Williams Lake to Bella Coola - The Chilcotin Adventure

The Chilcotin high plateau between the Fraser Canyon and the Pacific fjords of Bella Coola offer some exceptional outdoor activities in a truly unspoiled and very remote wilderness area of British Columbia. Friendly faces, an abundance of wildlife, and breathtaking scenery replace the turmoil and busyness of the crowded tourist metropolis. This tour combines a variety of outdoor adventures in one of the most unique areas of Western Canada. Experience two days with riverboats and tents on the mighty Fraser River, 4 nights on a historic horse ranch and two nights on a classic ocean trawler in the pacific fjords. Starting in Williams Lake (daily flights from Vancouver) the tour leads us along Highway 20, the lifeline between Williams Lake and Bella Coola. The biggest rodeo in BC takes place in Williams Lake in the heart of the Cariboo ranch land. From here we start our first adventure with a two-day trip with riverboats on the Fraser River.
We will be taken downriver on the turbulent waters of the biggest river in BC and cruise along through the rugged canyon scenery. We will pass the film site of "The 13th Warrior" with Antonio Banderas. We will float downriver watching for bighorn sheep, bears, bald eagles and other wildlife. We will learn the history of the Native Indians, early explorers, gold miners and the Chinese miners following the gold rush trail.


We will stop at a traditional fishing site and try our luck at dip netting, a traditional Native Indian fishing style. Huge sturgeons, up to ten feet in length, and the various salmon runs have always been a
main attraction for first nations and the white settlers. After a hopefully successful fishing experience we will move to our evening camp, where tepees will already be set up for us. Dinner will be cooked with fresh local foods, special desserts and a selection of cold drinks. The next morning after a hearty breakfast we will have the opportunity to view some Petroglyphs dated more than 1000 years old. Our boat tour ends in the afternoon and we head to the Chilcotin Lodge in Riske Creek, where we will stay for the night. The uniquely restored Lodge offers gourmet dining, a stone fireplace and breathtaking views.

We continue on Highway 20, the "Freedom Highway" towards the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Mountains. We will spend four nights at the historic Terra Nostra Ranch situated on a beautiful lake in the heart of BC?s Chilcotin country. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on horseback or from a canoe or kayak. You may spot beavers, otters, eagles, bears, deer or even moose. Not far from here the mountain scenery has even attracted Hollywood, where movies such as "7 years in Tibet" with Brad Pitt and "K2" were filmed. We can arrange scenic flights over the Hunlen Falls, Canada?s third highest free falling waterfall, to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountains or the majestic Mount Waddington.

After this relaxing experience we hit the road again. We will drive through Tweedsmuir Park, the biggest Provincial Park in BC, down the legendary Heckmann Pass, known by the locals as "The Hill" and truly one of the most remarkable mountain passes in Canada. We will arrive in Bella Coola, an aboriginal fishing village of the First Nations. We will stay on board for two nights on the former fishing boat Pacific
Grizzly. For these two days we will cruise some of the most remote and untouched fjords on the Pacific west coast. Throughout the summer there are several salmon runs, which is reason the Bella Coola Valley has some of the highest Grizzly bear populations in the country. We will take a short hike to the giant Cedar Trees at Larso Bay and look at the native Pictographs on the rock face. You will have the opportunity to use the hot springs for a relaxing bath. The area is famous for its prawns and crabs. Today we will not catch and release, but we will catch and eat! The boat will bring us back to Bella Coola where this unique journey will come to an end. Flights from Bella Coola to Vancouver or a ferry ride on the Discovery Passage can be arranged.

Included:

• 5 nights accommodation at a lodge and ranch (double occupancy)
• 1 night in a Teepee
• 2 nights on the Pacific Grizzly fishing boat
• All meals starting the first day with lunch and ending the last day with lunch
• Jetboat Tour
• Canoe/kayak, mountain bike rentals at Terra Nostra Ranch
• Pacific Grizzly boat tour

Not included:

• Alcoholic beverages, fishing licenses, horseback tours (approx 2 hours $ 50), tips and gratuities

Prices from: CAD 2399.-