Situated in the beautiful Bridge River Valley at the confluence of the Fraser and Bridge Rivers, Xwísten is located 12 km (8 miles) north of Lillooet and is the best place in the world to make wind-dried salmon. The community is responsible for caring for and monitoring the fishing rocks within its territory. Xwísten also hosts numerous hiking trails that highlight the area’s geographical diversity and beauty that has been home to the Xwísten people for thousands of years.
Drive fifteen-minute north of Lillooet to the world famous Xwísten fish rocks – watch the St’át’imc fish as they have for thousands of years. Witness a cwík’em demonstration (cutting of salmon). Learn about the unique conditions which are perfect for the making of wind-dried salmon (ts’wan) - a staple of the St’át’imc diet and economy for thousands of years. Barbecue salmon meal optional.
Then join your guide for an interpretative tour of the Xwísten s7ístken village archaeological site. A seven minute drive from the fish rocks brings you to the site featuring over 80 pit houses and caches. The s7ístkens have been dated at between 400 and 2000 years old by the University of Montana.