Spring has sprung and what better way to welcome the season of renewal than by exploring BC’s Gold Rush Trail? Springtime travel means the weather is mild and (mostly!) sunny, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and most importantly, crowds are non-existent, allowing for a peaceful and intimate experience. We’ve put together a list of 5 fun and festive activities that will make your heart (and Instagram feed!) bloom with joy this season. So don’t be a spring chicken, read on and discover what the trail has in store for you!
1. Farmyard Fun
- Horsting’s Farm, Cache Creek (Open daily) (Please note that flooding is currently affecting the Cache Creek area. Please click here for updates.)
- Maan Farm’ Barnyard Adventure, Abbotsford. (Friday to Sunday in April through May)
- Maan Farms’ Goat Yoga, Abbotsford. (Multiple events throughout April and May. Tickets sell out quickly!)
- Taves Family Farms Blossomfest and GOATerdays, Abbotsford (Dates TBD)
2. Spring Runoff Water Activities
- Kumsheen Rafting Resort, Lytton
- REO Rafting Resort, Boston Bar – Also offers glamping and yoga retreats. (Note: The Resort was impacted by the Nahatlatch Valley wildfire in 2023. Please visit the REO Rafting Glamping & Yoga Resort website for current operation updates)
- Paddling on Gun Lake, Bridge River Valley (cold water paddling experience required. Safety information can be found here.)
- Hiking to Canim Falls, Mahood Falls, & Deception Falls, 100 Mile House
Learn more here.
3. Farmers’ Markets
- The South Cariboo Farmers’ Market, 100 Mile House. (Every Friday in May through September)
- New West Farmers Market, New Westminster (March 30, 2023 – November 2, 2023. THU 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
- Fort Langley Farmers Market, Fort Langley (April 15, 2023 – December 12, 2023. SAT 9:00 am – 3:00 pm)
- Haney Farmers Market, Maple Ridge (May 6, 2023 – October 28, 2023. SAT 9:00 am – 2:00 pm)
- Mission City Farmers Market (May 6, 2023 – October 21st, 2023. SAT 10:00 am – – 2:00 pm)
- Abbotsford Farm & Country Market, Abbotsford (May 6th, 2023 – October 28th, 2023. SAT 9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
- Lillooet Farmers Market, Lillooet (May 6, 2022 – October 7, 2022. FRI 8:30 am – 1:30 pm)
- Cariboo Direct Farm Market, Williams Lake (May 6, 2022 – October 7, 2022. FRI 9:00 am – 2:00 pm)
- Quesnel Farmers’ Market, Quesnel (May 7, 2022 – October 15, 2022. SAT 8:30 am – 1:00 pm)
Learn more here.
4. Historic Sites
- Irving House, New Westminster
- Fort Langley National Historic Site, Fort Langley
- Kilby Historic Site, Harrison Mills
- Historic Hat Creek Ranch, Cache Creek
- Xatsull Heritage Village, Soda Creek
See more here.
5. Gardens & Flowers
- Abbotsford Tulip Festival at Lakeland Flowers
- Chilliwack Tulip Festival
- Five Acres’ Flower School, Abbotsford
- Horsting’s Farm’s Garden Centre, Cache Creek (Please note that flooding is currently affecting the Cache Creek area. Please click here for updates.)
- Fox Flowers on Fetters, Williams Lake
- Edgewood Farm & Flower, Quesnel
6. Patios
- Taves Estate Cidery, Abbotsford (they even have goats plus events!)
- Fort Berens Estate Winery, Lillooet
- Lillooet Brewing Company
- Mountainview Brewing Co., Hope
Discover more here.