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History
The small community of 100 Mile House dates back to the early days
of the Cariboo gold rush era. During this time period, certain
roadhouses, because of their favorable locations along the Cariboo
Wagon Road from Lillooet to Soda Creek, grew to be supply points
for the gold seekers and the surrounding district. 100 Mile House
became South Cariboo’s dominant community, and was originally
one of these stopping points along the gold rush trail. Between
1862 and 1870, over 100,000 people traveled the Cariboo Wagon
Road from Lillooet making their way north into the Cariboo country.
100 Mile House established its name because it was located 100
Miles from Lillooet (Mile 0) of the Cariboo Wagon Road.
The land around 100 Mile House was purchased by British nobleman,
the Marquis of Exeter, in 1912. The son of the Marquis, Lord Martin
Cecil, arrived in the South Cariboo in 1930 to look after his father's
holdings. The population of the settlement was about 12 at this time.
During the late 40’s and 50’s the economy shifted
and the construction of Highway 97 began. This community remains
a
welcome stop for visitors on their way through the Cariboo Highway
97. Today,
the South Cariboo consists of various small unincorporated communities
in the outlying area surrounding the District of 100 Mile House
and has a population of greater than 20,000.
Location
The District of 100 Mile House is situated on Highway 97, BC's
main arterial north-south route, located in the South Cariboo Chilcotin
Coast region. It lies 458 km northeast of Vancouver and 334
km south
of Prince George.
Places to See
- 100 Mile House Marsh
Enjoy some excellent bird-watching in down-town 100 Mile House.
The Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the beautiful Ducks Unlimited
project
with information and interpretive signs which help to identify
the numerous species of birds. Located west of the highway behind
the Visitor Info
Centre, this Ducks Unlimited Project of an eight hectare wetland
with about 1.3 km shoreline gets very busy during spring migration
and summer
brood rearing period. Easily accessible, the marsh is a perfect
place to just sit back and watch a variety of birds and wildlife.
- BX Stage Coach
Another remnant from the Gold Rush Days can be found at the north
end of 100 Mile House, where one of the original Barnard Express
stage coaches is on display. Have a look and imagine how people
traveled back
in those days!
- Centennial Park and Bridge Creek Falls
A great place for a stroll is the Municipal Park just east of downtown
100 Mile House. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of Bridge Creek, have fun
with the kids at the playground or tennis courts, or explore the many
walking trails within the park and beyond. Following a level path upstream
view beautiful Bridge Creek Falls which cascade over a face of ancient
lava beds which form the mini-canyon surrounding the waterfall.
- Mount Begbie Lookout Tower
This BC Forest Service Fire Lookout tower is positioned 20 km south
of 100 Mile House on Highway 97, perched 1269 m (4187 ft) high atop Mt.
Begbie. Operational during the summer fire season, it is open to visitors.
Parking and picnic tables are located at the base of the lookout, and
a short interpretive walk takes you to the tower and panoramic view of
the area.
- The World's Largest Skis
Created for a community project the x-country skis were constructed
to be admired for the February 7th, 1987 Cariboo Marathon.
Over 36 feet (10.9 m) in length and weighing over 600 pounds
(273 kg), the skis are
located right beside the South Cariboo Visitor Info Centre
in downtown 100 Mile House.
Things to Do
- Tour Downtown 100 Mile House
100 Mile House remains an important service centre for the South
Cariboo and a base for a multitude of outdoor activities
and shopping and dining experiences. Banking, gas bars, shopping centres, restaurants,
postal
outlets, pharmacies and a hospital are some of the
many services offered in this commercial hub of the South Cariboo.
- Fishing
If you feel best with rod and reel in hand, the South Cariboo
features some of BC's best fresh-water sport fishing.
With hundreds of lakes in the South Cariboo, anglers, trollers,
and fly-fishers will find something
to satisfy all their tastes. Many
lakes are regularly stocked with most
native varieties to ensure a good
catch. Summertime brings camping and trout fishing enthusiasts
to the hundreds
of lakes
in
the surrounding area.
