Kilby Historic Site
Step back in time at Kilby Historic Site, a preserved 1906 general store, farm, and gardens offering an authentic glimpse into early 20th-century BC l...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness bats feeding
Kilby Historic Site
Best Time
Witness bats feeding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Kilby Historic Site, a preserved 1906 general store, farm, and gardens offering an authentic glimpse into early 20th-century BC life.
"A fantastic and fun historic site for everyone! Their cafe has great food, and the entire site allows well behaved dogs."
🎯 Interactive Crafts for Kids
Kids love the journal and buzz button making, plus butter making demonstrations! :art:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome, even inside the general store museum! :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
1906 General Store
Main Building
Step into a perfectly preserved general store from 1906, complete with vintage goods and a glimpse into early 20th-century commerce.
Demonstration Farm & Animals
Farm Area
Meet heritage farm animals like cows and goats, and learn about traditional butter making. A hit with kids and adults alike!
Kilby Cafe
Cafe Building
Enjoy homemade food and a cozy atmosphere in a cafe that feels like stepping back in time. Perfect for a relaxing break.
Bat Feeding Spectacle
Near the site at dusk
Witness a fascinating natural phenomenon as bats emerge to feed at dusk. An unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Kilby Historic Site
Best Time to Visit for Bat Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Interactive Crafts for Kids
Kids love the journal and buzz button making, plus butter making demonstrations! :art:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome, even inside the general store museum! :dog:
☕ Enjoy the Kilby Cafe
The cafe offers great food and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Don't miss homemade ice cream! :coffee:
🦇 Evening Bat Tours
Experience the magic of bats feeding at dusk – a truly unique and memorable event.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Interactive Crafts for Kids
Kids love the journal and buzz button making, plus butter making demonstrations! :art:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome, even inside the general store museum! :dog:
☕ Enjoy the Kilby Cafe
The cafe offers great food and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Don't miss homemade ice cream! :coffee:
🦇 Evening Bat Tours
Experience the magic of bats feeding at dusk – a truly unique and memorable event.
💰 Admission Value
While admission has a cost, the interactive shows and knowledgeable staff make it worthwhile. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kilby Historic Site for its authentic historical preservation, engaging interactive exhibits, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. The charming 1906 General Store and the demonstration farm with animals are particular highlights, especially for families. Some find the admission price a bit high for the size of the site, but most agree the experience is well worth it.
"We enjoyed our visit to Kilby Farm so much! Our seven year old grandson was enchanted by the journal and buzz button making crafts and also loved learning about butter making. His favourite exhibit was the Sasquatch exhibit and his favourite animals were the ducks.
We rented the Eliza glamping tent and it was a great experience. Sharing a fence with Buttercup the cow and Peppermint the goat was great fun, and we also enjoyed the trains! Perfect for family getaways, the tent was spacious and the beds comfortable. The little lamp that looked like a gas lantern a nice touch. The shower and toilet building was clean and an area for washing dishes was a great addition."
Michele Rule
"Pretty cool place! Would loved to explore it more but it seems fairly expensive for admission of self-guided tour with a small site. It is $15 for adult and $12 for senior. It may be worth it since they do have staff dressed up in the vintage attire and provide an interactive show and tell? There is restaurant on site as well."
Andy Lai
"Wow! What a wonderful place, top notch staff and educational experience.
I've been an elementary school teacher for over ten years and this is a MUST for school aged children to experience.
Chris, the educational coordinator and host is beyond amazing. From her group management experience and knowledge to her calm and pleasant demeanor..
I can't say enough great things about this place.
It's a National Historic society, and is only kept afloat and running from visitors and donations.
Consider visiting or donating today!"
Jo-Ann Ashly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kilby Historic Site is located in Harrison Mills, BC, near Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs. It's a scenic drive through the Fraser Valley. Many visitors find it a perfect day trip from Vancouver.
Public transport options to Harrison Mills are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the easiest access.
