport just South of Cache Creek.  It is growing in popularity and attracts many aircrafts and spectators from around the region for the pancake breakfast.

Graffiti Days takes place in the second week of June, and celebrates the ‘50s and ‘60s theme adopted by the village.  Graffiti Days is held in conjunction with the Old Time Drags: vehicles 1970 and older race at the Nl'akapxm Eagle Motorplex, then parade through Ashcroft and finish at the Cache Creek Park with a show and shine. In the evening, the Smoke Show gives everyone an opportunity to spin their tires and compete for prizes, and then dance the night away ’50s style.

See the Events Calendar for more event listings.

Key Facts

Population: 1100

Elevation: 396m.

Average daytime summer temperature: 29.6C

Average daytime winter temperature: -6C

Amenities include:

•    Accommodation
•    Camping
•    Grocery store
•    Restaurants
•    Service Stations
•    Outdoor public pool
•    Municipal Park
•    Shopping
•    Golf
•    3,310ft. paved Airstrip

More Info

Village of Cache Creek
Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal
Radio: CFMA-FM 105.9