British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is an untamed wilderness sprawling with nature and wildlife. The area spans from Bella Coola within the Northwest to the historic gold rush cities alongside Hwy 20 and Hwy 97, to the city of Lillooet within the South. The area makes up among the most numerous landscapes in Canada, serving the right backdrop for a street journey.
There’s by no means a boring second driving by means of this a part of the nation. From snow-capped mountains to glistening waterways, the distant space is an unbelievable vacation spot for sightseeing and journey.
We not too long ago launched into this scenic route and are right here to share our ideas, recommendation, and our beneficial stops for the right Cariboo Chilcotin Coast street journey.
Street tripping alongside the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Street Journey Alongside British Columbia’s Central Coast
Referred to as the Nice Bear Rainforest Loop, this wonderful street journey winds by means of among the most dynamic landscapes in British Columbia. Beginning on northern Vancouver Island, the route veers into the expansive Cariboo Area by means of Bella Coola. You’ll cruise previous waterfalls, shimmering lakes, and hoodoos earlier than hitting the ranchlands of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast.
From Williams Lake, the route heads south by means of the Cariboo mountains into a few of British Columbia’s most famed mountain cities. Hike your approach round Whistler and Joffre Lakes earlier than using the Sea to Sky Freeway into Vancouver.
Overlooking Tweedsmuir Provincial Park within the Nice Bear Rainforest
Prime Stops Alongside the Nice Bear Rainforest Loop in British Columbia
Begin: Port Hardy on Vancouver Island
Port Hardy is a stunning little city on the northern tip of Vancouver Island the place forests encompass the roaring Pacific Ocean. It’s a superb vacation spot for wildlife viewing and is the gateway to the Central Coast through the Bella Coola ferry.
It’s value spending a couple of days on the town earlier than you leap on the ferry, and even a couple of weeks to discover different locations on Vancouver Island.
Issues to do in Port Hardy
- Attempt your hand at fishing on a fishing constitution by means of a few of British Columbia’s most bountiful waters.
- Hop on a whale watching tour from the close by Telegraph Cove
- Bask in Port Hardy’s favorite snack, smoked candied salmon, whereas perusing the native retailers on Market Road.
- Discover the Port Hardy Seawall and soak in ocean views from Seagate Pier.
Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island
Bella Coola by Ferry
Port Hardy to Bella Coola: 263 km // 10 hours quarter-hour
The ferry to Bella Coola cruises by means of the varied surroundings that makes the Central Coast so distinctive. Remember the fact that the ferry solely operates in the course of the summer season from June-September.
As soon as in Bella Coola, get pleasure from being within the coronary heart of the Nice Bear Rainforest! The area provides beautiful views, with stunning forests, surrounding mountains, and rivers winding by means of the landscapes. It’s a hub of outside journey splendid for bear watching, fishing, and even heliskiing.
Issues to do in Bella Coola, British Columbia
- Study in regards to the wealthy First Nations historical past of the Nuxalk folks on a cultural tour with Copper Solar Journeys in Bella Coola. We joined their Petroglyph Tour to see historic stone carvings and listened to the fascinating tales within the rainforest.
- Kayak the various inlets and passages. Throughout excessive tide, the Bella Coola Estuary is spectacular and bustling with marine life.
- View wildlife in its pure habitat. Through the Summer season months, you’ll discover bears, and mountain goats plentiful within the forests and mountains in addition to salmon within the rivers.
Petroglyphs web site, Bella Coola, BC
Petroglyphs Tour, Bella Coola, BC
Petroglyphs in Bella Coola, BC
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Bella Coola to Tweedsmuir Park: 60 km // 50 minutes
For those who’re itching to see grizzly bears, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is a must-see on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Seek for considerable wildlife at one of many largest parks in British Columbia that serves as a vital habitat for bears.
Issues to do in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
- Keep at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and go on a guided grizzly bear-watching tour alongside the Atnarko River. Drift by means of the water or perch your self on the Belarko Wildlife Viewing Platform to see grizzlies mowing down on salmon.
- Hike the park’s many trails by means of the Rainbow Vary or alongside Burnt Bridge.