There is typically ample parking available on-site for visitors.
Absolutely! Many visitors describe it as a perfect little day trip, offering a few hours of engaging historical exploration.
The site is close to Harrison Hot Springs and the Fraser River Valley, offering opportunities to combine your visit with other local attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are typically around $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for special events, is recommended to secure your spot.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's advisable to check the Kilby Historic Site website for their current schedule.
Discounts may be available for seniors, children, and potentially for group bookings. Check their website or inquire directly.
Yes, well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome at Kilby Historic Site and can even enter the general store museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the 1906 general store, visit the demonstration farm with animals, wander through heritage gardens, and enjoy the Kilby Cafe. They also host interactive shows and special events.
It's a fantastic place for kids! They offer engaging crafts like journal and buzz button making, butter churning demonstrations, and a chance to interact with farm animals.
The site features a preserved 1906 general store, showcasing life from the early 1900s. There are also exhibits that highlight local history and heritage.
Yes, Kilby Historic Site frequently hosts special events like Easter Egg Hunts, Father's Day activities, and more. Check their schedule!
Visitors can often see farm animals like cows and goats. In the evenings, it's possible to witness bats feeding, a unique natural spectacle.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Kilby Cafe offers homemade food in a cozy, nostalgic setting. They are known for their great food and even homemade ice cream.
The cafe serves homestyle cooking in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal during your visit.
While there's a cafe on-site, it's generally a good idea to check their policy on outside food, especially if you have specific dietary needs.
The cafe's hours typically align with the site's operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to confirm their schedule.
Information on specific dietary options isn't widely available, but it's worth inquiring directly with the cafe staff.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charm of the 1906 general store, the heritage gardens, the farm animals, and the rustic buildings. The entire site offers a nostalgic backdrop.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the buildings, but always be respectful of other visitors and any specific signage.
Yes, its historical architecture, rural setting, and farm animals provide excellent subjects for photographers of all levels.
While most areas are open for photos, it's always wise to be mindful of private events or specific exhibits that might have restrictions.
Morning and late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the rustic charm of the site. Evening is ideal for bat photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during special events like the Easter Egg Hunt for even more family fun. For an extended experience, the glamping tents offer a unique overnight stay right on the historic grounds, allowing families to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Look out for special event days which might offer bundled activities or unique experiences that add extra value to your visit.
Visiting with a group or as a family can also help distribute the admission cost, making it more economical for everyone.📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+1 The rustic farm buildings, heritage gardens, and the surrounding rural landscape provide a rich tapestry of subjects. History buffs will appreciate the authentic preservation of the site and the engaging narratives provided by the staff, many of whom are knowledgeable about the area's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Kilby Historic Site Experience
The site also boasts a demonstration farm, complete with heritage animals like cows and goats, which is a particular delight for younger visitors.
Interactive activities, such as butter making and craft sessions, make learning fun and memorable. For a truly unique experience, consider staying overnight in one of their glamping tents.
The Magic of Dusk: Bat Sightings at Kilby
This natural spectacle offers a unique glimpse into the local ecosystem and is a highlight for many visitors seeking an unusual experience. The site's rural location, away from significant light pollution, makes it an ideal spot for observing these nocturnal creatures. While the exact timing can vary, the emergence of bats typically occurs as daylight fades. Visitors are encouraged to check with the site for the best times to observe this phenomenon. It's a reminder of the rich biodiversity that exists even in seemingly quiet rural areas.
This experience adds another layer to the historical charm of Kilby, blending natural wonder with its preserved heritage.Culinary Delights and Cozy Ambiance at Kilby Cafe
Visitors frequently praise the cafe for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to relax and refuel after exploring the historic grounds. Expect a menu featuring homestyle cooking, with many guests specifically mentioning the homemade ice cream as a delightful treat.
Whether you're enjoying a leisurely lunch or a quick coffee, the Kilby Cafe contributes significantly to the charm and appeal of a visit to Kilby Historic Site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit