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Overview
One Hundred Mile House is a small service town of roughly 2,000 residents situated at an elevation of about 930 metres in British Columbia's Cariboo region, approximately 340 km north of Vancouver along Highway 97. It takes its name from its distance along the historic Cariboo Wagon Road from Lillooet — the colonial-era road that opened the interior during the 1860s Gold Rush.
The town sits within a landscape of rolling plateaus, boreal-tinged forests, and a remarkable concentration of lakes. The surrounding South Cariboo area contains dozens of fishing lakes within a short drive, making it one of the most productive freshwater angling destinations in the province. Ranching and forestry have historically shaped the local economy and culture, and that character still comes through in everyday life.
For travelers, 100 Mile House functions mainly as a practical hub: a place to fuel up, resupply, and plan excursions into the surrounding backcountry rather than a destination with a dense urban core. Visitors who slow down and engage with the outdoor landscape — its lakes, trails, and open ranchlands — tend to leave with a strong impression of the quieter, less-touristed British Columbia interior.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Canada's entry requirements vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for current requirements before booking.
When to Go
- Summer (June–September): Best for fishing, hiking, cycling, and exploring the lakes. Warm days, cool nights. Wildfire smoke can occasionally affect air quality in late July and August — verify conditions before travel.
- Winter (December–March): 100 Mile House has a long-standing reputation for cross-country skiing. The area typically receives reliable snow. Temperatures can drop well below −20°C, so pack accordingly.
- Shoulder seasons: Spring and autumn are quieter and can be pleasant for driving tours, though spring mud and autumn rain are worth factoring in.
What to Pack
Regardless of season, layers are essential. Summer evenings near the lakes can be cool. In winter, thermal base layers, waterproof outer shells, and insulated footwear are necessary. Insect repellent is advisable for summer lakeside visits.
Connectivity and Services
Cell coverage can be patchy on rural roads surrounding the town. Download offline maps before heading out. Banking, grocery, and fuel services are available in town; verify hours locally as some smaller businesses keep limited schedules.
Getting There
By Road
The most common and practical way to reach 100 Mile House is by driving Highway 97 (the Cariboo Highway) north from Kamloops (roughly 170 km) or south from Williams Lake (roughly 90 km). From Vancouver, the typical route runs through Cache Creek, covering approximately 350 km — around 3.5 to 4 hours under normal conditions. Road conditions in winter can be challenging; check DriveBC (drivebc.ca) for current highway status.
By Bus
Scheduled intercity bus service connecting 100 Mile House with other Cariboo communities and the Lower Mainland has historically been limited. Verify current operators and routes locally or through BC transit resources before relying on this option, as service availability changes.
By Air
The nearest airport with commercial scheduled service is in Williams Lake, approximately 90 km to the north. Kamloops Airport, further south, offers broader connections. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the main international gateway, after which a rental car or bus connection is required to reach 100 Mile House.
Fuel
Fuel is available in town. If you plan to explore remote side roads, fill up before leaving the main highway.
Getting Around
100 Mile House has no public transit system within the town. A private vehicle is essential for getting around both the town itself and the surrounding region.
The town's commercial strip along Highway 97 is walkable for basic errands if you are staying nearby, but access to the lakes, trails, and ranching areas requires a vehicle. Many secondary roads are unpaved; a vehicle with reasonable clearance is advisable for exploring further afield. Verify road conditions locally before heading onto forest service roads.
Car rental is not reliably available in town — arrange a rental in Kamloops or Williams Lake if you are arriving by air or bus.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in and around 100 Mile House tends toward the functional and rustic rather than the polished resort experience. The main categories are:
- Motels and roadside hotels: Several properties line Highway 97 in and near town, catering primarily to road travelers and workers. Amenities are basic but adequate.
- Fishing lodges and lakeside cabins: The most atmospheric option for leisure travelers. Numerous privately operated lodges and cabin rentals are situated on the surrounding lakes. These vary widely in quality and price — research and book in advance for summer, as popular properties fill early. Many are listed through owner websites or rental platforms; verify directly with operators.
