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The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Passport Tour guides you from the scenic west coast to the storied Gold Rush Region. This region is renowned for its vast farmlands, rugged wilderness, and stunning coastline. Explore the towns of Lillooet, Lyton, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Alexandria, Quesnel and Bella Coola, and the farmers’ markets that serve as vibrant hubs for these communities. We’ll also share some of our favourite restaurants, local experiences, and places to stay in the region. Keep reading to discover the best of what’s to Taste and Do in Cariboo Chilcotin Coast.
Don’t forget to download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail app and start exploring this tour yourself! You’ll earn points for every stop you check-in at, level up, and earn rewards!
The first market on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tasting Passport Tour will start you off in Bella Coola at the Bella Coola Farmers’ Market.
Every Sunday, vendors showcase freshly harvested vegetables and fruits, an eclectic mix of local art and crafts, and food trucks. Throughout the year you can find everything here from cherries, peas, green beans, and root vegetables. You can also find locally roasted coffee, delicious locally sourced honey, and fresh baked artisan breads and baked goods. Be sure to stick around and enjoy the live music at this charming Sunday market.
In the southernmost community on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tasting Passport Tour, is the Two Rivers Farmers’ Market in Lyton.
This summer market is set on the stunning backdrop of canyon vistas and at the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers. The Two Rivers Farmers’ Market pays homage to the region’s history as a significant trading site, dating back more than 100,000 years.
The majority of vendors at the Two Rivers Farmers’ Market are Indigenous locals, therefore the goods available at this market are uniquely local to the Nlaka’pamux territory. You can find everything from fresh produce, traditional wild-crafted Sxusem (soapberry) and Mecekw’ (blackcap raspberries), grass-fed local beef, unique gifts, and delicious fresh bannock. Visit this farmers’ market every Friday morning from June through October.
The next stop is just north of Lyton in Lillooet, the Lillooet Farmers’ Market. This summer market is open Fridays, from May through October.
The Lillooet Farmers’ Market acts as a community hub for the members of the community. Surrounded by stunning views of the Lillooet Ranges, the vibrant friendly energy of this market makes it a must-see. Because of the warmer temperatures in the Lillooet area, you can find locally-grown fruits like peppers, melons and tomatoes, which you may not be able to find at other markets depending on the time of year. Other vendors offer fresh baked goods, canned preserves, organic meats, gifts, and Indigenous art.
Next, we’re heading further north to 100 Mile House, where you’ll find the South Cariboo Farmers’ Market. The South Cariboo market is open from May through September but can extend past September if weather permits.
Located in downtown 100 Mile House, the heart of town comes alive with market vendors, performers and local musicians. At this market you can find fresh baked goods and breakfast items in the morning, followed by lunch options for the afternoon crowd. Vendors offer a diverse array of locally-produced items, including farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers and plants, locally-raised meat, and artisan crafts.
Make your way to Williams Lake to check out the Williams Lake Farmers’ Market, a biweekly summer market operating on Fridays from May to October, and Tuesdays from June to September.
This market was started by a small group of local farmers looking for a venue to sell their produce over 20 years ago. Now a popular community staple, the Friday and Tuesday markets bring in tons of locals and tourists weekly. With the Kiwanis Water Park located right next to the market, it’s a perfect place to bring the whole family. Vendors at this market offer everything from fresh produce to fresh baked goods, local meats, eggs, mushrooms, crafts and artworks.
The Farmers Market at Alexandria is a short drive north of Williams Lake in the town of Alexandria. This summer market is open on Sundays from July to September.
Founded in 2014, the Farmers Market at Alexandria is definitely one of the best ways to spend your Sunday morning. This food-focused market offers a showcase of the best produce in the region, like sweet corn and tomatoes, as well as fresh baked goods, local meats, and unique gifts and artwork.
Our final farmers’ market stop on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Passport Tour, and northernmost, is the Quesnel Farmers’ Market.
From May to October, come to the Quesnel Farmers’ Market you can visit this long-standing community hub. Open for more than 30 years, this market offers an array of fresh fruits and veggies, locally sourced meats, baked goods, gifts and artwork. You can also find live music and performances here.
