Fraser River Trail

If the road less traveled is your style, the historic Fraser River Trail from Lillooet to Barkerville is definitely your route. In the late 1850’s the Fraser River Trail was the choice for most prospectors and travelers heading north on foot or by horse to the emerging Cariboo Goldfields from Lillooet. The route was rugged, but it was favoured due to its lower elevation and more temperate climate. North of Lillooet the route climbed over Pavillion Mountain continuing along the Fraser Canyon as far as Big Bar. Various routes then spread northwards toward the promising Cariboo Goldfields in Likely and Barkerville.

Nowadays you can make your way to Lillooet from Whistler via Pemberton and the scenic Duffy Lake Road through the Cayoosh Mountains. After continuing north at Lillooet and leaving Hwy 99 at Pavillion, make your way north to Big Bar. Continue along the Fraser Canyon past the historic Gang and Alkali Lake Ranches before reaching Williams Lake. From there experience the communities of Horsefly and

Likely before taking an emerging popular back road route from Likely to Barkerville Historic Town. This scenic back road offers views of the mountains and glaciers in Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park before reaching Barkerville. Touring Time: 2-3 days but with many options for fishing and adventurous side trips, we highly recommend 4-5 days.

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