Things to DoHeritage, Arts & Culture

Heritage

DUE TO COVID 19 Xwisten Experience Tours and Historic Hat Creek have been postponed for 2020. Please see website for more details and for booking for 2021. For visitors who would like to learn more about the Indigenous 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. Visit the Native Village at Historic Hat Creek to learn more about the Shuswap Nation and spend a night in a Kekuli lodge (pit house). Indigenous Day celebrations take place every June in Monck Provincial Park and Lytton. Museums in Ashcroft, Clinton, Lillooet, Lytton, Savona and Walhachin provide visitors with the opportunity to look into the past, at ancient archaeological discoveries, fascinating historical artifacts and early photographs that help to preserve local heritage. The communities of Gold Country have maintained many remarkable heritage buildings including churches, old theatres, firehouses and hotels. Highlights include Lillooet’s Miyazaki House. Historic roadhouses and town sites include 70 Mile House, Historic Hat Creek and Ashcroft Manor.

Art

Begin your tour of Gold Country’s works of art by visiting the communities and taking a walking tour. Immerse yourself in an art experience at Ken Glasgow’s outdoor gallery of “philosophy art”; steel sculptures that will make you think (Botanie Valley Road, Lytton. Phone: 250-455-2569). Feel the energy of Jo Petty’s paintings at her studio in Ashcroft. Book a tour of Jo’s studio 48 hours in advance by calling 250-453-9000. Pottery lovers will enjoy a visit to Meadow Creek Pottery (315 Chartrand Ave. Phone: 250-523-6946) in Logan Lake, or Pottery Shop Clinton in Clinton. The works of local artisans are displayed at fall fairs in Ashcroft, Logan Lake. Many other local events showcase our talented crafters’ works, including the Apricot Tsaqwem Festival in Lillooet and the Lytton River Festival.

Music

Gold Country’s local musicians are much loved. Many local establishments host excellent regular live music events. Concert series include Ashcroft’s Music in the Park series (Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society). The Music at the Miyazaki Summer Concert Series (Lillooet) is a weekly event on Fridays in July and August, featuring the best in bluegrass, jazz, rock ‘n roll, blues and country music. Regular concerts are also hosted by Lillooet Music and the Packing House in Spences Bridge. Clinton hosts Music in the Park at the Regg Conn Park. Barney and Dustin Bentall are just a couple of the talented musicians that have performed under the stars in Clinton. See the Gold Country Events Calendar for more information on upcoming concerts.

Dance

Visitors to Gold Country are invited to discover the traditional dances of First Nations people at pow-wows. A ‘Gathering of Hearts’ Valentines Pow Wow is held in Lillooet each February; Hat Creek Ranch hosts the Bonaparte Pow Wow each August, and a Remembrance Pow Wow is held in Lytton every November.

Theatre

Keep up to date with the Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society for information on upcoming theatre and music events in Gold Country.

Film

Gold Country’s awe-inspiring scenery isn’t just a haven for visitors. The grasslands, ranches, volcanic landscapes, forests and historic towns are a filmmaker’s paradise. The region has played host to everything from other worldly sci-fi dramas to the end of the world, laying the backdrop for a Tibetan village in the apocalyptic hit, 2012. From the A-Team in Ashcroft to the X Files in Walhachin, many of our historic towns and beautiful provincial parks have featured in Hollywood hits. Visit the TNRD Film Commission’s website for a more in-depth look at the world of film in Gold Country.

Some areas of the Interior are on evacuation alert, evacuation orders, or are preparing to leave if necessary. Although the travel advisory due to COVID-19 was lifted, now is a difficult time to travel for recreation to the Gold Country Region/Interior. There are wildfires in and around many communities and resources are needed to battle the blazes, provide food and shelter for evacuees and First Responders. If you have family and friends that are camping or wanting to go camping in this region please contact them, and ensure they are safe and are aware of where the wildfires are.

Have a safe route home. Check all advisories before heading into the back country, as at this time it is extremely dry. This region has never experienced temperatures that hit up to 48 degrees Celsius and higher before, and the recent thunder and lightning storm has caused more wildfires. With temperatures this high and for this long it has left the region very tender dry and the slightest spark can trigger a fire. Our thoughts and prayers are with those of Lytton, BC and with the families who have lost loved ones. PLEASE again really plan before you decide to head out. Things will get better and we will be able to do all those amazing activities we love. At this time we need to ensure everyone is safe!

*Please note if there are aircraft fighting fires in the area you are in please keep your distance as they need the room to move. Let’s make sure they are able to do their job to protect our forests, communities, people and you! Be aware and vigilant.

We absolutely love and welcome visitors and want to ensure all are safe and that everyone has a great time when they are here. With the loss of one of our beloved communities we really want to make sure all are safe and have a safe route to leave their homes if they need to.