Lions, Tigers & Bears….oh no! Grizzly Bears, Big Horn Sheep & Mountain Goats – oh yes!

Looking for untouched wilderness? Snow capped mountain peaks reflected on sparkling alpine lakes? Hoping to see grizzly bears, big horn sheep, mule deer, eagles, mountain goats or catch a glimpse of the elusive wolf or mountain lion? There are very few intact ecosystems left on this planet, but one that remains is remarkably accessible although few have made the journey there.

Only a one hour charter flight from Vancouver, British Columbia to one of several private airstrips, the traditional Tsilhqot'in territory of the Xeni People offers exceptional wildlife viewing. With five pristine valleys that have never been logged or mined, North America's largest high alpine lake, Chilko Lake and endless ridgelines and mountain peaks, this region offers travelers unprecedented opportunities to see wildlife.

The best way to access this wilderness, is to book a stay with one of several family run lodges that have signed a Sustainable Tourism Protocol with the Xeni Gwet'in people in support of continued environmental protection and development of sustainable tourism. These lodges offer all-inclusive packages featuring alpine hiking, multi-day horse pack trips, kayaking, canoeing and fishing, all of which provide unparalleled opportunities to see native flora and fauna. Expert trackers, the Xeni people are often employed as guides
and know the best habitat as well as the legends and lore of this magnificent land.

See grizzly bears as they gorge on salmon in preparation for their winter hibernation. Guided grizzly bear viewing trips take advantage of the peak fall season when the bears are drawn to the Chilko River to feast. The Chilko Valley has one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears during the peak season in the fall.
It is not uncommon to see many large boar grizzly bears as well as many sow and cub combinations.

Or, take a combined horse pack trip and alpine hiking adventure and search for mountain goats and big horn sheep. Day trips are available but the true immersion into this untouched wilderness requires several days of adventure and several nights under the stars. One week horse pack trips are ideal and also present some of the best photo opportunities in the world, amidst rugged glaciers, mountain meadows, alpine flowers, crystal clear lakes and streams, and abundant wildlife.