Every spring, the small town of Lillooet awakens with the vibrant energy of the Apricot Tsaqwem Festival, a celebration that merges the region’s rich Indigenous heritage with the unmistakable sweetness of fresh apricots. This event isn’t just a festival; it’s a journey through culture, nature, and community that challenges visitors to engage with a landscape fierce in its beauty and generous in its warmth.

The heart of the festival pulses at Pavilion Grounds, where Sḵwx̱wú7mesh elders share stories and the Stʼátʼimc people offer traditional songs and dances. The apricot orchards surrounding the area dare you to wander through rows heavy with fruit, their golden branches offering bursts of sunlight and subtle scents that tease the senses. This is more than just a feast—it's a call to explore the connection between the land and those who have shaped it.

Practically speaking, the festival runs over several days, allowing ample time to take part in workshops, local food tastings, and guided walks through forested patches where the Fraser River hums nearby, its currents actively pressing forward as if urging visitors along. The nearby trails vary in difficulty, with routes accessible for casual explorers and more rugged paths inviting seasoned hikers to test their endurance.

Weather in late April to early May favors light layers and sturdy footwear — the trails can shift from soft soil to rocky steps within moments. Hydration is essential, especially with the mild spring sun warming the valley. Planning for a half day to a full day out ensures you won’t miss the afternoon storytelling sessions or sunset views from the high ridges that look down upon the town and river below.

Beyond the festival activities, consider exploring the surrounding terrain. The Fraser River’s defiant rush cuts through the landscape, constantly reshaping the land. Look for quiet spots where wild apricots still grow wild, their branches reaching toward the sky like open arms inviting discovery. Bears and other wildlife inhabit these forests, moving cautiously but attentively through the seasons.

To truly experience the Apricot Tsaqwem Festival is to navigate the delicate balance between celebration and respect. Engage with the community, listen closely to their voices, and take your time on the paths where history and nature stand fiercely side by side. This is an adventure not just of the body, but of the spirit—one that demands practical readiness and an open heart.