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
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 Canoe Rentals: Rent all the boats and supplies you need to canoe or kayak the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit. We have over 130 canoes and kayaks, and 25 years experience. We also offer lodging and complete canoe trip packages. 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 Accommodations: Our 2 fully equipped 3 & 4 bedroom chalets with hot tubs that overlook Gun Lake, 190km north of Vancouver & 2-hours north of Whistler. 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
Pathways Canada Tour Company: Experience Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit, a uniquely Canadian wilderness adventure, with the original and most experienced Bowron Lakes Canoe Guides. 9 lakes, each with a distinct personality, linked by 100kms of lazy rivers, towering peaks, rapids and cascading ... more
Plato Island Resort: We offer excellent fishing on Quesnel lake, camping & comfortable cabin accommodation, a well protected marina, & delicious quality meals. See you soon! 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
Tsylos 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
Tyaughton Vacation Rentals: 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
