Our
Village
Rebuilding a thriving future
Welcome to Lytton, a small village in the heart of BC’s interior with rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and resilient people.
From our farmers’ market, which brims with local produce, handmade goods, and Nlaka’pamux art, to the Lytton River Festival, which celebrates the rivers that are the lifeblood of our community, we honour our traditions and strong sense of home.
In 2021, the downtown core of Lytton and much of the surrounding area was destroyed by wildfire, including the majority of our businesses and services. As we rebuild after the fire, there are countless opportunities for builders and contractors and new businesses.
Contact the Chamber today to become part of our story.
History of Lytton
Lytton has a rich and storied history, deeply connected to both Indigenous heritage and the development of British Columbia as a province. Located at the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, Lytton is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in North America, home to the Nlaka’pamux people since time immemorial.
Indigenous History
Nlaka’pamux people have thrived in the region for ten thousand years, with the Fraser and Thompson Rivers providing abundant salmon. The Nlaka’pamux have sophisticated fishing techniques and a deep spiritual connection to the land. Lytton, known to the Nlaka’pamux as “Kumsheen” (meaning “the meeting of the rivers”), is a natural trade hub, as the rivers served as natural highways for commerce and travel.
European Contact and Fur Trade
European influence in the area began in the early 1800s with the arrival of fur traders. Explorers such as Simon Fraser, who passed through in 1808, noted the area’s significance. The Hudson’s Bay Company, recognizing the strategic importance of Lytton’s location at the junction of two major rivers, used it as a vital point for trade.
The Gold Rush Era
The history of Lytton dramatically changed during the Fraser River Gold Rush in 1858, when thousands of prospectors and settlers flooded the area in search of gold. The influx of people transformed Lytton into a booming town, serving as a key stop along the Cariboo Wagon Road, a route leading to the Cariboo goldfields. During this period, the town was named Lytton after Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a British novelist and politician.
Railway Development
In the late 1800s, the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and later the Canadian National Railway (CNR) further solidified Lytton’s importance as a transportation and trade hub, connecting Lytton to larger cities like Vancouver and Kamloops bringing new settlers and economic opportunities to the region.
Wildfires and Resilience
In more recent history, Lytton experienced a devastating wildfire on June 30, 2021, which destroyed much of the village. However, the community is resilient, and rebuilding is underway.
Modern Lytton
Today, Lytton is known for its cultural diversity, with deep Nlaka’pamux roots and a history that reflects the intersection of Indigenous and settler influences. It serves as a gateway for tourism, particularly for those seeking outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, fishing, and hiking. Lytton remains a symbol of strength and perseverance, maintaining its importance as cultural hub for the Interior of British Columbia.
PO Box 460