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
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
Blackwater-Spruce Ranch: In the high plateau country you’ll find meadows, rivers, & lakes. Hike the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail, camp, canoe or experience ranch life as you spend time at the Blackwater-Spruce Ranch in the North Cariboo! The wagons hooked up and ready go! 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
Duncanby Lodge: Duncanby Lodge offers a level of outstanding service and amenity quality that is unparalled by any other fishing resort. Located at Rivers Inlet, this bountiful fishing paradise, matched with the breathtaking BC coast, is truly a sight to behold. 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
Pathways Canada Tour Company: Sign up, before March 31, for one trip at the regular price ($1595) and your travelling companion can join you for only $795. Act Today to take advantage of this super offer for this uniquely Canadian wilderness adventure. No canoe experience required. Offer E... more
Plato Island Resort: The sunsets have to be experienced … no words can describe the serenity and splendor. We offer excellent fishing on Quesnel lake, camping & comfortable cabin accommodation, a well protected marina, & delicious quality meals. See you soon! 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
ROAM (Rivers Oceans and Mountains): Experience the most unique vacations with whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, whale watching, heli-hiking and multi-sport activities. We offer unprecedented access to pristine wilderness environments and places no other adventure companies dare to venture. 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
