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July 8, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Anahim Lake, Horseback Riding
The Itcha Ilgachuz mountains are absolutely spectacular! Especially when you travel on horseback. I went on a Pack Trip last weekend based out of Escott Bay Resort on Anahim Lake. We took three riding horses and four pack horses up to camp which we got set up for the summer. The trail really was good, I've seen it a lot worse this time of year. Except for a couple of the swamps and creeks we had to cross it was very nice and dry.
It took a good part of the day to get up to the camp and once everything was set up we cooked some chili over the campfire.
The next day we got a chance to go for a beautiful ride up high into the alpine. It was the most gorgeous day and besides getting to see the most incredible scenery we were lucky enough to come across a large herd of caribou! It was absolutely beautiful. We watched them for quite a while, not trying to disturb them, but it was them coming closer to us. They really are very curious animals and didn't mind us there at all.
What is so special about the Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park is that there is no road access at all, except for hiking/ horse trails. So you're definitely off the beaten paths, just like a lot of places in the West Chilcotin backcountry.
It was a great trip, hopefully will get a chance to get up into those mountains again this summer!
July 7, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Williams Lake, Cattle Drives & Rodeos Williams Lake, Cattle Drives & Rodeos
Stampede time in Williams Lake, absolutely spectacular!
The 83rd Williams Lake Stampede was held last weekend and the whole town was celebrating the rodeo. Besides some great rodeo fun with lots and lots of action I had to attend one of the pancake breakfasts which is an absolute must! What I really enjoy is that almost every store and business in town is decorating with the stampede theme, besides seeing cowboy hats where ever you look! Had a great time and will for sure watch it again next year, although I won't even have to wait quite as long as Williams Lake is hosting the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals this August.
May 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Anahim Lake, Cattle Drives & Rodeos
What a great trip – last weekend I got a chance to help out on a cattle drive in Tatlayoko Lake
So after a very scenic and relaxing drive to Tatla Lake it is only about another 40 minutes to Tatlayoko Lake
In the morning everyone was up early; we got the horses saddled and were out for the spring cattle drive. There is enough grass growing now and those cute little calves are big enough to start grazing out on the range together with their moms.
Couldn’t have had a better weekend!
And I’d really like to come back in the summer and do one of their pack trips into the mountains as well. Connie and Alex from Bracewells Alpine Wilderness Adventures really know these mountain ranges and I can’t wait to explore more of this gorgeous country!
May 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Anahim Lake, Backcountry Touring
Finally I got a chance to see them – the Wheelchair Accessible Wilderness Trails that everyone is talking about. The Tatlayoko Valley
The surface of the trails is mining belting which was donated by one of the local mines. It makes a very smooth trail surface and is also great for jogging or inline skating.
The existing trails are right on the lake – a super spectacular setting with the surrounding mountains, the Niut Range and Potato Ranges
I also love the idea of the Tatlayoko Community Association who would like to see the completion of 210km of wheelchair accessible trails throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin region by 2010.
A very cool project! And I already know I will be back to spend more time in the valley, sooo much to see and do!
May 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Williams Lake, Cattle Drives & Rodeos Williams Lake, Cattle Drives & Rodeos
Rodeos year round! This is the great thing about Williams Lake and the Cariboo - there are rodeos almost every time of the year. There is the world famous Williams Lake Stampede which is held every year during the July 1st long weekend. Just like last year Williams Lake will host the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals in August. And of course after such a long break during the winter months I had to check out the Indoor Rodeo.
They had Bareback and Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Team Roping and Bull Riding. Was great to watch and I am so looking forward to the big Stampede this summer!
May 7, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Nimpo Lake, Scenic Drives
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By now the ice is already off Nimpo Lake in the West Chilcotin but when I was out there in February everyone was still using the ICE ROAD. So of course I had to check it out as well. The Ice Road is plowed out by volunteers to connect the different properties on Nimpo Lake. Driving across the Lake might save you half an hour or even more compared to driving around the Lake in the summer. Too much fun, I really liked it. Will have to do it again next winter!
November 3, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Anahim Lake, Cattle Drives & Rodeos
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A three day cattle drive near Anahim Lake in the Chilcotin - what a great experience! From the ranch we pushed cows and calfs onto their summer range in the mountains. The trail varies, from alkali meadows to winding creeks, to muddy swamps and jackpine ridges. If there even is a trail! This country is still considered "the last frontier" and there really is no other way to find your cows than on horseback. Camping in the mountains and sleeping under the stars really ads on to the great memories, not to mention the fantastic scenery of the Itcha Mountains.
November 3, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Bella Coola, Festivals & Events
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One of the best events I visited this summer was the Bella Coola Rodeo.
It is one of the largest amateur rodeos in Western
Canada and a real wild west event. Cowhands show their skills
kicking off with a gymkhana, and competing in bronco riding, barrel
racing, calf tie-down, team roping, bull riding and the infamous cow
patty bingo.
And besides all the rodeo fun and the dance every night, the Bella Coola rodeo grounds are surrounded by the most spectacular scenery ever! The valley really is very special and I'll definetely be back for the Rodeo!
October 10, 2008 | Tips from Us > Anahim Lake, Horseback Riding
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Travelling on horseback is a great way to explore the remote Chilcotin backcountry! Four of us went up into the Ilgachuz mountains north of Anahim Lake which are part of the Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park. One of the only parks in BC without any road access! We had 4 riding horses and loaded all the gear onto 3 packhorses. What a great trip. And the timing was perfect - looking back on our way down we could see the fresh snow up in the alpine, what a beautiful sight.
September 25, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Clinton, Artists & Art Galleries
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So many amazing places in the Cariboo! If you drive through Clinton make sure to check out Vallance Pottery. It is right on Highway 97, the Gold Rush Trail. They have so much to choose from if you are looking for some unique gifts to take home.
Besides great quality handturned pottery, they also have Cards, Lotions and handmade Bath Salts, handmade Quilts to hand Knit Socks, Candles and loose Specialty Teas. Definitely a must see!
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