What better way to immerse yourself in history, culture, and tradition than by indulging in the local cuisine? The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast offers exquisite farm-to-table experiences year-round, but visiting during summer is a sure way to find most eateries, wineries, breweries, and markets open for the season. The farm-to-table experience in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is unlike any other—each bite is a taste of the land itself. Explore these hidden gems and must-visit spots, and let your taste buds lead the way!
Farm-To-Table Delights Along the Gold Rush Trail
chains, farmers’ markets, and hidden gems offering authentic gastronomic adventures. Along this historic route, travellers will find one-of-a-kind pasture-raised meats, fresh vegetables, and delicious baked goods made with the best ingredients.
Restaurants and Eateries:
The Packing House: Located in the small community of Spences Bridge, this charming cafe is owned by a couple who are farmers, and the employees are all part of the local community. Expect fresh, healthy, and delicious meals.
Cordial Restaurant: For over 20 years, The Cordial has been serving homemade soups, baked goods, and great local food in Clinton. Their extensive menu offers something for everyone!
Abundance Bakery: No one ever leaves Lillooet dissatisfied, including in terms of culinary experiences! Abundance is just one great example of what the town has to offer: simple, local, and fresh ingredients that create amazing dishes and products.
Sugar Shack: Famous for their poutine, they offer an authentic Quebec taste experience in the heart of BC’s Cariboo. This is a must-visit for not just a meal, but a memorable culinary experience.
Ulysses Restaurant: They serve authentic Greek dishes, steaks, seafood, pasta, and new contemporary options. And as always, the best ribs in the town of Quesnel!
The Wells Hotel: For an authentic connection with the Cariboo community and its rich history, head north to the beautiful town of Wells. Delight yourself with their locally sourced meals featuring meats smoked on-site, and try one of the 50 kinds of beers in the pub’s relaxed vibe.
Williams Lake Farmers’ Market | Darrin Rigo
Famers’ Markets
Horsting’s Farm Market: Horsting’s, a family-owned and operated produce farm spanning over 85 acres, has everything you could ever dream of: fresh produce, a garden center, a bakery & cafe, and, of course, farm-to-table cuisine.
Clinton’s Hunnies Market Day: Every Sunday during the summer in Clinton, Hunnies Mercantile hosts Market Day. Explore offerings from local vendors, including fresh baking, crafts, gifts, and more.
Lillooet Farmers’ Market: Every Friday morning, a social hub forms for the entire community as market vendors and friendly locals gather. Locally-grown fruits and vegetables, such as peppers, melons, and tomatoes, abound, while other vendors offer freshly baked treats, canned preserves, organic meats, and Indigenous art.
South Cariboo Farmers’ Market: Downtown 100 Mile House comes alive with a vibrant array of vendors offering unique local goods right in the heart of town. Make sure to grab a locally grown bite and wander among the friendly locals.
Quesnel Farmers’ Market: In the lively summer months, the town of Quesnel hosts a vibrant farmers’ market that’s a must-experience when in town. Enjoy locally sourced fresh produce guaranteed to delight.
Williams Lake Farmers’ Market: Similar to other regional markets, the Williams Lake Farmers’ Market was initiated by a small group of farmers seeking a local venue to sell their produce. Today, it remains as popular as ever among locals, tourists, families, and vendors alike.
Wells Farmers’ Market: Wells Farmers Market proudly operates as a Producer-only Market, where you buy directly from the growers, creators, or raisers of each product. This supports local farms and keeps money circulating within the Wells community and its surroundings.
Xwisten Experience Tours | Jonny Bierman
Indigenous Cuisine:
Xwísten Experience Tours: Have a taste of indigenous heritage with Xwísten Experience Tours in Lillooet St’át’imc (Stat-lee-m) First Nations’ traditional Bridge River fishing grounds. Take a guided tour of the village site and fishing rocks, with a salmon drying demonstration, and don’t miss the homemade bannock from the onsite Bearfoot Grill for delicious fish burgers, bannock hot dogs, salads, frozen desserts, and more.
For a list of other indigenous experiences in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, click here.
If you want to delve deeper into all the culinary possibilities in the region, check out agri-tourism, a popular activity, and a comprehensive guide for must-stop eats on the Gold Rush Trail!
Discovering Highway 20 Farm-to-Table Flavours
Woodlands Fishin Resort | Jesaja Class
Travelling along Highway 24 from Williams Lake to Bella Coola is an unforgettable journey in itself, but made even better when you discover unique places to eat from the heart of Chilcotin to the Great Bear Rainforest. This scenic route offers more than just breathtaking views; it’s a vibrant farm-to-table experience. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of eateries serving up dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From rustic roadside diners to charming cafes, each stop promises a taste of authentic flavours, making your trip as memorable for your palate as it is for your eyes.
Kinikinik Lodge & Restaurant: Located in Redstone, the Kinikinik Lodge & Restaurant promises excellent local food and a cozy atmosphere.
Puntzi Lake Bakery and Restaurant: Puntzi Lake Bakery & Restaurant, a hidden gem in Chilanko Forks, deserves many visits whenever you’re in the area! Take a break from fishing and exploring to enjoy delicious baked goods, meals, and other treats in their cozy bakery.
Eagle’s Nest Resort: Located in the picturesque Anahim Lake, Eagle’s Nest Resort serves delightful meals in an incredible lakeside dining room.
End of the Road Cafe: In Bella Coola, coffee lovers must make End of the Road Coffee a pit stop to try their ethically sourced and organically grown beans. ‘Consistently delicious’ is what you can expect!
Freddy’s Restaurant: Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food, Freddy’s in Bella Coola offers a mix of Western and East Indian cuisine. It’s a must-visit for both locals and visitors.
Bella Coola Farmer’s Market: When in Bella Coola, make sure to visit their farmers’ market for fresh local produce and delicious baked goods. Supported by the Bella Foodshed Alliance, it promotes a resilient, self-reliant food system that provides healthy, nourishing food to valley residents for generations.
Farm-to-Table Gems Along Highway 24
Jonny Bierman
Spanning just 97 kilometres, this scenic route not only offers access to approximately 100 crystal-clear lakes for fishing and water sports but also boasts a delightful array of farm-to-table dining experiences. This region is celebrated for its pristine air, abundant wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and great food, making it a destination that visitors often return to time and again.
Sweet Ash Bistro: Locally-owned Sweet Ash Bistro embraces a farm-to-table mentality by using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their specialty is wood-fired, hand-tossed pizzas that will keep you coming back.
Lac Des Roches Resort: A true Italian restaurant in Lac Des Roches, owned by two Italian hosts and chefs born and raised in Milan, offers some of the best traditional flavours from northern Italy. Are you hungry yet?
The Flying-U-Ranch: Specializing in traditional cowboy meals, The Flying U Ranch restaurant blends guest ranch cuisine with a gourmet flair for a unique cariboo culinary experience. Everything is homemade using fresh cuts of meat, fish, or poultry and natural ingredients sourced locally, ensuring a genuine farm-to-table experience.
As you enjoy the flavours, smell the scents, immerse yourself in history and culture, and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, you’ll find yourself on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the richness of this region – and undoubtedly eager to return for more delicious treats and drinks!
