Where Are We?
Located in the Cariboo Mountains, in Central British Columbia, approximately 260 air miles northeast of Vancouver, our home base is located on the Quesnel River at the outlet of Quesnel Lake and the foot of the Cariboo Mountains. The Cariboo Mountains area is noted for spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and one of the rarest temperate rain forests on earth. Four major parks - Cariboo Mountains Park, Cariboo River Park, Bowron Lake Park and Wells Gray Park - border this wilderness region.
How to Get Here
Fly in to Williams Lake, our nearest major centre, which hosts a commercial airport with three flights daily to and from Vancouver by Pacific Coastal Airlines (604 273-8666 or toll free 800 663-2872) and Central Mountain Air (toll free 888-865-8585 or 403-730-5006). Round trip ground transport for the pleasant and scenic drive (approximately 60 miles) from Williams Lake can be arranged or, if you prefer, rent a vehicle* and drive yourself to Pyna-tee-ah Lodge at Likely, on the Quesnel River at the outlet of Quesnel Lake.
AIRLINE SCHEDULES
For a bird's eye view air transport by floatplane or wheel plane to the nearby airstrip can be arranged or fly your own plane. If you aren't familiar with "bush strips", please land at Williams Lake airport and drive out or we will meet you. Likely airstrip coordinates N 52° 37' W 121° 30' - 3200 foot gravel strip at 3,225 feet elevation. Williams Lake Airport Operations (250 989-4713).
Drive from Vancouver via the scenic Fraser Canyon on Trans Canada Highway No. 1 to Cache Creek, then north on Highway 97 to Williams Lake or via Whistler on the Pemberton highway to the historic Hat Creek Ranch where it joins Highway 97 north. Just south of Williams Lake (about 6 miles / 10 km) at 150 Mile House turn east onto the secondary paved highway which leads to the communities of Likely and Horsefly. At the top of the hill, the road "Y"s. Stay to the left on the paved road that goes to Likely. As you come into Likely, you cross the Quesnel River. At the end of the bridge, turn left and follow the road approximately a quarter mile (½ km) downriver to Pyna-tee-ah Lodge. Driving time from Williams Lake is about an hour. Driving time from Vancouver is about 8 hours.
*Vehicle Rentals
National 1-800-227-7368 In Williams Lake (250) 392-2976 or at the Airport (250) 989-4261
Ecotours-BC Lodge
Ecotours - BC base of operations is located on the Quesnel River at the outlet of Quesnel Lake in Likely, British Columbia, at the base of the Cariboo Mountains! Here you will find absolutely outstanding and truly Canadian outdoor adventures!
The lodge has 6 double occupancy rooms, a great room complete with stone fireplace, pool table, gift shop on approximately five acres of beautiful riverfront grounds.
The spacious lodge facility overlooks a beautiful stretch of rolling river that has some of the best trout and salmon pools on the Quesnel River. It is in the heart of nature and the historic gold mining grounds of the Cariboo - the best of it all - the rivers, the lakes, nature, wildlife, history, alpine, wetlands, and world-class adventures.
Be sure to join us this season for truly unique Canadian wilderderness adventures!
Your Hosts - Gary, Peggy and Melissa Zorn |
Gary and Peggy Zorn, both third generation western Canadians, have over 25 years of knowledge and experience in the tourism industry. They offer a professional guide service with an excellent reputation for providing a quality wilderness outdoor experience. A sense of stewardship and regard for the waters and lands and commitment to combining good management with maintenance and enhancement of the unique ecosystem and life it sustains with their "leave only footprints" philosophy ensures it will be maintained for future generations. A comprehensive knowledge of the geography of the land, wildlife, flora and fauna, and natural history of their area provides guests with a well rounded wilderness experience - an opportunity to simply enjoy and learn about the area.
Wildlife viewing can be done at distance without disturbance to the animals or habitat. However, at times we are up close and personal with some of the animals, particularly the grizzly bears that inhabit the Mitchell River area during the annual salmon run. Not to worry, Gary and Peggy have years of experience with these bears. Gary has become known as "the bear whisperer" because of his passion for the big bears and the knowledge of their habitat, habits, and body language and his understanding of their actions and reactions. Gary is noted for his unique relationship with the bears and his many amazing bear, wildlife and adventure stories. Gary and Peggy have learned to co-exist with the animals of the area and tread lightly through their forest homes. Safety is always first and foremost in the wilds of British Columbia.
Melissa has grown up with nature. She has a keenly observant eye for the tiniest creatures, and plant life in the forest settings, as well as birds and wildlife. She collects rocks and is quite knowledgeable about the various types. Melissa also has carved birds, and she ties flies for fly fishing. She enjoys meeting, entertaining and sharing her knowledge of nature with new friends.
We promote a "leave only footprints" philosophy in our area and request that you take no souvenirs other than pictures and memories.
How Can you help?
Good ecotourism practices through self education help make your trip more enjoyable and aids in the protection of the natural areas you venture into. During your trip maximize your positive impact. Documenting your trip and your observations gives you lifetime memories and something to share with future generations. We always appreciate receiving copies of your pictures and stories, too. It creates a unique personal connection with you and helps us to make our trips and better, to recognize potential problems and lets us share your unique feelings and observations with others. |
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