Eco-tours

Explore nature, naturally

Come to Northern British Columbia to enjoy the beauty of a pristine wilderness, while leaving a softer footstep on the environment. Ecotourism opportunities here are boundless.

To the far west of the region are the Queen Charlotte Islands, or more culturaly named Haida Gwaii.

It’s a magical place, where unusual ocean treasures are found. Starfish are scattered on beaches, along with kelp, jellyfish and Dungeness crab.  Take a long beach walk and discover Agates, washed up treasures, and secluded bays.

Tour operators offer a wide variety of packages for the eco-conscious, including hiking, kayaking and sightseeing excursions. During all explorations tour operators take care not to disturb precious habitat.

Ocean kayaking is particularly popular, and there are many excursions that only require a standard level of fitness. Visitors especially enjoy exploring Northern B.C.’s coastal caves or occasionally paddling parallel with a killer whale.

From the picturesque port of Prince Rupert, visitors can board whale-watching excursions, as well as other coastal adventures. One of the most sought-after is a trip to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. The 44,000-hectare park was established to protect the great Grizzly bear and its valuable habitat. Visitors may also catch glimpses of sea lions, wolverines, mountain goats, beaver and otter. The oceanfront along the park - 45 kilometers north of Prince Rupert - teams with Coho, Chinook and chum salmon.

Prince Rupert is establishing itself as a premier access point for sea kayaking experiences. Paddling spots include Porcher Island, the Mystery Islands, Melville Islands, Work Channel (where kayakers occasionally paddle with whales) and Khutzeymateen Inlet. And the duration and difficulty of the tour can range from an easy day trip to a week-long journey in the wilds of Northern B.C.

Inland in the Northwest, the Nass River is a challenging run, with paddlers regularly observing Oolichan and eagles. The river is also a photographer’s dream, with red sand beaches created by volcanic activity in the area in the mid-1750s.

An eco-tourism paradise

Northern British Columbia is literally dotted with lakes and lined with streams and rivers, making every corner of the region an ecotourism destination. About halfway between Prince Rupert and Prince George, visitors can experience a new vista, beginning with the peaceful Bulkley Valley, leading right into the Lakes District on the Yellowhead Highway.  Francois Lake, Burns Lake and Fraser Lake all feature accommodations, as well as numerous hiking trails. The Red Rock and Table Mountain trails will lead hikers into an area known for its unique landscape. Located on the northeast end of Fraser Lake is an extinct volcano, with traces of lava still visible in the area.

The northeast corner of Northern British Columbia presents an entirely different landscape for the ecotourist, with many choice areas to explore. Here in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, visitors enjoy the rolling fields of Peace Country, along with plenty of alpine.  Monkman Provincial Park near Tumbler Ridge offers excellent wildlife viewing, trails and scenery, along with fabulous camping.