BUY BC BUSINESSES Business Buyer's Guide Cariboo ǀ Chilcotin ǀ Northern Regions Spring 2015 | Page 17

Horsefly,BC
W

e were not the biggest, but we
were the first! The first gold in
the Cariboo Gold Rush was discovered
in the Horsefly River in 1859.
Following that discovery, miners
ventured further north to Likely,
Quesnel Forks and Barkerville. The
community of Horsefly has been an
un-incorporated village since then.
When the gold miners moved on many
people stayed, ranching & farming the
fertile land, trapping the extensive
wilderness, logging the forest and
mining on a smaller scale.
Present day Horsefly has a population
of approximately 1000 people who
enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle where
everyone knows their neighbour and
works together.

Cattle ranches have been a stable part
of the economy since the gold rush
days. Typically mining has been a minor
player in the economy but lately there
is exploration going on in the mountains
and this is bringing many benefits to the
community.
There are 4 distinct seasons to enjoy
numerous recreational activities and
support our tourism operators that offer
a real variety of adventures and places
to stay. From extreme sports, to sitting
quietly by the lake, to guided tours you
can find it in Horsefly.
Geographically Horsefly is situated in the
foothills of the Cariboo Mountains.
Williams Lake is the nearest city and all
services are available there. 

The economy in Horsefly is comprised
of a good mix of forestry, ranches &
farms, mining and tourism. Several
large logging contractors work for Tolko
or West Fraser and there are many
small scale harvesters working in the
forest.
For more information on the community of Horsefly please visit www.horseflybc.ca
Photo credits: Linda Bartsch