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Horse-assisted hiking along the MacKenzie Trail
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Explore the historical MacKenzie Trail on foot on this horse-assisted hiking adventure. Meeting in Vancouver, the group will be transported north along the Gold Rush Heritage Trail into central British Columbia and then west over the Chilcotin Plateau. This plateau is a real Wild West frontier, home to sporadic settlements and ranches. Very few of the roads here are paved, restricting access to this isolated region to only the most adventurous. At the Rainbow Mountain trailhead the group will be introduced to the Dorsey packers, a local outfit running the packhorses that have been operating in the area for generations. Classic old school cowboys/girls, this is not a tourist attraction, these people really live the Wild West lifestyle! This is the start of the horse-assisted hiking adventure and the group will follow old Native Indian trading routes and the Mackenzie Trail, the route taken by Alexander Mackenzie, the first explorer to reach the Pacific Ocean overland. Across the plateau tailed by the packhorse train, you will be guided into the valleys and up onto the peaks of the Rainbow Mountain Range overlooking this vast wilderness. The camping will be the traditional camping grounds of the old local trappers and hunters with a stunning backdrop of alpine meadows, rivers and mountains.
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Once in camp the horses will be put to pasture in the meadows. There is always a roaring fire to sit around and share stories. There will be two stopovers when the group will take day hikes from the camp. This breaks the journey, gives the horses a rest and a relief from having to move camp constantly. The trail leads into Mackenzie Valley, a stunning camping location, with a great river to dip in and access to one of the highlights of the trip which is Mount Mackenzie. The Mackenzie trail winds its way over Mackenzie pass into alpine meadows with a backdrop of coastal mountains. From the Mackenzie Valley horse camp you will explore this trail and perhaps attempt a scramble up Mount Mackenzie 2,143 metres (7,031 feet) affording magnificent views. From the Rainbow Range the group will say goodbye to the horses and be driven down the infamous 'hill' over Heckman's Pass into the Bella Coola Valley, gateway to the 'Great Bear Rainforest' one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet with a high density of both grizzly and black bears. During late summer and autumn the annual salmon spawning migrations occur and bears can be found congregating along the riverbanks to feast. Other mammals that inhabit the area include wolves, moose, deer, caribou, bighorn sheep, cougar (mountain lion), lynx, mountain goat, marmots and the mysterious wolverine. Once in the Bella Coola valley relax on a river drift down the Bella Coola River through temperate rainforest, as bald eagles circle over head in the shadow of snow-capped peaks. Go snorkeling with salmon and take a cultural tour with local Native Indians. Your adventure ends with a journey back to Vancouver.
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| Season: August 9, 2008 to August 20, 2008 |
| Requirements: You will require a sleeping bag and mat. For the days treks you will need a 20-30 litre daypack. |
| Suggested Items: Camera, daypack, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, first aid kit. |
| Suggested Clothing: Bring appropriate clothing suitable for summer weather. Warm jacket, hiking boots, rain gear. A detailed kit list will be sent. |
| Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate |
| Restrictions: The trails are non-technical but they are rough i.e. not paved. The days are not excessively long and the horses bear the burden but you will need to be in good health and have a reasonable level of fitness i.e. walk for up to six hours. The trails are not maintained to a high standard and while they are well-trodden and easy to walk there are some instances where you will need hand balance. This should not deter anyone and the ranges of fitness and ability on these trips has varied widely over the years with ages ranging from 23 - 68. |
| Maximum Number of People: 10 |
| Equipment Provided: 15 passenger van, horsepack equipment, camping fees, park fees, satellite phone, tents and cooking supplies, including mugs/bowls/plates/cutlery. |
| Transportation: Trips begin and end in Vancouver, BC. On Day 12 you have the option of driving back to Vancouver with the guides, or arranging your own air or ferry transportation south. |
| Accommodations: Accommodations in Bed & Breakfasts and cabins along the route. The group will camp during the trekking phase. The camping sites are marked areas with rough tent pad sites, seated toilet area, food storage area, fire place, rough seating area and fantastic views! |
| Meal Information: Almost all meals are catered for except for two evening meals and any extras you may desire. Your guides will try to make it that there is enough food for you throughout the day that you do not need to purchase any extras. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided most days. While camping the guide(s) will set up a kitchen area and organize meal times. Food while camping will be of a simple, wholesome and tasty! The menu will be set to meet the requirements of the group. Water will be collected from adjacent streams/rivers. While it is generally accepted that this water is clean and fresh, a filter will still be used to purify the water. You might find it useful to either buy or take with you some energy snack bars. A five-minute rest stop with a cereal bar or other quick energy food every hour or so can make a tremendous difference to morale and strength. |
| Guide Information: This tour will be accompanied by a professional tour guide. The local guides used throughout the trip are all residents and are selected on the basis of their skills, knowledge and unique characteristics. While qualifications and experience are essential requirements, it is also the local knowledge of the area which is an important element in leading a tour. The tour guide holds a current advanced wilderness first aid certificate and has experience in dealing with the symptoms often associated with spending time in the wilderness. The tour guide will have a comprehensive first aid kit to deal with most eventualities and emergencies. However it is advised that each individual has a basic first aid kit to deal with minor medical issues such as blisters, insect bites and sunburn.
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| Weather Information: The trip departures are scheduled for August. This is summer in the alpine and the most consistently dry months for travel. The trailhead is at an elevation of 1525 metres/5,000. The highest elevation a group will go to is 2,143 metres (7,031 feet). The trekking is in an alpine setting where the weather can be very variable and some of the ground may still have snow on the higher passes. If the weather is really bad (high wind and rain) then the group will stick to the valleys and detour around the passes. As a general rule while in the mountains the days are hot and the evenings are very cool down to freezing. Mountain weather is unpredictable and it is good to be prepared for all weather. |
| Comments: While on the trail all your meals will be prepared by guide/assistant in the camp kitchen. You will not be expected to assist in the setting up of camp or cooking. If you wish to help with collection of water, chopping vegetables etc then this is always appreciated. |
| Trip Duration |
Price |
12 days
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$2850.00* per person
Based on double occupancy. |
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If you have any questions or would like more information about a particular adventure, please email us.
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