Picnic, swim, play baseball, lay in the sun: Lillooet's parks offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Seton Lake Recreation Area
One of Lillooet's most favoured summer destinations, the Seton Lake Recreation Area offers visitors a range of activities, including picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing.
Visit the Seton Beach to swim and relax, the Seton viewpoint for a spectacular view of the emerald-green waters of Seton Lake Reservoir and the surrounding Chilcotin mountains, or the Seton Dam campground for access to 45 campsites, hiking trails, firewood, drinking water and pay phone.
For more information, visit the BC Hydro Seton Lake Recreation Area website.
Conway Park
Conway Park features: 2 baseball diamonds, 1 with covered spectator stands, 1 with uncovered spectator stands1 set of soccer goals
Contact the Lillooet Recreation Centre for rental information.
Downton Park
Downton Park is situated next to the Lillooet Museum at 780 Main Street. This park was donated to the municipality by Mr. and Mrs. G.M. Downton to commemorate their son, Flight Sergeant Charles Murray Downton of the 420 Squadron R.C.A.F, killed on active service overseas January 29, 1943, age 21 years.
Murray Park
This park is situated along the West bank of the Fraser River and consists of 11.7 acres of natural land. It runs alongside (below the railway tracks) the 300 block of Main Street.
In 1991, Daniel P Murray donated this land to the municipality so it would become a public park or picnic area that would be named after his mother, Kathleen Murray, and be kept in a perpetual natural state.
Today, the park is still in its natural state and has the Lions Walking Trail winding through it.
Prickly Pear Cactus in Murray Park. Credit: Jonah Timms Photography
Hangman's Tree Park
This park offers a peaceful setting for picnics, a leisurely stroll or a great game of frisbee. This park is in close proximity of (what used to be) Lillooet's court house and is named Hangman's Tree Park because the it is the resting place for William Armitage, convicted by trial before BC's legendary Judge Mathew B. Begbie for the murder of a fellow gold seeker in 1863. The body of Mr. Armitage is said to be buried next to "hangman's tree". It should be noted that while the accused William Armitage was hung in Lillooet he was not hung from the tree and it is reported that Armitage was not his real name.
The "infamous" Hangman's Tree still has its place in the Park; however, today it rests on its side on a bed of river rock. Legend says the tree was used as a gallows for the administration of justice more than 100 years ago, when the law in these parts was Sir Mathew Baillie Begbie. Legend has it that in all, eight lawbreakers swung from the tree.
Basketball & Skate Area
In 1998, a group of local volunteers worked together to build a basketball court in Lillooet. The basketball court is located at 1010 Main Street and contains a skateboard park in one of its two courts.