Michael Bednar
appreciate diversity when camping, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking and mountain biking. At the Dragon Mountain Trail Network south of the city, mountain bikers weave through a unique Douglas fir ecosystem to tackle the only slick-rock riding in the Cariboo. Just 5.5km/3.4mi west of Quesnel, hikers in Pinnacles Provincial Park overlook 12-million-year-old hoodoos en route to panoramic views of the city, while throughout the area foodies handpick fresh vegetables and strawberries, sample boreal amber birch syrup, learn to spin and weave wool, navigate a corn maze or hike with llamas on a North Cariboo farm tour.
Backcountry dirt biking is another key attraction, along with rock climbing at the Elser and Alkali Bluffs and stock-car racing at Thunder Mountain Speedway. Rated one of BC’s premier mountainbiking destinations, Wiliams Lake boasts unique, dedicated trail systems – Westsyde Ridge, Desous Mountain and Fox Mountain – with a diverse mix of routes, from double-track beginner to epic cross-country and steep, gnarly downhills. From the city centre, the scenic 12km/7.5mi River Valley Trail leads bikers, horseback riders, walkers and runners around a variety of geological features that shelter deer, beaver, birds of prey, songbirds, waterfowl and the occasional bear. For wildlife viewing and spectacular views of the surrounding plateaus, hikers can also tackle “the Dome,” while birders find avian haven at Scout Island, a traillaced sanctuary for birds and small wildlife located right on Williams Lake. More leisurely pursuits include downtown strolls among the city’s quaint shops, art galleries several featuring local art, including the works of First Nations artists, and the restaurants and cafes found on nearly every side street. The City’s three golf 24
courses, impressive log tourism centre and 1919 Railway Station House (now the Station House Gallery) are also popular attractions. With heritage murals displayed on buildings throughout the downtown core, “The Mural Capital of the Cariboo” is an excellent home base for Chilcotin and Bella Coola Valley excursions. McLeese Lake This picturesque resort community, just 30 minutes north of Williams Lake, was originally known as Mud Lake. It was renamed in the 1880s in honor of nearby Soda Creek’s Robert McLeese, a member of the Legislature who owned a sternwheeler, hotel and store and who was postmaster of Soda Creek for 25-plus years. Today, travellers here enjoy water sports, trout fishing and August’s BC Metis Music Festival & Jamboree, plus hiking, camping and offroading. In winter, hiking trails welcome snowmobilers and Nordic skiers, while the lake is transformed into a skating and ice-fishing wonderland. Quesnel Located at the confluence of the Fraser and Quesnel rivers, Quesnel is the launch point for outdoor lovers who
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Travel & Touring Guide
Quesnel itself is a hugely walkable city, with extensive green spaces that include the Heritage Rose Garden in Lebourdais Park and its 200-plus floribunda and tea roses, and Petunia Mile on Front Street. The Fraser River Bridge at the intersection of Front Street and Carson Avenue is one of the world’s longest wooden-truss pedestrian bridges, and a convenient entry point to the city’s Riverfront Trail system, featuring industrial heritage machinery and interpretive kiosks. Quesnel’s cultural and historical sights are equally diverse. The nickname “Gold Pan City,” written large across a 5.5m/18ft-high gold pan at the town’s northern entrance, is a nod to its gold rush history, and highlights of a city centre walking tour include interpretive signs posted on many buildings, an 1862 Hudson’s Bay Company Trading Post (now a co-op for local artists) and “little people” fire hydrants depicting colourful historical figures (walkingtour guides available at the museum). As well, the Quesnel and District Museum and Archives is one of the best community museums in BC, with one of North America’s most significant collections of Chinese artifacts. Its innovative use of technology also enables visitors to “meet” the people of the Cariboo, past and present, through the remarkable photographs of C.D. Hoy and C.S. Wing and recorded stories of First Nations and Chinese elders. “Mandy, the Haunted Doll,” and a Discovery Area for children also make it a popular stop for families.