Overview
From Williams Lake to Bella Coola, this trip is an adventure that spans the heart of British Columbia.
On this West Chilcotin self-guided tour, you will venture through ranch country and the scenic Chilcotin Plateau to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and the Great Bear Rainforest.
If you would like more information about this awe-inspiring journey to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Are you looking for more travel inspiration in Western Canada? Check out our full range of self-guided tours in BC.
Highlights
- Embrace the rural ranching culture of the Chilcotin Plateau with a stay at a Guest Ranch and horseback riding.
- Hike to the top of the sand dunes overlooking Farwell Canyon, and be on the lookout for bighorn sheep.
- Embark on a float plane tour over the expansive ice fields, glaciers and alpine lakes of the Coast Mountain Range.
- Learn about the Indigenous culture of the region, from the desert-like landscapes of Xat’sull Heritage Village to the coastal rainforest of Bella Coola.
- Visit the iconic Hunlen Falls, dropping 260m from the Turner Lakes chain above, where you’ll spend the afternoon hiking to various scenic viewpoints.
- Enjoy a walking tour with a guide from the Nuxalk First Nation into a sacred forest to learn about Bella Coola history and marvel at the impressive petroglyphs.
- Immerse in grizzly bear country with an afternoon gently rafting down the Atnarko River.
- Journey into the Great Bear Rainforest on a marine tour of the glacial fjords west of Bella Coola, including a stop at the serene natural hot springs.
- Experience homestyle cooking and hospitality at locally-owned lodges and B&Bs.
The Route
Min. Group Size
Activity Level
Accommodation
Towns Visited
Related Tours
Yukon Winter at the Lake
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive to Williams Lake | Optional sightseeing and activities | Dinner at leisure | Overnight in Williams Lake.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals included: n/a.
Visit Xat'sull Indigenous Heritage Village for tour and lunch | Drive up the Chilcotin Plateau | Dinner and free time to relax at historic B&B | Overnight in Riske Creek.
Accommodation: B&B | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visit the scenic Farwell Canyon, a taste of the desert | Hike along the sand dunes | Lunch by the river | Free afternoon in Riske Creek, hiking and relaxing | Overnight in Riske Creek.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Travel day along HWY 20 | Stop in Redstone for lunch on a farm | Hike along the Chilcotin river at Bull Canyon Provincial Park | Arrive at your guest ranch for a classic Canadian ranch experience | Overnight near Kleena Kleene.
Accommodation: Guest Ranch | Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.
Settle into ranching culture and the relaxed pace of life on the Plateau | Morning horseback ride | Side-by-side through the forest to a scenic lookout | Free afternoon to canoe on the lake, go for a hike, or relax on the grounds | Overnight near Kleena Kleene.
Accommodation: Guest Ranch | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Board a float plane from Nimpo Lake for a scenic tour over the Coast Mountains and Monarch Icefields | Disembark on Turner Lake to visit the iconic Hunlen Falls | Spend the afternoon hiking around the remote park | Floatplane return to Nimpo Lake | Overnight near Kleena Kleene.
Accommodation: Guest Ranch | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Continue along HWY 20 down 'the hill' into the lush Bella Coola valley | Lunch by the ocean and estuary | Walking tour with local Indigenous guide to view sacred petroglyphs | Overnight in Bella Coola.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Grizzly bear viewing tour on the Atnarko River in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park | Free afternoon to enjoy Bella Coola and hike in the local parks | Overnight in Bella Coola.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals included: N/A
Full day boat tour cruising the glacial fjords from Bella Coola | Take a dip in the natural hot springs | Catch a glimpse of grizzlies, black bears, whales and dolphins | Overnight in Bella Coola.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals included: Lunch.
Return to Williams Lake | Optional add-on packages available in Bella Coola or via ferry to Vancouver Island | Tour ends.
Accommodation: N/A | Meals included: N/A.
Included/Excluded
- All accommodation for 9 nights, including 1 night in Williams Lake, 2 nights at a Bed & Breakfast in Riske Creek, 3 nights at a Guest Ranch near Kleena Kleene, and 3 nights at a lodge in Bella Coola.
- 6 Breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
- All activities listed in the itinerary, including hiking, horseback riding, floatplane tour to Hunlen Falls, grizzly bear viewing, Indigenous cultural tours, and fjords boat tour.
- Custom prepared itinerary, local recommendations, and remote support during your trip.
- Additional meals & activities not listed
- Flights to/from B.C. and Williams Lake
- Vehicle rental/usage and fuel
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Dates & Rates
Self-Guided Tours are fully customizable and available for any group size, based on availability. This itinerary includes locally-guided day tours. Your own vehicle is required for transportation.
Contact us to start planning!
We also offer guided tours on the North Island, West Chilcotin region, and Yukon Territory.
Tour Dates:
On-Request
Tour Rates:
From (per person, 2024)
Based on double occupancy. Single supplement applicable. All prices are in Canadian dollars and subject to GST tax (5%).
Getting Here
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