Camping, Culture and Cariboo Tales: A BC Road Trip for the Curious Traveller

What do a dusty wagon road, a ghost of the gold rush, a salmon cannery and a beachside campground all have in common? They’re all part of one memorable circle road trip through British Columbia. Join us as we explore a route from the dry hills of Ashcroft to the salty sea air of Telegraph Cove.

Along the way, we’ll trace routes once packed with gold rush travelers. We will explore heritage sites that tell the story of early BC. And finally, we’ll savour sunsets at some favourite campgrounds. If you like a mix of history, nature and a storyful open road, this trip is your next adventure.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something from one of our affiliates, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thanks for helping to keep our blog up and running!

Table of Contents

Following the Gold Rush: Ashcroft to Hat Creek Ranch

Our BC road trip started in Ashcroft, a warm, desert-like town along the Thompson River. Heritage buildings line the streets. They hint at the town’s past as a supply stop for miners heading north on the Cariboo Wagon Road. It’s a great place to begin if you’re curious about how this famous route helped shape the province.
→ Read more: Discovering the History of Ashcroft, British Columbia

Man walking towards historic equipment on porch of grey building next to a rail line. — Dive into the history of Ashcroft and the importance of its rail past. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Just 15 minutes north, we pulled into Hat Creek Ranch. Here an original roadhouse, barns and wagon trails bring the 1860s gold rush era to life. We joined a guided tour, met interpreters in period dress and learned how Indigenous and European communities each played a role in this once-bustling travel corridor.
→ Explore more: Exploring Historic Hat Creek Ranch: Time Travel on BC’s Original Gold Rush Highway

Through the Cariboo: 108 Mile Heritage Site and Lac La Hache

Continuing north along Highway 97, the landscape shifts from dry sagebrush to forested hills and endless lakes. Around 108 Mile Ranch, the historic “mile houses” come to life. These roadhouses were built at intervals along the original wagon road to feed and house weary travelers and their horses. Today, the 108 Mile Heritage Site preserves several of these log buildings – now windows to the past.

This area also holds a personal connection for me with memories of years spent growing up in the Cariboo. That sense of history made our overnight stay at Lac La Hache Provincial Park even more special. The campground sits beside a lake once used by freighters and stagecoaches as a rest stop on the trail north.
→ Read the post: BC’s Cariboo Highway Tour: Exploring the 108 Mile Heritage Site

Log building at edge of lake. — Wandering back into the past at 108 Mile. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Northern Discovery: Terrace to Prince Rupert

From the Cariboo, the drive northwest toward Terrace covers roughly 750 km. The route trades rolling ranchlands for misty mountain passes and salmon-rich rivers. After camping at Kleanza Creek Provincial Park, we visited the Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site. Here carved poles, trails and interpretive exhibits tell the story of the Tsimshian people who have called this canyon home for thousands of years.
→ Learn more: Discovering Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site | BC Road Trip

Another two hours west lies Prince Rupert, where we took a guided tour through the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site. It’s Canada’s oldest remaining salmon cannery. This waterfront museum offers a fascinating glimpse into life on the coast. It offers stories of multicultural workers, industrial innovation and the boom-and-bust rhythm of BC’s fishing industry. We stayed the night in a local hostel, surrounded by the cry of gulls and the smell of salt air.
→ Visit: A Tale of BC’s Fishing Heritage: North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site

Woman in blue long sleeved shirt standing behind a counter covered with metal lids. — You can always read interpretive signs… but if you get the chance, don’t skip the guided tour. The stories, the people, the quirky facts… they’re what bring a place to life. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Cruising the Coast: The Inside Passage to Port Hardy

From Prince Rupert, we boarded BC Ferries’ Inside Passage trip. This 16-hour ferry ride is as much a highlight as a means of travel. The route threads through narrow channels and remote islands, with mountain views that shift constantly throughout the day, through sunset and into the night. It’s easy to see why this voyage is considered one of the most scenic in Canada.
→ Get the details: What’s it like to Cruise BC’s Inside Passage with BC Ferries?

Man standing near top of stair on a boat. — Spend time wandering the decks to get the full picture. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Arriving at Port Hardy, we spent time exploring the town’s history and role as the northern gateway to Vancouver Island. A short drive away, Telegraph Cove offered a glimpse of another side of island life. Once a telegraph station and sawmill and now rebuilt after fire, this little village thrives as a small coastal community known for kayaking and whale-watching tours.
→ Explore: Fun Things to Do in North Vancouver Island

Use AllTrails to find hikes in North Vancouver Island and around the province!

Vancouver Island Finale: Camping and Family Adventures

Our last few days were all about family time and camping. At Elk Falls Provincial Park, we hiked to the suspension bridge for views over the canyon and spent the evening surrounded by the sound of rushing water. From there, we continued south to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Here long tidal flats and warm water make it one of the most relaxed, family-friendly beaches on the island. It was perfect – like a welcome back hug at the end of a long time away.
→ Plan your stay: Vancouver Island Camping Road Trip: Elk Falls & Rathtrevor Beach Guide

The Circle – Almost Complete

From gold rush trails to coastal tides, our BC road trip traced a full circle through history, culture and wild landscapes. It was a journey that connected everything we love about travel—camping under the stars, exploring stories from the past and discovering new layers to places where we thought we’d seen it all. It left us curious to know what else is out there – yes, there will have to be another trip.

Whether you’re planning your own loop through the Cariboo, the North Coast or Vancouver Island, this route invites you to take your time. Follow the wagon roads. Board the ferry. Wander the trails.

Because in BC, every mile tells a story, and you’ve only just begun.