Wild West Mackenzie Trail

14 days, Guided Group, Fixed Departure

This is a unique trek with packhorses through a remote and seldom travelled part of the Rockies along the route of the Gold Rush Heritage Trail. The journey links into the Mackenzie Trail, the route originally taken by the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean overland. The group will follow old Native Indian trading routes across the Chilcotin plateau with the support of genuine wild west cowboys and their horses, up onto the peaks of the Rainbow Mountain Range overlooking this vast wilderness. Camp in the traditional camping grounds of the old local trappers and hunters with a stunning backdrop of alpine meadows, rivers and mountains. The trail leads into Mackenzie Valley, a stunning location, with a great river to dip in and access to one of the highlights of the trip, Mount Mackenzie at 2143 metres, which it is possible to summit for the magnificent views. There will be a chance to explore the Mackenzie Valley and perhaps see moose, caribou, mountain goats and even a wolf.

You eventually arrive at the Bella Coola Valley, gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet with a high density of both Grizzly and Black Bears. Here you can relax on a river drift through temperate rainforest, as bald eagles circle over head in the shadow of snow-capped peaks. Go snorkelling with salmon, take a cultural tour with local native Indians and watch Grizzly Bears fishing. Return to Vancouver or take optional extensions to Vancouver Island for some whale and seal-watching or kayaking.

Day 1. Outbound

Fly to Vancouver. Enjoy a trip briefing in the vibrant Jericho area of this cosmopolitan city.

Day 2. Wild West Frontier Country

Travel through the Fraser Valley and up to the Chilcotin Plateau

Days 3 and 4. Dome Peak

Meet the outfitters and their packhorses who will escort you into the mountains. Genuine old school cowboys who have operated in these ranges for generations. You embark on your trek over forested plateau to your first camp in a small valley beneath Dome Peak from where a day hike allows for exploration of the surrounding wilderness.

Days 5 to 7. Mackenzie Valley

Rise above the treeline for excellent views of the surrounding rainbow coloured ridgelines, crystal lakes and alpine meadows stretching into the distance. Arrive at your riverside camp in the beautiful Mackenzie Valley, your home for the next three nights. Day hikes allow you to explore the valley, track wildlife and hopefully sight a moose or other game. The highlight has to be the alpine scramble up to Mount Mackenzie (optional) from where the Rainbow Mountains to the north and coastal mountains to the south can be viewed.

Days 8 and 9. Alpine Meadows

You will then climb out of the valley via the gentle and stunning Tweedsmuir Trail which will take you over a mountain pass and into beautiful alpine meadows and the Octopus Lake camp. The Octopus trail winds its way through a plateau of lakes and meadows and leads you back to the trailhead. You then transfer to Bella Coola Valley. It was here that Mackenzie became the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean. It is also home to a high density of bears and other wildlife including wolves, moose, deer, caribou, bighorn sheep, cougar (mountain lion), lynx, mountain goat, marmots and the mysterious wolverine.

Days 10 and 11. Bella Coola and Bears

Enjoy a river drift and snorkel in the company of an expert biologist for an interpretive look at the salmon spawning area. Bears can usually be found congregating along the riverbanks to feast so watch out for Grizzlies! The next day local native guides will take you on a unique rock carvings tour followed by an exploration of the rich ecosystem of the temperate rainforest.

Days 12 to 14. Vancouver and Homeward

Return to Vancouver for a last night before catching your overnight flight back to the UK. There are a variety of options at the end of the tour so please enquire as to extending your time in this scenic country.