Journey into Gold Rush stories, pioneering ambitions and First Nations culture.
History
Known formerly as ‘Carquile’, Hat Creek has a rich First Nations, ranching and mineral history. The earth of Upper Hat Creek holds broken arrowheads and other remnants of historic First Nations communities.
Hat Creek House was built in 1861, and served as an integral stopping point along the Cariboo Trail. Although the building has been bought, sold, moved and enlarged over the years, the original walls form the core of the current Hat Creek House.
The Hat Creek Coal project dates back to the discovery of coal in 1877. First worked in 1893 by rancher George Finney, who supplied coal to local residents from Hat Creek to Ashcroft, the rights to the Hat Creek coal deposit were acquired by B.C. Hydro in the 1970s. The coal seams remain rich with amber and petrified wood fragments.
Take an interpretive tour of the Hat Creek Roadhouse and McLean Cabin at Historic Hat Creek Ranch. Your guide, dressed in period clothing, will take you on a journey through the fascinating 1860s Roadhouse and the pioneer farming legacy that surrounds it. A member of the Shuswap Nation will guide you through local First Nations history and culture at the Native Village. Take a stagecoach ride along the historic Cariboo Wagon Road, but watch out for bandits! To experience the beautiful scenery of Hat Creek, don’t miss the opportunity to take a trail ride. The ranch gift shop includes exquisite crafts by local artisans.
B.X. Historical Marker, Painted Hills
If you are travelling through the region on Hwy 97, stop at the B.X. Historical Marker to take in the mineral rich hillsides aptly known as the Painted Hills.
Dining
Take a break from exciting explorations at the Historic Hat Creek ranch to enjoy a bite to eat at the licensed restaurant or a refreshing drink on the outdoor balcony.
Located southeast of Lillooet, Cliff and Gorge Vineyards offers amazing wine tasting and a beautiful scenic landscape including two signed walks to heighten your experience. Reviews: 5/5 star averageJeanette Freiberg5/5 stars 3 weeks ago"A hidden gem, a fabulous host, and the most breathtaking scenery! Eckhard was so welcoming and accommodating. He’s a great conversationalist and made us feel right at home. We took a 25-minute walk around the gorge (accompanied by the best dog!) and caught stunning views. Eckhard then joined us for a picnic (we brought our own food) and we stayed well into the night. A wonderful experience. Thank you!"Sulliman Aïad5/5 stars 11 months ago"Amazing views, amazing hike, amazing chat with the owner and overall amazing experience at Cliff and Gorge. If you're looking for a wine tasting where you can take your time, enjoy the sun, and have a leisurely chat with the owner, you've found the right place - and, I believe, one of the only places in BC where you can get this kind of personal experience."Brandi Read5/5 stars 2 years ago"My favourite winery experiences are those that feel like you've pulled up to someone's barn and then they surprise you by pouring a delicious glass of wine from their farm. Cliff and Gorge is no flashy big-time winery. It is local, thoughtful, delicious small batch wines cultivated in a rugged and beautiful part of the country. The whites and rose are perfume-y and I could sit all day under those big trees sipping and staring at the weather systems that roll along that beautiful mountain range. Worth the trek."Visit Cliff and Gorge Vineyards at18460 Texas Creek Rd, Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0250-256-8000www.cliffandgorge.com/#SupportLocal #ExploreGoldCountryBC #ExploreBC #Geocaching #GreenLake #70MileHouse #BigBarLake #LoonLake #ClintonBC #HatCreek #CacheCreek #Savona #Walhachin #Ashcroft #Lillooet #LoganLake #SpencesBridge #Lytton ... See MoreSee Less
The Great Pond Snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) is a fascinating freshwater gastropod mollusk that can be found in ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and marshes across Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. As a popular subject of study for biologists and nature enthusiasts alike, these snails boast a range of unique characteristics and behaviours. Let's dive into the world of Great Pond Snails and learn more about these intriguing creatures!The Great Pond Snail is one of the larger snail species, with adult individuals typically reaching a size of about 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm) in length. They have a spiral-shaped, coiled shell that is usually a light to dark brown colour, with prominent growth rings. The shell serves as protection for the snail's soft body and can be withdrawn entirely inside when threatened.Great Pond Snails are primarily aquatic creatures, preferring still or slow-moving freshwater bodies. They are adaptable and can be found in various habitats, from clear waters to more nutrient-rich, eutrophic environments. This widespread species has been introduced to many parts of the world, sometimes unintentionally through the movement of aquatic plants or fish.These snails are herbivores and predominantly graze on algae, which they scrape off rocks and other submerged surfaces. They use their radula, a specialized tongue-like organ with tiny teeth, to rasp away at the algae. Additionally, Great Pond Snails have been known to eat decaying plant matter and detritus, contributing to the ecosystem's nutrient cycling.One of the most intriguing features of Great Pond Snails is their respiratory system. They possess a specialized structure called a "pulmonary cavity" that functions as a lung, allowing them to breathe oxygen from the air while being submerged. To facilitate this, the snails surface periodically and extend a small snorkel-like tube, known as a "pallial siphon," to the water's surface to breathe.Great Pond Snails are hermaphroditic, which means each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. However, they still require a partner for mating. During mating, both snails transfer sperm to each other, and each can lay eggs fertilized by the partner's sperm. The eggs are deposited in gelatinous masses attached to submerged objects and vegetation, providing protection for the developing embryos.Great Pond Snails play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. As algae grazers, they help to control algal blooms and maintain the ecological balance in their habitats. Additionally, they serve as a food source for various predators, such as birds, fish, and insects, contributing to the food web's dynamics.Though they lack eyes, Great Pond Snails have a well-developed sense of touch and chemical sensing. They utilize tactile and chemical cues to navigate their environment, locate food, and detect potential threats.While Great Pond Snails are generally abundant and not considered endangered, their populations can be affected by habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Efforts to preserve and protect their habitats are crucial to maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. Photo: Water snail Rex 1 Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=219513#WildlifeWednesday #ExploreGoldCountryBC #ExploreBC #Geocaching #GreenLake #70MileHouse #BigBarLake #LoonLake #ClintonBC #HatCreek #CacheCreek #Savona #Walhachin #Ashcroft #Lillooet #LoganLake #SpencesBridge #Lytton ... See MoreSee Less
The Paska Lake Paddle "Trail" is a 4Km long route excellent for paddle sports. Be sure to bring your kayak if you're headed to the beautiful Paska Lake.#TrailingTuesday #ExploreGoldCountryBC #ExploreBC #Geocaching #70MileHouse #GreenLake #BigBarLake #LoonLake #ClintonBC #HatCreek #CacheCreek #Savona #Walhachin #Ashcroft #Lillooet #LoganLake #SpencesBridge #Lytton ... See MoreSee Less
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.
Gold Country Communities Society acknowledges that we provide