Discovering the History of Ashcroft, British Columbia

Discovering the history of Ashcroft – who’d have thought?

For decades—through childhood road trips, parenting years, and now retirement—I’ve traveled along Highway 97, along sections of the famed Cariboo Wagon Road from Quesnel toward Kamloops or Vancouver. But Ashcroft? We’d always passed it by. It’s just enough off the main route to be overlooked.

This time our road trip had a mission: follow the stories that shaped British Columbia’s rich past. And that led us off the highway and into the village of Ashcroft—a place with a history far richer than anticipated.

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Table of Contents

Delving Into History of Ashcroft

Long before wagon wheels or train tracks carved through these hills, this land was home to the Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc Nations, who’ve lived here for thousands of years. Their presence continues today and is an essential part of Ashcroft’s story.

In 1859, European settlers arrived, including brothers Clement and Henry Cornwall, who named the area after their English estate—Ashcroft Manor. They built a roadhouse in 1863 to serve freight teams and stagecoaches traveling the Cariboo Wagon Road, which had become the lifeline of the Cariboo Gold Rush.

From Roadhouse to Rail Town

In 1883, a townsite was surveyed along the Thompson River below the manor on land owned by John Barnes and William Brink. They named it Ashcroft.

When the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Ashcroft in 1884, the town’s role exploded. A bridge over the river connected rail lines to freight routes headed north. Ashcroft became the third official Mile “0” of the Cariboo Wagon Road, after Yale and Lillooet.

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)

For decades, it was a major supply centre for miners headed to Barkerville and beyond. The Barnard Express Company (later BC Express) ran teams of oxen and stagecoaches carrying passengers, mail, and gold. Today, the trip from Ashcroft to Hat Creek Ranch takes 20 minutes by car—but back then, it took the better part of a day.

Ashcroft thrived until 1914, when the Pacific Great Eastern Railway shifted northern traffic away from town. Its days as a supply hub ended, but its legacy endured.

Wandering through Ashcroft’s past

Curiosity nudged us off Highway 97 and down toward the Thompson River, across the bridge into town. It was Sunday, and the Ashcroft Museum was closed (tip: check the hours!). Still, we peeked through the windows, read the historic plaque, and set out on a self-guided wander.

Metal plaque on brick building reading: Ashcroft heritage site (and details of building history). — Built in 1917 as the Dominion Public Building, it housed the post office, telegraph, and customs office. Later, it became the village museum. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Historic buildings & characters in the village

Almost immediately, we spotted heritage plaques tucked in front of charming old homes. One on Brink Street—named after William Brink, the town’s co-founder—caught my eye.

Two and a half story red-coloured historic-style home. — 601 Brink Street: Built in 1911 by John Shields, Superintendent of Ashcroft Water & Electric. A prefab house (unusual for the era) and final home of “Doc” English, a colourful Cariboo character. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

I love uncovering the backstory behind places like this. Want to know more about Doc? Check out the BC Historical News, page 13.

We also passed St. Alban’s Anglican Church, built in 1891 by a contractor named—wait for it—William Higginbottom. The church features imported elements from France and England, and until 1899, its bell doubled as the town’s fire alarm.

White church with red trim under blue sky. — St Alban Church was built in Ashcroft, BC in 1891 for the princely sum of $500 – almost as much as the church bell itself! (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

A few blocks away, we stumbled upon the B.C. Express Company headquarters, built in 1911.

Red building with grey roof on street corner under blue sky. — The heritage plaque reads: “Constructed in 1911 as the headquarters of the B.C. Express Company. The company handled all freight going north to the gold fields, as well as mail and other important cargo. On the completion of the bridge connecting the town to the Cariboo Road, Steve Tingley moved the headquarters of the B.X. to Ashcroft in 1886. This move solidified Ashcroft’s position as the gateway to the Cariboo, and eventually the B.X. was second only to Wells Fargo in the size of its operation. The Ashcroft cannery, in its early days used this building as an office, then from 1925 to 1975 the Provincial Government located the Court House and government offices here.” (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Heritage Place Park: A walk through time

Across from the tracks, Heritage Place Park offers a compact but beautiful experience in a garden setting. Think of it as a mini open-air museum celebrating Ashcroft’s layered cultural story.

Man walking gravel path towards a log cabin. — Exploring Ashcroft’s Heritage Park. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Highlights include:

A pioneer cabin and settler home
Vintage mining artifacts and a red railcar
A Japanese garden, part of Ashcroft’s connection with its sister city in Japan

The park was awarded by Communities in Bloom for blending history and green space. Its crown jewel? The Harmony Bell Tower, an interactive glass mosaic installation promoting global unity and cultural respect.

Man circling four-sided wooden structure. — Find the bell and give it a ring! (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Ashcroft’s Mosaic Walking Tour

Ashcroft has a unique art twist: mosaics scattered throughout town. Starting at the Harmony Bell Tower, you can follow the Mosaic Walking Tour to see all 19 installations. It’s a creative, colorful way to explore—and another example of how this little town honors its diverse heritage.

Mosaic image of town and tree and a person under big sky. — Discover the rich history of Ashcroft, BC—gold rush roots, railroads, and heritage sites on this off-the-path road trip stop.One of the 19 panels to be discovered on a tour of Ashcroft’s mosaics. (Photo Credit: Megan Kopp)

Pro tip: Pick up a walking tour guide at the museum/info centre (open weekdays) or find a copy online.

When You Go

Ashcroft may no longer ship gold or host stagecoaches, but it hasn’t lost its shine. For curious travelers, this village offers a glimpse into BC’s past—one that invites you to slow down, explore on foot, and find the stories that reflect the people who built a province.

Where is Ashcroft?

Located about 90 km west of Kamloops, Ashcroft sits above the Thompson River in BC’s sun-baked interior. Whether you’re tracing the Gold Rush Trail or detouring off the Trans-Canada Highway, it’s well worth the stop. Pick up a copy of the Cariboo-Chilcoutin Backroads Mapbook and start planning your adventure!

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