Deep in the heart of British Columbia in the Cariboo Mountains surrounding the deepest fjord lake on earth is the rare temperate rainforest found nowhere else on earth. In the Quesnel Lake watershed, which drains some 12,000 square kilometers of land, water is the essence of the sustainability of the vibrant and abundant life forms found within it. Through spring and summer the high alpine explodes in a kaleidoscope of color as the wild flowers burst into full bloom – asters, glacier lilies, solomon’s seal, monkey flower, Indian paint brush and a myriad of others.

The lush valley bottom ecosystems provide food and shelter for countless species, including Grizzly Bears and black bears, water fowl, furbearers ungulates, butterflies, and a whole other plant world. In the rivers of these valley bottoms the bull trout and rainbow trout share their habitat with the salmon – sockeye, pinks, coho and Chinook. This natural place – remote, wild and endlessly green – refreshes your soul and cleanses your inner spirit.

Situated in the heart of one of the most unique and diverse areas on earth, the Quesnel Lake watershed has it’s own unique micro-climatic zone on the western slopes of the Cariboo Mountains. Experience it first hand with experienced knowledgeable guides. We have local experts, people recognized nationally in their fields of expertise whether it be entomology, botany, biology, bryology and ornithology.

Whether you come for the sheer pleasure of observing nature and life in this unique ecosystem, or whether you are a novice or amateur naturalist or a research expert, you will find much to challenge your interests when you join us on an ecotour in the Cariboo Mountains.

The Cariboo Mountains watershed area includes a unique cross section of biogeoclimatic zones, which make it a rare and interesting nature study. The region runs the gamut from Old Growth interior cedar – hemlock to Engelmann spruce – subalpine forests, and including northern spruce, willow and birch of the subalpine zones and alpine tundra of the high mountains. This results in a very mixed climate ranging from cool, wet winters, and summers which are generally warm and dry, to long, cold winters and short, cool, growing seasons in portions of the area.

Consequently this cross section also creates an unusually productive area for plant and animal life. It makes the wetlands a particularly rich staging area and home habitat for a varied and numerous bird population. This is area also is rich in history. It is the heart of the 1860’s Cariboo Gold Rush and there are many authentic and interesting historical sites remaining from the gold rush days.

Observe the “cycle of life” as the clear glacial waters of the Mitchell River run red with the returning sockeye salmon. One of the life’s blood rivers of the Quesnel Lake watershed and one of the major salmon producing rivers in the province, the habitat it provides is shared by the resident trout and the salmon. The salmon return from the Pacific Ocean through the Fraser River system and the Quesnel River into the watershed. They make their way to the Mitchell River where they spawn and complete their life cycle. As the salmon return the Grizzly bears also return to the river.

What is included:

Accommodations, meals, guides, necessary motorized equipment (boats, motors, vehicles), orientation and interpretive information, ground transport from/to Williams Lake.

Depending on the trip chosen guests need to bring camera (preferably with a telephoto lens), film, a good pair of binoculars, proper footwear, backpack, day pack sack, hat, rain gear, clothing that can be layered – fleece is best, personal toiletries, sleeping bag (Mitchell Lake trip only).

What is not included:

International airfares, Goods/Services taxes (5%), Wilderness Stewardship Fund (1%), gratuities, liquor, floatplane flights to outlying areas such as Mitchell Lake unless otherwise stated.