Discover Spences Bridge

Spences Bridge offers historical and cultural points of interest, as well as activities in the surrounding area. The Inn at Spences Bridge is located on the south bank of the river in Spences Bridge, right by Highway 8, and is considered the oldest continuously operating inn in British Columbia. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between points of interest in the community and destinations farther afield.

Getting There and Getting Oriented

The turnoff to Highway 8 is clearly signposted on Highway 1 when travelling from Vancouver, Kamloops, or Prince George. You can use these two highways to orient yourself as you make your way there. Signage and access conditions may change; check the current route before your trip.

Local History and Culture

The Interior Allied Tribes Memorial Project was completed in 2010 by the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band. It honours the region’s culture and provided the community of Spences Bridge with a focal point. A Heritage Canada plaque is located in Spences Bridge at the confluence of the Nicola and Thompson rivers.

Another historical connection dates back to 1864, when a bridge built by Thomas Spence replaced the ferry. The bridge was built during construction of the Cariboo Waggon Road from Yale to Barkerville Historic Town & Park. The years 1864 and 2010 highlight different things: the construction of the road and the recognition of regional culture.

Fishing, Hiking, and Kayaking

The section of the Thompson River near Spences Bridge is known worldwide as a fishing destination for steelhead and salmon. West of the community, you can reach Murray Creek Falls on a short hike; the trailhead is on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Thompson River Bridge. Check local access conditions before setting out.

Goldpan Park offers opportunities for kayaking. The park is on the east bank of the Thompson River along Highway 1, 10 km south of Spences Bridge. With the Gold Country GeoTourism Program, you can use GPS or traditional treasure-hunt clues to find hidden caches. Individual caches and program details may change; check current information if you plan to take part in this search.

For planning your day, note the different locations of these water activities: fishing is on the Thompson River near Spences Bridge, while kayaking is available at Goldpan Park, 10 km to the south. The short hike to Murray Creek Falls is another option, located to the west.

Landscapes Across the Wider Thompson-Nicola Region

The wider Thompson-Nicola destination encompasses a broad range of landscapes. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District includes the gently rolling grasslands of the Nicola Valley, areas of temperate interior rainforest in the upper North Thompson Valley, and desert and semi-arid climates around Kamloops Lake. These landscapes are part of the broader Thompson-Nicola region and offer a distinct landscape context alongside Spences Bridge.

Discover more destinations: Sun Peaks, Kamloops, Cache Creek, Blue River, Monte Creek, Avola, Clearwater, Barrière

For the broader travel overview: Thompson-Nicola.