Now known more commonly as the Cariboo Inn, the Cariboo Hotel Opened for business on December 18, 1925. Given Okanogan's location across the Okanogan River from an old trail used by gold miners on their way to the Cariboo Country in British Columbia, the hotel's name seems quite understandable.
With increased access by railroad and auto, Okanogan added another industry to its economy, tourism. It was especially successful at attracting Canadian visitors, traveling a new auto route with a name hearkening back to the old days: The Okanogan-Cariboo Trail. In 1925, a new hotel called the Cariboo Inn opened to cater to that tourist trade.
From History Link
While the hotel has remained in continuous operation since 1925, the hotel's restaurant has fared slightly less well,
closing in 2014. The closure, though, lasted but a year, with the restaurant
reopening in 2015 under new management. A lounge, operated in conjunction with the restaurant, had closed previously and apparently will not reopen.
When it opened, the Cariboo offered guests a choice of 34 rooms, which is no longer the case. Some rooms have been converted to apartments, currently renting for $650 per month, while about a half dozen standard hotel rooms remain available to the travelling public.
On the front of the hotel is a historical marker, placed by the Okanogan Chamber of Commerce and the City of Okanogan Planning Commission, aided by the Okanogan Historical Society, text from which follows.
More information, from the Omak Chronicle, follows.
Cariboo Inn restaurant closes
The Cariboo Inn restaurant closed its doors Saturday after nearly 90 years in business.
By Dee Camp | Thursday, June 12, 2014
OKANOGAN - After nearly 90 years in business, The Cariboo Inn restaurant has closed its doors.
Owner Jim Farmer said Thursday that he’s trying to lease out the restaurant space at 223 Queen St.
While the restaurant was closed Saturday, Farmer continues to operate the accompanying hotel, which has 10 rooms and six apartments.
The restaurant’s six employees have been notified of their options to seek unemployment compensation, he said.
Farmer has owned the business about a year, and the business opened in 1925.
A lounge operated in conjunction with the business previously closed its doors.
From the Omak Chronicle![]()