British Columbia—Bears, Canoes & Culture

Day 1 Terrace, British Columbia

Arrive at any time. Terrace is our gateway to the The Greater Kitlope Conservancy a magnificent 121,600-hectare wilderness area in the Cariboo Mountain Range of British Columbia, Canada. Marvel at the rugged snow capped peaks, natural hotspings, glorious waterfalls and tranquil lakes and marshlands. Considered one of the largest untouched temperate rainforest on Earth, the area was virtually unknown to conservationists until 1990's. Its an emerald jungle inhabited by bears, wolves, falcons, moose, eagles, mountain goats, and all five species of Pacific salmon. Today, the park is a wildlife sanctuary protecting the diverse range of wildlife, habitats and rich flora including giant trees over 600 years old. The Greater Kitlope Conservancy is a truly magical place for the outdoor enthusiast, canoeist, photographer, and naturalist.

Day 2 Terrace / Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (L,D)

Transfer to our remote lodge. Morning sightseeing boat ride including a stop at Shearwater hotsprings and shore lunch. Historical talk about the Village and area with walk to the bear-viewing platform and learn how to install prawn traps. Today we visit the Shearwater Hotsprings. These odourless mineral springs are surrounded by natural rock walls, and are guaranteed to soak away your worries. The temperature at the source is 54.4 Deg C / 130 Deg F and with a view of the sea, it is a wonderful place to relax and soak in the mineral waters. Easily accessible and beautifully located by the open sea, Kitamaat is a First Nation Village and is the primary residence of the Haisla people. The word “Kitamaat” means People of the Snow in Tsimshian, the Haisla neighbors from Prince Rupert. The Haisla Name for Kitamaat Village is Tsee-Motsa which means Snag beach. Most Haisla continue to carry on the tradition of hunting, berry picking, gathering, and fishing. Every spring Haisla family groups still travel to the Kemano River for oolichan fishing. At this time, the village is full of the rich smell of the smoking fish. After a long hard North Coast winter, oolichan are the first fish returning to spawn in local rivers. The Haisla use oolichan for almost everything, from food to medicine. Haisla people learned to boil oolichan and make it into grease. They have become experts at making an especially pure white grease of a quality that is well known up and down British Columbia's Coast. Haisla people still trade this valuable commodity with neighboring villages The Canadian Pacific Inland Coast is home to grizzly (brown) bears that depend on the river and forest for their existence. In Haisla culture the grizzly is a highly respected animal. Male grizzly bears can reach and stand 2.44 meters and weigh anywhere from 330 to 825 pounds. During our visit the guide will share traditional ecological knowledge about how the Haisla community live and share natural resources with this magnificent and powerful creature. The Haisla territory is also the best place on earth to observe the unique (but elusive) Spirit bear -a white bear also known as Kermodei bear found only within Pacific Inland Coast and nowhere else. These rich ecosystems also attract black bear, deer, moose, wolves and also support many species of birds. Note: while our guides do their best, animal sightings are not guaranteed and are often depending on season, weather patterns and luck.

Day 3 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (B,L,D)

Jet boat to Kitlope Lake for canoeing and visit to cultural sites including totem pole and petroglyphs. Participate in a local "face washing ceremony and enjoy a shore lunch. Option for fishing. The Kitlope Heritage Conservancy, the world's largest undeveloped coastal temperate rainforest lies within the Haisla traditional territory. It's an emerald jungle teeming with bears, wolves, falcons, eagles, mountain goats, and all five species of Pacific salmon. Kitlope River is located at the end of Gardner Canal. This area is considered one of the most scenic and pristine destinations in North America. The Kitlope Heritage Conservancy represents the achievement of the Hasla Nation aboriginal people, to preserve thier pristine area for generations to come. The Conservancy is located within the ancestral lands of the Haisla people and it is of central importance to Haisla cultural and spiritual well being. It is still Haisla tradition, to wash one's face when entering the Kitlope for the first time. By washing your face, you are introducing yourself to the water and the spirit of the Kitlope. The Kitlope area has a village site symbolized by the replica the famous G'psgolox Totem. Known to the Haisla as "Hushuwashsdu" or "Source of the milky blue water", the Kitlope area bears Haisla Nation history and legend such as "The Man Who Turned to Stone". The Haisla have used the Kitlope area for the harvesting of plants, animals and fish including salmon and oolichan. (15 km day & approx. 3 1/2 hours paddling)

Day 4 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (B,L,D)

Spend the day exploring the Kitlope Conservancy in a traditional ocean-going canoe. Highlights include wildlife viewing, hiking amongst the 600 year old giant cedar trees, and talks on the traditions and legends of the area. On this trip, we have the opportunity to explore the Pacific Inland Coast aboard a replica of a legendary cedar canoe use and built for the Haisla Nation. For the North America's Northwest Coast waters, the cedar ocean going canoe is the perfect vessel. The ocean going canoe (also known as a dugout canoe or West Coast Canoe), is the traditional way that Aboriginal people of the Northwest of North America used to travel in their immense territory. The original canoe's were made of red cedar, as it is waterproof and rot-resistant. Many First Nations people consider the red cedar the "Tree of Life" as it was their source of clothing, shelter, and transportation. (10 km day & approx. 2 1/2 hours paddling)

Day 5 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (B,L,D)

Continue exploring the area around the Kemano River by ocean-going canoe. Highlights include wildlife and waterfalls, visiting an ancient Village settlement, totem pole, and history and legends of the First Nations people of the area. Option to fish and take an evening paddle from the Lodge. The Kitlope area is also the home of the Oolichan camp located alongside of Kemano River. Oolichan also know as (Eulachon, Candlefish, Hooligan or Smelt) was given the name "Grease Trail" to the travel routes, because the most important trade item carried over them was the eulachon oil extracted from the tiny fish. The nickname "candle fish" comes from the fact that the smelt are so full of oil that when dried, placed upright, and lit, the fish would burn from end to end like a candle. In the 1700s a vast network of oolichan "grease trails" stretched from Alaska to the Fraser River, even crossing the northern Rockies. (21 km day & approx. 4 hours paddling)

Day 6 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (B,L,D)

Spend the day in the ocean-going canoe exploring the Brim River Protected Area and the adjoining Owyacumish River Park. We enjoy a local hotspring and have excellent wildlife viewing from marine animals (minks, otters, porpoises, and sea birds) to the coastal wolf and famed Grizzly bear. Guide discuses Haisla tribal legends and history including a visit to a local cabin. Options for fishing and paddling in the evening. (16 km day & approx. 3:30 hours paddling)

Day 7 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal / Terrace (B,L)

Today we paddle our ocean-going canoe wildlife viewing along the Gardener canal and Kiltuih Inlet and enjoying some final stories and history of the Haisla people. Later this evening, transfer to Terrace for our last night. (18 km day & approx. 4 hours paddling)

Day 8 Terrace

Depart at any time.