Ashcroft: History and Landscapes along the Thompson River

Along the Thompson River, Ashcroft reveals a landscape that differs markedly from tree-covered areas: the hills are covered more with sagebrush than trees. At the same time, the town tells the story of diverse communities and its role in the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway. If you’re choosing a trip that combines nature, history and active experiences, you’ll find a variety of options here, from museum visits to mountain biking trails.

Landscape and History Along the River

Ashcroft is located in one of Canada’s driest climate zones. This distinctive setting shapes the impression of the town and provides a striking backdrop for a stay. The region’s history is closely tied to the railway: with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th century, Ashcroft became mile “0” on the route to the goldfields. The Dominion Building, home to the Ashcroft Museum, was built in 1917.

Discover the Museum and Town

The Ashcroft Museum’s collection honours Ashcroft’s Indigenous peoples, Chinese community and pioneer settlers. It also includes an exhibit about a coal mine. This brings different aspects of the town’s history together in the museum. A visit is especially worthwhile if you want to make cultural topics a focus of your trip.

Places and artworks beyond the museum also tell stories of the past and cultural diversity. The Chinese Cemetery has 49 visible graves, seven of which have original headstones. The CPR established the cemetery more than 100 years ago. In 2012, a stone monument was erected there in memory of the Chinese workers who helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway in British Columbia. An interpretive plaque with images also shares information about Ashcroft’s Chinese community.

The Art Walk uses murals, signs and installations to tell stories about cultural diversity and history. For guidance, an interactive map for the Art Walking Tour and an accommodation map of the Ashcroft Trail are available. These two map resources offer different ways to explore Ashcroft’s artworks and trails.

Trails, Viewpoints and Quiet Breaks

If you’d like to spend time outdoors as well as explore the town’s culture, you can choose from a range of activities. Ashcroft has mountain biking trails for cross-country and downhill riding. Visitors can watch trains from the viewpoints along the Inuksuk Trail. Heritage Place Park combines a path with benches and a shaded picnic area; it also includes a historic sod-roofed cabin. Together, these offer options for active adventures and a more peaceful break, depending on your travel interests.

Events and local products also shape what the area has to offer. Each year, Ashcroft hosts the Plein Air Art Show, which draws artists from across the region. Desert Hills ranch and farm attracts visitors with its products and annual events. If you’d like to include these interests in your trip, art, agriculture and local events can complement your stay while keeping Ashcroft’s landscape and history in view.

Choose the Right Base for Your Stay

The vacation rental in Ashcroft that’s right for your trip depends on which experiences interest you most. For cultural discoveries, the museum, cemetery and Art Walk each offer their own stories. If you’re looking for activity, consider the mountain biking trails; the viewpoints along the Inuksuk Trail offer another reason to spend time outdoors. Heritage Place Park, meanwhile, combines a path with benches and a shaded picnic area. These differences can help you plan your stay around the activities you want, rather than trying to fit everything into a single day.

For your journey, Ashcroft’s location on Highway 97C is a useful landmark: the town is 10 km south of the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway 1 and Highway 97. This also helps you place Ashcroft within your planned route. When looking for a vacation rental, first decide whether landscape, history, trails or events should shape your stay.

More destinations: Savona, Chase, Kamloops, Avola, Lytton, Spences Bridge, Logan Lake, 70 Mile House.

For the regional travel overview: Thompson-Nicola.