Lytton

“Meet Two Great Rivers”

Located at the confluence of the Fraser River and its largest tributary, the Thompson River, visitors to Lytton will experience soaring summer temperatures and awe-inspiring canyon backdrops. Lytton is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

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History

This area was originally known as “Kumsheen” or "Camchin" in the local Nlaka’pamux language, meaning “where the rivers meet”.  The Interior Salish First Nations people, including the Lytton First Nation, Siska, Skuppah, Kanaka Bar and Nicomen Indian Band, have lived on the banks of these rivers for about 10,000 years.

In 1858, gold was discovered in the Nicomen River (ten miles north-east of Lytton, which was known at that time as "The Forks").  The population of the area was flooded overnight with prospectors and miners determined to discover the precious stone.

In the same year, Lytton was renamed after the British Colonial Secretary, Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton.  Bulwer-Lytton was a bestselling novelist of his time, whose literary claims to fame include the coining of the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword”.

Things To Do

Lytton Museum & Archives

The Lytton Museum & Archives occupy a former Canadian National Railway residence built in 1942.  The museum has an impressive collection of local historical artifacts, including over 1,300 photos illustrating the history of the area.  Keep an eye out for the original gold scales from the general store, a canon ball found in the Thompson River Canyon and a 140 year-old Chinese tapestry. The museum is open from June to September.

Visitor Info Centre (400 Fraser Street)

Brochures and historical walking tour pamphlets are available here.  The friendly staff are always happy to help visitors with directions or suggestions on things to see and do in the area.  The Visitor Info Centre is open every day from June to September, with limited opening hours during the winter.

Caboose Park (near the Visitor Info Centre)

This is a must-see for railway enthusiasts. Inside the caboose is a model railway layout of the rail lines running from Siska to Lytton, including famous bridges. Visitors can also view fascinating railway memorabilia and photographs.

Lytton Jelly Roll (a profile is mounted on a wall in Caboose Park).

This large sand and silt structure represents a fascinating geological discovery that was uncovered in a gravel pit south of Lytton.  This rolled layer of silt encased in coarser sands and gravel was formed in the last glaciation 11,000 to 25,000 years ago.  The Lytton Jelly Roll is rare because of its size; usually measured in centimetres, this one measures in meters and is one of the largest, if not the largest, formation of its type in the world!

Ken Glasgow’s Gallery (Botanie Valley Road, Lytton)

Phone: (250) 455-2569

Ken defines his larger than life work as “philosophy art”.  Visitors can admire his impressive steel sculptures at his outdoor gallery.

Siska Art Gallery & Museum (Trans Canada Hwy, Lytton)

Phone:  (250) 455-0072.

Featuring pieces from many BC First Nations artists, the Siska Art Gallery and Museum is well worth a visit.

GeoTourism.

The Gold Country GeoTourism Program will guide you on a journey into some of Lytton’s most fascinating places.  Get out the GPS or follow the letterbox clues to find caches hidden at the Reaction Ferry, a First Nations heritage site and other locations.

Recreation

River Rafting (Fraser River Raft Expeditions, Hyak Wilderness Adventures, Kumsheen Rafting Resort, Reo Rafting Resort).

In the colourful canyons between Lytton and Spences Bridge there are 18 major rapids within 40km.  With skilled professionals on hand, these powerful waterways offer a sense of adventure for visitors of varying ability levels.

Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park.

With 150 km of hiking trails, cable crossings, a suspension bridge and several wilderness campsites, the Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park is the perfect spot for a wilderness adventure.  Trailheads are accessible via dirt roads or the Lytton Ferry: a great ride!  This is a habitat for many plant and animal species including bears, so be alert!

Skihist Provincial Park.

With a campground, hiking trails and paved road around the park that cyclists can utilize, Skihist Provincial Park is well worth a visit.

Opportunities for rock climbing and rappelling, mountain biking, disk golf and beach volleyball are all available at Kumsheen Rafting Resort

Dining & Accommodation

Lytton has some great eateries to choose from. On Main Street in the town centre there are several popular locations, including the Lyl’ Towne Deli & Sandwich Shop, Pizza Hot Spot and Lytton Hotel Restaurant.  Jade Springs Restaurant (Hwy #1) is well known for its Chinese menu.  If you’re looking for something special on a summer evening, try The Cutting Board Restaurant at Kumsheen Rafting Resort (open mid-June to mid-September).

There are friendly and reasonably priced motels in and around town, open year-round.  During the summer season visitors can stay in a fully furnished cabin tent or teepee, enjoy camping or RV-ing.

Events

Lytton Days

During the May long weekend, Lytton gets into festival mode.  There is something for everyone; activities include a street dance, slo-pitch ball tournament, crowning of the Lytton Mayday Queen, a parade and a street market.

The Lytton River Festival.

The Lytton River Festival is held annually during Labour Day weekend to celebrate the historical and contemporary significance of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers to Lytton.  The fun filled three-day schedule includes music and entertainment performances, an interpretive hike, a Pow Wow and displays of local artisans’ work.

Nlaka'pamux Remembrance Day Pow Wow.

This event takes place in November to commemorate veterans and is a great opportunity to experience an aspect of First Nations culture.

See the Events Calendar for more event listings.

Key Facts

Population: 345

Elevation: 285m.

Average daytime summer temperature: 28.1C

Average daytime winter temperature: -5.5C

Amenities include:

Accommodation
Camping
Art Galleries
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Service Stations
Outdoor public pool
Community Park
Info Centre
Museum
Shopping

More Info

Village of Lytton
Lytton & District Chamber of Commerce Tourism Information
Radio: CKLS 95.7 FM