**2025 Update:**
I first took this journey in 2018 when it was still the legendary Kaoham Shuttle — a tiny one-car train that rattled along the tracks beside stunning Seton Lake. In 2025, I returned to find the train replaced by the Tsalalh Seaton bus, which still travels the same spectacular cliff-hugging rails. The scenery is every bit as dramatic, the journey just as unique — but perhaps not for long. According to Darcy, the long-time driver, the rail service may shut down later this year due to high maintenance costs. If you’ve ever dreamed of doing this trip, now is the time.
The trip begins in the small town of Lillooet, British Columbia, surrounded by towering mountains, deep canyons, roaring rivers, and crystal-clear lakes. This unique piece of heaven along the mighty Fraser River captured my heart the first time I arrived via the famous Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver. On my recent trip, I came from the Okanagan via Kamloops.
Want to experience the full ride along the shores of Seton Lake? I filmed my latest trip on the Tsalalh Seton Bus, including stunning views, local stories, and a day spent exploring Seton Portage.
👉 Watch the video here:
The story of Lillooet starts with the St’àtäimc Nation, whose people have lived here since time immemorial. Later, during the BC gold rush of 1860, Lillooet became Mile “0” on the Cariboo Pavilion Road — the first wagon road surveyed in the province, leading fortune-seekers to the Cariboo goldfields.
In July and August, you might notice colourful tarps along the Fraser River near town. These belong to local Indigenous families who still gather salmon each summer as the fish migrate upstream to spawn. Old drying racks can still be spotted on the canyon’s rocky banks — a living link to the past.
Back in 2018, the Kaoham Shuttle was a one-of-a-kind passenger train connecting Lillooet with the remote community of Seton Portage. Today, that little train has been replaced by the Tsalalh Seaton bus — a custom vehicle that runs directly on the old train tracks.
The route is the same: hugging the base of sheer rock cliffs, skirting the shimmering jade-green waters of Seton Lake, and passing through the wild backcountry. The bus carries mostly First Nations residents travelling for shopping or school, but tourists are welcome when space allows.
This time, I skipped the overnight stay and opted for a same-day return. I caught the 9:00 am departure from the Lillooet “train” station, with pickup for the return at 5:00 pm in Seton Portage. I was the only passenger heading out, giving me the perfect chance to film, take photos, and hear Darcy’s stories about his years on the route.
In just over an hour, we rolled into Seton Portage, a tiny community tucked between mountains and lakes. I spent the day exploring:
By late afternoon, I was back at the hotel for the return trip to Lillooet, the sun setting behind the mountains as we glided along the rails.
On my first visit, I returned to Lillooet by road with friendly locals. The Mission Mountain Road is a steep, narrow gravel route cut into the mountainside — not for the faint of heart, and unsuitable for many vehicles.
The road passes the small community of Shalalth and the massive Bridge River Generating Station before climbing to the top of Mission Mountain. From there, it drops down to Carpenter Lake in a series of dramatic switchbacks, with sweeping views over the valleys.
Tip: Only attempt this drive with a high-clearance vehicle, in good weather, and ideally with a local driver who knows the route. The 72 km journey takes about two hours.
When I first rode the Kaoham Shuttle, it was a single railcar with just enough room for a handful of passengers, packages, and the driver’s paperwork. We slowed for wildlife — eagles, mountain goats, and once, a distant black bear — and stopped for photos along Seton Lake. The highlight came just before Seton Portage: a 1.2 km tunnel carved straight through the mountain.
That first trip was an adventure in patience: failed phone reservations, waiting around the station, and finally securing a seat after chatting with the friendly driver. But it was worth every minute — and still is.
Absolutely. Whether it’s a vintage train or a modern bus-on-rails, this is one of the most scenic and unusual rides in Canada. The landscapes are untouched, the sense of remoteness is real, and the connection to local history is strong. With the future of the rail line uncertain, the clock is ticking.
In Seton Portage:
In Lillooet:
Texas Creek Campground – a small, friendly place a few minutes from Lillooet with 3 RV sites with water, power, and free WiFi; 1 tent site and 1 cozy one-room cabin, all with a shared flush bathroom and outdoor shower.
Seaton Dam Campground – the BC-Hydro campground offers 45 campsites, hiking trails, firewood, and drinking water. There are no reservations for campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
👉 Watch my full 2025 ride on the Tsalalth Seaton Bus-on-rails — From Train to Bus-on-Rails | Tsalalh Seaton Bus Journey, Lillooet BC
Please comment below if you have been on the Kaoham Shuttle or driven the road to Seaton Portage and have any tips to share.
