RV Route Guide
Cariboo Gold Rush Trail RV Route: Hope & Cache Creek to Williams Lake, Quesnel, Wells & Barkerville
Route overview
The Cariboo Gold Rush Trail follows the historic route north from the Fraser Canyon into BC's Cariboo — the same corridor that miners, freight wagons and stagecoaches travelled during the gold rush years of the 1850s and 1860s.
Today it combines canyon scenery, open ranch country, hundreds of fishing lakes, small heritage towns and modern service centres, ending with a side trip east to the restored gold rush town of Barkerville and the arts community of Wells.
The route works best when you slow down and spend several nights along the way. Services are generally good in the larger towns — Hope, Cache Creek, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Quesnel — while smaller communities and side roads take more planning.
Route sections
Section 1
Hope / Fraser Canyon → Cache Creek
Route basics
- Start: Hope. Destination: Cache Creek.
- Highway 1 runs north through the Fraser Canyon — roughly 190 km, about 2.5 to 3 hours of driving without stops (approximate).
- Lytton and the lower Thompson add a stretch of dry canyon country before you reach Cache Creek, where Highway 97 heads north into the Cariboo.
Hope
Your last full service stop before the canyon.
Why stay
- Fuel, groceries and general supplies.
- Several campgrounds in and around town.
- The meeting point of Highways 1, 3 and 5.
Things to do
Othello Tunnels
Historic railway tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, just east of town. Check BC Parks for current access and parking.
Downtown Hope
A walkable small town with chainsaw carvings and a visitor centre.
Gold Rush & Wagon Road History
- The Fraser Canyon was part of the historic route north during the Fraser River gold rush of 1858 and the Cariboo gold rush that followed.
- The Cariboo Wagon Road was built through this corridor in the 1860s to carry miners and freight toward the goldfields.
- Many of today's towns and 'Mile House' names along Highway 97 began as roadhouses and stopping points on that road.
RV notes for the canyon
- Expect steady highway traffic, including commercial trucks.
- The canyon has curves, tunnels and elevation changes — keep a comfortable pace.
- Canyon weather can change between Hope and the drier country to the north.
- Fuel up in Hope; services in smaller canyon communities can be limited.
- Use proper pullouts and rest areas rather than narrow roadside shoulders.
- Check DriveBC before you leave for closures or delays.
Yale, Hell's Gate & Boston Bar
The heart of the Fraser Canyon.
Why stay
- Dramatic river canyon scenery.
- Gold rush–era history at Yale.
- A natural break on the drive north.
Things to do
Yale
A small historic town that was a major stopping point during the gold rush era.
Alexandra Bridge
An historic suspension bridge preserved within a small provincial park beside the highway — a short walk from the parking area.
Hell's Gate
The narrowest point of the Fraser Canyon, with an airtram attraction. Check current operating season and parking before you stop.
Lytton
A canyon community at the meeting of the Fraser and Thompson rivers, still rebuilding after the 2021 wildfire — services may be limited.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Hope
- Coquihalla Campground
- WildRose Campground & RV Park
- Hope Valley Campground & RV Park
- Silver Lake Park Campground
Fuel & resupply
Hope
Fuel, groceries, propane where available and general supplies. The strongest service stop on this section.
RV services
Hope is a stronger service area. Smaller canyon communities have limited services — handle mechanical or RV issues before entering the canyon.
Section 2
Cache Creek → Clinton
Route basics
- Start: Cache Creek. Destination: Clinton.
- Highway 97 climbs north — roughly 40 km, about 30 minutes of driving (approximate).
- Cache Creek sits at the junction of Highways 1 and 97, making it the natural gateway into the Cariboo.
Cache Creek
A practical junction town for fuel, supplies and an overnight.
Why stay
- Fuel and basic groceries.
- Campground options right on the route.
- The turn north onto Highway 97.
Things to do
Ashcroft & the Thompson River
A short detour south to a small historic town above the Thompson River, with a local museum.
Worth a Stop: Historic Hat Creek
Just north of Cache Creek at the Highway 97/99 junction, Historic Hat Creek preserves an original roadhouse from the Cariboo Wagon Road era.
Expect stagecoach-era travel history, ranching heritage and historic outbuildings. A campground is on site.
Check current operating season, hours and admission before you go — they are not listed here.
Clinton
A historic small Cariboo town and the gateway to ranch country.
Why stay
- A quiet overnight option with several RV parks.
