BC's Cariboo Highway Stop: 108 Mile House
The Cariboo Highway, also known as British Columbia Provincial Highway 97, is a scenic and historic route that winds through the heart of British Columbia, Canada. Stretching from Hope to Prince George, this highway offers natural beauty, historical sites, and outdoor adventures. 108 Mile House is a delightful stop for a couple of hours of exploration.
The 108 Mile Heritage Site is an 8-acre open-air museum beside 108 Mile Lake and 108 Mile Lake Creek. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, 108 Mile House was a significant stopping point on the Cariboo Waggon route to the gold fields. The site contains a unique collection of 13 buildings dating from the early 1860s into the 20th century. Some of these buildings are original to the site, but others have been moved to it from other locations in the Cariboo region.
As a former Canadian History teacher, I try to explore every location that was part of my lessons. I have always been particularly fascinated by BC's Gold Rush History, and I love the chance to get a deeper and more personal feeling for the history and stories that have shaped this province. This was a stop I couldn't pass by, and you shouldn't either.
Interesting Fact: The spelling of the Cariboo Waggon Road with two g's in Waggon is historically correct.
Table of Contents
The Cariboo Highway
The Cariboo Highway is known for its stunning natural scenery. As you journey north, you'll be greeted by towering mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Along the way, you'll also encounter charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character and local attractions.
For history buffs, the Cariboo Highway offers a glimpse into the province's rich past. The region was once a hub of gold mining activity during the 1800s, and you can still see evidence of this era in historic towns like Barkerville (my post here), a preserved gold rush ghost town. Visitors can explore the town's museums, shops, and heritage buildings to learn about the lives of the miners and settlers who once lived there.
Check out my road trip itinerary along the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail here. This itinerary hits the highlights and makes plenty of suggestions on how to extend your road trip for travellers with flexible schedules.
Follow the Cariboo Highway To 108 Mile House
The 108 Mile Heritage Site is located midway between 100 Mile House and Lac La Hache on Cariboo Highway 97 in the Cariboo region of British Columbia. It is approximately 2.25 hours drive from Kamloops via the Trans-Canada and Cariboo Highways.
BC Bus North operates a route between Kamloops and Prince George three times a week that stops in 108 Mile House, but the best way to travel along this route is by driving yourself. There are choices for motels, BnBs, hotels, and campgrounds all along the route.
The best time to travel the Cariboo Highway is between late spring and early fall when the weather is more accommodating and all the attractions are open. Full openings for seasonal tourist attractions typically begin July 01, Canada Day. Winter adventurers must prepare for changeable weather, challenging road conditions, and fewer available services. However, the winter sports enthusiasts will find many opportunities for skiing, boarding, snowshoeing, and exploring the networks of snow scooter trails.
I travel in my campervan named Wanda. For those interested in exploring campervan travel in BC, check out my post on RV and Campervan Rentals in Metro Vancouver here.
Cellular connections are not reliable in all areas. There will be sections of the highway without any connection. Make sure you have either paper maps or have downloaded the needed maps. Consider purchasing a GPS location beacon if you plan on going off the main highway route.
History
The history of 108 Mile House in British Columbia goes back to 1863 when William J. Roper claimed 320 acres of land, where he built a roadhouse, stable, and shed, which were later sold to William Walker in 1880.
Walker, a telegraph operator and horse/dairy farmer, expanded the settlement by building a dairy, ice house, telegraph office, blacksmith shop, and store.
In 1891, Walker sold the property to Stephen Tingley, whose son Clarence ran the 108 Mile House as a telegraph operator, 'BX Agent', horse/dairy farmer, storekeeper, and hotel keeper. Tingley made several improvements to the site, including building a new post house and barn.
In 1903, Captain Geoffrey Lancelot Watson purchased the property and transformed it into a ranch, focusing on breeding purebred Clydesdale horses and Highland Cattle. Watson made significant changes to the site, including building a large Clydesdale barn. His time in the area ended 12 years later when he was killed in action during World War I.
Although the oldest buildings have been on this location since the 1860s, 108 Mile Ranch only became a heritage site in the 1980s. In 1979, the site was sold to the 100 Mile & District Historical Society for $1. Since then, the Historical Society has maintained the buildings.
The Dark History of the 108 Hotel
In the 1860s, the 108 Hotel was a popular destination for prospectors and opportunists heading to the Cariboo Gold Fields. However, it soon gained a reputation for "loose women", liquor, and violence.
Agnus MacVee, the owner of the hotel, was at the center of these atrocities. She and her family were involved in the murders of over 50 miners and gamblers, as well as an unknown number of women.
Agnus used her position to lure victims to the hotel, where they were often murdered and robbed. Despite the numerous bodies found in the surrounding lakes, Agnus and her son-in-law, Al Riley, managed to avoid capture for many years. Eventually, they were arrested and sentenced to death for their crimes. While Al Riley was executed, Agnus committed suicide in prison.
It's a great story, isn't it? Locals tell this story with relish and gory detail. I heard and read several versions during my time in the area. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to verify that the nefarious Agnus existed, let alone became a sex-slaving hotel owner and mass murderer, but don't let the truth get in the way of enjoying a good story!