- Campgrounds: Green Lake Provincial Park and other BC Parks sites in the area offer camping. Reservations through BC Parks (bcparks.ca) are strongly recommended for summer weekends.
There are no large hotel chains or luxury resort properties in 100 Mile House itself.
Things to See & Do
Fishing
The South Cariboo is one of BC's premier freshwater fishing regions. Dozens of lakes within a short drive of town hold rainbow trout, including some trophy-sized fish. Bridge Lake, Lac des Roches, Canim Lake, and Horse Lake are among the well-known options. A valid BC freshwater fishing licence is required — available online through the Province of BC or at local sporting goods stores. Check current regulations and any closures before fishing.
Cross-Country Skiing
100 Mile House has a notable cross-country skiing tradition. The South Cariboo Ski for Light initiative and local trails have attracted skiers for decades. The 108 Mile Heritage Site area also has groomed trails in winter. Verify current trail conditions and access locally before visiting.
108 Mile Heritage Site
The 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site preserves a collection of historic log buildings dating to the Cariboo Wagon Road era, including a roadhouse and barns. It offers a tangible connection to the region's 19th-century settler and Gold Rush history. Check seasonal opening information locally before visiting.
Hiking and Wildlife Watching
The plateau landscape supports moose, deer, black bear, osprey, and various waterfowl. Walking trails exist around some of the local lakes. Green Lake Provincial Park, a short drive away, offers camping and swimming in addition to wildlife viewing.
Snowmobiling
The surrounding terrain is popular with snowmobilers in winter. Local clubs maintain trail networks; check with local businesses or the South Cariboo Snowmobile Club for current access and conditions.
Food & Drink
Dining in 100 Mile House is straightforward rather than destination-worthy. The town has a range of practical options including fast food franchises, family-style restaurants, and a few independent cafes and diners along the main highway strip. Expect hearty, unpretentious cooking suited to an active, outdoors-oriented community.
For self-catering — the preference of many visitors staying in lakeside cabins — a grocery store is available in town. Local fishing lodges occasionally serve meals to guests, which is sometimes the highlight of a stay in the area.
Alcohol is available at BC Liquor Store locations; verify current hours locally. There is no noteworthy craft brewery or winery scene in town, though the broader Cariboo region has a small number of producers — verify locally what is available during your visit.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Canada's national emergency number is 911. 100 Mile House has a hospital — 100 Mile District General Hospital — that provides local health services. For non-emergency medical needs, verify clinic hours locally.
Money
Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. ATMs are available in town. Carry some cash when heading into remote areas, as card payment is not guaranteed at all rural businesses.
Time Zone
100 Mile House observes Pacific Time. British Columbia observes daylight saving time — verify current offset at time of travel, as Canadian DST policy may be subject to change.
Communications
Major Canadian carriers (Telus, Rogers, Bell) have coverage in town, but signal drops off on rural and forest service roads. Download offline maps (e.g., Maps.me, Gaia GPS) before leaving town.
Shopping
Basic necessities — groceries, hardware, sporting goods, fuel — are all available in town. Do not expect specialty retail. Purchase fishing licences, tackle, and outdoor supplies before heading to remote lakes, as lakeside options may be limited.
Safety
100 Mile House is a low-crime community and generally very safe for travelers. Standard common-sense precautions apply.
The primary safety considerations are environmental. Wildfire is a seasonal risk across the BC interior from mid-July through September. Monitor BC Wildfire Service (bcwildfire.ca) alerts and be aware of evacuation routes. Wildlife encounters — particularly with bears — are possible in and around the lakes and forests. Carry bear spray when hiking, store food properly in camp, and familiarise yourself with bear safety practices before heading into the backcountry.
Winter driving on Highway 97 and surrounding roads can be hazardous in ice or heavy snow. Winter tires are legally required in BC on most highways from October to April — verify current regulations. Check DriveBC for road conditions before travel.
