We travel with respect for the animals that habitat this wild and vast land that today is virtually “just as it was created”. Wild horses still run free throughout the meadows, grizzlies feed at waters edge and big horn sheep and mountain goats perch on the highest ridges of the mountains. There are at least six distinct biogeoclimatic zones within Ts’yl?os Provincial Park which sits neatly inside the Xeni Gwet’in Caretaker area. In the fall millions of red sockeye salmon return from the Pacific Ocean to spawn. Whether your focus is on wild horses, bear, birds or salmon spawning, your guide will lead you out on the land to explore. With a number of trail choices it will depend on your focus for the journey.

Wildlife Viewing
The area is pristine and rich with wildlife and breathtaking views. It is criss-crossed with creeks and streams of glacial waters flowing from the mountains and feeding the ecology of the watershed.

Area is habitat for both black and grizzly bears. As October nears it is a common site, to see bears feeding on salmon along the lake and river shores.

In addition to these features the area is uniqe with herds of wild horses, some of the last in BC. The Xeni Elders have memories of the wild Qiyus (Cayuse) that go back several centuries

Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

All wildlife viewing should occur under the supervision of a trained guide. Guides are available through the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation Government at the Band Office or from permitted lodges and operators.

• Be responsible and respectful of wildlife and the land. Never chase, harass or otherwise disturb the wilderness or wildlife  including the small animals, birds and fish.
• If you see a bear  remain calm  often the bear is just passing through and if it finds no food source, it will simple move on. 
• ever approach a bear and warn others to keep away.
• Keep well away from wildlife including wild horses.
• Help wildlife remain wild.  Leave no garbage; practice “leave no trace” camping.  Ensure that all garbage is kept in a bear-proof container or indoors until it can be properly disposed of.
• When wildlife is sighted, be content to view from a respectful distance. Use binoculars and telephoto lenses so that images can be captured from a distance. Do not follow or track wildlife from one area to another.
• Wild horse viewing expeditions specifically are limited to six per party, plus your guide.

 

What You Can Do To Protect The Area

• Respect the environment. Be careful with fire and please do not litter.
• Fishing in the Xeni Gwet'in Territory is subject to both provincial and Xeni Gwet'in government regulations.
• In British Columbia all anglers over 15 years are required to have a provincial fishing license. Anglers are responsible to purchase licenses and abide by the guidelines and regulations for each lake and stream.
• Become familiar with all the regulations in the area you intend to use.
• Respect the rights of other outdoor recreationists and of landholders.
• Learn how to handle fish properly and release them without harm.
• Use of barbless, single hooks is required.
• Chilko River is a classified water, is catch and release and requires special licensing.