Visit the Cariboo Mountains in the height of the Canadian winter in pursuit of Canadian lynx, timber wolf and moose, with the chance of seeing the spectacular northern lights.
Your Wild Canada in Winter tour begins with a flight to Vancouver, where you overnight, before flying to Williams Lake. From here you travel deep into the Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park for a six night stay at the delightful Pyna-tee-ah Lodge. Over the next five days, under the expert guidance of our local tracker, you venture out on foot, snowmobile and 4WD in pursuit of three of the regions most iconic mammals: the Canadian lynx, timber wolf and moose.
Whilst the mammals will be your main focus, you can also hope to see some fantastic birds, with bald eagle, pine and evening grosbeak, and great horned and great grey owl all possible.
The evenings will be spent in the warmth and comfort of the lodge, from where you may be fortunate enough to hear the spine-tingling sound of wolfs howling and, if conditions are favourable, the chance to the see magnificent spectacle of the northern lights.
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Fly to Vancouver
Depart the UK on a daytime flight to Vancouver.
Accommodation: Airport hotel, 1-night
Day2: Fly to Williams Lake & transfer to Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park
This morning fly to Williams Lake where you are met by Gary and transferred to your lodge for a six night stay.
Days3-7: Explore Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park
Over the next five days you will employ a flexible programme, targeting the areas that are most likely to provide us with a chance of seeing three of the region’s most iconic mammal species: the Canadian lynx, timber wolf and moose.
Depending on the latest sightings and weather conditions, Gary will either take us by 4WD vehicle or possibly even snowmobile, before donning snowshoes and travelling by foot to an area that will hopefully yield results. Gary has over 30 years experience of tracking and viewing wildlife, employing a range of techniques to help maximise your chances.
Using snowshoes gives you a taste of the principal means of transport used by the early pioneers, fur traders and miners in winter. Snowshoeing is both fun and easy - if you can walk, you can snowshoe - and you can enjoy an outdoor winter adventure with the quiet swish of the snow under your feet while you observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
Although the daily programme is subject to change, it is reasonable to assume that most days will commence with an early breakfast at the lodge, before heading out with a packed lunch and flask for a full day in the field, returning to the lodge in time for dinner. Evenings are free to relax, enjoying a glass of wine by the fire, or, if conditions allow, stepping aside to view the spectacle of the northern lights.
Day8: Transfer to Williams Lake, fly to Vancouver & depart
This morning transfer to Williams Lake and fly to Vancouver, from where you connect with an overnight flight back to the UK.
Day9: Arrive UK
Please note: In winter the weather in the mountains of British Columbia can be severe and may change rapidly. You must be prepared for wintery conditions and temperatures as low as -20⁰ Celsius and - for your own safety and comfort – it will be necessary to dress accordingly. This includes warm insulated waterproof outerwear i.e. a jacket, trousers, gloves and hat, waterproof winter footwear (snow boots) rated for use in temperatures down to -25⁰ Celsius, and clothing that you can layer, such as a wicking thermal base-layer and socks, and a fleece mid-layer.
Key info
Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 9 daysfrom £4,595 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £4,095 pp
Single supplement:
From £750
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go: Feb-Mar: Depths of winter
Included in the price/package:
Return flights between Vancouver & Williams Lake
6 nights Pyna-tee-ah Lodge
1 night hotel in Vancouver
Most meals (all meals at Pyna-tee-ah Lodge, bed & breakfast in Vancouver)
Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park is a true wilderness, dominated by high serrated peaks and glaciers, and densely forested valleys featuring attractive lakes and lush wetlands. Its extensive undeveloped landscape provides critical habitat for a number of wildlife species including grizzlies and rare mountain caribou.
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Where: British Columbia
Ideal for viewing: brown bear, caribou, moose, lynx, American black bear
Excellent for: River safaris, Bear watching, Rare mammal watching
British Columbia’s largest city stands in a fine coastal setting, against a backdrop of lofty tree-covered peaks - a great starting point to any wildlife holiday in the province. There is plenty to see in this lively, multi-cultural city, such as exploring Stanley Park on foot or by bike.
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Where: British Columbia
Excellent for: Activity & adventure, City stopover, History & culture
Suggested accommodation is shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
This spacious and homely lodge occupies a two-hectare landscaped riverfront site overlooking a beautiful stretch of the rolling Quesnel River at the outlet of Quesnel Lake in Likely, British Columbia. With charming hosts and hearty traditional country meals, the Pyna-tee-ah is certain to delight you.
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