Exploring Quesnel & Area in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Nature’s Playground

By Travel British Columbia

If anywhere in the world could earn the name Outdoor Adventureland, it’s British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Often called Canada’s “Big Sky Country,” this region conjures images of cowboys, ranches, gold rush towns, and wild, open spaces where the mountains meet the sea.

Welcome to a place where history runs deep, nature reigns supreme, and adventure is around every corner.

Located in BC’s central interior, this vast region borders Northern BC, Vancouver Coast & Mountains, the Thompson Okanagan, and Vancouver Island. It’s home to rugged coastlines, peaceful lakes, jagged peaks, rolling hills, and endless skies—a postcard-worthy landscape that begs to be explored.

And whether you’re into paddling, hiking, horseback riding, or simply soaking in the beauty, this is a natural wonderland that delivers every kind of outdoor thrill.

Getting There is Half the Beauty

Driving north from the Vancouver area, either via Hwy 1 through the Fraser Canyon or Hwy 99 through Whistler, you’ll see the scenery shift dramatically as the coastal forests give way to the dry hills of the Cariboo north of Lillooet. Along the way, you will find Gold Rush landmarks such as: Historic Hat Creek Ranch, 108 Mile Ranch Historic Site and the preserved gold Town of Barkerville. These places transport you straight back to the 1800s, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of miners, settlers, and dreamers all looking for a better life, and an abundance of riches.

Discover Quesnel and Surrounding Area

Quesnel may be small, but it’s surrounded by some of the province’s most dynamic provincial parks. Within 100 kilometres, you’ll find everything from family-friendly beaches to epic backcountry canoe routes.

Pinnacles Provincial Park – Just 8 km west of Quesnel, this park is best known for its dramatic hoodoos—12-million-year-old rock formations created by volcanic activity and erosion. Hike the easy 1 km trail to a viewpoint for stunning vistas of Quesnel and Baker Creek.

Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park – Only 10 km north of town, this former Pacific Great Eastern Railway post is now a popular summer spot. Swim, water-ski, boat, or just enjoy the sandy beach. You can still spot some of the old railway grades, adding a layer of nostalgia to your visit.

A bit farther out (some 44 km west) from Quesnel is the exceptionally kid-friendly Puntchesakut Lake Provincial Park. This idyllic park boasts aspen forests and gently rolling terrain with calm waters. A sandy beach, picnic area and boat launch make it a great day-trip destination.

Bowron Lake Provincial Park – As the farthest provincial park from Quesnel (about a 100 kilometres), this vast wilderness park is famous for its 116-km canoe/kayak circuit through a series of lakes, creeks, and rivers, offering up miles of incredible scenery and wildlife viewing. The route takes seven to 10 days to complete.

The charming town of Quesnel offers other outdoor opportunities.  Walk, bike or jog the scenic five-kilometre Riverfront Trail edging Quesnel’s shoreline.  Enjoy the scenery and interpretive plaques along the trail.

Visit the Quesnel Museum and Visitor Centre which houses fascinating exhibits of life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The museum is free and well worth a wander around.

Just an hour’s drive east of Quesnel is the National Historic Site of Barkerville, BC’s most famous Gold Rush town. Costumed actors bring history to life with re-enactments throughout the many restored buildings. Take a peek into the bakery, schoolhouse, court, theatre, churches and so much more.

In terms of accommodations, you’ll find a variety of lodging, RVing and camping options in and around Quesnel and in many other communities in the Cariboo.

Quesnel and the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast are full of endless possibilities from exploring the history, fishing, hiking, water sports and more. After all, this is considered Canada’s “Big Sky Country” and the sky’s the limit here.

For accommodations in this area and elsewhere in British Columbia go to www.travel-british-columbia.com

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Published: June 14, 2018
Last Updated: July 31, 2025