The wildlife in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is as varied and diverse as the landscape.
From lush coastal forests to the interior grasslands and mountain ranges, a wide variety of wildlife viewing opportunites can be experienced in this region.
The interior grasslands, plains and mountain ranges provide ideal habitat for bears, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and bird life. A guided tour from Whitegold Adventures in Wells is an excellent introduction to the wildlife, history and scenery for which the area is famous. It’s even possible to snorkel with salmon with Kynoch Adventure Tours near Bella Coola.
The Great Bear Rainforest
Named one of the world's "20 Must-See Places in 2013" by National Geographic Traveler, this remote, pristine wilderness stretches nearly 400 km (250 mi) along BC's rugged central coast. Environmentally-sensitive tour operators offer both land and sea-based excursions to view the area's most famous inhabitant - the white Kermode, or Spirit bear.
Several charter companies, including Bluewater Adventures and Maple Leaf Adventures, offer expedition-style sailing voyages that explore the islands and passages of the Great Bear Rainforest. Shore-based lodges like Shearwater Resort & Marina and Spirit Bear Lodge also offer guided trips. For the ultimate in eco-luxury, visit King Pacific Lodge, a Conde Naste Readers' Choice "Best Resort in Canada".
Wildlife Viewing in Parks
Bighorn sheep, moose, black and grizzly bears, mule deer, mountain goats and cougars are some of the many animals that can be found in the area’s parks. Keep a close watch while driving through this region – wildlife are often seen along the roads.
Nature lovers are drawn to Bowron Lake Provincial Park for spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and the world-famous Bowron Lakes canoe circuit. Moose Valley Provincial Park and Flat Lake Provincial Park, located near 100 Mile House, offer marshy wetlands ideal for moose, deer, beaver, and muskrat, plus many species of birds.
Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park is home to more than 500 California bighorn sheep. Look for them in the rolling grasslands and gullies of this protected park that lies an hours drive from Williams Lake.
Ideal for canoeing and wildlife viewing, the small chain of lakes in Nazko Lake Provincial Park offers prime habitat for moose, beaver, river otter, mule deer, black bear and many bird species, including the endangered American white pelican. The park is accessed from Hwy 20, which runs between Williams Lake and Bella Coola.
A highlight at Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park is the Beaver Pond Trail, where a beaver lodge and series of dams can be seen as well as extensive waterfowl nesting boxes. This popular outdoor recreation area is located near Quesnel.
Wildlife Viewing From Highways and Wilderness Areas
Wildlife can often be seen along the regions roads and backcountry parks. Prime viewing areas include:
Highway 26 between Quesnel and Barkerville is famous for wildlife. Moose, bear and deer are frequently sighted, often multiple times.
The many lakes along Highway 24 (also known as The Fishing Highway) provide excellent habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as excellent fishing opportunities.
Remote wilderness settings, including Tweedsmuir, Ts’il?os, Cariboo Mountain and Itcha Ilgachuz provincial parks, offer great wildlife viewing opportunities for the more adventurous hiker or backcountry enthusiast.
Salmon Viewing
Kynoch Adventures, based in Hagensborg, offers a unique BC experience on the Atnarko River near Bella Coola. Don a wetsuit, mask and fins and watch for chinook and pink salmon as you drift down this slow-moving river.
The Horsefly River is one home to one of BC's largest spawning channels. Walk along the Salmon Habitat Trail to view the salmon as they struggle upstream. The spawning channels are located near the community of Horsefly, a 45-minute drive northeast from Williams Lake, on Horsefly Road off Highway 97.
Coastal Wildlife Tours and Marine Life
The Bella Coola Valley thrives with wildlife. In late summer and fall, pink and chum salmon can be seen in the many streams between Bella Coola and Hagensborg. Bears are drawn to the salmon and can often be seen along the roads and streambeds.
Guided tours will take you around the river estuary and harbour, where seals, otters and eagles glide among the decaying pilings of abandonded fish canneries.
Discovery Coast Passage
The Discovery Coast Passage tours from BC Ferries is an ideal way to view this scenic and wildlife-rich coastal area. Cruising is another excellent way to discover the coast – sail on vessels such as a heritage schooner or luxury yacht to discover coastal towns, aboriginal culture and whale and bear watching.
Take the Coast Cariboo Circle Route to experience the remote inlets and fjords of the mid-coast on a ferry that links the communities of Port Hardy, Bella Coola, Shearwater, Ocean Falls, and Klemtu. Take a guided wildlife tour from Tweedsmuir Lodge or a trip to Princess Royal Island to look for the rare Kermode bear.
Hakai Luxvbalis Conservation Area
This area is famous for fishing, kayaking and incredible wildlife and scenery. Eagles and bears can be seen along the shoreline and the waters teem with orcas, humpback whales, seals, dolphins and porpoises, fish and seabirds. The Hakai Luxvbalis Conservation Area is only accessible by floatplane or boat.
For information on wildlife safety, practical points and viewing tips visit the BC Wildlife Tours page.
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