Nestled in the remote Cariboo region of British Columbia, Siwash Lake lies within Secwepemcùl’ecw, the traditional territory of the Secwépemc people. For more than 12,000 years, these lands have supported seasonal hunting, fishing, and gathering, forming a deep and enduring connection between people and place.
The region entered written history during the Cariboo Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, when prospectors and adventurers from around the world followed rugged trails north. Along these routes, frontier settlements emerged, laying the foundations for the Cariboo’s enduring ranching and rodeo culture.
One such landmark is 70 Mile House, the gateway to Siwash Lake. Originally a stagecoach stop on the historic Cariboo Gold Rush Trail, the community marked the seventieth mile from Lillooet, known as Mile 0, and became an important hub for travelers heading to the goldfields.
After the Gold Rush faded, many settlers remained, turning to ranching, logging, and trapping throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The region’s history is further enriched by ongoing Indigenous traditions, including salmon fishing along the Fraser River, practices that continue to this day.
In the late 20th century, Siwash Lake once again drew those seeking a life shaped by land and purpose. A partnership formed between a Vancouver adventurer and an Esk’etemc woodsman, uniting Indigenous knowledge and ranching heritage to create a place grounded in authenticity and respect for nature.
Today, Siwash Lake stands as a reflection of this layered history, where ancient traditions, frontier perseverance, and a deep reverence for the land come together in the heart of the Cariboo.
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