- Go fishing for salmon, trout, and whitefish within the lakes and rivers.
Grizzly bears on the Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Heckman Cross
Tweedsmuir Park to Heckman Cross: 38 km // half-hour
The thrilling journey up “The Hill,” or Heckman Cross, is an journey in itself. The winding street hugs the mountainside from Bella Coola to Anahim Lake with no guard rails perception. The grades are steep and elements of the street are unpaved. Many older automobiles wrestle to make it up the hill and there are many tales of locals who by no means left the world and have made the Bella Coola area dwelling on account of not having the ability to make it up the hill.
The reality is, the drive is loads much less difficult than one would possibly anticipate (until you’re driving a very outdated automobile), however the views alongside the Heckman Cross are spectacular!
The Hill To/From A Totally different World. Picture courtesy of Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Board
Issues to do in Heckman Cross
- Throw your concern of heights out the window as you climb British Columbia Freeway 20 alongside switchbacks and cliffsides.
- Go to Anahim Lake for glorious fishing for rainbow trout
Hunlen Falls through Nimpo Lake
Heckman Cross to Nimpo Lake: 58 km // 50 minutes
Hunlen Falls is an unbelievable vacation spot tucked away deep within the Southern a part of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. The waterfall can’t be reached by automobile which makes it all of the extra unique.
The waterfall is thought-about one of many tallest waterfalls in North America and the best in Canada. The falls pour out of Turner Lake in Tweedsmuir Park and move by means of the rivers into the Pacific.
Easy methods to get to Hunlen Falls
- Take a 20-minute scenic flight over the falls in a floatplane from Nimpo Lake. The flight provides panoramic views of the falls and is by far the easiest way to see this unbelievable pure surprise.
- As a result of there is no such thing as a street, the one different option to entry Hunlen Falls is through a steep 16.4 km mountaineering path.
Hunlen Falls and Turner Lake from the air, Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park, BC. Picture courtesy of Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Board
Tatla Lake
Nimpo Lake to Tatla Lake: 77 km // 1 hour 10 minutes
The rolling hills round Tatla Lake are a part of the Chilcotin Plateau, the place ranching is a well-liked way of life. The world is flanked by mountain valleys and provides incredible entry to the Cariboo Chilcotin wilderness.
Issues to do at Tatla Lake
- Be part of native anglers and fish for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden in Tatla Lake. Plus, there are a number of different lakes alongside this stretch of freeway worthy of a cease to drop a line.
- Dine on the Graham Inn for native favourites like hamburgers and contemporary bannock.
Redstone
Tatla Lake to Redstone: 76 km // 1 hour
Redstone is a small city and a First Nations neighborhood of the Tsilhqot’in folks. The city doesn’t provide a ton by way of sightseeing, however it’s an ideal pit cease to refuel and to go to the KiNiKiNiK Restaurant the place “pasture to plate” eating celebrates native components.
Issues to do in Redstone
- Go to KiNiKiNiK Restaurant & Retailer for sustainable eating on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Their healthful menu serves meat and eggs raised proper on the property. In case you are in search of a spot to crash for the evening, Kinikinik additionally provides on-site lodging in cabins.
- Stroll over Lover’s Bridge and see the waterfall, cattle, and grassland outdoors the timber-clad KiNiKiNiK Lodge.
KiNiKiNiK Restaurant & Retailer, Redstone, Chilcotin Bella Coola Freeway, BC
KiNiKiNiK Restaurant & Retailer, Redstone, Chilcotin Bella Coola Freeway, BC
KiNiKiNiK Restaurant & Retailer, Redstone, Chilcotin Bella Coola Freeway, BC
Riske Creek | Historic Chilcotin Lodge
Redstone to Riske Creek: 97 km // 1 hour quarter-hour
Soak in historical past at Riske Creek once you step again in time on the Historic Chilcotin Lodge. In-built 1940 as a looking lodge, the Historic Chilcotin Lodge is without doubt one of the final remaining genuine lodging amenities in BC.
