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100 Mile House

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Overview

100 Mile House is a town of about 1,900 people (2011), and the main service centre of the southern Cariboo region of British Columbia. Its name harkens back to the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush when the settlement was li

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

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From Wikipedia1,233 words

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A gateway to the Cariboo’s ranching heritage

Beyond its modest size, the town sits at the crossroads of several historic cattle routes that once linked the goldfields to the southern plains. Visiting the local agricultural fairs, especially during the late summer, offers a glimpse of the working ranches that still dominate the surrounding valley. The seasonal chuckwagon dinners, hosted by long‑standing family farms, let travellers taste meat cooked over open flames while hearing stories of how the region transitioned from gold‑rush supply depot to a hub for beef and hay production. For those keen on seeing a living facet of British Columbia’s frontier past, arranging a farm‑stay or a guided drive through the nearby grasslands reveals a rhythm of life largely absent from the major tourist circuits.

Winter pursuits beyond the ski resort

When the snow settles, the town becomes a quiet base for more adventurous winter sporters. The network of lesser‑known backcountry trails east of Bridge Creek is favoured by snowshoers and cross‑country skiers seeking powder without the crowds of larger resorts. Night skiing under the aurora‑lit sky is possible on a community‑run slope that opens only on weekends, offering a low‑key alternative to commercial lifts. Local outfitters also run ice‑fishing trips on the frozen sections of the nearby lakes, where guides share Indigenous techniques for locating the best spots. These activities provide a wholesome, community‑centric winter experience that sits comfortably alongside the more polished offerings of the region.

Culinary crossroads: the rise of farm‑to‑table in the Cariboo

In recent years, 100 Mile House has seen a quiet culinary evolution as chefs source ingredients from the surrounding farms and orchards. Pop‑up dinners in converted grain silos have showcased produce such as Cariboo berries, heirloom potatoes, and locally cured meats, paired with craft beers brewed on the outskirts of town. Seasonal markets, held every Saturday, allow visitors to purchase fresh jams and cheeses directly from the makers, fostering a sense of connection to the land. Comparing this with the more tourist‑focused eateries in larger BC cities highlights how the town’s food scene prioritises authenticity and community involvement over trend‑driven menus.

Introduction

District municipality in British Columbia, Canada100 Mile HouseDistrict municipalityDistrict of 100 Mile HouseView of 100 Mile HouseMotto: Centum Salutationes100 Mile HouseLocation of 100 Mile House in British ColumbiaShow map of British Columbia100 Mile House100 Mile House (Canada)Show map of CanadaCoordinates: 51°38′33″N 121°17′51″W / 51.64250°N 121.29750°W / 51.64250; -121.29750CountryCanadaProvinceBritish ColumbiaRegional districtCaribooFounded1862Incorporated1965Government • MayorMaureen Pinkney • MPFrank Caputo (Conservative) • MLALorne Doerkson (Conservative)Area (2021) • Total53.01 km2 (20.47 sq mi)Elevation at the weather station1,059.2 m (3,475 ft)Population (2021) • Total1,928 • Density36.4/km2 (94/sq mi)Time zoneUTC−08:00 (PST) • Summer (DST)UTC−07:00 (PDT)Area code250 / 778 / 236Highways Highway 97WaterwaysBridge CreekWebsitewww.100milehouse.com 100 Mile House is a district municipality located in the South Cariboo region of central British Columbia, Canada.

History

[edit] 100 Mile House was originally known as Bridge Creek House, named after the creek running through the area. Its origins as a settlement go back to the time when Thomas Miller owned a collection of ramshackle buildings serving the traffic of the gold rush as a resting point for travellers moving between Kamloops and Fort Alexandria, which was 158 km (98 mi) north of 100 Mile House farther along the Hudson's Bay Brigade Trail. It acquired its current name during the Cariboo Gold Rush where a roadhouse was constructed in 1862 at the 100 miles (160 km) mark up the Old Cariboo Road from Lillooet.: 198  In 1930, Lord Martin Cecil left England to come to 100 Mile House and manage the estate owned by his father, the 5th Marquess of Exeter. The estate's train stop on the Pacific Great Eastern (now BC Rail leased and operated by Canadian National) railway is to the west of town and called Exeter. The town, which at the time consisted of the roadhouse, a general store, a post office, telegraph office, and a power plant, had a population of 12. The original roadhouse burned down in 1937. 100 Mile House is on Secwépemc unceded territory. The nearest Secwépemc band is the Tsq'escen for which a geographic reference point is the Canim Lake Reserve.

Demographics

[edit] In the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, 100 Mile House had a population of 1,928 living in 907 of its 974 total private dwellings, a change of 0.5% from its 2016 population of 1,918. With a land area of 53.01 km2 (20.47 sq mi), it had a population density of 36.4/km2 (94.2/sq mi) in 2021. Religion[edit] According to the 2021 census, religious groups in 100 Mile House included: Irreligion (1,035 persons or 58.0 percent) Christianity (630 persons or 35.3 percent) Sikhism (95 persons or 5.3 percent)

