Historic Properties
Discover the landmarks that shaped Yale’s history and explore the stories they hold.
Explore our historic properties below to learn more about their history, significance, and what you can experience when you visit.
Yale Historic Site
As the heart of our historic properties, the Yale Historic Site preserves and shares the rich history of one of British Columbia’s most significant Gold Rush towns. This property includes the Creighton House Museum, St. John the Divine Church, and a variety of outdoor exhibits, offering visitors an immersive experience in the past.
Creighton House Museum
Originally built in the 1870s, the Creighton House Museum serves as the primary interpretive centre for the Yale Historic Site. Inside, visitors will find carefully curated exhibits that explore Yale’s Gold Rush history, Indigenous heritage, and the town’s role in shaping British Columbia. The museum also houses a gift shop with books, souvenirs, and locally made crafts.
St. John the Divine Church
Built in 1863, St. John the Divine Church is one of the oldest surviving churches in British Columbia. This beautifully preserved Anglican church features original architecture, stained glass windows, and a serene atmosphere that transports visitors back to the 19th century. It remains a symbol of Yale’s early settler history and continues to be used for special services and events.
Outdoor Exhibits & Interpretive Areas
Step back in time with a visit to Yale’s 1850s Tent City, a recreated Gold Rush-era encampment that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of prospectors and settlers. Visitors can try their luck at interactive gold panning, experiencing firsthand the excitement that drew thousands to the Fraser Canyon. These outdoor exhibits provide an engaging and immersive way to connect with the history of Yale.
On Lee Property
The On Lee Property highlights Yale’s rich multicultural history, particularly the contributions of the Chinese community during the Gold Rush era and beyond. This site preserves an important part of the town’s past while also serving as a space for learning and reflection.
On Lee Shed
Once part of Yale’s historic Chinese business district, the On Lee Shed is all that remains after a fire destroyed the original house in the 1980s. It represents the legacy of Chinese merchants and labourers who played a crucial role in the region’s development. Though only a portion of the original structure remains, this space tells the story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and the challenges faced by early Chinese settlers in British Columbia.
Ward House Property
The Ward House Property is a testament to the evolving history of Yale, featuring both a carefully preserved 19th-century home and a contemporary space that continues to serve the community today.
Ward-Shilson House
Built in the 1880s, the Ward-Shilson House is one of Yale’s enduring heritage homes. Originally constructed as a family residence, it reflects the architectural style and daily life of the late 19th century. Though closed to the public at the moment, its careful preservation will offer visitors a window into Yale’s past, showcasing period furnishings, historical artifacts, and stories of those who once lived here.
Post Office & Future Café
Adjacent to the Ward-Shilson House is a modern building that houses Yale’s local post office, a vital community service that was saved from closure by relocating it to the historic site. This space will also be home to a future café, offering both visitors and residents a welcoming place to gather, enjoy refreshments, and engage with the history and culture of Yale in a relaxed setting.
