Ashcroft: Landscape, History and Culture

Ashcroft lies on the Thompson River in one of Canada’s driest climate zones. Sagebrush is more prominent than trees on the hillsides. The river, dry hills and the town’s history offer distinct areas to explore as you plan your trip. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ashcroft, consider which of these aspects you’d like to discover further. The places and activities below offer some specific ideas.

Landscape and Activities

Ashcroft has mountain biking trails for cross-country and downhill riding. If you’re planning a ride, keep in mind that trail conditions can vary, and check them before setting out. From viewpoints along the Inuksuk Trail, visitors can watch trains. Alongside riding the trails, train watching is another activity to choose from.

For help finding your way around, Ashcroft’s map collection includes an interactive map for the Art Walking Tour and an Ashcroft Trail Map. Map links and formats may be updated, so check that the map you need is available in its current form before planning. The two maps cover different activities: the Art Walk and the trails.

History and Memorial Sites

The Ashcroft Museum is housed in the historic Dominion Building, constructed in 1917. Its collection includes artifacts honoring Ashcroft’s Indigenous peoples, Chinese community and pioneer settlers. The museum also has an exhibit about a coal mine; details may change. The collection’s subjects offer insight into the different communities and stories connected to Ashcroft.

With the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th century, Ashcroft became Mile “0” on the route to the goldfields. The railway’s history is also connected to the Chinese Cemetery: the CPR established it more than 100 years ago. Forty-nine burial sites are visible there, seven of them with original headstones.

In 2012, a stone monument was erected at the Chinese Cemetery in memory of the Chinese workers who helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway in British Columbia. Nearby is a memorial plaque with images and information about Ashcroft’s Chinese community. The cemetery, monument and plaque each highlight different aspects of the past, pointing to the history of the railway as well as the people and communities associated with it.

Art, Heritage and Local Events

Ashcroft’s Art Walk uses murals, signs and installations to tell stories of cultural diversity and history. The Harmony Bell Tower’s features include four mosaic panels, a bell tower, interlocking brick paths and benches. The two places share local history in different ways: the Art Walk through various art forms, and the tower through its architectural and design elements.

Heritage Place Park has a path with benches and a shaded picnic area. It also includes a historic sod-roofed cabin. The park brings together several distinct features in one place, from the cabin to the seating and picnic areas.

Ashcroft hosts the annual Plein Air Art Show, which draws artists from across the region. Check the latest event dates before your trip. Desert Hills ranch and farm in Ashcroft also attracts visitors for its products and annual events. As event dates are seasonal, it’s a good idea to check the latest dates ahead of time.

Getting There and Hotel Planning

Ashcroft is on Highway 97C, 10 km south of the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway 1 and Highway 97. Check road conditions separately when planning your drive.

Explore nearby destinations: Blue River, Clearwater, Sun Peaks, Avola, Kamloops, Clinton, Spences Bridge, 70 Mile House

For the broader travel overview: Thompson-Nicola.