Clinton

"Gateway to the Cariboo."

This friendly community has a unique charm, rich with Cariboo Gold Rush heritage.  Venture into awesome provincial parks on warm summer days, or experience beautiful snow-capped forests in crisp winters; Clinton is where your Cariboo adventure begins, year round.

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History

Clinton was founded in the 1860s, and became incorporated in 1964.  It served as a roadhouse at the junction of the Cariboo Trail from Lillooet, and the Cariboo Road from the Fraser Canyon.  Originally called '47 Mile' because it was 47 miles from Lillooet (‘Mile 0’ on the route north to the goldfields), Clinton was renamed by Queen Victoria in 1863 in honour of Lord Henry Pelham Clinton, the Colonial Secretary of the day.

After the Gold Rush era, ranching formed the backbone of Clinton’s economy.  By the early 1950s, forestry had surpassed ranching as the primary industry.  At one time there were over 20 bush mills and sawmills operating in the area.

Things To Do

Take a moment as you browse the village shops to view the unique collectibles and fine works of some very talented local artisans, including pottery, textiles and other crafts.

Clinton Museum

1419 Cariboo Hwy.  Phone: 250-459-2442.

Built in 1892 from locally made bricks, and originally serving as the schoolhouse and then a courthouse, this building has a fascinating history of its own.  Existing as a museum since 1956, the building now exhibits artifacts dating back to the Gold Rush era.  Open seven days a week from May to September.

Clinton Art Gallery.

Locals describe Clinton as an “artist’s paradise” because of the perfect light conditions available year round.  The Clinton Art Gallery has a wonderfully diverse collection that traverses traditional and contemporary styles and includes works by Aboriginal artists.

Clinton Walking Tour.

Step back to a time when Clinton’s main street would have featured a blacksmith’s shop, a tollgate, a local jail and a China Town.  Pick up a copy of the "Clinton Walking Tour Book" (available at the museum, village office and local businesses) to learn more about Clinton’s fascinating Gold Rush past.

Reg Conn Centennial Park.

This beautiful park is centrally located in the village, and is a perfect place for a picnic.  Stroll along paved walking trails, enjoy entertainment at the bandshell or take the kids to the playground in this family-friendly space.

Clinton Farmers’ Market.

Take advantage of the opportunity to sample farm fresh produce at the Clinton Farmers’ Market.  Open every Thursday in the summer months.

GeoTourism.

The Gold Country GeoTourism Program is a great way to discover hidden treasures in the Clinton area.  Sites you will discover on your adventure include a historic roadhouse and the remains of an alkaline lake soda mine.

Recreation

Known as the 'Guest Ranch Capital of BC,' Clinton is a wonderful base for all your outdoor adventures.  Horseback riding and mountain biking experiences are offered by many of the guest ranches in the area. There are several forestry sites located at our many small lakes offering a great starting point for canoeing, fishing and hiking opportunities.

Mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking are all possible on the Big Bar Cross-Country Ski Trails during the summer months.  Maps of marked hiking trails are available at most Clinton businesses.

Clinton boasts some of the best trout fishing in the area.  Whatever the season, head to any one of the nearby lakes, such as Beaverdam Lake, Little Big Bar Lake, Kelly Lake or Green Lake and drop a line.

Painted Chasm.

No visit to the area is complete without a trip to the breathtaking Painted Chasm in Chasm Provincial Park. This Chasm was formed by glacial melt waters many thousands of years ago, and you can still see the layers of individual lava flows in this 8km long canyon.

Marble Range Provincial Park.

Named for its unusual ‘karst’ (limestone) topography punctuated by caves, sinkholes and disappearing streams, Marble Range Provincial Park is as fascinating for geologists as it is for tourists.  The Marble Range and surrounding guest ranches offer opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.  Wildlife enthusiasts will be keen to catch a glimpse of the California Bighorn sheep and mule deer that the park protects.

Clinton Falls.

A short, scenic hike from the bottom of Mound Road will lead to one of Clinton’s hidden secrets – a series of four cascading waterfalls.  

See the Big Bar community page for more details of some of the fantastic provincial parks in the Clinton area. 

Winter Fun

Visitors are welcome to participate in the indoor winter activities the town has to offer at the Curling Rink and Ice Arena.  

Explore the cross-country ski trails (Big Bar Cross Country Ski Trails) twenty minutes north of Clinton, which are maintained by the Clinton Snow Jockey Club.  Snowshoeing, an increasingly popular activity with winter sports enthusiasts, is also possible on these trails.

Many of the nearby lakes are beautiful and undisturbed locations for ice fishing.  Locals recommend Beaverdam Lake and Leighwood Lake for your best chance at catching Eastern Brook Trout in the winter.  Drop your line in Big Bar Lake if you prefer Rainbow Trout.

There are also opportunities for snowmobiling in the surrounding areas: some local accommodations can help you plan your winter adventures.

Dining & Accommodation

From pubs to pizza places, Clinton caters to a variety of tastes.  Experience excellent service at the restaurant, saloon or café at the Cariboo Lodge Resort (Hwy 97.  Phone: 250-459-7992).  Enjoy fresh, homemade western cuisine at the Cordial Restaurant (1315 Cariboo Hwy.  Phone: 250-459-2323).  Hearty pub food awaits hungry visitors at the Wolf’s Cry Inn Pub (1613 Cariboo Hwy.  Phone: 250-459-2610).  Lee’s Family Restaurant offers a delicious combination of Chinese and western dishes (1525 Cariboo Hwy.  Phone: 250-459-2343).  For pizza and subs, head to Parkies Variety (1522 Cariboo Hwy.  Phone: 250-459-2535).  If you’re looking for a hot drink, Wi-Fi and ambience, visit the Clinton Coffee House (1418 Cariboo Hwy.  Phone: 250-459-0056).

Accommodations in Clinton fit all price ranges and include a lodge, motels and a B&B with its own pool!  Boarding for horses is also available.  The outlying areas of Clinton, including Big Bar, have excellent guest ranches for visitors to enjoy this rural setting.  There are also many campgrounds and RV parks in the area. 

Events

Don't miss the annual Clinton Ball, held each May. This Ball started in 1868, and is the longest surviving continual event of its kind in BC.  The Clinton Ball opens Clinton Heritage Week, which includes community events and ends with the famous Clinton Rodeo, a colourful parade and the fun-filled Rodeo Dance.

In August, come out and enjoy the Clinton Little Britches Rodeo, where young cowboys and cowgirls from all over the province compete!

See the Events Calendar for more event listings.

Key Facts

Population: 670

Elevation: 877m

Average daytime summer temperature: 21.7C

Average daytime winter temperature: -6C

Amenities include:

Accommodation
Camping
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Service Station
Shopping
Credit Union
Museum/Tourist Information
Municipal Park
Cross-Country Ski & Snowmobile Trails
Ice Arena
Curling Rink

More Info

Village of Clinton
Clinton Lariat (available in print only)
Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal