Discover Spences Bridge

Spences Bridge brings together ties to the river, cultural history, and nearby activities. The stretch of the Thompson River near Spences Bridge is considered a world-renowned spot for fishing for steelhead trout and salmon. In town, a Memorial Project honors the region’s culture; the surrounding area also offers opportunities for kayaking and a short hike. When choosing a vacation rental, consider whether you want to connect your stay primarily with the river, local history, or activities outside town.

Getting There and Local History

The Inn at Spences Bridge is on the south bank of the river in Spences Bridge, right on Highway 8. From Vancouver, Kamloops, or Prince George, the turnoff to Highway 8 from Highway 1 is clearly signposted. As signage and access conditions can change, check the latest directions before setting out. The inn is considered the oldest continuously operating inn in British Columbia. Its location and this historic distinction give the town a strong connection to transportation.

The history of crossing the river is also tangible: in 1864, a bridge built by Thomas Spence replaced the ferry. It was constructed during the building of the Cariboo Waggon Road from Yale to Barkerville Historic Town & Park. The change from ferry to bridge illustrates the transformation of the transportation route at the time. Travelers interested in a place’s background will find a historical connection here that goes beyond today’s road network.

The region’s culture is another point of focus. The completion of the Interior Allied Tribes Memorial Project by the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band in 2010 gave the community of Spences Bridge a focal point that honors this culture. A Heritage Canada plaque is located at the confluence of the Nicola River and Thompson River in Spences Bridge. The memorial and the plaque each highlight a different aspect: one honors regional culture, while the other marks a specific place at the confluence.

The River and Nearby Activities

The stretch of the Thompson River near Spences Bridge is considered a world-renowned spot for fishing for steelhead trout and salmon. For fishing enthusiasts, that is a clear reason to keep the river in mind when choosing where to stay. At the same time, experiencing the river today brings to mind the historic crossing that played a role in Spences Bridge’s history.

Nearby Goldpan Park offers opportunities for kayaking. The park is on the eastern bank of the Thompson River off Highway 1, ten kilometers south of Spences Bridge. Check the park information before driving there. West of Spences Bridge, Murray Creek Falls can be reached via a short hike; the trailhead is on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Thompson River Bridge. Check local access conditions before setting out. These destinations offer different activities: kayaking on the river and a short hike to a waterfall.

The Gold Country GeoTourism Program offers another way to explore the area. Hidden caches can be found using GPS or traditional treasure-hunt clues. Individual caches and operating details may change, so check the latest program information in advance. This adds a clue-following search to the river activities and local history.

The Wider Thompson-Nicola Region

Looking at the broader Thompson-Nicola destination expands the view of the region. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District includes the gently rolling grasslands of the Nicola Valley, areas of temperate inland rainforest in the upper North Thompson Valley, and desert and semi-arid climates around Kamloops Lake. These landscapes show the diversity of the wider region. Spences Bridge remains distinct as a place tied to the Thompson River, its memorial, and the history of its transportation route.

When choosing a vacation rental, you can weigh the different priorities: river fishing and local history are centered in Spences Bridge itself; if you plan to go kayaking or hike to Murray Creek Falls, focus more on destinations nearby. The choice of where to stay therefore depends on which of these aspects of the destination matters most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Chase, 70 Mile House, Ashcroft, Merritt, Little Fort, Logan Lake, Lytton, Avola

View the broader travel overview: Thompson-Nicola.