The Gold Rush: Hiking Historic Trails

Lesson Overview

In this activity, students explore the Gold Rush era in British Columbia, appreciating the perseverance and strength of these early miners by participating in a 6-day hike of the Harrison-Lillooet trail, culminating with a silde show/diary reading activity for family and friends.

Time Required

1 lesson in class; 1 one-day local hike; 1 six-day hike

Historical Thinking Concept(s)

• Establish historical significance
• Use primary source evidence
• Identify continuity and change
• Analyze cause and consequence
• Take historical perspectives

Learning Outcomes

Student will: 

• Explore the history of the Gold Rush in British Columbia.
• Appreciate the perseverance and strength of B.C.’s mining entrepreneurs.
• Engage in an off-campus, onsite hike to fields of the Fraser River/Cariboo district Gold Rush.
• Describe their hike experience in a slide/diary reading.

Background Information

The Harrison Trail (also known as the Douglas Road or the Lillooet Trail) was a Gold Rush era transportation route from the British Columbia Coast to the Interior.  Over 30,000 men are thought to have travelled the route; although by the end of the 1860s it was virtually abandoned due to the construction of the Cariboo Wagon Road. The existing trail is a testament to the Gold Rush pioneers.

Lesson Activity

Activating: How will students be prepared for learning?

• While some students may have had considerable outdoor experience, others may have never been hiking before; therefore, begin the activity with a local, short, one-day hike.
• Prepare the students with the necessary background historical knowledge prior to the hike.
• Note: Students are responsible for their food and personal equipment.

Acquiring: What strategies facilitate learning for groups and individuals?

• Engage students in a multi-day, off-campus hike to the Harrison Hike site.
• Students are instructed to keep a journal/diary of their experiences.

Applying: How will students demonstrate their understanding?

• Invite the students and their families and friends to come to a slide/diary reading night about two weeks after the hike.
• Leaders give fun awards to the students in their groups and we use a slide show and diary readings to re-live the hike and bring closure to a rich educational experience.

Materials/Resources

• (Optional) Klondike Gold Rush
• (Optional) Gold Rush Fever in B.C. 1858-63
• Hiking materials as required
• Journal – one for each student

References

• The Lillooet Lake Trail:
• Harrison Lake and the Cariboo Gold Rush

Extension Activity

Adapt this site-specific activity to the history in your local area. For example: Maritimes/ field trip to Louisbourg; Quebec/places associated with the battle of 1759; Ontario/sites of the Rebellion of 1837; Prairies/ sites associated with Louis Riel's 1869-70 and 1885 confrontations with Ottawa.