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Your Cariboo Adventure Begins Here
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. Approximately 500 Clinton residents and visitors had an opportunity to meet a team from NASA who are investigating the depths of nearby Kelly Lake. Part of the Pavilion Lake Research Project, these two lakes in Gold Country, British Columbia might hold the key to understanding ancient freshwater microbalites. The Community Day was a fantastic experience for everyone to learn more about deepwater explorations and what makes Kelly Lake so special. After a tour of a field operations unit parked behind the Cariboo Lodge, the celebrations continued with a barbecue and speeches at Kelly Lake.
Kelly Lake is a great location for swimming and fishing. Take a walk in the surrounding Downing Provincial Park to enjoy the stunning scenery. To learn more about NASA’s research project while you plan your trip, visit http://www.pavilionlake.com/.
MAP OF THE CITYHistory
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
Clinton Museum
1419 Cariboo Hwy. Phone: 250.459.2442Built 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 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.
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.
Dining
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). Gold Mountain Restaurant offers a delicious combination of Chinese and western dishes (1525 Cariboo Hwy. Phone: 250-459-2343). For mouthwatering wraps and thirst quenching smoothies wander over to The Rambling Tastebud! (1500 Cariboo Hwy) If you’re looking for a hot drink, Wi-Fi and ambience, visit the Clinton Coffee House (1418 Cariboo Hwy. Phone: 250-459-0056). The GardenSide Pottery & Gifts has a charming cafe for a wonderful cup of tea and a tasty lunch. (1521 Cariboo Hwy). FULL LIST OF DINING OPTIONS
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS IN CLINTON
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Gold Country Communities Society acknowledges that we provide services within the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territory of the
Nlaka'pamux, Secwepemc, St'át'imc, Syilx and Tsilhqot'in Nations.