Economy

[edit] 100 Mile House's welcome sign At present, 100 Mile House is the primary service centre for the South Cariboo and has a population of approximately 2,000. The service area has a population roughly ten times the size of the town. It includes the communities of Lac la Hache, Forest Grove, Lone Butte, Horse Lake, Bridge Lake, 70 Mile House, Canim Lake, and 108 Mile Ranch, and is the largest residential centre between Kamloops and Williams Lake. The primary industries of 100 Mile House are forestry and ranching. Log home building and tourism are also an important part of the community. In December 2025, announced that it was closing the last sawmill in 100 Mile House, citing the lack of economically accessible timber. Tourism[edit] A view of the north end of 100 Mile House, taken from the Cariboo Highway 100 Mile House is a centre for outdoor activities and is becoming increasingly known for its richness of bird life. The surrounding area features hundreds of lakes for boating and fishing including 101 Mile Lake, 103 Mile Lake, Lac La Hache, Canim Lake, Horse Lake, Green Lake, Bridge Lake and Sheridan Lake. The Cariboo ski marathon attracts a large and international field of cross-country (Nordic) skiers. The surrounding communities have various activities for residents and visiting tourists, including rodeos and an extensive trail system. This area is known for outdoor activities including hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and ATV riding. There are government campgrounds at Green Lake, Bridge Lake and Lac La Hache. There are also many private campsites around the area that also offer cabin and fishing boat rentals and RV hook-ups. Transportation[edit] 100 Mile House was located historically along the Cariboo Road. Until 2002, it was served by BC Rail's daily dayliner service between Vancouver and Prince George. Until 2013, 100 Mile House was served by Greyhound Canada. Today, the town is served by the 100 Mile House Regional Transit System and by Adventure Charters intercity bus service four times a week in each direction. The area is also served by BC Transit Health Connections. The town is home to the 100 Mile House Airport with no scheduled services and is located near the larger South Cariboo Regional Airport.

Nearby locations

[edit] North of 100 Mile House are 108 Mile Ranch, Lac la Hache (26 km [16 mi]), 150 Mile House (77 km [48 mi]), Williams Lake (91 km [57 mi]), and McLeese Lake (135 km [84 mi]). Also located north of 100 Mile House are Quesnel (210 km [130 mi]) and Prince George (329 km [204 mi]). Southeast of 100 Mile House are the Interlakes area and Bridge Lake (56 km [35 mi]). South of the town are 70 Mile House (40 km [25 mi]), Clinton (72 km [45 mi]), Cache Creek (112 km [70 mi]), Spences Bridge (159 km [99 mi]), and Vancouver (456 km [283 mi]).

Climate

[edit] 100 Mile House has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with mild summers combined with cool nights, along with cold, but not very cold winters for its latitude. In spite of the moderation that comes from its relative proximity to the Pacific Ocean, extreme winter temperatures can occasionally occur, with a record low of −48 °C (−54 °F). 100 Mile House is located in a rain shadow of the coastal mountains, resulting in reduced precipitation, much of it falling as snow. Climate data for 100 Mile HouseClimate ID: 1165791; coordinates 51°38′49″N 121°18′09″W / 51.64694°N 121.30250°W / 51.64694; -121.30250 (100 Mile House); elevation: 1,059.2 m (3,475 ft); 1981-2010 normals Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 12.0(53.6) 13.5(56.3) 21.0(69.8) 30.0(86.0) 34.5(94.1) 34.5(94.1) 35.5(95.9) 36.0(96.8) 36.0(96.8) 29.0(84.2) 18.3(64.9) 12.5(54.5) 36.0(96.8) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −2.1(28.2) 2.1(35.8) 7.4(45.3) 12.2(54.0) 17.0(62.6) 20.3(68.5) 23.1(73.6) 23.3(73.9) 18.5(65.3) 11.1(52.0) 2.4(36.3) −2.9(26.8) 11.0(51.8) Daily mean °C (°F) −7.2(19.0) −3.7(25.3) 0.8(33.4) 5.2(41.4) 9.5(49.1) 13.0(55.4) 15.3(59.5) 14.9(58.8) 10.4(50.7) 4.8(40.6) −2.1(28.2) −7.7(18.1) 4.4(39.9) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −12.3(9.9) −9.4(15.1) −5.9(21.4) −1.9(28.6) 2.0(35.6) 5.7(42.3) 7.4(45.3) 6.3(43.3) 2.2(36.0) −1.6(29.1) −6.5(20.3) −12.5(9.5) −2.2(28.0) Record low °C (°F) −44.5(−48.1) −40.5(−40.9) −37.8(−36.0) −15.0(5.0) −9.0(15.8) −4.0(24.8) −1.5(29.3) −6.0(21.2) −10.0(14.0) −32.0(−25.6) −40.5(−40.9) −48.0(−54.4) −48.0(−54.4) Average precipitation mm (inches) 35.1(1.38) 21.3(0.84) 16.5(0.65) 29.2(1.15) 42.9(1.69) 56.6(2.23) 68.2(2.69) 47.5(1.87) 37.0(1.46) 32.3(1.27) 42.4(1.67) 48.2(1.90) 477.1(18.78) Average rainfall mm (inches) 3.0(0.12) 2.5(0.10) 5.0(0.20) 20.4(0.80) 41.9(1.65) 56.4(2.22) 68.2(2.69) 47.5(1.87) 36.3(1.43) 26.8(1.06) 14.0(0.55) 1.4(0.06) 323.4(12.73) Average snowfall cm (inches) 32.1(12.6) 18.8(7.4) 11.5(4.5) 8.8(3.5) 1.0(0.4) 0.1(0.0) 0.0(0.0) 0.0(0.0) 0.7(0.3) 5.5(2.2) 28.5(11.2) 46.8(18.4) 153.7(60.5) Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 9.4 7.2 6.7 8.6 11.9 13.0 13.0 10.5 8.7 9.5 11.1 10.4 120 Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 1.3 1.1 2.6 6.4 11.6 13.0 13.0 10.5 8.5 8.2 4.2 0.7 81.0 Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 8.7 6.2 4.2 3.0 0.65 0.11 0.0 0.0 0.37 2.0 8.0 10.2 43.4 Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada