Coast

"Alex Mackenzie from Canada by land. 22 July 1793" - Alexander Mackenzie, Mackenzie Rock.

A lush coastal landscape

Once you reach the central coast you are met with 15,000 kilometers of awe-inspiring coastline scattered with private coves and inlets, pristine beaches and rocky shores. Here is some of the world's best saltwater fishing and wildlife viewing of sea birds, whales and porpoises. A trip to the Central Coast ... super, natural trekking through super, natural scenery.

By land, the coast is truly a study in landscape and ecological diversity as your travels take you through the Cariboo and Chilcotin areas to the Central Coast. From rolling semi-desert terrain, to canyons, to flat grasslands, over rivers and past lakes through rocky mountains and old growth forest to ocean inlets.

Adventurous souls can hike or horseback the historic Nuxalk-Carrier (Grease Trail) route of the Mackenzie Trail, 347 km (217 miles) from the mouth of the Blackwater River to Burnt Bridge Creek. Outfitters offer guided trips.

Getting here

First you have to choose your mode of transport to reach the Central Coast as your trek may be by automobile, airplane, ferry, foot or on horseback.

By automobile, the journey from Williams Lake to Bella Coola is approximately 456 kilometers.

By air, Pacific Coastal Airlines scheduled flights from Vancouver and Anahim Lake. Charter flights and resort-operated flights to resorts and other destinations are also available.

By ocean, it is a "sit back and relax" ferry ride from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island to Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

BC Ferry information: 1-800-BCFERRY or (250) 386-3431.

And, for those of you sporting a passion for the great outdoors and a spirit for adventure, there is the Alexander Mackenzie Trail to consider. One of Canada's ultimate hikes, the Trail extends 347 kilometers from the mouth of the Blackwater River north of Quesnel, through Tweedsmuir Park to Burnt Bridge Creek. You may choose to do that route on foot or on horseback or as a combination of both (local outfitters offer guided pack-trips).