BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Hiking
Throughout the Chilcotin there are great opportunities for day-hikes. Check with local operators for information on local trail systems and for trail maps. Hiking trails are far too numerous to mention, but what follows is a sample of the available trails.
Nimpo Lake / Anahim Lake Area
Nimpo Lake Community Trails
A mixed use network of easy to moderate walks offering beautiful views and numerous benches to sit and relax. Easy access from the community of Nimpo Lake.
Rainbow Range Trail
Spectacular moderate day-hike in Tweedsmuir Park offering alpine lakes, wildflowers, and beautiful views of the Coast Mountains. About a 5 hour return trip with an abundance of views. There are many other trails in Tweedsmuir Park, most of which would require overnight camping to hike. You can check them out at the Tweedsmuir Park website.
Precipice Rimrock Trail
An easy hike along the rim of an ancient volcanic canyon with a 300 foot waterfall, columns of basalt rock along the canyon walls, and grassy meadows and a meandering stream at the base. A wonderful scenic walk suitable for most people.
Mt. Kappan Lookout Trail
Weaving its way through an old clearcut, forested hillsides, a high mountain meadow, and finally reaching a lookout ridge with panoramic views of the Coast Mountains and Chilcotin Plateau, the Mt. Kappan Lookout Trail is a satisfying hiking experience. Best accessed July through September, it is about a 4 hour return trip with a moderate elevation gain.
Bella Coola Valley
Bella Coola Valley Trails
The Bella Coola Valley has an extensive network of easy to moderate trails that offers views, lush old-growth forest, wildlife, and alpine terrain. You can view or download their trail guide here.
Tatla Lake and East
Junction Sheep Range Park
This day-hike takes you across the semi-arid grasslands and sculpted landscapes to an overlook of the junction of the Fraser and Chilcotin Rivers. Bighorn sheep populate the area.
Tatla Lake Community Trails
Tatla Lake is where the plateau meets the mountains of the West Chilcotin. Over 17 km of trails are accessible from the townsite, through many different environments. Everything from alpine flowers to rugged terrain and stunning views await hikers in the mountains surrounding Tatla Lake.
Potato Mountain Trail
This moderately strenuous full-day hike rewards you with wonderful views of the Tatlayoko Valley and interesting alpine ecosystems.
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Other Hiking Trails
Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail /
Nuxalk-Carrier Grease Trail
This is the ancient First Nations trading route followed by Alexander Mackenzie on the last leg of his cross-Canada exploration in 1793. It stretches about 450 km from near the city of Quesnel to the ocean. Portions of the trail can be accessed by float plane or horseback, or from various back-country resorts. Camping overnight will be necessary if you're not basing yourself at a back-country lodge.
Fly-in Hiking
Fly-in hiking is possible in many alpine areas of the Chilcotin. Whether into Tweedsmuir Park, the Charlotte Alplands, or any of the Coast Mountain glacier areas, there are operators who can both fly you in or in some cases accommodate you while you are there. This can be just a day-hike or a multi-day adventure with one of our tour operators. See our list of operators for specific details.