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Lytton
The Village of Lytton is located 108 km (67 miles) north of Hope
and 37 km (23 miles) south of Spences Bridge on the Trans-Canada
Hwy 1. Lytton sits at a point high on a mesa overlooking the Fraser
River and where its largest tributary the Thompson River merge.
Fraser
and Thompson Rivers
To get an excellent view of where the confluence of the two rivers
meet, go to O'Dwyer Park. Located right in Lytton off Hwy 1, O'Dwyer
Park is easy to reach with a northerly view towards the Fraser and
Thompson Rivers. Another viewpoint to look at the rivers is by taking
Hwy 12 towards Lillooet
and park at the Thompson River Bridge and walk over.
Nlaka'pamux
Nation
Also known as Kumsheen, Lytton has been home to the Nlaka'pamux
people for over 10,000 years. The Nlaka'pamux Nation presence throughout
this area is well defined with various tribal councils and Indian
band offices found along the banks of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers.
Lytton
Days
These take place during the long weekend in May. This family fun
event will surely please you. Lytton Days feature a pancake breakfast,
a parade, crowning of the May Queen and a slow-pitch tournament,
all followed by a street dance.
"Rafting
Capital of Canada"
Lytton's claim to fame is the amount of river rafting expeditions
that are present in the Thompson and Fraser Rivers. Besides "Canada's
Hot Spot," Lytton is sometimes referred to as the "Rafting
Capital of Canada." You will find river rafting pure fun with
an adrenaline rush. One local operator, Kumsheen, has been offering
rafting adventures since 1973.
The
Kumsheen Rafting Resort
Still operated by the Fandrich family, Kumsheen has grown into a
full resort offering lots of adventure besides the rafting. The
Kumsheen Rafting Resort features a pool, kayaking, disc golf learning,
rock climbing and rappelling plus guided trips down the Fraser River
for Sturgeon fishing.
Lytton
River Festival
The Lytton River Festival celebrates the historical roots, culture
and relationship that Lytton has with the Fraser and Thompson Rivers.
Come visit this event on the Labour Day long weekend in September.
Siska
If you are fascinated with the stories and the history of The Canadian
Pacific Railway and the Canadian National Railway in the Fraser
Canyon, try visiting Siska located just south of Lytton. Siska is
the point where the CPR and the CNR have bridges so that they can
switch to either side of the Fraser River.
Stein
Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park
The Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park was established after
many years of protests because of environmental and First Nation
concerns. Both ecological and aboriginal groups saved this truly
spiritual place from potential damage if logged. The park is located
due west of Lytton across the Fraser River.
Reaction
Ferry
To get to the west side of the Fraser River you have to take the
reaction ferry. The ferry which uses the strong current to help
propel itself across the Fraser River is located just 1.6 km (1
mile) north of Lytton on Hwy 12.
Stein
River
Once on the other side go to where the Stein River joins the Fraser
River. Here you will find a very large native petroglyph on a rock.
Panoramic
Landscape
If you enjoy rock hounding or taking landscape pictures Lytton will
offer you some good opportunities. Throughout the backcountry you
will find many areas with steep rock canyons, mesas and hoodoos
so full of brilliant colour from all the content of the minerals.
Then, with this landscape contrasted against the deep blue sky,
the panoramic views are breathtaking.
Botanie
Valley
For wildlife viewing a good place to go is up the Botanie Valley.
In fact a herd of California Big Horn Sheep are known to graze near
the entrance. To get there, you take Hwy 12 towards Lillooet and
turn up the Botanie Creek Road just outside Lytton. Snowmobilers
and cross-country skiers will also love the Botanie Valley for some
of the backcountry areas that are available.
Lytton
Visitor Centre
If you come to Lytton and need some help finding accommodation or
directions please visit the Lytton Visitor Centre. The centre is
located at 400 Fraser Street right in town. Also, if you need help
planning your trip to Lytton, call the Visitor Centre at (250) 455-2523
for more information.
Backcountry
A few things to remember if you do go in the backcountry: Take plenty
of water and dress accordingly for possible ticks or snakes. Please
be very careful with the train traffic that is present in the area
these are the main lines to Vancouver for CNR and CPR. Also be respectful
of the native burial grounds and get permission from the local band
office to travel on traditional lands.
Hwy
12 to Lillooet
Lytton lies at the junction of another route change to Vancouver.
Try taking Hwy 12 to Lillooet instead of the usual route of Trans-Canada-Hwy
1 to Hope. Once at Lillooet the road goes through Duffy Lake to
Mount Currie, Pemberton
and Whistler. Although this trip is a
little longer, the route can offer endless recreational pursuits
along the Sea to Sky Hwy 99.
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