Just 200 kilometres north of Vancouver, BC, the Chilcotin Ark is a breathtaking 565-kilometer expanse of pristine wilderness, stretching from the Fraser River in the Cariboo to the majestic Coast Mountains on BC’s stunning Central Coast. Covering 2.5 million hectares, this vast region is a haven for diverse flora, fauna, and ecosystems—many of which are endangered and in need of focused conservation efforts. Conservationist Ric Careless first coined the term “Ark,” describing the Chilcotin Ark as an ideal sanctuary for plants and animals.
The Chilcotin Ark includes 17 parks and protected areas, such as Tweedsmuir Park, one of British Columbia’s largest parks. This ecological sanctuary hosts thirteen of BC’s sixteen biogeoclimatic zones, offering a remarkable array of ecosystems, from rainforest and grassland to alpine tundra and towering mountain peaks. It is home to thriving populations of woodland caribou, California bighorn sheep, grizzly and black bears, cougars, and wolves.
This awe-inspiring region stands as an extraordinary natural heritage, showcasing biodiversity at every level and serving as a remarkable hidden gem for travellers, explorers, and nature lovers from around the world.
The Vision Behind the Chilcotin Ark
Tweesmuir Provincial Park | Jesaja Class
The Chilcotin Ark’s conservation journey began in 1938 with the establishment of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Despite several proposals, significant progress came only in 1994 with the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan, which led to the creation of several large parks within the Ark in BC. Achieving this extensive preservation required years of negotiation and patience.
Organizations like The Chilcotin Ark Institute are dedicated to sustaining viable wildlife populations in the Chilcotin Ark. They conduct research, conservation projects, and stewardship plans, aiming to maximize wildlife numbers within the habitat’s carrying capacity as a measure of success. Visitors can contribute to these efforts by getting involved—visit their website for more information.
Chilcotin Wilderness Trails also supports conservation in the Ark, with 5% of every trip and program going towards stewardship. Their work includes wildlife population counts, invasive species removal, and data collection to influence habitat management. Learn more about their conservation efforts on their website.
The Landscapes of the Chilcotin Ark
6ix Sigma Productions | Tatlayoko Lake
The Chilcotin Ark offers a diverse range of landscapes:
Chilcotin Ranges: This area offers alpine landscapes perfect for hiking and horseback riding through the flower-filled meadows of the Alplands, Niut, Potato, and Spruce Lake areas.
Chilcotin Plateau: Home to the Rainbow, Itchas, and Ilgachuz Ranges. The western section boasts North America’s densest concentration of alpine lakes and the breathtaking 400-meter drop of Hunlen Falls.
Central Ark: Turquoise lakes like Tatlayoko, Chilko, and Taseko mirror the rugged beauty of New Zealand and Switzerland, bordered by forests in the Interior Douglas Fir zone.
Fraser River Canyon: South of Williams Lake, the Fraser River cuts a deep canyon through the plateau, creating a semi-desert environment. This area supports large populations of California Bighorn sheep and mule deer amid ponderosa pine and Douglas fir savannahs.
Coastal Range: Weather typically approaches from the northwest, bringing moisture to the windward slopes of the Coast Range. This results in wetter conditions on the western side and much drier, sunnier weather in the rain shadow on the eastern side.
With so many varied landscapes, you’ll find it hard to choose where to visit. Consider taking extra time to fully explore the Chilcotin Ark, and always travel respectfully to help preserve this extraordinary region.
The Chilcotin Ark’s Unique Wildlife
David Jacobson | Chilko Lake
BC’s Chilcotin Ark contains abundant and unique wildlife, offering an impressive diversity of species. Among North America’s 29 big game species, the Chilcotin Ark is home to 11, including woodland caribou, grizzly and black bears, Rocky Mountain elk, California bighorn sheep, mountain goats, Canadian moose, black-tailed deer, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and cougars.
The Chilcotin Ark supports significant populations of beaver, bald eagles, wolverines, grey wolves, bobcats, Canadian lynx, coyotes, white pelicans, and trumpeter swans. Additionally, it also hosts one of North America’s most isolated wild horse populations in the Nemaiah Valley, which holds cultural significance for the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation of the Tsilhqot’in.
The region’s raptors include golden and bald eagles, hawks, and falcons, while a wealth of waterfowl thrives throughout. All of BC’s salmon species—found in the Fraser River and its tributaries, such as the Chilcotin, Chilko, and Taseko—add to the area’s remarkable wildlife diversity.
The Chilcotin Ark offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts eager to experience BC’s rich and varied fauna in its pristine natural habitats.
Staying in the Chilcotin Ark
Jesaja Class | Nemaiah Valley
When planning your BC adventure to the Chilcotin Ark, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your interests and preferences:
Williams Lake is an excellent starting point for your journey through the Ark. This charming town serves as a gateway to the region, offering a range of year-round activities and wildlife viewing opportunities. Consider staying at the Sandman Hotel and Suites, Drummond Lodge Motel, or the quaint Lakeside Motel.
Travelling west and deeper into the Ark, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge immerses you in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, providing an authentic and unforgettable wilderness experience.
In the breathtaking Nemaiah Valley, you can unwind and relax while exploring the Chilcotin Ark, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and spectacular lake views. For the ultimate Chilcotin experience, stay at Chaunigan Lake Lodge or Nemiah Valley Lodge.
No matter where you choose to stay in the Chilcotin Ark, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Every corner of the Chilcotin Ark promises stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and a connection to nature that will leave a lasting impression.
