Vancouver: Arrival and welcome in. Groups stay in the Jericho Beach district with fantastic views across to the downtown area and the mountain backdrop of the Coastal Mountain Range.
Day 2:
Gold Rush Heritage Trail: Travel North through the Fraser Canyon and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery while following the original route of the gold seekers back in the 1800s. There will be a number of stops throughout the journey to enjoy some of the heritage sites and take photos. We will stop overnight at the very comfortable Historic Chilcotin Lodge.
Day 3:
River Cabin: Today you will travel deeper into the wilderness frontier of the Chilcotin Plateau. There will be numerous stops along the way to see the spectacular scenery, learn about the fascinating history of this Wild West and the indigenous tribes. Hear stories of the early settlers and the Chilcotin Indian wars. The journey will end after descending into Bella Coola valley via the infamous and spectacular 'hill' road. A short journey along an old dirt road and you will arrive at the remote and picturesque River Cabin set in amongst the trees by a bend in the river.
Day 4:
Bear Trails/Salmon Drifts: The River Cabin is the ideal place to be based for a day to explore the wilderness and the local bear trails in relative safety. The raised deck area in front of the cabin overlooks the river where bears can often be seen as well as bald eagles fishing for spawning salmon. Hike further along the old dirt road which clings the valley overlooking the river and visit the scenic viewing spots. Later in the day drift along the Atnarko River with a local biologist guide, for an interpretive look at the salmon spawning area where the Grizzlies can be seen fishing for salmon.
Day 5:
Wilderness River Drift: Scenic rivers drift down the Bella Coola River. This is not a white water raft but a great way to get another perspective of this wonderful valley.
Day 6:
Native Indian Cultural Tours: A local native guide will guide you to Thorsen Creek and the Petroglyphs, a sacred site of ancient rock carvings. Then you will be taken to visit the Petroglyph Gallery for an excellent display of local carvings and artwork from the local native Nuxalk people. After a picnic lunch visit the estuary and explore the marine ecosystem and waterfalls before travelling to a local bear viewing spot.
Day 7:
Fjords & Oceans: Depending on weather and tides this day should be a chance to explore the estuary further by boat and perhaps visit the remote boat accessed hot springs. Enjoy the Historic Cannery Tour and fresh sea food dinner at the boat access site on the opposite side of the estuary. Enjoy a local history lesson and some tall stories from the owner!
Day 8:
Travel back to Vancouver: There are a number of options to return to Vancouver:
You can ride with us back down to the city, a long drive but scenic nonetheless (10-12 hours). You can fly out of Bella Coola on a direct flight back to Vancouver (1 hour). Or you can take a ferry along the Discovery Coast Passage to Vancouver Island (2 days).
Northwest Territories
Starkly beautiful, powerful and immense, our northern world is still wild and pristine....more info
Horse Pack Trips
Discover Canada on horseback on your next Canadian holiday. Enjoy an exhilerating horse- back pack...more info
Fishing Canada
Canada offers tremendous lake fishing, river fishing and ocean fishing. Enjoy spectacular sceneries and go for the big catch.....more info
Cycling Canada
See Canada's open spaces up close on a cycling road tour. You provide the pedal power as the beauty of Canada goes by during your cycling adventure vacation....more info
TRIP
DETAILS
