This is a unique trek with packhorses through a remote and seldom traveled area. The journey links into the Mackenzie trail, the route originally taken by the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean overland.
From the Chilcotin plateau trek through the Rainbow Range, into the coastal mountains, through alpine meadows and lakes and descend into the forests of the Bella Coola Valley Alexander Mackezie became the first explorer to reach the Pacific Ocean overland.
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, take a cultural tour with local Native Indians and watch Grizzly bears fishing.
The trip starts and ends in Vancouver, a great introduction to the west coast, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and stunning setting of Pacific Ocean and backdrop of Coastal Mountains.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Welcome
Vancouver Jericho Beach Welcome, orientation, review of the itinerary, questions, personal kit, medical forms.
HI Jericho is a very comfortable hostel with private rooms with the perfect location next to Jericho beach and great views across Vancouver.
Day 2: Gold Rush Heritage Trail
Chilcotin Plateau. Up to a 7 hour drive with stops as needed. A very scenic journey.
Early departure by passenger vehicle along the Sea to Sky highway to Whistler and then follow the Gold Rush Heritage Trail north to the Chilcotin Plateau.
Day 3: Trek 1 - Rainbow Trailhead to Lesters Camp.
An early start to finish the journey across the plateau to the coral at the trailhead mid-morning to meet the horse packers. Camping throughout the trek. There will be a comprehensive menu to please all appetites and tastes. The guide(s) will prepare and cook all meals although the group will need to lend a hand in the ‘kitchen’ on occasion.
Breakfast will be at a flexible time depending on the day’s itinerary.
Lunch will either be prepared in the morning or en-route depending on weather.
Dinner will be around a roaring fire once camp has been set up when there is still enough daylight.
Day 4: Trek 2 - Lesters Camp to Dome Peak
A day hike from Lesters Camp through alpine meadows to gain great views of the surrounding wilderness.
Day 5: Trek 3 – Mackenzie Valley
Decamp and follow a trail over Boyd pass and into the spectacular valley and meadows of Mackenzie Valley and the new riverside camp.
Day 6: Trek 4 – Mount Mackenzie
A day hike from camp to the top of non-technical Mount Mackenzie for stunning views and unique ridge top walking. Weather dependent other routes may be preferable.
Day 7: Trek 5 - Sitkatapa Meadows
Following the Mackenzie trail for about 6 hours to camp in Sikatapa meadows with stunning views of Mount Stupendous and the Coast Mountain Range.
Day 8: Trek 6- Capoose Trail
The Capoose trail is one of the ancient trading routes. It is a rough trail which passes along a string of lakes.
Day 9: Trek 7 - Capoose Trail to the trailhead
The group will be picked up and transported down into the wild frontier that is Bella Coola, gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest.Some comfort this evening at the Brockton Place Guesthouse.
Day 10: Native Indian Cultural Tour to Petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings)
Salmon Adventure/ Snorkeling with Salmon
In the morning there will be a unique Rock Carvings tour by local native guides.
The group will then be shuttled an hour up the valley to the Atnarko River for a river drift/snorkel with local biologist guides, for an interpretive look at the salmon spawning area where you may see Grizzlies fishing for salmon.
Day 11: Estuary Tour
The group will be taken to the docks for a day to explore the estuary and local fjords.
Day 12: Vancouver
A long day on the road back to Vancouver * option to fly back to Vancouver or take the Discovery Coast ferry to Vancouver Island (by demand)
Arriving early evening the accommodation will be arranged at HI Jericho as before.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour price is land-based and all-inclusive. The are a few extras that make this trip really unique and add to the adventure and make it more than the 'standard' adventure tour.
Included in the price:
! Tour guide services
! Local guides
! Packhorse support
! All in-country transport
! Comfortable B+B accommodation
! Camping fees
! Meals during activities
! Equipment where necessary
! Park fees
Excluded:
" International flight
" Personal travel insurance
" Items of a personal nature, souvenirs, drinks etc…..
" Some evening meals
" Personal kit
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
Mountain/Rock Climbing
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