Our journey to Quesnelle Forks ghost town was filled with adventure, history, and a few unexpected surprises. We camped at Cedar Point Park in Likely, BC, and it turned out to be a fantastic base for our explorations.

Camping at Cedar Point Park

Cedar Point Park offered everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We were lucky to snag a campsite right on the beautiful Quesnel Lake, providing stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. One of the highlights was their brand-new shower house—a much-needed luxury after two days on the road without a shower!

While the park has pit toilets, they were impressively clean and well-maintained. Adding to the charm of the campground were the mining displays scattered throughout the park. These informative exhibits offered fascinating insights into the region’s rich mining history.  There is even a museum on site.  Unfortunately, we were there a month too early to experience the museum as it is only open during peak summer months.

For dinner, we enjoyed our homemade dehydrated meals by the lake. I had spicy red pepper spaghetti, while Dan savoured mushroom risotto—both delicious and hearty options after a day of exploring. Stay tuned for these recipes, which we’ll be sharing soon on our upcoming recipe page!

Exploring Quesnelle Forks Ghost Town

The visit to Quesnelle Forks was nothing short of amazing. This historic ghost town is steeped in history, and walking through the remnants of the past felt like stepping back in time. We wandered through the old graveyard and explored the remaining structures that still stand, imagining what life must have been like during the town's bustling days.

One particularly memorable moment (though not exactly a favourite for me) was when we were inside one of the old houses, and a snake started slithering down from the rafters. Let's just say I made a swift exit—definitely not a fan of unexpected reptile encounters!

As we continued our exploration, a storm began rolling in. At one point, we had to dash back to the truck, ending up completely soaked. But after waiting out the storm, we returned to explore the rest of the ghost town, undeterred by the weather. The atmosphere was even more captivating after the rain, with mist hanging over the historic structures.

Quesnelle Forks: A Forgotten Gold Rush Town

Quesnelle Forks, established in the 1860s, was one of British Columbia’s earliest Gold Rush settlements. Situated at the confluence of the Quesnel and Cariboo Rivers, it became a bustling supply hub for prospectors heading to the Cariboo goldfields. At its peak, the town had hotels, saloons, a post office, and a vibrant Chinese community.

However, as gold discoveries shifted elsewhere and the Cariboo Wagon Road bypassed the town, Quesnelle Forks slowly declined. By the early 20th century, it was largely abandoned. Today, it stands as a well-preserved ghost town, offering visitors a glimpse into BC’s Gold Rush past with its remaining log cabins and cemetery.

A must-visit for history buffs and adventurers alike! Have you been? Share your experience in the comments! 

Additional Camping Options

Adjacent to the ghost town is a nice-looking recreational campground. While we didn’t stay there, it seemed well-maintained and could be a convenient option for anyone wanting to camp even closer to Quesnelle Forks.

How to Get There

From Williams Lake, take Highway 97 north for about 85 km to Quesnel Forks Road (near Likely). Turn right and follow the gravel road for approximately 12 km to reach the site. The road is well-maintained but can be rough in places, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended.

From Quesnel, drive north on Highway 97 for about 80 km to Wells. From there, take the Barkerville Highway (Hwy 26) for approximately 5 km and turn left onto Quesnelle Forks Road. Follow the gravel road for about 12 km until you reach the site. The road is accessible by most vehicles in dry conditions, but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended

Watch Our Adventure

We captured the highlights of our visit to Quesnelle Forks on video, including the dramatic storm and our snake encounter! Be sure to check out our YouTube channel, Exploring Dirt with Dan and Carm, to see the full adventure and get inspired for your own trip.

Thanks for coming along on this journey with us—happy exploring!