Horsefly B.C.
We 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.
Horsefly Community Hall
Present day Horsefly has a population of approximately l000 people who enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle, where everyone knows their neighbour and works together. There are many active volunteer organizations including the Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department, Horsefly First Responders, the Horsefly Community Club, the Horsefly Women’s Institute, Horsefly Board of Trade, Horsefly Cattlemen’s Association, Horsefly Fall Fair Association, Horsefly 4-H Club, Horsefly Historical Society (who run the local Museum), the Mountain View Cemetery Committee, the Parents Advisory Council, the Arts on the Fly Committee, the Quesnel River Watershed Alliance, the Horsefly River Round Table, the Horsefly Quilt Club, the Red Hat Society, the Horsefly Salmon Festival, the Christmas Hamper Program, and the Horsefly Buzz (our local magazine).
Horsefly Bridge
Geographically Horsefly is situated in the foothills of the Cariboo Mountains and offers spectacular views as you drive into the village, approx 50 km (paved) from 150 Mile House on Highway 97. Elevation in the village is approx 750 meters. Average rainfall is 560 mm (22 inches). There are 4 distinct seasons to enjoy numerous recreational activities. Typically our gardening season is late May to early September. Williams Lake is the nearest city, approx 65 km with all major services. The fertile soil of the Horsefly River Valley is ideal for agriculture. Here you will find beautiful ranches, farms for sale in BC. The picturesque Horsefly River is the central point of the village, the one lane bridge, a public riverside park and the friendly village centre encourage walking tours. The village offers many local businesses including Cornerhouse Café, Suzanne’s Salon, Clarkes General Store, Horsefly Realty, Caron Horsefly Service (gas station), the Anvil Pub, Horsefly Nursery, and Leading Edge Wood Products. Farm produce, bakery and artisan products are available at the Horsefly farm market on most Saturdays around the year.
Horsefly Elementary Jr. Secondary School
There is a public library, the Community Hall, two churches and many other small businesses, resorts, bed & breakfasts and home based businesses that can be found on the website for the village of Horsefly. https://horsefly.bc.ca/
Horsefly also has a great school with a beautiful gym, a large playing field and a tennis court/skating rink. Horsefly Elementary Junior Secondary School offers quality educational experience to K-10 students, with experienced and caring teachers and staff, and dedicated parent and community volunteers.
The Horsefly area has many natural attractions: Quesnel Lake, Horsefly Lake, Horsefly River, and hundreds of small lakes, rivers & creeks. It is known world wide for hunting, fishing, mountain biking, back country skiing, hiking and other outdoor recreational activities. The natural beauty of the area draws many artists and skilled craftsmen so it is possible to obtain a good variety of services and interesting products.
The School and the Community Hall are venues for regular community indoor sports such as badminton, volleyball, pickleball, yoga and fitness classes. Bingo is held once a month, and there are community events for various festive celebrations through the year.
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. Cattle ranches have been a stable part of the economy since the gold rush days. It continues today and provides a colorful part of our landscape as well as food security.
Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) & Horsefly Seniors Activity Wellness Society (S.A.W.S.)
Tourism operators 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.
Citizens of Horsefly are very proud of their community and the fact that it is largely independent. People here look out for each other. For further community information call Linda Bartsch, secretary of the Horsefly Board of Trade at (250) 620-3350.