Highway 24, between 93 Mile and
Little Fort is known as "The Fishing
Highway" and provides access to
some of the world's best rainbow trout
fishing
lakes, plus
a large
number of BC's
best fishing
resorts, guest
ranches and wilderness lodges.
- Golfing
The region offers contoured fairways and impeccably manicured
greens, stunning countryside landscapes enveloped by post-card
scenery, inviting and shrewdly designed holes that
can reward the novice player,
as well
as the scratch golfer. There
is also a lovely nine hole golf course in 100 Mile House.
The shorter fairways are challengingly
narrow, demanding
finesse and good judgment.
The clubhouse features a restaurant with patio and a pub,
a fully appointed Pro Shop, a driving net,
and a fun mini-putt.
So, come to tee, and play a
round in the South Cariboo!
- Bird-Watching
Birders can visit the 100 Mile
Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary behind the
South Cariboo Visitor Info
Centre, paddle Moose Valley Provincial
Park, or hike through 108 Mile's
Walker Valley. Bald eagles and
red-tail hawks
frequent the North shore of
Canim Lake. Drop-in or call the Visitor
Info Centre and they will point you
in the right direction
for the best bird-viewing
during the year.
- Skiing
The South Cariboo describes itself as the International Nordic
Ski Capital, and who can argue
with a town that displays the world's largest cross country skis, outside
it's Visitor Info Centre. This
interior region
of British Columbia prides
itself as one of the foremost Nordic ski holiday destinations in North
America. With area resorts boasting
superb support
services and facilities
which include snow-making equipment for added insurance and
reliability, a biathlon
training facility, night-lit
trails, and a
nationally recognized Nordic
ski facility at 100 Mile House, the region is certainly striving for the
ultimate Nordic experience.
Downhill skiing can be enjoyed at Mount Timothy, 45
minutes north of 100 Mile
House and 23 kilometers east of Lac La Hache. Boasting terrific
powder skiing, small crowds,
and diverse terrain, Mount
Timothy is a welcoming,
fun-filled ski area that attracts avid skiers and boarders alike.
Explore
27 runs with everything
from slow cruisers, exceptionally groomed runs, and steep
powder filled basins. Enjoy 3 new
terrain parks and when
you need a rest - relax in the
day lodge.
Events
- Cariboo Marathon
The Cariboo Marathon is a popular
event in the area, attracting an international field of skiers,
annually, during the first weekend in February. The Cariboo
Marathon is a 50km classic technique beginning with a mass start
for all distances and categories at Keene Road (6km south of 100
Mile House on
Highway 97). The Marathon finish is at the 100 Mile Nordics 99 Mile
Ski Trail Stadium. The event features a 50km full marathon, a 30km
mini marathon,
a 20km and a 10km recreational category, a 20km for juniors and a
10km for Jackrabbits. The 28th Annual Cariboo Marathon is scheduled
for Saturday
February 3, 2007.
- South Cariboo Farmers' Market
Every Friday during May to October between 8:30 am to 1:30
pm come join the farmers market where one will find homemade
products
of local businesses on display. Located at Hwy 97 and First Street,
beside
the
Red
Coach Inn.
- 100 Mile Rodeo Festival
Every May the South Cariboo Recreation Centre hosts the 100 Mile
House Rodeo Festival involving a bull-riding
contest, rib dinner and dance. Check the local South Cariboo information centre
for
exact
dates
and times.
- Annual Bridge Lake Stampede
Bridge Lake Stampede Grounds in the Interlakes Area holds an annual
Rodeo and dance. Fun for all ages!
Held every August. Check the local South Cariboo information centre for exact
dates and
times.
Contact Information
South Cariboo Information Centre
422 Hwy 97
100 mile House, BC V0K 2E0
Telephone: 1-250-395-5353
Fax: 1-250-395-4085
Toll Free: 1-877-511-5353
E-mail: info@southcaribootourism.com
Website: http://www.southcaribootourism.com
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