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Highlights
Experience thrilling wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures in West Chilcotin
Ride horseback through the beautiful Chilcotin Plateau and experience ranch life.
Hike to the breathtaking Farwell Canyon sand dunes and spot bighorn sheep.
Take a floatplane tour over glaciers, alpine lakes, and stunning mountain scenery.
Enjoy wildlife viewing, including grizzly bears, in the Great Bear Rainforest.
The West Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour offers an unforgettable adventure through some of British Columbia's most remote and stunning landscapes. Travelers can experience the rugged beauty of the Chilcotin Plateau and Coast Mountain Range, with highlights such as horseback riding at a traditional guest ranch and hiking to the spectacular Farwell Canyon sand dunes, where you may spot bighorn sheep. A scenic floatplane tour over glaciers and alpine lakes offers a bird’s-eye view of this pristine wilderness.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by opportunities to see grizzly bears, whales, and other wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest. The tour also immerses travelers in Indigenous culture with visits to Xat’sull Heritage Village and Bella Coola, where guided tours offer insights into the region’s history and traditions. With a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and wildlife, this self-drive journey provides an authentic exploration of the West Chilcotin.
The West Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour offers an unforgettable adventure through some of British Columbia's most remote and stunning landscapes. Travelers can experience the rugged beauty of the Chilcotin Plateau and Coast Mountain Range, with highlights such as horseback riding at a traditional guest ranch and hiking to the spectacular Farwell Canyon sand dunes, where you may spot bighorn sheep. A scenic floatplane tour over glaciers and alpine lakes offers a bird’s-eye view of this pristine wilderness.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by opportunities to see grizzly bears, whales, and other wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest. The tour also immerses travelers in Indigenous culture with visits to Xat’sull Heritage Village and Bella Coola, where guided tours offer insights into the region’s history and traditions. With a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and wildlife, this self-drive journey provides an authentic exploration of the West Chilcotin.
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West Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Williams Lake
Arrive in Williams Lake and settle into your hotel. Enjoy some optional sightseeing and explore the local area at your own pace. For dinner, choose from the various local restaurants and relax after your journey.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Williams Lake
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Xat’sull Village & Chilcotin Plateau
Visit Xat’sull Indigenous Heritage Village, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and lunch. Then, drive through the breathtaking Chilcotin Plateau, immersing yourself in the vast wilderness. End the day with a relaxing dinner at a historic B&B in Riske Creek, and unwind in the peaceful surroundings.
Overnight Location: Bed & Breakfast in Riske Creek
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Discover Farwell Canyon
Head to the scenic Farwell Canyon, where you’ll hike along its striking sand dunes. Have lunch by the river and spend the afternoon exploring Riske Creek’s trails or simply relax before another exciting day.
Overnight Location: Bed & Breakfast in Riske Creek
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Bull Canyon & Traditional Guest Ranch Experience
Drive along HWY 20, stopping in Redstone for lunch on a charming farm. Afterward, explore Bull Canyon Provincial Park with a scenic hike along the Chilcotin River. Arrive at your guest ranch near Kleena Kleene for a classic Canadian ranch experience and enjoy a peaceful night in this rustic setting.
Overnight Location: Guest Ranch near Kleena Kleene
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Immerse in Guest Ranch Activities
Settle into the laid-back ranching culture of the Plateau. Start your day with a scenic horseback ride through the stunning landscape, followed by a thrilling side-by-side ride through the forest to a picturesque lookout. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure—whether you choose to canoe on the tranquil lake, hike the surrounding trails, or simply relax on the ranch grounds.
Overnight Location: Guest Ranch near Kleena Kleene
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Turner Lakes & Hunlen Falls
Board a float plane from Nimpo Lake for a scenic tour over the Coast Mountains and Monarch Icefields. Land at Turner Lake to visit the stunning Hunlen Falls and spend the afternoon hiking around this remote park. Return to Nimpo Lake via floatplane and spend the night at the guest ranch.
Overnight Location: Guest Ranch near Kleena Kleene
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Journey to Bella Coola
Continue along HWY 20 to the lush Bella Coola Valley, stopping for lunch by the ocean and estuary. Enjoy a walking tour with a local Indigenous guide to view sacred petroglyphs, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bella Coola
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 8 Grizzly Bear Viewing
Embark on a thrilling grizzly bear viewing tour along the Atnarko River in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Afterward, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Bella Coola’s natural beauty and hikes in nearby parks.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bella Coola
Meals: None
Day 9 Explore the Bella Coola Fjords
Set out on a full-day boat tour exploring the stunning Bella Coola fjords. Take a dip in natural hot springs, and keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears, black bears, whales, and dolphins.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bella Coola
Meals: Lunch
Day 10 Return to Williams Lake
Head back to Williams Lake, marking the end of your West Chilcotin adventure.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: None
West Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is fully customizable and available for any group size, based on availability. The prices below are per person, based on double occupancy:Accommodation on West Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour
This tour is based on a variety of options such as hotels, lodges, Guest Ranch and bed and breakfasts, each offering a unique and comfortable stay tailored to your needs.
What’s Included in the West Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
For transportation during the tour, you will need your own vehicle, as this is a self-guided tour. Detailed itineraries and local recommendations will be provided to ensure a smooth journey.
Also included
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Custom prepared itinerary, local recommendations, and remote support during your trip.
Not included
- Flights to/from and within British Columbia
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Vehicle rental/usage and fuel
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- GST tax (5%)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the West Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the West Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Williams Lake to start this tour?
- Where does the West Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. The tour involves moderate physical activities like hiking, horseback riding, and rafting, which require average fitness. The self-driving aspect may be challenging for those unfamiliar with remote roads.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
You can reach Williams Lake by car (6 hours from Vancouver), by flight to Williams Lake Regional Airport (YWL), or by regional bus services.
The tour ends in Williams Lake, where you return after exploring Bella Coola and surrounding areas.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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