The charming lodge has 10 superbly embellished bedrooms, every with a washbasin and a snug mattress. The lodge additionally has a restaurant on-site together with a tea home and reward store to chill out and unwind.
In case you are touring in an RV or campervan, the lodge additionally has an RV Park. It’s an ideal place to spend the evening, eat some scrumptious selfmade meals and stuff your self with some yummy cinnamon buns and different sweets.
Historic Chilcotin Lodge
Farwell Canyon
Riske Creek to Farwell Canyon: 22 km // half-hour
Farwell Canyon, situated about 20 kms south of Riske Creek, feels 1,000,000 miles away from the humidity of the Central Coast. Right here limestone and sandstone type uniquely formed hoodoos carved out by water lots of of years in the past. The canyon is a formidable sight and a worthy detour from Hwy 20. The canyon is definitely accessible by automobile (no 4WD wanted) and is a superb spot for some mountaineering to take a look at the surroundings.
Issues to do at Farwell Canyon
- Hike the paths into Farwell Canyon to stroll amongst the sandy hoodoos.
- Discover the cliff faces and hold your eyes peeled for rock carvings.
Farwell Canyon
Alkali Lake
Farwell Canyon to Alkali Lake: 100 km // 1 hour half-hour
The Alkali Lake is a distant neighborhood, dwelling to the First Nations Esk’et band. Referred to as a neighborhood of therapeutic, the folks of Alkali Lake are important to dependancy restoration in BC. They intention to encourage by sharing tales of hope to beat the battles of alcohol dependancy.
Throughout our go to to Alkali Lake, we stayed within the Esk’et Tiny Home, an exquisite custom-built tiny dwelling situated simply outdoors of the Esk’et Group. It was the right cozy cabin to spend a couple of nights whereas having fun with the quiet peaceable surrounding of the world. Within the evenings, we relaxed within the out of doors sizzling tub, stargazing and watching the lights of the Esk’et Group twinkle within the distance.
We beloved studying extra from Robert, the founding father of the Esk’et Tiny Home and an lively member of the neighborhood. His tales provided an perception into the neighborhood’s turbulent previous and provided hope for a brighter future.
Esk’et Tiny Home in Alkali Lake
Contained in the Eskmet Tiny Home, Alkali Lake
Williams Lake
Alkali Lake to Williams Lake: 52 km // 45 minutes
Williams Lake is the central hub of the Cariboo Chilcotin Area and a staple of BC cowboy tradition. The crossroads city has traditionally been a gathering place and hosts an annual rodeo, provides nice rafting, and wonderful mountain biking. It’s your go-to place to replenish any street journey necessities earlier than persevering with south.
Issues to do in Williams Lake
- Study in regards to the western rodeo tradition on the BC Cowboy Corridor of Fame.
- Go mountain biking at Westsyde Ridge, Dessous Mountain, or Fox Mountain.
- Discover Scout Island and the Scout Island Nature Centre for top-notch birdwatching and an ideal picnic spot.
Horseback using and herding cows within the Canine Creek Valley in Churn Creek Protected Space, southeast of Williams Lake. Picture Courtesy: Vacation spot BC/Michael Bednar
Lac La Hache
Williams Lake to Lac la Hache: 66 km // 45 minutes
The 19 km shoreline of Lac La Hache is full of eating places, resorts, and ranches. The lake is a well-liked spot for angling, boating, and water snowboarding.
Issues to do in Lac La Hache
- Go fishing for trout and whitefish.
- Go to in August for the South Cariboo Garlic Pageant.
Lac La Hache
108 Mile Ranch
Lac la Hache to 108 Mile Ranch: 12 km // 8 minutes
A historic a part of the Gold Rush Path, 108 Mile Ranch is a small neighborhood with heritage buildings from the 1800 and 1900s. The world additionally provides mountaineering, mountain biking, and angling alternatives.
Issues to do in 108 Mile Ranch
- Go to the 108 Heritage Web site to tour outdated log cabins and uncover historical past on the museum.
