Gold Country is set in the heart of British Columbia’s stunningly diverse Interior. Alpine mountains, wildflower meadows, sagebrush scented desert and vast ranchlands are rich with stories of gold panners, cowboys and Indigenous Culture. Gold Country’s heritage, wildlife and scenery makes every visit a great adventure.
Discover the region’s rich history while using GPS points or treasure hunt clues (letterboxing) to find boxes cached throughout Gold Country. Free fun for the whole family! GeoCaching is the modern treasure hunt with a twist; combining outdoor adventure with fascinating details about each site you explore.
For visitors who would like to learn more about the Aboriginal culture of the region, the award winning Xwísten Experience Tours (Lillooet) is an excellent place to start. Visitors are invited to discover aspects of the St’át’imc Nation’s vibrant culture and history. The tour includes opportunities to view a replica s7istken (pit house), view the traditional fishing grounds of the St’át’imc people, watch a demonstration of the preservation of salmon through wind drying, and partake in a wonderful BBQ salmon feast.
Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts have great reasons to venture into our provincial parks and onto our backcountry roads. Patient observers may be rewarded with sightings of Stellar’s Jays, Bald Eagles, grouse, bluebirds and owls, to name a few. Gold Country is also home to whitetail and mule deer, elk, moose, black bears, cougars, bobcats, coyotes, and bighorn sheep.
Wrap up warm and wax those skis. The climate of Gold Country produces perfect conditions for avid skiers. The region is home to a number of well-maintained and exhilarating trails, including the Big Bar Ski Trails that has approximately 30kms of groomed trails (with incredible views of the Marble Range), the Clinton Cross-Country Ski Trails (60km), Logan Lake Cross-Country Trails (including 2km that are lit at night for a wonderful winter experience) and the Kane Valley Recreational Area (south of Merritt and maintained by the Nicola Nordic Ski Club). The popular Stake Lake trails (Copper Desert Country) are maintained by the Overlander Ski Club, who also offer lessons and kids’ ski equipment rentals.
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 
