Gold has been found in the rivers around Lytton since it was first brought to the factor in Lytton by members of the Nicomen First Nation in 1858.

The Cariboo Gold Rush, which started as a result of the Nicomen gold find, brought thousands of miners into the area and was directly responsible for the formation of British Columbia as a Province.

When the rivers are low, the locals find gold in the exposed river bed. With some experience, it is common to find a "show of colour", "flour" gold or small flakes in a pan.

Pans can be rented at the Visitor Centre, where they can point you to some popular panning spots.

For those less adventurous, guaranteed gold can be panned at the Lytton River Festival on the Labour Day Weekend.

Photo above: George Kirstenstein panning for gold. Photo ©2008 Jim Steer, Lytton, BC