In the winter, be sure to check out the Harvest Christmas Market from November to December, located at the Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre.
Fort Berens Estate Winery
When you’re in the Lillooet area, you should definitely take a trip to the Fort Berens Estate Winery. They produce a selection of reds and whites on their 37-acre vineyard. Visitors can enjoy guided wine tastings, tours of the vineyard, and an exploration of the wine-making process from May through October.
Sweet Ash Bistro
If you’re looking for some good eats in 100 Mile House, be sure to check out the locally-owned restaurant, Sweet Ash Bistro. Pop in for lunch, dinner, or brunch on Sundays. Sweet Ash Bistro uses locally sourced goods whenever possible, with an emphasis on the importance of farm-to-table ingredients. Don’t miss out on their specialty wood fire hand-tossed pizzas!
Lillooet Brewing Company
Lillooet Brewing Company is a vibrant craft brewery located in the heart of Lillooet. Known for its creative and high-quality beers, they offer a variety of brews that reflect the unique character and flavours of the region. Enjoy a flight of their current tap list, or grab a pint of your favourite style brew. If you’re feeling peckish, they offer homemade soup of the day on Mondays, as well as charcuterie boards and delicious pizza from Backcountry Pizza.
Find your next adventure on the Cariboo Chilcoting Coast, from fun and informative farm tours, to art walks and gallery visits, guided nature tours and historic sites! Here are some of the best things to do on the CCC.
Moose Meadows Farm
Moose Meadows Farm, located in Bouchie Lake, just a short drive from Quesnel, is a working farm that’s been in the agrotourism business for more than 20 years. They offer a variety of exciting and immersive experiences at their farm, from tours to foraging and syrup production workshops. They also offer farm fresh products available for purchase, like produce and artisan jams and jellies. If you’re looking to extend your stay at the farm, you can book long-term farm stays, or just spend a few nights at the bed and breakfast.
Williams Lake Mural Tour
Explore the ‘Colourful Cariboo Culture’ with the Williams Lake Mural Tour. This self-guided tour will allow you to view more than 20 public murals found around the community of Williams Lake. Explore the map on the website to get started!
Lillooet Museum and Visitor Centre
Located in downtown Lillooet, the Lillooet Museum and Visitor Centre is housed in a former Anglican Church building. The museum offers a vast collection of artifacts, retelling the history of the town of Lillooet.
Barkerville Historic Town & Park
If you want to learn more about the history of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, you should definitely pay a visit to the Barkerville Historic Town & Park. This Heritage Property & Park, and Government of Canada National Historic Site is the largest living history museum in western North America! Step into gold rush history in this period replica town with more than 100 heritage buildings, museums, restaurants and shops.
Quesnel Art Gallery & Gift Shop
The Quesnel Art Gallery and Gift Shop hosts exhibitions by local artists. In the gift shop, you can also find a diverse collection of artworks for purchase, from paintings and illustrations to sculptures, homewares, jewelry and gifts.
Xatśūll Heritage Village
The Xatśūll Heritage Village is an award-winning heritage experience. Owned and operated by the Xatśūll First Nation, at the Xatśūll Heritage Village you can experience and learn about the culture of the Xatśūll community, and the history of the Secwépemc Nation. They offer a variety of tours and workshops like hiking and biking tours, and beading workshops. You can also stay in their authentic teepee accommodation and join Pit Cooking demonstrations. The Xatśūll Heritage Village is a must-visit when in the Williams Lake area!
Copper Sun Gallery & Journeys
The Copper Sun Gallery carries locally made and handcrafted Nuxalk products and artworks. You can purchase an array of paintings, jewelry, and carvings crafted in the distinctive Nuxalkmc style.
Copper Sun Gallery & Journeys also offers guided Nuxalk adventures like river rafting, tours through the ancient cedar forest, and tours to ancient and sacred petroglyphs with Indigenous guides.
Discover a diverse range of accommodations on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, from cozy cabins and guest ranches to luxurious lodges and campgrounds, providing the perfect base for your adventure. Book your stay at LandWithoutLimits.com.
Get out there and enjoy the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tour! Download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail App, and earn points and rewards when you check in at farmers’ markets across the province!