Ecotours - BC is a grass roots outdoor adventure guide service offering
truly Canadian wilderness experiences. Situated in the heart of one of
the most unique and diverse areas on earth, the Quesnel Lake watershed
drains over 12,000 sq km of land that 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 are
often joined by local experts, people recognized nationally in their
fields of expertise whether it be entomology, botany, biology or
bryology. 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 our ecotours.
The Quesnel Lake 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. The season is May to November. Minimum two guests per trip.
Note: Ecotours - BC packages are all inclusive from Williams Lake
arrival point. Please see individual package notes for special
inclusions. We also offer custom packages of longer or shorter duration
and tailored to the itineraries of individuals or groups.
"The Bear Whisperer" - Grizzlies and Salmon - "The Cycle of Life"
Meet the Cariboo Mountains “BearWhisperer”!
Gary Zorn has a passion for the big bears – the grizzlies. With Gary you will meet the Cariboo Mountains grizzly bears in their wild natural habitat.Gary has devoted his life studying the social hierarchy, habits, habitat and body language of these creatures while communing with them on their turf.Grizzlies, one of the largest predatory and most solitary species with their razor sharp claws, big demeanor, tell-tale hump over the shoulder and dished nose are unmistakable - the undisputed signature species of the Canadian wilderness.From the wetlands to the alpine travel the trails of these great animals with Gary.He knows the bears here intimately from their
unique habits, temperaments, family units and colorings.While amongst the grizzlies, Gary thinks like a bear.As he communicates with the bears he speaks in a soft monotone, and filled with his special brand of humour, he conveys calmness but can also convey a stern command – “Hey, bear, how’s the fishin’?”.“Enough bear, back off now”.These bears are wild, free and unhabituated.With over 30 years experience Gary maintains a constant and vigilant respect for the bears.His most often repeated advice in bear viewing – “Grizzly Bears are wild animals.Remain calm.Never run from a bear.”High safety standards ensure guests enjoy this unique experience and see some of Canada’s premier wildlife in close proximity, ideal for photography and just experiencing nature in the raw.Whether you are viewing the bears on the rivers by jetboat going about their daily business and enjoying a salmon feast or feeding on Solomon seals (Polygonatum multiflorum) and grasses in the high mountain valleys, it is an experience you will remember and treasure forever.
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. This adventure provides exceptional grizzly bear watching and photography opportunities as the bears feast on salmon and ready themselves for their winter hibernation. Along with the grizzlies the river is lined with eagles, bald and golden, also feasting on the salmon carcasses. This exquisite river ecosystem provides a unique study opportunity for naturalists and photographers.
As you watch the cycle of the salmon and the antics of the native wildlife you are likely to see many species of birds including ducks, geese, blue herons, trumpeter swans, water ouesels, whiskey jacks (gray jays), sapsuckers, woodpeckers, grouse and many more. Native wildlife in the area includes the mountain grizzlies, mountain goats, mountain caribou, mule deer, moose, black bears, and a host of smaller furbearers such as otters, beavers, pine martens, chipmunks, squirrels and more. Don't miss this natural history adventure. This is one of the few places on earth where this cycle of life remains in tact in the wild - untamed and undisturbed.
The Mitchell River lies in the lower reaches of the Cariboo Mountains Park. We access it by jetboat from Quesnel Lake. For over 20 years we have studied the bears and other wildlife in the ecosystem. We have learned their habits and body language qualifying us to safely guide you on what can only be called "the adventure of a lifetime" on the Mitchell River. Season - mid-August to October. Minimum two guests per trip.
Discover BC’s
Newest and Never Before Offered Wilderness Adventure!
Be among the first to experience this amazing Mule Trekking and
wildlife and nature adventure in British Columbia’s spectacular Cariboo
Mountains back country.
Trek unburdened into the land beyond the tree and a world of
spectacular mountain peaks, pure fresh air and the wild side of nature.Accessing the summer alpine habitat of
the wildlife in this way allows you to quietly walk the game trails that the
bears, moose, caribou and mountain goats, wolves and wolverines and other
mountain dwellers have travelled for eons.Learn to recognize the tracks of the different animals and
meet the mountain dwellers in their natural habitat.Learn about wildlife and the high alpine plants and birds
that make up this unique part of the natural world.
Pass quietly through lush boreal forests on your way to the
alpine heights. Listen to the
wilderness, the mountains and the forests– hear them speak to your soul.Hear the creeks and streams tumbling down the mountain sides voicing the
pure ancient wisdom of mother nature.Hear the multitudes of birds singing and chirping, the scurrying of
small creatures, the voice of the wind sighing through the trees or just listen
to the golden silence in alpine meadows surrounded by nature’s palette of
colorful flowers and plant life.Travel among the wildlifeobserving grizzlies, mountain goats, mountain caribou, wolves, black
bear and moose in their natural wild habitat.This trekking experience is a unique learning experience
with insights into the very soul of Canada’s most unique features.It is adventure in the back country far
from the beaten tourist tracks.Learn from your guide and the trusty sure footed mules as you wend your
way to new heights.Challenge your
outdoor skills and your sense of adventure.
