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Aboriginal Touirsm
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Bighorn Sheep along Fraser River as seen from Jetboat Tours in Caribou-Chilcotin
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Jetboat Tours on Fraser River in Caribou-Chilcotin area of B.C.
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Caitlin, Matthew and Charlene Green of Jetboat Tours play in dunes above Chilcotin River
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Doug Green of Jetboat Tours points out ancient pictograms near the Chilcotin River
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Ancient pictogram near Chilcotin River in Caribou-Chilcotin
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Spirit Bear with fish in mouth
By Hollie Latulippe
The Cariboo Chilcotin region of British Columbia is the perfect location for a wide range of different Aboriginal tourism experiences. With its breathtaking scenery and fascinating gold rush history, there are a variety of activities including dog sledding, golf courses, heritage villages, and river tours.
Canada's Aboriginal people have used dog teams as transportation for centuries to run their trap lines and to carry supplies. Northern Star Kennels Dog Sledding in Quesnel is a family-run kennel that offers dog sled rides while stressing the importance of dog mushing as a traditional means of transportation. Hop on a sled pulled by Alaskan Huskies for a two-hour trip, or sign up for Mushing 101, a full-day excursion with a dog team that is an exciting introduction to the world of dog mushing. Multi-day excursions allow adventurers to camp with their canine companions and sleep under the stars in a remote bush camp.
There are many RV campgrounds in Quesnel within driving distance of Northern Star Kennels. The Fraser Bridge Inn & RV Park is one option that is steps away from the Fraser River Bridge, the longest wooden walking bridge in the world.
The Coyote Rock Golf Course in Williams Lake is a nine-hole Master's-length course that offers a variety of challenges for every level of golfer. It is located in the heart of Secwepemc (or Shuswap) traditional territory, who were the first inhabitants of the Cariboo-Chilcotin area. The golf course has a stunning view of Williams Lake and the San Jose River valley from every tee box. There is also a cultural tourism program that invites guests to explore pithouses, view traditional plants and find out how the people indigenous to the Cariboo-Chilcotin lived for thousands of years prior to contact by European settlers. There are full-service RV and tenting facilities where visitors can explore extensive trails and enjoy beautiful vistas.
The Xat’sull Heritage Village at Williams Lake invites visitors to watch food cooked in a fire pit, learn how to cure hide, and listen to the Xat’sull elders share stories passed down from generation to generation. It also has a sweat lodge, pit house, craft workshops and regularly scheduled tours with experienced First Nations guides. Guests have the opportunity to stay overnight in a teepee or pit house, with bedding provided at an extra fee.
The Spirit Bear Lodge is situated in the small, remote Kitasoo/Xai'xais fishing village Klemtu in the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. Located 280 nautical miles north of Vancouver, Klemtu is truly in the heart of the rainforest, nestled in a remote archipelago of small islands and thus protected from the wild Pacific. It is centrally positioned to offer unparalleled access to some of the best grizzly, wolf, dolphin and Spirit Bear (white-coloured black bears) viewing in the region. Spirit Bear Lodge is owned and operated by the Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation. The guides, many of whom were born and raised in Klemtu, have exclusive access to some of the best Spirit Bear viewing areas in the recently created Spirit Bear Conservancy. The guides work with noted biologists to learn more about bear behaviour and ecology, and sometimes these biologists join the tour groups.
The Xwisten Experience Tours near Lillooet offer tours of the beautiful mountains and rivers within the St'át'imc Nation. Recently named one of the ‘Top 100 BC Moments’ by Tourism BC, visitors can explore an extensive archeological site containing over 80 pit houses, the traditional winter homes of the St'át'imc people. Aboriginal guides demonstrate the traditional wind-dried method of preparing salmon, and then invite guests to partake in a salmon BBQ.
The Retasket Lodge & RV Park in Lillooet has spectacular views of B.C.'s historic Fraser River. The well-equipped RV Park has 30 amp electric, water and sewer hookups, complete with Wi-Fi Internet and cable access. The park also offers a shower room and coin laundry, with a complimentary continental breakfast included. Guests are invited to relax on the outdoor BBQ deck and enjoy the scenery. There is also a three-star lodge in a peaceful setting surrounded by mountains.
Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures near Williams Lake offers safe and professional river tours on the Fraser River. Take in the beautiful sand dunes and wildlife while learning about Aboriginal early explorers and the gold rush history of the region. Experienced guides help visitors net for wild salmon, view ancient petroglyphs and ancient village sites, and learn about identifying food and medicinal plants. While on the water, wildlife such as bald eagles and bighorn sheep are spotted as the boats navigate through whirlpools and rapids.
The Williams Lake Stampede Campground offers year-round RV camping and seasonal facilities, and is within driving distance of Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures. The next annual Stampede is set for June 28 to July 1, 2013.
For more information about Aboriginal tourism experiences in the area, visit www.AboriginalBC.com.
Northern Star Kennels Dog Sledding website: http://www.northernstarkennels.com/
Fraser Bridge Inn & RV Park website:
http://www.fraserbridgeinn.com/
Coyote Rock Golf Course website:
http://www.coyoterockgolf.com/
Xat’sull Heritage Village website:
http://xatsullheritagevillage.com/
Spirit Bear Lodge website:
Xwisten Experience Tours website:
http://www.xwisten.ca/index_files/Tourism.htm
Retasket Lodge & RV Park website:
Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures website:
Williams Lake Stampede Campground website: