The Cariboo
Chilcotin is an awesome land bordering on the east are the Cariboo
Mountains, an to the west is the Coastal Range and the Pacific Ocean.
The area that lies in the middle features miles and miles of forest,
rolling hills and hundreds of lakes, with glacier fed rivers, crystal
clear streams. Fishing is one
of the many favourite past times in this region, other activities
include horseback riding, hiking,
gold panning and of course canoeing, kayaking and whitewater rafting.
The Cariboo is famous for the gold rush that open up this country,
while the Chilcotin is cattle and ranching country.
A favourite with paddlers is Quesnel
Lake, the deepest lake in the province. Unpredictable winds are
very common and definitely one of the hazards on the lake. The north
arm of the lake with its islands and many bays offers shelter to many
birds such as Canada geese, ospreys and eagles. Both black and grizzly bears can be seen,
other animals found in and around Quesnel Lake are caribou,
wolverines, coyotes and mink. Along the east arm of the
lake there are few moorage spots because of the steep cliffs which
mountain goats call home.
Close by is Horsefly Lake and Horsefly
River, both great paddling.
In the Chilcotin, the rivers you might want to explore include the
Chilcotin and the Chilko. Both are grade or class two to three in
low water. From Hanceville to Big Creek, as you run the Chilcotin
River it could take up to 8 hours. The river starts from an open valley
but drops into a canyon and rapids, next is a flat section and finally
the grade or class three rapids just past Big Creek.
The Chilko River/Chilcotin River, from Taseko River to Bull Canyon
is fast flowing with boulders, waves, sweepers and narrow spots. This
is a grade or class two to three in low water. Here the water is cold
and the area remote. Before you start your boating trip, check the
conditions of the water in both the Chilcotin and Chilko Rivers, as
they can both flood during the summer season.
One of the most famous canoe circuits in the world is found in the
Cariboo Chilcotin, it's the Bowron
Lake Canoe Circuit, which can take from four to seven days to
complete, it depends on the individual. It's located in the mountains,
east of Wells and wildlife is abundant here. Another popular canoe
route is the Turner Lake Chain, in Tweedsmuir
Park. This is a chain of six lakes with easy portages and good
campsites.
A number of good paddling in the Cariboo Chilcotin is in remote areas,
so make sure to check with locals to water conditions and the hazard
you might encounter, always be careful. Be safe, have fun.
Book
A Canoe Or Kayak Trip
The following
BC Adventure Network members invite you to kayak or canoe with them:
Alpine Wilderness Retreat: Retreat from the bustle of the city to our fly-in resort on Elbow Lake! Our snow fed lakes in the North Thompson are home to world-famous Kamloops Trout, and our resort has everything you’ll need. There’s lots of wildlife too so don’t forget to bring your ca... more
Becker's Lodge Bowron Lake Adventures Resort: We offer affordable family vacations on beautiful Bowron Lake with canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and RELAXING The Lake View Restaurant and Chuters Blue Bar have great food, and we’re “THE” outfitter for the Bowron lakes with over 150 canoes and kayaks. more
Bella Coola Grizzly Tours: We’re home to some of the worlds largest Grizzlies & Mountain Goats. Summer and Fall spawning Salmon, a natural food source for Grizzlies & other wildlife, return to the Bella Coola River. We offer Grizzly & Wildlife viewing, Eco Tours, Hiking Fishing, and m... more
Bella Coola's Coast Mountain Lodge: Visit Bella Coola’s Coast Mountain Lodge for a wilderness adventure, relax in our gardens & luxurious accommodations, or enjoy the mountain views. We offer fully guided adventure / wildlife tours where you can journey down coastal rivers, or enjoy self-guided... more
Big Bar Guest Ranch: No deadlines, fresh mountain air, good horses & trails that lead to spectacular views. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cariboo, where time has no meaning, we offer riding, hiking, gold panning, canoeing, hay rides, fishing, x-country skiing, snowmobiling,... more
Black Creek Cattle Company: Unique vacations at our ranch in the scenic Horsefly River Valley near Williams Lake, BC. Horseback riding, kayaking & flyfishing alongside the Horsefly River, home to one of the world's largest salmon spawning runs. more
Bowron Lake Lodge & Resort Ltd: Enjoy a wilderness canoe trip around the world famous Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, or relax at the resort where beaches are sandy and swimming is great. Bowron Lake Lodge & Resort offers canoe, kayak and motorboat rentals – plus a restaurant, cabins, & campsite... more
Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures: We offer exhilarating jetboat tours on the Fraser, Chilcotin & Chilko Rivers – & outdoor wilderness adventure with wilderness / wildlife, native culture, gold rush history, & hiking. Our professionally trained Chilcotin native guides offer exceptional customer... more
Chaunigan Lake Lodge: The wild rainbow trout fishing and the total experience draw our guests back each year. Go trail riding, hike to spectacular viewpoints, or just relax in our legendary hospitality and comfort. It's more than an incredible fishing trip - it's a memorable vacat... more
Crystal Waters Guest Ranch: Riding, Roping, Fishing! Our cattle ranch in the valley of lakes, meadows, & wetlands has some of the finest horseback riding & flyfishing anywhere. There’s hiking & biking trails and a Ducks Unlimited Wetlands project for numerous species of wildlife and wa... more
Eagle Island Resort: Our recipe for family fun is simple: mix breathtaking scenery, great fishing, excellent facilities, fun activities & incomparable lakefront all on one of BC’s premier fishing lakes - Lac Des Roches. Our year round resort is located on Hwy 24, the famed “Fishi... more
Ecosummer Expeditions: BC’s first kayaking company offers award-winning trips to the Queen Charlotte & Gulf Islands, Johnstone Strait, & West Coast Trail. We guarantee world-class scenery, some of the world’s finest Orca whale and bear watching, & an absolute commitment to service. more
Ecotours-BC.com: Adventure in the wilds of BC … untamed, wild and remote. Ecotours-BC will take you to rare ancient forests, glaciers, and the alpine. You’ll see wildlife, mountain grizzly bears, eagles, and salmon – all surrounding Quesnel Lake - the deepest fjord lake on e... more
Elysia Resort: Our full service getaway destination on Quesnel Lake offers fishing for Rainbow Trout, romantic getaways, great dining, and vacation packages in lakeview rental cabins & guest rooms. You'll be warmly greeted at our small, friendly and secluded piece of paradi... more
Euchiniko Lakes Ranch: Enjoy flyfishing the famous Blackwater River, packhorse trips or riding wilderness trails, big-game hunting, canoeing or hike the historic Alexander Mackenzie Trail. There’s something for everyone at Euchiniko Lakes Ranch including a relaxing camp fire. more
Free Rein Guest Ranch: Explore our amazing landscapes, enjoy our Western hospitality, experience our adventures and embrace our friendly and relaxed Cariboo lifestyle. We really do give you free rein to decide how you spend your days with us. more
Highland Cream Resort: Our 3 fully equipped 3 & 4 bedroom chalets with hot tubs overlook Gun Lake, 190km north of Vancouver & 2-hours north of Whistler. Rent includes a canoe, kayak, windsurfer paddle boat, & aluminum boat with motor. All you need is food, drink, & an adventurous sp... more
Interior Whitewater Expeditions Ltd: It’s a raft adventure you won’t forget with wild undisturbed rivers plus hiking, canoeing, & the astonishing scenery of Wells Gray Park. We provide a rare combination of river trips as you hike to pounding waterfalls, raft volcanic canyons, & see stunning wil... more
Kokanee Bay Fishing Resort: Kokanee Bay Fishing Resort is in the heart of the Chilcotin on beautiful Puntzi Lake. Enjoy fishing for Kokanee and Rainbow Trout. We have 6 lakefront cabins, 8 lakefront campsites, and 7 pull-through suites. more