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Yrene lives in the Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada, and is the founder of BackcountryCanadaTravel.com. She was born in Switzerland, lived and worked on different continents and has travelled the world. Yes, that's me, an Entrepreneur, wilderness nut and animal lover who prefers off-the-beaten-track places. I write about things I love. Mostely.
20 Comments
Richard Tench
Great article and thanks for posting!
Yrene Dee
Thanks, Richard, very much appreciated. I hope you’re doing okay. I’m still up in the Yukon.
KIm Hatterscheidt
Hello Yrene,
Are you still in the Yukon? Hoping to make it up there mid to late Sept. Do you know how the weather is at that time of year? I have been reading all of your articles on Northern BC and the Yukon to help plan our trip. You write really nice articles!
Yrene Dee
Thanks Kim! How long a trip are you planning? This is not the best time of year, that’s why I’m on the way south. Especially this year the weather seems have changed earlier than usual.
I will update all the Yukon and NWT information in the next few weeks. Lots of new information and new places to add. And, I’m already planning to be up in the north again later next spring. 🙂
Dave Stewart-Candy
The wife and I rode the Kaoham Shuttle back in March 2016. No clue how they are operation during the pandemic, as I suspect the small communities up around there are closed off to non-residents. It does take some planning beforehand so you don’t get stranded in Seton Portage (Fridays is when most “tourist” riders aim for, as they have a second return run to Lillooet that day) – but if you can pull it off, it is totally worth it. The crew running it when we went were aware of the increase in attention they got after BBC ran a travel article about it around 2015. Prior to then, it really was a local-knowledge operation.
Yrene Dee
Thanks Dave for the additional info and article link. It is definitely a special adventure and I hope to check on the current situation this summer.
Roxanne Sivik
Is train running
Yrene Dee
I just checked on it when I was in Lillooet a couple of weeks ago. At the time, it didn’t run because of repair. I suggest inquiring at the Lillooet visitor centre if you can’t get through to the station.
Rod Giles
My grandfather drove the PGE gas car that connected Lillooet to Seton from 1928 until he retired in 1943. I have that trip on my bucket list, but life (and Covid) keeps interfering. Maybe next year!
Yrene Dee
That’s definitely another good reason to do this trip. Make sure to find out whether the train is running before you get to the station. When I was in Lillooet this summer, it didn’t run because of repair. Good luck and let us know about your experience.
Teressa
Hi…..a Local here, updating the info for folks curioys about the shuttle. The shuttle is now running on a regular basis, Monday to Friday. It is now a ‘high rail bus’ but still goes along the railway tracks. The shuttle leaves Lillooet most mornings, goes to Seton to pick up the highschool kids and brings them into Lillooet before school starts. The shuttle then goes back to eton for the public run. So it is now possible to do a return trip in a day, for $10 return trip. Call 250-259-8300 for reservations. This number is only monitored Monday to Friday, and closed for lunch. Just leave a message and they will put you on the reservation list. You may not hear back from them. :)
Yrene Dee
Thank you Teressa for the updated information. This is very much appreciated. I will update the guide.
Peter Ransier
this is a must trip
to do in 2024
Andrew
The actual train still running or is it the bus on wheels nowadays?
Yrene Dee
Yes, it’s the bus on wheels now. The latest I heard that tourists tourists tickets are limited, but this might have changed again. Please check the reservation number before heading there. I will also check on it.
Peter
Hi Will the train still be running in early September of 2025?? If so what time does it leave?? What is the tourist charge??
Yrene Dee
Hi Peter, I’m near Lillooet for a few days and I’m planning to take the train (bus on wheels) early next week to get updated information. I will update the blog afterward and try to let you know after my journey.
Yrene Dee
Hi again, Peter, I just spent the day at Seaton Portage. I took the bus (on traintracks) at 9 am and returned at 5 pm. Most people take the bus back after a short stop in Seaton. It’s $25 return, an amazing trip, you won’t regret it. Make sure you contact them via Facebook or phone to chedk the times and book. The timetable is not dependable. This train journey is supposed to shut down later this year and it will be history. Take the journey if you can!
Mandy
May I please kindly ask we have 11 people wishing to join kaoham shuttle on aug 02,2026 we are coming from whistler which location should we go for pick up and do we need to book prior ？ am I allow to bring my little tiny dog on my baby carrier I won’t let him walk around the bus or seat on the bus is this allowed please . Thank you for your help
Yrene Dee
Hi Mandy, I cam’t see a problem taking a tiny dog. I suggest to contact the number in my post, or you find them on Facebook. The problem I see is the group of 11 people. This is not a tourist bus, it’s meant for locals. Let me know what you find out.