In 1862, 17-year-old Callum McBay leaves Scotland to join the gold rush in British Columbia's Cariboo region, hoping to save his family farm from foreclosure due to a deadly sheep disease. Along the Harrison-Lillooet Trail, he befriends other prospectors but must confront mortal dangers, including ruthless thugs and a treacherous terrain. Through his experiences, he witnesses how the influx of newcomers has negatively affected local First Nations communities and the pristine environment. After his arduous journey, Roy returns home, grappling with difficult choices about his future. Through his experiences, he has learned about the complexities of friendship, as well as the realities of greed and exploitation.