- Heritage buildings along the main street.
- Access to nearby lakes and provincial parks.
Things to do
Clinton Museum
A small local museum covering the town's wagon-road and ranching history. Check current hours.
Heritage main street
A short walk past older buildings from the town's roadhouse days.
Nearby lakes
Downing and Big Bar Lake provincial parks are west of town — confirm road conditions and rig suitability before heading out.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Cache Creek
See all campgrounds near Cache CreekFuel & resupply
Cache Creek
Fuel and basic groceries — a reliable stop at the highway junction.
Clinton
Smaller-town services. Don't count on a full-service stop.
RV services
Handle repairs in larger centres such as Kamloops, Hope or 100 Mile House rather than relying on smaller communities.
Section 3
Clinton → 100 Mile House
Route basics
- Start: Clinton. Destination: 100 Mile House.
- Highway 97 rolls north through open ranch and lake country — roughly 85 km, about an hour of driving (approximate).
70 Mile House & Green Lake
A historic route marker and the turn for lake camping.
Why stay
- Access to Green Lake Provincial Park campgrounds.
- Fishing and lake time a short drive off the highway.
Things to do
Green Lake
A large lake east of 70 Mile House with several provincial park campgrounds along its shore.
Ranch Country
- North of Clinton the landscape opens into classic Cariboo ranch country — grasslands, pine forest, hay meadows and lakes.
- Ranching has shaped this region since the wagon-road era, and many ranches are still working operations.
- Respect private land and gates; enjoy the scenery from public roads and pullouts.
Ranch & Livestock Road Awareness
- Expect occasional ranch traffic and farm equipment on rural roads.
- Livestock may sometimes be near rural roads, especially on side roads.
- Give local traffic room and slow down when you see animals or machinery.
100 Mile House
A major practical stop in the South Cariboo.
Why stay
- Groceries and fuel.
- RV supplies and service available in town, in general terms.
- Lakes, trails and outdoor recreation close by.
- Multiple campground choices in town and at nearby lakes.
- A central base for South Cariboo side trips.
Things to do
100 Mile Marsh & Centennial Park
An easy walk around the marsh near downtown, with birdlife, and a park trail along Bridge Creek.
South Cariboo Visitor Centre
Local maps, trail information and current conditions.
108 Mile Heritage Site
Historic ranch buildings a short drive north of town. Check current opening information.
Fishing lakes
The South Cariboo has many fishing lakes. A valid BC freshwater fishing licence is required.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Fuel & resupply
100 Mile House
Fuel, groceries, propane where available, hardware and RV supplies.
RV services
100 Mile House is a stronger service area. Handle mechanical or RV issues here before heading to smaller lake communities.
Section 4
100 Mile House → Williams Lake
Route basics
- Start: 100 Mile House. Destination: Williams Lake.
- Highway 97 continues north past Lac La Hache — roughly 95 km, about 1 to 1.5 hours of driving (approximate).
Lac La Hache
A long lake beside the highway — good for a stop or an overnight.
Why stay
- Lake views right along the route.
- Fishing and camping options.
- A relaxed break between towns.
Things to do
Lac La Hache Provincial Park
A lakeside park and campground just off the highway.
150 Mile House
A historic wagon-road marker just before Williams Lake.
Why stay
- The junction for the road east toward Horsefly and Likely.
Williams Lake
A major service centre with strong ranch and rodeo culture.
Why stay
- Fuel, groceries and shopping.
- RV supplies and service available in town, in general terms.
- Outdoor recreation, trails and lakes.
- Ranch and rodeo heritage.
Things to do
Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin
Regional history with a focus on ranching and rodeo. Check current hours.
Scout Island Nature Centre
Trails and wetland at the west end of Williams Lake — good for birding and an easy walk.
Williams Lake Stampede
A long-running summer rodeo, usually held in early summer. Confirm current dates before planning around it.
Visitor centre & trails
Stop for maps, local trail information and current conditions.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Lac La Hache
See all campgrounds near Lac La HacheFuel & resupply
Williams Lake
Fuel, full groceries, propane where available, hardware and RV supplies.
RV services
Williams Lake is one of the strongest service areas on the route. Handle mechanical or RV issues here.
Section 5
Williams Lake → Quesnel
Route basics
- Start: Williams Lake. Destination: Quesnel.
- Highway 97 follows the Fraser River valley north — roughly 120 km, about 1.5 hours of driving (approximate).
