With a long history of spooky tales that go back centuries, British Columbia is considered by many to be the most haunted province in Canada, and the Gold Rush Trail ranks as one of the top places to find supernatural phenomena. Every year, the region welcomes tourists and locals seeking to embark on tours and thrilling adventures that combine beautiful scenery, historic places, and the unique opportunity to communicate with the spirits that still reside in the area’s fascinating buildings.
Exploring the Gold Rush Trail
A Journey Through Time
The Gold Rush Trail stretches across the picturesque landscapes of the Cariboo region, enticing adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. The trail is filled with historic buildings, including abandoned houses where farmers, miners, business people, and explorers once lived. Some of the most iconic spots to discover these treasures and immerse yourself in haunted tours and the supernatural are 108 Mile Ranch, Quesnel, Barkerville, and Bradian.
An Encounter with The Spirits
Ghostly Tours: 108 Mile Ranch
The historic buildings at 108 Mile Heritage Site, a collection spanning from the mid-1800s to the mid-twentieth century, offer a glimpse into the past and are said to provide a platform for communication with the spirits that linger within their walls. This is precisely what you can expect when embarking on the famous 108 Mile Ghost Tours, a guided exploration of five different haunted buildings in this historic village.
The 108 Mile Ghostly Tours is an opportunity for visitors to witness the paranormal activity that unfolds after sundown. As the clock strikes 8 pm, the group embarks on a journey that lasts approximately 3 hours, immersing in the mysteries of the Gold Rush Trail. For those wishing to experience this haunted journey, private tours and group tickets can be booked through the 108 Mile Ghostly Tour Facebook Page.
The tours are held every other weekend in September and October, with a special Halloween night event on October 31st. Guests will begin the evening with hot dogs, drinks, and ghostly tales before diving into the most exciting part of the night: exploring and investigating the haunted buildings!
“We believe that the spirits and ghosts lingering in these structures have their own stories to tell,” shares Dave Scott, the mastermind behind the 108 Mile Ghost Tours.
For a sneak peek into the eerie adventure that awaits, check out the video below!
‘Real’ Ghosts of the Past: Barkerville Historic Town & Park
Also known as the El Dorado of the gold rush, Barkerville was once the epicentre of a multi-billion-dollar industrial revolution that literally built and shaped British Columbia. With the gold rush, adventure, robbery, and murder also took place in the region, giving room to hair-raising stories about the oldest inhabitants of the 125 restored buildings that are now part of Barkerville Historic Town & Park.
Visitors who want to experience all the paranormal activity in this historic town, can book an unforgettable night at the St. George B&B – Barkerville’s famously ‘haunted’ hotel.
Revealing Ghostly Tales: Quesnel
Dive into the enigmatic tales of the Gold Rush Era at the Quesnel Museum and Archives, where a haunted tour can unveil a tapestry of spine-chilling history, artifacts, and photography. Among its many eerie exhibits is Mandy, the Haunted Doll, whose secrets continue to captivate visitors each year. Come face-to-face with Mandy, explore her scrapbook, watch intriguing video clips, and see if you experience something truly extraordinary.
The museum’s fall hours run from September 3 to September 28, Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Winter hours start on October 1 and continue until April 30, operating only on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As you delve deeper into the haunting history of the region, don’t miss the Quesnel Pioneer Cemetery, a place steeped in eerie tales and spectral whispers. This historic graveyard is known for its chilling atmosphere that settles over it as dusk falls. Will you be brave enough to explore it?
The Ghost Town of the Cariboo: Quesnelle Forks
Embarking on a solo adventure? Make sure Quesnelle Forks is at the top of your haunted tour bucket list. Expect no employees, souvenir shops or cafes in this ghostly haven, just compelling glimpses and fragments of the past residents who lived here in the late 1800s. Visitors can go on a self-guided tour through original log cabins and a heritage graveyard, the only evidence of the people who once lived here. Accessible via a dirt road from Likely, the journey to this historical treasure promises not only a fun exploration but also a potentially spine-tingling encounter with the past.
Hidden Away in the Bridge River Valley: Bradian
Just behind Bralorne in the Bridge River Valley, you’ll find Bradian, a serene town site with 22 homes situated at an altitude of 1,127 metres (3,700 feet). Once a bustling hub during the gold rush of the 1930s, Bradian was abandoned as quickly as the gold vanished. The buildings remained deserted for over 25 years until Tom and Katherine Gutenberg took on the challenging project of restoring them. They breathed new life into the town and sold the revitalized buildings to investors, though no new development has begun as of yet.
If you’re an avid ghost town hunter seeking your next haunted adventure, Bradian awaits with its eerie charm. Remember that access may be restricted, as the buildings are on private property. It’s wise to check current conditions and any necessary permissions before visiting.
Embarking on the Gold Rush Trail Haunted Tours
Ready to embrace spine-chilling haunted tours along the Gold Rush Trail? When planning your ghostly itinerary, consider staying in the following places:
108 Mile Ranch: You can’t go wrong with 108 Golf Resort—a fantastic option for the whole family, offering a range of accommodations from standard and luxury rooms to RV and campsites, catering to various needs and amenities.
Quesnel: Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure on your ghost hunt, Quesnel has you covered. Sandman Quesnel provides all the amenities you could want, while Robert’s Roost Resort and Quesnel Downtown RV Park and Campground offer beautiful RV parks and campgrounds for a cozy stay.
Barkerville: For a truly immersive experience in Barkerville’s history and atmosphere, the St. George Hotel is the perfect choice. Another fantastic option is Kelly Guest House, a restored heritage home within the village that will transport you back to the Gold Rush era with its period decor.
Bralorne: For a close encounter with the haunted town of Bradian, stay in Bralorne, just a short drive away. Choose from Whitecap Alpine or Bralorne Adventure Lodge for truly memorable experiences.
Whether you crave the thrill of a guided nocturnal tour, prefer solo exploration through forsaken towns, or seek the safety of a curated museum, there’s an experience tailored for everyone. Regardless of your choice, pay homage to the intriguing lives of those who once inhabited these places.