The Royal Hotel Chilliwack Blog: Road Trip Through B.C.History

February

Road Trip Through B.C.History

posted by: The Royal Hotel Chilliwack on: February 25, 2020 01:11:51 PM

Did you know there are provincially owned heritage sites located throughout B.C. where you can visit, explore, experience and learn about our province’s past?

Whether your travels take you to Vancouver Island, the Kootenays or places in between these historic sites celebrate the past, tell stories of the people who lived there and help us understand where we came from.

In one of B.C.’s oldest city of Victoria, artist Emily Carr’s childhood home has been restored and is open for tours as well as private functions. As you wander through the house you will get a feel for the iconic artist and animal lover – you may even cross paths with one of the resident cats. https://www.emilycarr.com/

Point Ellice House, also in Victoria dates back to Canada’s early days (1867) and contain an amazing collection of Victorian furnishings and household items left by the original family. Point Ellice House and gardens are open for tours; either self-guided or guided and the house is also available for event rental. https://pointellicehouse.com/

In the lower mainland of Vancouver, Kilby Historical Site is situated between Mission and Agassiz in the Fraser Valley community of Harrison Mills and offers a glimpse into what rural life was like a hundred years ago. Located on a flood plain, the site is unique because it was built elevated above the ground with buildings connected via a boardwalk.
Within Kilby you will find a general store, post office, hotel, farm and outbuildings where aspects of everyday life in the 1920’s are represented. http://kilby.ca/

The Grist Mill in Keremeos features an original (1877) water powered grist mill that was used to grind wheat grown nearby. The property is also home to an apple orchard, heritage wheat field along with a variety of natural vegetation. It should also be noted that all the original machinery from the mill still remains. Bring the entire family and drop by the grist mill for a demonstration, picnic or stay the night in their campgrounds. Check out their events page for concert & dinner events happening this summer. http://www.oldgristmill.ca/

In Cache Creek, the Hat Creek Ranch once was a roadhouse for travellers during B.C.’s 1860’s gold rush and remained in use until 1960. Spend an afternoon experiencing the gold rush era by gold panning, riding the stagecoach or trail riding on the ranch. Overnight camping in tents & sleeping cabins available on site. They also love hosting weddings. https://www.historichatcreek.ca/

Cottonwood House is another remnant from B.C.’s gold rush. The 1860’s era hotel was on the Cariboo Wagon Trail, on the route to Barkerville, and offered food and accommodation to road weary travellers. Cottonwood House is one of the last remaining roadhouses and continues the tradition providing visitors meals and accommodation including rustic cabins and campsites. Cottonwood House is also an ideal spot to celebrate family reunions, weddings, retreats and other social events. http://www.cottonwoodhouse.ca/Default.aspx

Fort Steele in the Kootenays is an entire 1890’s gold rush town containing 60 restored heritage buildings - dubbed a living history museum. During the summer experience livestock demos, live theatre, steam train and horse-drawn wagon rides. http://www.fortsteele.ca/

The largest living history museum in North America is the gold rush town of Barkerville, located in B.C.’s Cariboo region. In this historic town and park you will find an amazing inventory of 107 restored heritage buildings occupying 1130 acres. http://www.barkerville.ca/