- Go fishing for Bull and Rainbow Trout on 108 Mile Ranch
Fog over 108 Mile Lake. Picture Credit score: Vacation spot BC/Michael Bednar
70 Mile Home
108 Mile Ranch to 70 Mile Home: 55 km // 36 minutes
Some 70 miles alongside the Cariboo Wagon Street lies 70 Mile Home, one other historic city with glorious lake entry. Go to Inexperienced Lake Recreation Space and discover the rolling hills and ranches of the world.
Issues to do in 70 Mile Home
- Get pleasure from water sports activities and birdwatching at Inexperienced Lake Recreation Space
- In case you are in search of a very distinctive cease, take into account a couple of nights at Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort. We didn’t get an opportunity to remain at this off-grid eco-luxury retreat however heard nothing however nice issues in regards to the property. Other than being an exquisite place to remain, the resort provides bikes, canoes, and horseback using on the property, so there are many actions to remain busy for a couple of days.
Lillooet
70 Mile Home to Lillooet: 138 km // 1 hour 40 minutes
Lillooet provides rugged nature at its most interesting and is one other worthy cease on the Gold Rush Path. It’s a hub of outside journey providing mountaineering alternatives, biking, mountaineering, and boating.
Issues to do in Lillooet
- Marvel at stunning jade sculptures on the Jade Stroll alongside Primary Road earlier than visiting the native farmer’s market.
- Take a cultural tour to study extra in regards to the tradition and traditions of the St’at’imc First Nation.
- Get pleasure from countless trails for mountaineering, mountain biking, and climbing.
Lillooet, Fraser River. Picture Credit score: Vacation spot BC/Michael Bednar
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Lillooet to Joffre Lakes: 70 km // 1 hour
The glowing glacier-fed Joffre Lakes are a surprising addition to a Cariboo Chilcotin street journey. The snow-capped peaks contrasting the turquoise blue water is a can’t-miss picture op.
Register on-line to get a day go (free) and cease on the park for a hike across the Joffre Lakes Path. The path is about 10 km and provides sweeping views of the Decrease, Center, and Higher Joffre Lake.
Necessary Tip: There isn’t a reception on the freeway en path to Joffre Lakes, so make sure you register on-line to get your go earlier than arriving on the park.
Whistler
Joffre Lakes to Whistler: 62 km // 1 hour
Whistler is internationally famend for its ski hills at Whistler Blackcomb Mountain. The city is bustling with retailers and eating places, set amongst a backdrop of towering mountains and wildlife. There’s at all times one thing happening, be it in the summertime and winter.
Issues to do in Whistler
- Hike alpine trails as much as iconic Black Tusk or Panorama Ridge close to Garibaldi Lake.
- Journey the gondola from Whistler to Blackcomb for a birds-eye view of Whistler Village and the encompassing forest.
- Stroll alongside outdated city peeking into retailers or pop into one of many many eating places for a meal
- Pack a picnic of native fare and head to Rainbow or Misplaced Lake.
Previous City, Whistler
Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler. Picture Credit score: Vacation spot BC/Blake Jorgenson
Squamish
Whistler to Squamish: 59 km // 45 minutes
Squamish is all about exploring the magic of the outside. It’s situated only one hour north of Vancouver however feels worlds away from metropolis hustle and bustle.
Issues to do in Squamish
- Hike or rock climb your approach up the legendary Stawamus Chief. There are a lot of totally different areas for various expertise ranges.
- Go paddleboarding on peaceable Alice Lake.
- Seize a map of the Squamish Craft Tasting Path and pattern the perfect native brews from round city.
- Try the Sea to Sky Gondola for unbelievable views of the city and the encompassing mountains.
SUP in Squamish with Norm Hann Expeditions. Picture Credit score: Vacation spot BC/Hubert Kang
Vancouver
Squamish to Vancouver: 64 km // 1 hour
Vancouver, British Columbia
The street from Squamish to Vancouver, alongside the Sea-to-Sky Freeway, is arguably probably the most scenic drives in all of Canada. So take your time and benefit from the surroundings on this final leg of this unbelievable street journey. The gorgeous drive completes the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast street journey within the wonderful metropolis of Vancouver! Have fun your journey at a world-class restaurant or chill out with a sundown at Sundown Seashore.