5 Reasons to Visit Arts on the Fly in Horsefly
byI have traveled many places in BC and this year I was fortunate enough to return to Horsefly. Now, when I tell people I went to Horsefly they either ask where that is or, they know – and I know – and we both feel like we know this amazing secret.
This community in the Cariboo Mountain foothills in the heart of the Gold Rush Trail (which begins in New Westminster), great camping, fishing, and an annual event, Arts on the Fly.
Take a musical ride down the Gold Rush Trail with me »
5 Reasons to Visit Arts on the Fly
Where: 5772 Horsefly Rd, Cariboo, BC
When: July 13 & 14, 2018
Ticket Info: $35-$60 for a whole weekend of fun! Tickets available online now
5) Stay in Town: Horsefly is 1 hour north east of Williams Lake but when you come for Arts on the Fly, bring your RV or tent and stay a while. Make it your home base for exploring some new-to-you parts of the historic and ruggedly beautiful Cariboo. Festival camping is available on-site, on the edge of the Horsefly River. Choose from dedicated quiet or non-quiet camping spaces. Camping passes are $15 per tent, or $20 per RV.
4) Gold Rush History: Did you know that gold was found in Horsefly BEFORE it was discovered in Barkerville? It’s the birthplace of the legendary Cariboo Gold Rush and you can follow the Gold Rush Trail circle route – making for an epic day of road tripping through some picturesque historic places like Likely and Quesnel Forks.
My journey from Horsefly to Likely and the ‘Forks »
3) The Nature: Salmon spawning channels, pristine lakes, refreshing creeks and rivers, waterfalls, hiking, and much more. From the Horsefly River right in town (and key part of Arts on the Fly and their camping options) to Moffatt Falls and beyond.
2) The Art: Arts on the Fly is all about the art. The art of community, the art of music, the art of coming together to visualize, hear, play, write songs, do workshops, and even the art of hosting a solar-powered stage. The Saturday market also has a permanent indoor location, selling artisanal goods from around the world 7 days a week.
1) The Performances: Enjoy 50+ musical acts, performing on four stages right on the edge of the Horsefly River.
Confirmed acts include Pharis & Jason Romero, Apples, Beka Solo and Rich Mac, Big Fancy, Blocktreat, Cole Patenaude Band, Colin Easthope, Devon Wells Trio, Jasper Sloan Yip, Jesaja Class, Kym Gouchie, The Ladies of Company B, Leathan Milne, Lydia Hol, Marin Patenaude, MNGWA, M.Lund, One Below, Plasteroid, Ponytails, Malcolm Jack, Pugs and Crows w Marin Patenaude, Red Monkey Black King, Rowan Dolighan, Saltwater Hank, Sarah Jane Scouten, This Way North, Tonye Aganaba, Torsten Muller, Uschi Tala, Vic Horvath, Wallgrin, Wooden Horsemen, and more!
I got to hang out with headliners Pharis & Jason Romero at their place in Horsefly last year. It was an incredible experience to take in the sights and beauty of the region with this JUNO-award winning duo.
There’s a Kid Zone so that the whole family can make the most of Arts on the Fly. And did I mention that the people of the community are so creative, passionate, and downright fun? Pop into the Cornerhouse Cafe for lunch and you’re bound to make some new friends.
If You Go
- Live music and arts and craft vendors will be found throughout the town of Horsefly, BC during the 11th Arts on the Fly Festival. Learn more on FestivalSeekers.com
- Start exploring the Cariboo Region options with Destination BC
- Search #ExploreCariboo for more travel inspiration. Be sure to tag #ExploreCariboo while checking out the region. You might just be featured on our social media channels!
- Start planning your adventures in the Cariboo region at the Cariboo Regional District website and South Cariboo Tourism website
- Learn more about Arts on the Fly and get your tickets here
Explore more of the Gold Rush Trail