McLeese Lake
A small lake stop for fishing, a break or a quiet night.
Why stay
- Lakeside camping just off the highway.
Quesnel
A major route anchor and the gateway to Wells and Barkerville.
Why stay
- Full resupply — groceries, fuel, hardware and general supplies.
- RV supplies and service available in town, in general terms.
- Riverfront walking and local recreation.
- Gold rush heritage and access east toward Wells and Barkerville.
Things to do
Riverfront Trail
A walking and cycling trail along the Fraser and Quesnel rivers through town.
Quesnel & District Museum and Archives
Local and gold rush history. Check current hours.
Downtown & heritage areas
A walkable downtown near the river confluence.
Ten Mile Lake
A provincial park lake north of town for swimming, fishing and camping.
Gold Rush Gateway
Quesnel is the practical jumping-off point for the side trip east on Highway 26 to Wells and Barkerville.
Stock up here — services along Highway 26 and in Wells are limited compared with Quesnel.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Fuel & resupply
Quesnel
Fuel, full groceries, propane where available, hardware and RV supplies.
RV services
Quesnel is a stronger service area and the last one before Wells and Barkerville. Handle any repairs here.
Section 6
Quesnel → Wells / Barkerville
Route basics
- Start: Quesnel. Destination: Wells and Barkerville.
- This is a side trip east from Highway 97 on Highway 26 — roughly 85 km, about 1 to 1.5 hours of driving (approximate). You return the same way.
- Plan at least one night, ideally two — Barkerville deserves most of a day.
Before you leave Quesnel for Wells / Barkerville
- Fuel up.
- Stock up on groceries.
- Fill fresh water.
- Confirm campground reservations.
- Check Barkerville's current operating status.
- Check DriveBC for road conditions.
- Check the weather.
- Make sure your vehicle is ready for a there-and-back drive.
Weather & Seasonal Conditions
- The route climbs and drops in elevation; Wells and Barkerville are higher and cooler than Quesnel.
- Mornings can be cool even in summer, and frost is possible in the shoulder seasons.
- Interior weather can change quickly.
- Wildfire and smoke can affect summer travel — check DriveBC and official BC Wildfire Service information when conditions are active.
Reservations
- Popular provincial parks and destination campgrounds can fill in summer.
- Wells and Barkerville-area travel is worth planning ahead.
- Confirm campground status and reservations before you arrive.
Large RV & Parking Notes
- Historic towns may have smaller streets and limited large-RV parking.
- Use a campground as your base where practical.
- Confirm access before entering smaller heritage-site lots.
- Side roads to lakes and recreation sites may not suit every large rig.
Fuel & Resupply — Whole Route
- Main resupply anchors: Hope, Cache Creek, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Quesnel.
- Expect groceries, fuel, hardware and general supplies in these towns; propane where available — confirm locally.
- RV supplies and service are found in the larger centres.
- Smaller communities are not guaranteed full-service stops — fuel up before side trips.
Wells
A small historic town with an arts and heritage spirit.
Why stay
- A base for visiting Barkerville.
- An overnight option close to the historic town.
- Arts, culture and heritage buildings.
Things to do
Historic streets
Colourful older buildings from the town's gold-mining years.
Arts & culture
Wells has an active arts community — check locally for what's on.
Wells Museum
Local mining history. Check current hours.
Hiking
Trails in the surrounding hills — ask locally for current conditions.
Barkerville Historic Town & Park
The signature destination of the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail.
Why stay
- A restored gold rush town at the heart of Cariboo history.
- Historic buildings, interpretation and heritage experiences.
- A strong reason to spend most of a day, or longer, in the area.
Worth the Detour: Barkerville
Barkerville grew into one of the largest towns in the West during the Cariboo gold rush of the 1860s. Today it is a restored heritage town with historic buildings along its main street.
Plan to walk the town, visit the buildings and take in the interpretation — allow most of a day.
Check current operating season, hours and admission before you arrive; they are not listed here.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Fuel & resupply
Wells
Limited services. Arrive stocked from Quesnel.
RV services
Hope, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Quesnel are the stronger service areas on this route. Handle repairs in larger centres rather than relying on smaller gold rush communities.
Route complete
You've completed the BC by RV Cariboo Gold Rush Trail. From Quesnel, Highway 97 continues north to Prince George, where you can join the Alaska Highway route.