Reset for 2021 in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Let’s face it, last year was…less than ideal. We may not be out of the woods yet, so to speak, but with the new year comes the opportunity to put the past behind and look forward to the future. Look ahead with a fresh outlook and positivity – beginning with a concerted effort to take a deep breath and reconnect with everything around you. And there’s no better place to reconnect in wide-open spaces than the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast (when it’s safe to do so). Where should you begin?

Connect with nature:

Escaping the human-made world and delving back into nature can reduce stress, boost your immune system, improve your health and increase energy levels – all things that are sorely needed these days. Fortunately, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast has all this in spades.

Embark on a hiking or mountain biking expedition to explore new trails, learn more about your natural surroundings with guided eco and wildlife tours*, or head to a guest ranch for horseback riding into the forest and up on the plateau. Regardless of how you get out into nature during your visit, you’ll be surrounded by nearly untouched wilderness and incredible views, sure to inspire you to focus on the here and now.

Before you book your next BC bear viewing adventure tour, ensure that the tour company you choose is a member of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association.

Places to visit: Bella Coola Grizzly Tours and Adventure Resort, Bear Camp, Bella Coola Mountain Lodge, Bralorne Adventure Lodge, Chilcotin Holidays, Firvale Wilderness Camp, Free Rein Guest Ranch, Kayanara Guest Ranch, Kynoch Adventures, Nuk Tessli Wilderness Experience, Red Cariboo Resort, Retreat Wilderness Inn, Spring Lake Ranch, Taseko Adventures, Ten-ee-ah, Lodge, Chilko Experience Wilderness Resort, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, Tyax Adventures, Wettstone Guest Ranch, and Whitecap Alpine.

Connect with culture:

Delve into the culture and history of the area to learn something new, inspire your creativity, and learn about the lives of British Columbia’s earliest residents. Galleries featuring local artists’ are found throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and offer their creative contributions to the community to admire (and bring home, should you wish). Museums and visitor centres feature the dynamic and fascinating history of the area, and you can see history in action at Barkerville Town & Historic Park where you will learn about the extraordinary history of BC’s gold rush, with its unique streetscape of more than 125 heritage buildings, period displays, satellite museums, restaurants and shops.

Places to Visit: Copper Sun Gallery, Lillooet Museum & Visitor Centre, Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, Barkerville Historic Town & Park, Tallheo Cannery Guest House, The Historic Chilcotin Lodge.

Connect with the land:

Get in touch with the land by tasting its offerings, including delicious food, fresh produce, and delectable libations. Find eateries that focus on local ingredients, stop by a Farmers’ market, or visit a local brewery, meadery, distillery, or other purveyors of local treats to see nature in action – creating delicious food and drink for all to enjoy.

Start with a tour at Fort Berens Estate Winery, or explore the burgeoning craft-beer industry while trying “fresh-hopped” beer, made by adding hops to brews within 24 hours of harvest. At Barkerville Historic Town & Park, taste dishes re-created from the 1800s and cooked on a wood stove, while in the central Cariboo you can taste Marguerite and Soda Creek areas’ renowned sweet corn on the cob.

Look for the return of foodie favourites (fingers crossed for 2021) including the Williams Lake Medieval Market and the South Cariboo Garlic Festival, as well as local farmers’ markets. Restaurants and eateries throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast offer a range of dining options made with fresh, local ingredients so you can support local communities in more ways than one. In Bella Coola, find fresh-from-the-boat catches of Dungeness crab, giant prawns and salmon to satiate your stomach and satisfy your soul. By taking the time to feel, smell and taste the local foodie offerings, you take your mind off the worries of the world and reconnect with the present.

Places to visit: Gecko Tree Cafe, Williams Lake Farmers’ Market, Fort Berens Winery, Lillooet Farmers’ Market, South Cariboo Farmers’ Market, McLeese Lake Farmers’ Market, and KiNiKiNiK Restaurant.

Connect with yourself:

Make 2021 the year of you – by reconnecting with yourself. Take a trip to a remote lodge where there are no distractions, just you, yourself and nature. Bring a few favourite books, a camera or a journal and spend time in fresh surroundings while getting in touch with your inner self. Treat yourself to a luxury wellness getaway, complete with spa treatments and invest in your well being. Book a round of golf, stay in a lakeside resort, explore the wilderness and water, while embracing the moment and reconnecting with what is most important.

Places to visit: Reynolds Resort, Ruth Lake Lodge Resort, Silvertip Lodge & Heli-Skiing, Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort, Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing, Echo Valley Ranch & Spa.

Mental health is even more on the front burner after the past several months, and taking care of yourself is not only good for you, it benefits everyone around you! Take the time to reconnect in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Start planning by visiting our Know Before You Go page for current information and helpful links, and visit our travel resources for more information.