Lac Des Roches Resort: Our year-round resort on the Fishing Highway overlooks one of BC’s most photographed lakes. From your suite or cabin there’s nothing between you and the lake but a picnic table and fire pit. Relax with fine dining, and many outdoor activities in our 175 acre... more
Moondance Bay Resort: Experience year round family fun on Bridge lake with fishing, hiking, biking, boat and sports equipment rentals, ice skating and more. We offer deluxe lakefront cabins, lakeside RV sites with picnic tables, a shower house with laundry facilities, & a convenie... more
Morehead Lake Cabins & Campsite: Centrally located in the Cariboo east of Williams Lake, there are great fishing lakes and historic sites close by. You can also hike, bike, see wildlife & go sight-seeing. Our cabins are fully self-contained and we also have RV sites with full hook-ups and ca... more
Morrow Chalets: 2.5 hours north of Whistler, we are located in the mountains on Tyaughton Lake. There are endless winter and summer adventures from hiking, fishing, and horseback riding -- to skiing, snowmobiling, and more. Join us for a weekend getaway, or family vacation. more
Nature Trails Wilderness Lodge Ltd.: Our unique fly-in lodge, at Tetachuck Lake on the edge of Tweedsmuir Park, is BC’s last true wilderness. Explore, go canoe, hike, go kayaking, fishing, see wildlife, or relax in a cozy rustic lakefront cabin. Be sure to check out our Whitesail Wilderness Out... more
Pathways Canada Tour Company: A unique experience - a lifetime of memories! Canoe world-renowned Bowron Lakes Park with experienced guides. Outside Magazine said, "A unique combination of sublime scenery, fantastic food, congenial company & great guides - one of the world’s top 10 canoe tr... more
Ponderosa Resort: Our 3-star full service hiking & fishing resort has year-round accommodations & a summer lakefront campground with pull-through hook-ups. There’s trail rides, swimming, boat rental & launch, water skiing plus shower / laundry facilities and souvenirs. more
REO Rafting Adventure Resort: Raft BCs best rivers near Vancouver, Kelowna & Whistler. Enjoy a hot tub, sauna, private beach, serene wilderness & hiking trails. REO adventure vacations include kayaking, fishing, hiking, canoeing, & more. Stay in your own tent, rivers edge cabin tent, or l... more
Siwash Lake Ranch: 4.5 Stars - explore pristine wilderness by horseback, on your own or with a guide. Cast to a rising trout, hike to cascading waterfalls, mountain bike an array of trails or paddle shimmering Siwash Lake. Ultra-luxe accommodation, fine dining & all season adven... more
Spring Lake Ranch: Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, & winter sports with old fashioned hospitality & a relaxed western atmosphere. Our year-round natural paradise, in BC’s Cariboo Country, is the perfect place for a tranquil adventure and to create special memories. more
The Hills Health & Guest Ranch: Enjoy a rejuvenating escape from everyday at our world-class health spa and western guest ranch. In winter there’s X-country skiing & snowshoeing … and in summer canoeing, mountain biking, and hiking. Our country dining room also features a gourmet menu. more
The Lodge at Chilko Lake: Visit this Chilko Lake jewel set amongst the breath-taking Coast Mountain Range and Tsylos Provincial Park. We offer many outdoor / indoor / multi-sport adventures, and a luxurious stay in this truly healing blend of wilderness and comfort. more
Ts'yl-os Park Lodge: Enjoy fully guided river fly fishing and horseback riding vacations, through the valleys, while staying at our mountain lodge. Call us or visit our website to ask for a free colour brochure and be sure to ask about week-long mountain horse packtrips! more
Westwind Tugboat Adventures: North America’s original tugboat adventure. Enjoy wilderness fishing for trophy salmon and halibut plus Luxury cruising on the beautiful "Inside Passage" of BC. Follow the Fish to Langara Island, Prince Rupert and Bella Bella regions. Only 8 & 12 guests. more