Trekking with mules is an age old green, non-intrusiveand environmentally sustainable way to
explore, discover and experience nature and harken back to experience a slower
pace.This is the way the
gold prospectors of the Cariboo Gold Rush followed the lure of gold into the
mountains.The mules carry the
necessities for your adventure and your gear.You walk the peaks and ridges unburdened fully enjoying the
connection with nature, the wildlife and the beauty of the alpine
landscape.Camp out under the
canopy of stars on the edge of a cool crystal clear high mountain tarn
reflecting the icy blue sky and the amazing mountain terrain or under a
millennia old glacier.Reflect on
Mother Nature’s finest moments.Eat luscious mountain meals cooked over an open fire.At night sit around the campfire and
review the day’s adventure, tell stories, and sing campfire songs.Listen to the night sounds and
observe the stars and perhaps even the “aurora borealis” before you retire to
your tent for peaceful restful sleep in a high mountain valley.
This is an ideal adventure trip and photographic safari for
those who love to get away from it all in undisturbed wilderness and
nature.It is an excellent
adventure for families with younger children as children can safely ride the
mules allowing the adults to maintain an easy pace, see more and freely explore
their surroundings.Fully guided
by experienced mountain guides and mules make this a carefree adventure for
everyone.Summer Adventure Season – July thru September.
Adventure In The Cariboo Mountains High Country
Come and connect with the wild side of nature in the wilderness back country of the Cariboo Mountains. This exciting back country adventure takes you into the high country. Feel the freedom as you breathe in the fresh pure mountain air. Your adventure will take you into the high alpine, the ‘land beyond the tree’, where you will see wildlife and experience life of the wild mountain dwellers. You will be guided by local knowledgeable, caring guides who will ensure your safety and a memorable experience in the tradition of Here are some of the exciting things you can experience.
Discovery is part of human nature. At Ecotours-BC we focus on the discovery of nature combined with the delivery of quality in diverse recreation experiences and genuine Canadian hospitality. This makes Ecotours-BC’s Pyna-tee-ah Lodge in the heart of the Cariboo Mountains the place where your dreams come true.
Commune with nature, expand your birding knowledge, see native wildlife in the natural habitat, and much more. It is a place of renewal that creates desire to become part of the natural world or create a new family tradition. You can count on Ecotours-BC to build your connection to nature through our diverse wildlife and nature experiences.
Winter is the perfect time to follow your own special “call of the wild”. The solitude, peace and beauty of winter in this mountain wilderness fills your senses as you hike or swish silently through the snowfilled forests on snowshoes or by dogsled in search of wildlife. Lean about wildlife behavior, habitat and their amazing adaptability to the often harsh conditions of winter.
As the snow deepens in the high country the animals move to wintering grounds in lower elevations and valley bottoms. Animals you can see in winter include moose, mountain caribou, deer, wolves, lynx, cougar, furbearers such as marten, ermine and perhaps a rare glimpse of a wolverine. Birds abound in this winter wonderland - jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, owls and eagles soar along the rivers and in the forests.
Located on the Pacific Flyway, British Columbia is a birding paradise so bring your camera and your curiosity and visit us in central British Columbia where over 200 species of birds make their homes in the Cariboo Mountains. Birding comes naturally when there are huge populations of raptors, migratory and mountain birds in this widespread mountain wilderness area.
Some birds are truly unique within this area of the Cariboo - the Chestnut-backed Chickadee which favours the Cedar Hemlock forests, the Varied Thrush which breeds extensively in the Cariboo Mountains down to lake level and the Tennessee Warbler and Magnolia Warbler which are primarily found in this region. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned birder this is a unique and rare experience – a very special way of getting out and enjoying the spectacular beauty of the seasons.
Anchored by huge Quesnel Lake, deepest fjord lake in the world, with habitat ranging from wetlands to alpine, it provides habitat for many varied bird species. It is also one of the largest migratory staging areas in BC. Hiking through the marshlands and interior rainforest to the alpine you will meet many feathered friends, large and small, and have exceptional photo opportunities. Birds include eagles, owls, osprey, migratory birds – ducks, swans, geese, blue herons, sandhill cranes. Traveling the rivers by boat eagles and belted king fishers keep us company along with a plethora of other birds that call the rivers home like the elegant common loon.
Packages Include: 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 good 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).
Not Included: International airfares, Canadian Goods and Services Tax (5%), Wilderness Tourism Habitat Conservation Fund (1%), staff appreciation gratuities, liquor.
Payment & Cancellation Policy: Bookings are confirmed with a 50% deposit with the balance due 60 days prior to arrival. In the event of cancellation 60 days prior to your scheduled arrival, and your reserved space can be rebooked, the deposit can be applied for an alternative date in the same season or the following season. All payments are final and nonrefundable. Payments may be made by bank draft, bank transfer or cheque. Prices are subject to change without notice. Bookings confirmed with a deposit are guaranteed.
Custom Packages – Ecotours-BC is pleased to offer packages of longer or shorter duration. The tours can be a day trip or 7 days or more which could include a wider variety of activities. Please inquire for pricing for custom packages.
Note:Ecotours – BC reserves the right to cancel or modify services as weather and local conditions warrant without notification in the interest of safety of all concerned.Guests are required to sign a waiver of liability.
Ecotours - BC is a grass roots outdoor adventure guide service offering
truly Canadian wilderness experiences. Situated in the heart of one of
the most unique and diverse areas on earth, the Quesnel Lake watershed
drains over 12,000 sq km of land that 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 are
often joined by local experts, people recognized nationally in their
fields of expertise whether it be entomology, botany, biology or
bryology. 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 our ecotours.
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. The season is May to November. Minimum two guests per trip.
s here intimately from their