Attractions at 108 Mile House Heritage Site
The unique collection of historic buildings and associated artifacts represent the development of the Cariboo, focusing on the construction of the Cariboo Road, the introduction of the telegraph, the servicing of the B.C. Express Company's stage line, large-scale cattle ranching, fur trapping, the introduction of one-room schools to the South Cariboo, and the start of large-scale logging and forestry operations. The site also includes a gift shop, a weekly summer market, and regular special events like Ghost Tours. I saw a taco truck near the picnic area, but it was not open during my visit.
Market
The market is open every Saturday from mid-May to the end of September from 10:00 to 14:00. Local vendors offer fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade jams, baking, crafts, jewelry, and food trucks. Sadly, I was not there on market day.
Covered Bridge/Walking Trail
Upon pulling into the parking lot, my eyes were drawn to the picturesque covered bridge. This modern bridge, built by the local Lions Club, is part of a trail that winds around 108 Mile Lake.
The Ainsworth Display
This collection of original logging and farming equipment was used by the Ainsworth Family in the middle of the 1900s.
The McNeil Mansion Museum
The house was originally built as the 105 Mile Roadhouse to accommodate the miners travelling along the gold rush trail. Seven years after operating as a roadhouse, it was converted to a ranch house and a family home when Benjamin and Laura MacNeil married.
Inside, visitors will be treated to stories, displays, and artifacts covering the history of the site and region. To prepare for the rest of your visit, start your tour here.
108 House Gift Shop
Located behind the Museum is the gift shop with a large selection of local art, gifts and books. It's perfect for visitors who like to browse around unique artisan goods. Snacks and beverages are also available. I suggest taking a beverage on to the front porch of the mansion to enjoy the shade and views of the site.
The Blacksmith Shop
William Walker built the original blacksmith shop on the site in 1880, and a framed blacksmith shop was built in 1892. This shop is a reproduction of the original blacksmith shops of the era.
The Bunk House
The ranch hands stayed in the bunkhouse. They usually ate dinner in the ranch house but were on their own for other meals. The ranch hands were also responsible for owning and maintaining their own saddles. Visitors will see the bunks, stoves, kitchen utensils, and saddles inside.
BX Barn
The BX Barn was built in 1892 as part of the Barnard Express Company (later known as the BC Express Company). Travellers could rent horses and wagons to carry themselves and their supplies to the northern gold fields. Several BX barns were built along the Cariboo Waggon Road where travellers could rest and switch horses.
The Chapel
The Chapel is a new building on the site, built in 2007 in the style of a turn of the century Anglican Church. The stained glass windows inside are beautiful with bright colours reflected by the sun. Don't be surprised if you see a bridal party, as it has become a popular wedding venue.
The Clydesdale Barn
This huge barn, built in 1908 by Captain Watson to stable more than 100 Clydesdale horses, is one of the largest log barns in Canada. Highland Cattle and Reindeer were also part of Captain Watson's livestock until his death in France during WWI.
Outside the barn is a wooden performance stage for the on-site special events. I could imagine sitting on a picnic blanket, listening to an evening concert with beautiful lake views in the background.
The Game Warden's Cabin
This cabin was originally built about 94 kilometres (58 miles) away and was moved to 108 Mile House. The cabin was built to house Game Wardens working in the area. The Wardens were peace officers for the community, in addition to their wildlife duties. This particular cabin was built using horses to drag the logs to the building site. Construction was completed in a mere 5 days by Jack Steward and Walter Gill. Look for where they inscribed their names just above the door.
The Posthouse
The Post House was built in the 1890s using the timber from the old 108 Roadhouse, the Hotel allegedly run by the murderous Agnus MacVee. Some claim that the ghosts of her victims still gaze out of the windows to this day, although I can't confirm any personal sightings. The story is told that the hotel was torn down after MacVee's conviction and the logs were used to build the current Post House in this location.
The Schoolhouse
The charming little schoolhouse was privately built in 1938 by a pair of local ranchers to allow local children to attend day school near their homes. The first class had 15 students who arrived at school on foot or horseback.
The Store and Telegraph Office
This building was constructed in 1885 using lumber from a shed across the road. The gossip of the time suggested that the shed was dismantled and moved to search for gold buried by Agnus MacVee, although there is no evidence that gold was found. The building was used as a General Store and a Telegraph Office.
The Trapper's Cabin
This humble cabin is typical of the style built by the fur trapper families who worked in the area. Used mainly during the winter, these cabins were built out of cedar logs with rough board floors. The roof was insulated using sod and moss. Trappers set trap lines to gather coyote, cougar, fox, martin, weasel, and squirrel pelts. During the summer months, it was common for trappers to work on local ranches or offer carpentry services.
Admission Information
The 108 Mile House Heritage Site is open seasonally from mid May to the end of September from 10:00 - 16:00. During May, June, and September the site is open Thursday - Monday but is open every day during the peak season of July and August.
There is no set admission fee but donations are gratefully accepted.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the 108 Mile House Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of British Columbia's Cariboo gold rush era. With its well-preserved historic buildings, interactive exhibits, and scenic surroundings, this living museum provides a unique and enriching experience for travelers of all ages. Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable stop along the Cariboo Highway, 108 Mile House is well worth a visit.
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