Circle Routes Scenic Driving Guide

Ranchlands & Rivers y 1 Start your journey in Hope, nestled against 5 Head south on Hwy 5 to Merritt and the Continue north to Lillooet—official start the Cascade Mountains on the banks of the Cariboo Wagon Road—which sunny Nicola Valley, home of grasslands, of the Fraser River, then head north on brought fortune seekers to the Cariboo rolling hills, shimmering lakes and the Hwy 1. You'll follow the mighty Fraser gold fields in the mid 1800's. Visit the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo. Ranching is a huge River, named after explorer Simon Fraser, Lillooet Museum for a look at gold rush part of the Nicola Valley, and it is here the first European to navigate its raging history, take a historic walking tour that you'll find Canada's largest working waters. Once a transportation link for through town and snap a photo of the cattle ranch—stop by the Douglas Lake wagons and stage coaches travelling Mile 0 cairn before journeying on Hwy 99 Ranch for a visit. Listen to the birds as you the old Cariboo Wagon Road, the Fraser back to Hwy 97. Then head north to the take a nature walk along the Harmon Lake Canyon roadway now transports you cowboy town of Clinton. Interpretive Trail in Kane Valley. Then, through awe-inspiring scenery. take a trip back in time at the Nicola Valley 3 Further north at 93 Mile, turn east Cutting a heart-stopping swath through Museum & Archives, which depicts life here on Hwy 24—better known as the the Cascade Mountains and the Coast in the valley as it was at the turn of the "Fishing Highway"—and make your way Mountains, the river creates a colossal 20 th century. through the Interlakes community. This valley of lush forests, dramatic gorges famous road, stretching from Lone Butte 6 From Merritt, head south on Hwy 5A to and mountainside farmlands. to Little Fort, provides access to more than Princeton. Take your pick: hike or bike Stop at Hell's Gate to see nature at 100 fishing lakes. Stop and cast a line for the Trans-Canada Trail along one of two its most magnificent. More than rainbow, lake and brook trout as well as rivers that meet in Princeton. To the west, 760 million litres of water surge through burbot and kokanee. Paddle some of the your path will steer you through tunnels this narrow, 35-metre (110-foot) gorge smaller pristine lakes, bring your camera to and over bridges; to the east, the higher every minute – twice the volume of capture the local wildlife on film, or set off elevation takes you through grasslands, Niagara Falls. Take an airtram on a on a backcountry trail ride at one of lakes and forests. Back on the road, smooth 152-m (500-ft) descent over the area's many guest ranches. continue west along Hwy 3 to Hope. the gorge to feel the rush of the raging 4 Turn south at Little Fort and head to waters below and view the International Kamloops, home of the annual Kamloopa Fishways that flank the gorge. Walk the Pow Wow, one of the largest celebrations suspension bridge, admire the views from of First Nations culture in Western Canada. the observation deck and maybe even spot This region's rivers, mountains, lakes rafters bravely shooting the rapids. and grasslands will leave an indelible 2 Head north to Lytton, where easy access impression on you. Stay at any of the area's to the Fraser, Thompson, Nahatlatch many resorts, from the four-season and Coquihalla rivers earned this area Sun Peaks Resort to fly-fishing lodges, its reputation as the "Rafting Capital of remote cabins and luxury retreats. Choose Canada." Shoot through rapids such as a resort that suits your style—some cater Devil's Gorge and Witch's Cauldron on to the entire family while others provide either motorized or paddle-powered rafts. pampering and solitude for a special Scenic fishing, hiking and camping are getaway, complete with spa services and also nearby. gourmet dining. Ranchlands & Rivers DBC-SP-72_CircleRts_Reprint2013.indd 9 9 13-06-13 10:37 AM

• Cover