Land Without Limits

Birdwatching

Bald Eagle | Steve Ogle
BC birding

Mountain Bluebird | Steve Olge

The diversity of landscapes and species throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast attracts birdwatchers from around the world. Nature lovers, with binoculars (or cameras) in hand, can take in the scenery from lakes to mountains, grasslands to rainforest, travelling along plateaus and through valleys to find an incredible variety of BC birds.

Local fishing lodges are a terrific spot to set up your birdwatching base camp, where the natural food source attracts pelicans, loons and even Sandhill Crane. In the subalpine and alpine forest, the terrain attracts American Golden-Plover, Willow Ptarmigan, Gray-cheeked Thrush, and Blackpoll Warbler, among others.

Along the Chilcotin Plateau, west of Williams Lake, the fortunate can catch glimpses of American White Pelicans in local lakes, sharing their space with BC bird species including the Common Loon, Western Grebe, Cinnamon Teal and Osprey. In the evening along the Fraser River, listen to the dulcet songs of Common Poorwill or the hoot of a Flammulated Owl before heading back to a cozy cabin or lakeside lodge for a night of rest.

Farwell Canyon, south of Riske Creek, features a gorge created by the Chilcotin River, as well as ponds along the route home to Eared Grebe, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and Ruddy Duck. Nearer the canyon, eager birders keep an eye out for the rare view of Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon, with the more prevalent White-throated Swift dashing through the grasslands.

When the Coast Mountains are in view, lakes and ponds may feature migratory Trumpeter and Tundra Swans stopping for a rest, and the shoreline is home to Semipalmated Plover, Least Sandpiper and the more common Solitary and Spotted Sandpiper. Enthusiastic ornithologists are encouraged to stop at the Tatlayoko Lake Bird Observatory during August and September to watch tens of thousands of migratory birds as they travel through the Tatlayoko Valley on their southward journey.

Descending into the Bella Coola Valley, the coastal rainforest of giant Western red cedars are home to Barred Owl, Pacific Wren, Varied Thrush, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Vaux’s Swift and Pileated Woodpecker.

Birding in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Birding in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Learn more about birds in the region and where they can be found.
Capturing Fall Photography

Capturing Fall Photography

Discover scenic spots for fall photography.
Where the Wildlife Roam

Where the Wildlife Roam

Explore the abundance and diversity of wildlife throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast.

Anahim Lake Resort

Anahim Lake Resort

Rustic Simplicity! The resort encompasses cozy lakeshore cabins-plus one full service cottage. Central shower and flush toilet, running water, wood & propane cooking stoves, electricity and with panoramic views. Trail riding, flight seeing, fly-in fishing, hiking bird watching, and renowned…

Cameron Ridge Bungalows

Cameron Ridge Bungalows

Jewel of the Mountains! A paradise of opportunity awaits you in the heart of the Cariboo Mountains at Cameron Ridge Bungalows. Offering exclusive Cabin Rentals, Guided Hiking Excursions, Heli-Hiking, Photo Safaris, Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing and more, there is no…

Cariboo Bonanza Resort

Cariboo Bonanza Resort

Only a short, 15-minute drive East of 100 Mile House, the Cariboo Bonanza Resort offers everything you need! 11 cabins, 1 luxury chalet and 50 full hookup (15 and 30 Amp) sites all with a view of the lake. We…

Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures

Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures

Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures offers tours 15 minutes west of Williams Lake BC. Tours begin in May and end in October. We offer day trips and multi day trips showcasing beautiful river scenery, Indigenous culture sharing experiences, gold rush history…

Chilcotin River Trading

Chilcotin River Trading

First Nations owned and operated full-service gas station that offers regular, premium, and diesel at all 6 pumps. The store also offers a card lock for businesses and semi trucks. Come try the best local grilled sandwiches in the West!…

Copper Sun Journeys

Copper Sun Journeys

Journey through the Great Bear Rainforest with knowledgeable Indigenous guides. Tour Nuxhalk territory's spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and dramatic mountain peaks as you learn the history and stories of this beautiful region. Discover the stories behind ancient petroglyphs, tour old-growth…

Lakeside Motel

Lakeside Motel

Great old-fashioned motel, offering quaint rooms with lovely views of Williams Lake. The Lakeside Motel offers 32 cozy, neat and clean rooms. Free newspapers, private yards, unlimited WiFi, public parking and coffee makers are also available to complete the home-away-from-home…

Martens Resort

Martens Resort

Welcome to Martens Resort on ​beautiful Timothy Lake! ​Book your next family vacation at our lakefront resort, where we have several cabins and fully serviced RV sites right on the shores of Timothy Lake. If you are looking for a…

Meadow Lake Fishing Camp

Meadow Lake Fishing Camp

Meadow Lake Fishing Camp, established in the 1930's, is located in the Thompson-Okanagan District of British Columbia in Canada a two-hour drive north of Kamloops on Highways 5 and 24. On 14 lakes we provide you with fantastic fly fishing…

Meadow Lake Guest Ranch

Meadow Lake Guest Ranch

Located on the old gold rush trail, 30 minutes NW of Clinton, BC, Meadow Lake Guest Ranch is your home away from home in the Cariboo and your gateway to the Chilcotin. We are open year-round with accommodations for every…

Rainbow Resort

Rainbow Resort

Open from May-September, we offer a range of cabins and camping to meet your needs! Come stay with us on beautiful Canim Lake and enjoy the serenity of the Cariboo.
Red Cariboo Apartments

Red Cariboo Apartments

The Red Cariboo Apartments are located north of Anahim Lake in West Chilcotin, British Columbia, on Elsey Road, only 1 km off the Chilcotin-Bella Coola Highway 20. The private property with the apartment building is directly at the waterfront of…

Rustic Resort

Rustic Resort

The Rustic Resort is an old jewel located on the Thuya lakes with 8 rustic log cabins. The cabins come complete with what you need to have a great time fishing and adventuring the BC mountains.
Three Nations Store & Lodge

Three Nations Store & Lodge

THREE NATIONS STORE AND LODGE PROVIDES NEEDS FOR THE MODERN EXPLORER! Currently, the Store is the only facility within 55 km for visitors to purchase items. There is a gas station and restaurant and rustic accommodations for weary travellers. The…

Westwood Motel

Westwood Motel

We are located on Highway 97 in the heart of the South Cariboo. Perpendicularly situated off the main road on a 1-acre property, the location provides a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. There's plenty of parking for all vehicle types, including…

Wettstone Guest Ranch

Wettstone Guest Ranch

Nestled in the Interlakes Area of the South Cariboo in British Columbia, Canada, the Wettstone Guest Ranch is close to an array of outdoor activities, yet far from the crowds of Jasper or Banff. Here you will experience the Wild…

Whitecap Alpine

Whitecap Alpine

Whitecap Alpine is an outdoor adventure backcountry lodge that specializes in guided hiking, ski-touring and split-boarding trips. All meals are fully catered for by our private chefs and our ACMG qualified guides curate adventures for all abilities levels, enabling our…