History
Lone Butte was once the Cariboo Regions largest town and a busy centre
for the ranchers who settled in the area from the early 1900’s to
the 1950’s. At that time, Lone Butte was much larger than 100 Mile
House, with stockyards, lumber mills and the Lone Butte Hotel, which dates
back to the 1920’s. The boom of gold rush driven prospectors, trades
people and early pioneers eventually ran dry.
Today, Lone Butte is a quiet little town with restaurants, cafes, shops,
and a BC Railway station. This area is known for its countless lakes providing
great swimming, boating, and fishing as well as guest ranches and campgrounds.
Visitors can learn about the town’s rail and stream engine history
through interpretive signs throughout the town.
Apparently, the town was named for the "butte" - a plug of a
local ancient volcano. Hikers can still access the 250 foot-high plug for
a bird's-eye view of the endless, diverse terrain.
Location
Lone Butte, situated in the Cariboo Region of British Columbia, is located
25 km (15.5 mi) southeast of 100 Mile House, on Highway 24.
Places to See
- Community Heritage Wooden Water Tower
The community's wooden water tower beside the railway tracks is
one of the last existing structures of its kind in British Columbia.
It was built, circa 1920,
to service the steam locomotives of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway
that took the cattle to market. Visitors can learn more about the
town's rail
and steam engine history through interpretive signs at the tower
site.
- Mt. Begbie Lookout
Rise above the rest, at the Mt. Begbie Lookout, 16 km (10 mi)
south of 100 Mile House, for excellent views as far as Wells Gray
Park in the east
and the Marble Range to the west.
- The Willowford Schoolhouse
Just 60 years ago, many local students went to school in a one-room schoolhouse.
Thanks to many dedicated people the Willowford Schoolhouse has been preserved
and is now located on Horse Lake Road, approximately 3 km (1.8 mi) northeast
of Lone Butte.
Things to Do
- Fishing
Lone Butte is located on the access route (Highway 24 “The Fishing
Highway”) to hundreds of lakes in the Interlakes District.
The largest of these lakes are Bridge Lake and Sheridan Lake, which
hold
spectacular-sized
rainbow trout in the 14 to 16-pound range. The best time to
try your luck here is as soon as the ice is off the lakes in May.
Mayfly
hatch brings
out the fly fishers for rainbow trout as well as burbot.
- Visit a Guest Ranch
This region has many guest ranches and vacation resorts to
choose from. Activities in this area include: horseback riding,
nature walks,
fishing, wildlife viewing, canoeing, hiking and much more.
Contact the south cariboo tourism association for more information.
- Green Lake Provincial Park
Green Lake of Green Lake Provincial Park is wide and shallow,
fed by two small creeks, lake-bottom springs, and upland
runoff. Located 15
km (9 mi) south of Lone Butte, this lake is excellent
for both summer and winter recreation. The undulating
plateau and highlands around the lake
have become a cross-country skier's paradise and
sandy beaches dot the irregular shoreline at five spots.
Naturalists should stop here to observe the thriving
avian population of eagles and
osprey, as well
as loons and a variety of
ducks.
- Skiing
The South Cariboo describes itself as the International
Nordic Ski Capital and Lone Butte is just a short distance
to many
great ski destinations. The area boasts a 200-km (125 mi) trail system;
one of the best, most beautiful
and most extensively groomed networks in North
America, and one of the longest in Canada. Trail passes
are required for use of the
groomed trail
system. 100 Mile House is another destination which
has resorts containing superb support services and facilities
which include snow-making
equipment
for added insurance and reliability, night-lit
trails, and a nationally recognized Nordic ski facility.
Downhill skiing can also be
enjoyed at
Mount Timothy located 45 minutes north of 100 Mile
House and 23 km (14.5 mi) 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 snowboarders
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 50 kilometer classic technique beginning with a mass
start for all distances and categories at Keene Road (6 km 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 20 km for
Juniors and a 10km for Jackrabbits.
- Lone Butte Artist & Farmer's Market
This Lone Butte community event is a great way to mingle with the locals.
Open every weekend from mid May to the fall one can experience local arts
and crafts and enjoy a range of produce from local farmers. Located at
the Mahood Art Centre. Contact Laurie Mahood at 250-395-3004 for more information.
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
