Culture and History

The Central Cariboo is replete with a rich First Nations and Pioneering history, which are recognized to this day throughout the region. There are many celebrations commemorating the regions earliest inhabitants, all openly shared with visitors to the area.

A wealth of First Nations history, cultural and spiritual traditions can be found all through the Central Cariboo. Sites like the Xats’ull Heritage Village in Soda Creek, just north of Williams Lake, are open to visitors for guided tours and provide an enjoyable and informative glimpse of First Nation’s way of life, historically and presently.

Discover ancient petro glyphs, spend time with the elders who pass down wisdom through the time-honoured art of storytelling, sample delicious traditional cuisine, have a spiritual experience at a sweat lodge or take part in one of several traditional annual Pow Wow celebrations held by various First Nations Communities within the Central Cariboo.

A major route through the Central Cariboo is the Cariboo Wagon Road, built on the Gold Rush Trail, en route to Barkerville, the gold rush boomtown that started the settlement of the early pioneers and ranchers in the area on the way to and from the gold fields.

There are many museums and heritage sites throughout the Central Cariboo devoted to educating people and preserving the illustrious Cariboo Gold Rush and our pioneering legacy.

Cowboy culture is prevalent everywhere within the Central Cariboo, and nowhere is this more evident than in the City of Williams Lake, which is home to the B.C Cowboy Hall of Fame and hosts the second largest Stampede-rodeo in Canada.

The Williams Lake Stampede has been a four-day, “wild west” extravaganza since 1920! People come from all over the world to witness the thrills and spills of the internationally renowned rodeo and participate in a number of exciting events and activities such as the barn dance, parade, midway, Top Dog competition, pony chariot and chuck wagon races.

Culture is also prevalent in the Central Cariboo in the form of music, theatre, arts and crafts.

Talented craftspeople and artisans reside in the area and display their unique products in local galleries, shops and the weekly farmer’s market in Williams Lake.

Williams Lake also features free live music and entertainment in Boitanio Park every Thursday evening of July and August, a theatre group that regularly hosts productions at the Studio Theatre, many fine restaurants and a fully licensed casino where you can try your luck at a number of stimulating games of chance.

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