Natural History Tour

Wetlands and Old Growth Forests

with Native Heritage and Cultural Interpretation


This tour offers unique native heritage and cultural interpretation by members of Northern Secwepemc Te Qelmucw ("People of the Northern Shuswap nation"). These are the people descended from those who lived solely off the rich resources of these lands and ancient forests. Take a walk back in history and explore the Mitchell River wetlands where plant and animal life abound in this rare temperate interior rain forest that exists nowhere else on earth. Stand beside 1000 year old Western Red Cedar. Listen to the aboriginal history and stories of the Secwepemc people as told by members of the Williams Lake Band whose ancestors cared for and lived off this land of great diversity. See it through the 'eyes of the Secwepemc people'. These people were hunters and gatherers, living off the land. Learn how they gently used the land, about the ethnobotany and the rich resources of their traditional territory, their stewardship of the Earth Mother and adaptive strategies.

Understand the importance of maintaining these ancient forests. Old growth forest is all that is left of the natural evolution of the earth. The Mitchell River wetlands provide habitat for wildlife and numerous bird species. They are also one of the significant waterfowl staging areas in British Columbia for birds such as ducks, geese, trumpeter swans, blue herons, water ouesels, eagles and many more, along with foraging moose, grizzly and black bears and other animal life. One of the life's blood rivers of Quesnel lake, the Mitchell River and it's tributary streams provide spawning, rearing and foraging habitat for the legendary wild trout as well as a major spawning area for sockeye salmon, making these wetlands extremely important to the First Nations people. Explore the many natural features of Quesnel Lake, the deepest fjord lake on earth, and get to know those who have gone before - the Secwepemc Te Qelmucw. Also included will be a native arts and crafts session, which may include basket weaving, hat-making, beading or moccasin making, native foods and entertainment by skilled artisans of the Williams Lake Secwepemc. Guests will be given the opportunity to participate in the arts and crafts sessions and create a hand-crafted item as a memento of this experience. Minimum four people per trip.

Packages Include: Accommodations, meals, guides, 2 consecutive days native interpretation and activities, necessary motorized equipment (boats, motors, vehicles), orientation and interpretive information, GST taxes, ground transport from/to Williams Lake. Depending on the trip chosen guests need to bring camera (preferably with a telephoto lens), film, a good pair of binoculars, proper footwear, back pack, day pack sack, hat, rain gear, clothing that can be layered - fleece is best, personal toiletries, back pack and sleeping bag (Mitchell Lake trip only).

Not Included: International air fares, 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 we can re-book your reserved space, the deposit can be applied for an alternative date. All payments are final and non-refundable. Payments may be made by bank draft, bank transfer, money order or cheque. Prices are subject to change without notice. Bookings confirmed with a deposit are guaranteed.

Note: Guests are required to sign a waiver of liability prior to participation in activities.

Custom packages of longer or shorter duration can be formatted to suit you or your group's itinerary. Please inquire for rates and availability. References available on request.