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Ashcroft Museum |
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Overview:
Ashcroft is located in the Thompson Okanagan
region of British Columbia, about a two hour
drive from the Lower Mainland. Located on a flat
bench beside the Thompson River, this area is
known as the “Arizona of Canada” due to its dry
landscape, arid climate, and the prevalence of
tumbleweed, sagebrush, and cacti.
The climate here is hot and sunny in the summer, cold and snowy
in the winter. Temperatures can ranges from
over 35 degree Celsius in the summer to -5
degrees in the winter. Very little precipitation
falls in the valley throughout the year. This
has become a very attractive place for those
looking for recreational opportunities as well
as retirees from across Canada. |
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Population:
1788 (Canada Census 2001) |
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Access:
Access to this area is by paved
highway. There are two major routes to this
area: the Trans-Canada Highway, touring the
winding roads along the scenic Fraser Canyon, or
Highway 97C, offering direct access from Merritt
and the Coquihalla toll road, giving quick and
direct access from the Lower Mainland. The
distance from Vancouver to Cache Creek (using
the Trans-Canada route) is 342 kilometres.
Greyhound Bus Service offers
service to Ashcroft.
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If you have the time, why not experience the
area by rail? You can see the amazing
scenery without having to concentrate on
your driving. Via Rail will offer service to
Ashcroft on 48 hours notice. |
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Greyhound Service to Ashcroft |
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Major Industries:
Mining, Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism
History:
Like
many other towns in this region, Ashcroft’s
beginnings can be found in the Gold Rush and
the building of the CPR line into Western
Canada. As the most northern point on the
fledging CPR, and close to the roads heading
into the Interior of the province, Ashcroft
quickly blossomed into the “Gateway to the Cariboo”. From the 1880’s to the turn of the
century, Ashcroft was one of the key
stopping points for settlers and supplies to
the northern settlements of British
Columbia, as well as settlers and goods
heading south to the Lower Mainland, and
points beyond. |
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In the early 1900’s the construction of the
P.G.E. railway, and the replacement of the rail
lines with automobiles and trucks along the
increasingly improved highway system meant that
Ashcroft decreased in importance to the
province’s transportation system. The town
adapted, with a prosperous tomato cannery and
mining operations replacing the transportation
industry as key elements to the economy. Today,
Ashcroft carries on the historical traditions of
the Canadian West as an integral member of the Gold Rush Trail. |
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Festivals:
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Ashcroft Stampede- 3rd
weekend in June. The “biggest little rodeo
in the west” draws people from around
British Columbia to take in a weekend of
rodeo action. Kicking off with a parade and
pancake breakfast and ending with the Annual
Rodeo Dance, the rodeo events are second to
none with the traditional rough stock events
as well as many timed events.
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Ashcroft Fall Fair- September. This one day town fair focuses on keeping traditional
customs and skills alive for a new
generation. A family friendly event, you can
find local farmers displaying their produce,
children’s events, as well as performances
by local artists.
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Ashcroft’s Country Christmas Weekend-
Beginning of December. This weekend event
kicks off the Christmas season in the
village. Events include a parade, downtown
light up, craft workshops and bazaar,
decorated home tours, and musical
productions. A great way to get into the
Christmas spirit!
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Recreation in Ashcroft:
Step back in time
and tour the heritage sites in and around
Ashcroft. Ashcroft Manor, found at
the entrance of the town was once a busy
roadhouse, cattle farm, and the centre of
society in the area in the early 1900’s. Today,
it is a thriving teahouse and gift shop. Other
heritage sites can be found scattered around the
town, although many were destroyed by a fire in
2001.
The Ashcroft
Museum has been consistently rated one
of the best in British Columbia. Located in a
1916 heritage building, the historical displays
take you on a journey from the First Nations
history in the area to the early pioneer days of
Ashcroft to the heyday of the turn of the
century.
If you’re in the
area during the winter, check out the Ice
Races held on nearby Barnes Lake. Cars
speed, slip, and crash while doing laps of the
frozen lake. |
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Fishing on the Thompson River |
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Nearby Attractions:
The nearby Thompson River is a fisherman’s dream! This abundant
river attracts anglers from all over the
world to try their luck against the
steelhead and salmon, rainbow and
eastern brook trout, dolly varden and
kokanee. The nearby lakes offer more
chances to land the big one!
Catch Gold Fever! If you are using a pan
or a shovel, you do not need a license
to pan for gold. While you won’t strike
it rich, you may be able to find a few
flecks of gold the old prospectors left
behind. This area is also famous for
B.C.’s provincial stone, Jade. The Jade
Reserve of 1968 set aside several sand
bars in the area where the public can go
rock hounding without a permit. |
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Live out your childhood dreams of being a
“cowboy” in one of the many Guest Ranches in the
area. There are several guest ranches located in
this area which offer you the chance to saddle
up on trail rides, enjoy tanning in the sun, or
trying out other recreational activities like
fishing, swimming, or even tennis! |
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For More Information:
Village of Ashcroft
Community Development Profile from Venture
Kamloops
Gold Country Communities Society |
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