Journey to the West Chilcotin

Day 1: Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and make your way downtown. Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time in the city. Spend the afternoon at Granville Island, exploring the Public Market and local shops. Take a stroll along the Seawall and visit Stanley Park to enjoy the scenic views. In the evening, have dinner in Yaletown. Accommodation: The Westin Bayshore or similar. Meals: n/a.

Day 2: Vancouver to Telegraph Cove

Pick up your rental car and head to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, where you can enjoy stunning views of the West Vancouver shoreline. Board a BC Ferries vessel and relax as you cross the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Drive north through the relaxed coastal communities, passing through captivating landscapes of vast beaches, serene lakes, and beautiful provincial parks. In Telegraph Cove, enjoy free time to explore this historic town. Optionally, add 1-2 nights in Campbell River en route to Telegraph Cove. Accommodation: Telegraph Cove Resort. Meals: n/a.

Day 3: Sea Kayaking & Alert Bay

In the morning, meet your guides in Telegraph Cove for a brief paddling and safety training session before embarking on a kayaking adventure along the scenic coastline. Spot wildlife such as seals, bald eagles, and possibly orcas and humpback whales. Next, head to Port McNeill and board the ferry to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. This small island is a global center for Indigenous culture, with highlights including the 1200-person Big House for traditional gatherings, the World’s Tallest Totem Pole, and the renowned U’Mista Cultural Centre, which holds one of the most complete and important collections of Indigenous masks and artifacts in the world. Check in to a family-run B&B and have dinner on-site. Accommodation: Nimpkish Hotel. Meals: n/a.

Day 4: Grizzly Wildlife Tour

Experience an intimate encounter with the grizzly bears of British Columbia on a full-day, immersive wildlife-watching journey in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. This adventure, led by Indigenous guides, provides unparalleled opportunities to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. It also supports local communities and offers insight into their rich history and culture. Accommodation: Nimpkish Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 5: Alert Bay to Port Hardy

Enjoy a free morning in Alert Bay and visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre (optional: Artist-led tour of galleries). Travel to Port Hardy, the northernmost town on Vancouver Island. Stop at the historic village of Fort Rupert, an old Hudson’s Bay Company outpost. Explore nearby hikes along Storey’s Beach, forest trails, and the Quatse River Estuary. Optionally, add extra nights in Port Hardy to visit San Josef Bay. Accommodation: Kwa’Lilas Hotel. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6: Port Hardy to Bella Coola

Embark on the ferry journey from Port Hardy to Bella Coola through the Inside Passage. This scenic voyage takes you through the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage, where you’ll be treated to dramatic coastal landscapes, lush rainforests, and occasional glimpses of marine wildlife. The journey, lasting from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, provides a unique opportunity to experience British Columbia’s rugged beauty from the comfort of a ferry. Check in to your Bella Coola hotel and have dinner in town. Accommodation: Bella Coola Eagle Lodge. Meals: n/a.

Day 7: Grizzly Viewing in Bella Coola

The Bella Coola valley is known for its grizzly bear population. Today, set off in search of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With professional bear viewing guides, board a comfortable expedition raft for a gentle float down the Atnarko River in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. At river-level, safely view the grizzlies as they feed and fish for salmon on the river’s edge. The slow pace allows for great photo opportunities while guides share knowledge on the complex valley ecosystem. Return to dry land for a free afternoon to visit the bear viewing platform, hike nearby trails, or relax at the lodge. Accommodation: Bella Coola Eagle Lodge. Meals: n/a.

Day 8: Bella Coola

Continue exploring Bella Coola with various optional activities, including a Glacial Fjords & Hot Springs boat/sailing tour, an Indigenous-led petroglyph tour, or guided hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. Accommodation: Bella Coola Eagle Lodge. Meals: n/a.

Day 9: Nimpo Lake & Hunlen Falls

Drive east to Nimpo Lake. Take a floatplane tour to Turner Lake and Hunlen Falls, soaring over the Coast Mountains, alpine lakes, and glaciers. After landing at the wilderness campground, explore rugged trails with a park ranger and enjoy views of Hunlen Falls. Lunch can be enjoyed with falls views or back at the campground. Return by floatplane, flying over the Rainbow Mountains. Overnight at Nimpo Lake. Accommodation: Lodge. Meals: n/a.

Day 10: Redstone and Bull Canyon

Continue east along HWY 20, with stops at Bull Canyon Provincial Park for a light walk and scenic lookouts. A lunch break is in Redstone is highly recommended at an award-winning pasture-to-plate experience featuring a timber building and a peaceful patio overlooking well-manicured grounds. The menu highlights wholesome, made-from-scratch food, including meats raised and harvested on-site and hand-collected eggs. Check in to a lodge near Williams Lake. Optionally, extend the stay with 3 nights at a Guest Ranch offering horseback riding and ATV tours. Accommodation: Historic Chilcotin Lodge. Meals: n/a.

Day 11: Williams Lake to Green Lake

Today, explore Farwell Canyon, a picturesque valley sculpted by the winding Chilcotin River. Bordered by Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park, home to over 500 free-roaming bighorn sheep, the canyon reveals a desert-like landscape with grasslands, sagebrush, cacti, and steep sandstone cliffs crowned by sand dunes. An optional hike to the top of the canyon offers a surreal experience across the dunes in the Canadian wilderness. Then, travel south to Green Lake Provincial Park. Accommodation: B&B. Meals: n/a.

Day 12: Green Lake to Vancouver

Drive south to Vancouver. Optionally, add nights in Vancouver or Victoria. Accommodation: The Westin Bayshore or similar. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13: Depart Vancouver

Enjoy any remaining free time in Vancouver before departing. Meals: n/a.