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Ashcroft
Ashcroft is located 93 km (60 miles) west of Kamloops
and 388 km (210 miles) north-east of Vancouver
in an area called 'Gold Country.'
Thompson
River
Situated off of Trans-Canada Hwy 1 on Hwy 97C, Ashcroft is spread
out along a flat bench on both sides of the Thompson River. Historically
Ashcroft economy has revolved around ranching, the Canadian National
Railway and the servicing of the Highland Valley Copper Mine.
Grassland
and Miles of Rangeland
Driving to Ashcroft you will pass through miles and miles of rangeland.
Large ranches and grassland are throughout the scenery with beautiful
panoramic views of the sand bluffs next to the Thompson River. The
smell of sagebrush in the air is quite aromatic as you make your
way through this dry country made famous because of the cattle industry.
Ashcroft's
Economy
Only 10 km (6 miles) southeast of Cache
Creek, Ashcroft's economy includes not only ranching but also
a government centre for the region plus a service point for the
Highland Valley Copper Mine.
Highland
Valley Copper Mine
The Highland Valley Copper Mine is the second largest open pit copper
mine in North America and is only 45 km (28 miles) from Ashcroft
on Hwy 97C towards Logan Lake. Copper
concentrates from the Highland Mine are loaded on the C.N. Railway
at Ashcroft destined for the Far East.
Going
to Ashcroft
To get here from the Trans Canada, take the exit near the historic
Ashcroft Manor or the north end towards Cache
Creek. Ashcroft is only 6 km (3.75 miles) away on 97C.
Coquihalla
Hwy
If you happen to be on the Coquihalla Hwy from Kamloops
or Hope, take exit points
for Logan Lake and take Hwy 97C
through the Highland Valley to Ashcroft. This drive is particularly
interesting as it travels alongside the massive Highland Valley
Copper Mine.
Recreation
Ashcroft and the surrounding area of Cache
Creek are famous for the various fishing lakes that dot the
landscape. Other recreational pursuits include mountain biking,
hiking, cross-country skiing and trail riding. Kamloops is close
by with Sun Peaks resort if you enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Juniper
Beach Provincial Park
Two provincial parks near Ashcroft that are worth visiting include
Arrowstone Protected Area located up the Battle Creek Forest Service
Road and Juniper Beach Provincial Park on the Trans-Canada Hwy 1
towards Kamloops near Walhachin. Juniper
Beach Provincial Park also features a campsite close to the Thompson
River.
Bear
Country
Just remember if you are enjoying the countryside around Ashcroft,
please remember this is Bear Country. Try to avoid the rivers during
heavy salmon spawning times unless you feel comfortable with bears
around and take the usual precautions. There is also the possibilities
of encounters with wolves or cougars so please play it safe.
Information
on Ashcroft
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