SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - Jun 4, 2012) - Follow the legendary footsteps of gold seekers and experience the great outdoors in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region. While the Fraser River Gold rush started in 1858, this year marks the 150th anniversary of Barkerville historic town and the Cariboo Gold Rush, a time when thousands flocked to the heart of BC in the hopes of striking it rich. Today the richness of the region can be found in the wealth of history, culture and scenic beauty of the Mighty Fraser Country. Start your journey by learning about the Fraser River, BC's golden artery, at the Fraser River Discovery Centre located in our first official capital, New Westminster. Travel up to the Fort Langley Historic Site, first established in 1827 as a fur trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company, it's where the Colony of British Columbia was created a century and a half ago.
While only a handful "struck it rich," many others became the pioneers behind building the roads, railways, and bridges leaving behind the legacy of their travels. Continue up the canyon past these points to visit historic Yale, the gold rush boomtown that was once the largest west of Chicago and north of San Francisco. Today the Gold Rush Trail offers education and adventure. Raft through the mighty Fraser Canyon, hike into ancient valleys, and experience times gone by at the numerous museums and historic sites dotted along the route.
"The story of the Gold Rush Trail is the story of how our province was created. The Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region was the starting point of expansion across British Columbia. Culture, heritage and history play a valuable part in the diversity of tourism experiences available in the area," says Kevan Ridgway, President and CEO of Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region. "Celebrating Barkerville's 150th anniversary is a celebration of the dedication we have to preserving our past, connecting our present, and embracing our future. All things are possible here."
About Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Tourism's travel media relations program, is fully integrated with the strategies and tactics implemented by the travel media relations team for the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. This non-profit society is governed by a private sector board of directors who represent business and community tourism interests from throughout the region. The region includes four areas: Metro Vancouver, Sea to Sky Country (including Whistler Resort), Mighty Fraser Country (including the valley and the canyon) and the Sunshine Coast. For more information about Vancouver, Coast and Mountains visit www.vcmbc.com or call 604-739-9011.
About Tours.com: Tours.com is the Official Directory of Tours & Vacations Worldwide. On-line since 1995, tours.com has a deep and searchable database of tour and vacation companies searchable by company name, destination and/or activity. Also a one-stop resource for major Travel Channels such as travel insurance, passport & visa information, major travel booking sites by categories such as hotels, air, cars, cruises, barges, yachts & ferries, railroad & rail travel, etc. Plus all other pertinent travel categories/channels. The Find a Travel Agent search field allows one to search for travel agents certified with in-depth knowledge in their chosen specialty. Maria Polk, President & CEO Tours.com Phone: 415-332-7916 maria@tours.com
Contact Information:
Press Contact:
Andrea Visscher
Telephone: 604-484-5361
Regional Media Relations Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism
Email: andrea@vcmbc.com