Winding through the rugged wilderness of the Chilcotin Plateau, the Taseko, Chilko and Chilcotin rivers are three of British Columbia’s most pristine rivers, offering dramatic canyons, exhilarating whitewater and unspoiled landscapes for intrepid adventurers.
The perfect setting for a wilderness river adventure in the heart of Canada’s wild west, our Taseko-Chilko-Chilcotin raft expedition offers some unparalleled wildlife watching opportunities. As we navigate the waters, each corner promises the chance of a thrilling and inspiring encounter with some of North America’s most iconic species.
Unique Ecosystems
Our Taseko-Chilko-Chilcotin rafting expeditions take you through a dazzling diversity of landscapes, from intimate alpine meadows, lush boreal forests and wetlands, to sweeping grasslands and mystifying deserts.
Each of these unique ecosystems support their own intricate networks of biodiversity. Here we’ll highlight a few of the mammals, birds and plants you can expect to see, making our rafting trip the ideal wilderness adventure for nature enthusiasts!
Intimate Encounters
The vibrant fish populations of the Taseko, Chilko and Chilcotin Rivers are not only heralded as dream destinations by anglers, but also as prime fishing territories for bears. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot grizzly and black bears foraging along the shores or fishing for salmon in the rapids. River travel provides the perfect opportunity to witness the raw power of these apex predators immersed in their natural hunting grounds.
The three rivers are also renowned for their sockeye, Chinook and steelhead salmon populations, with the Chilko hosting one of the strongest sockeye salmon runs in North America. Together, the Taseko, Chilko and Chilcotin watersheds comprise an area roughly equivalent to two thirds the sie of Vancouver Island, making them a major salmon stronghold.
The Tsilhtqot’in National Government recently announced plans to open a permanent salmon hatchery in Tsilhtqot’in territory, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The announcement marks a historic move in Indigenous-led river conservation, creating a blueprint for future watershed focused conservation.
Wild Horses of the Taseko
The Taseko’s wild horses are a symbolic species of the region. Believed to be descended from breeds hailing from Europe and Yakutia, Siberia, the horses are intimately linked to the history and culture of the Xeni Gwit’in people.
Having survived the BC government’s Wild Horse Eradication Act of 1896, today they live in the area between the Taseko and Chilko Rivers in the ?Elegesi Qiyus (Eagle Lake Henry) sanctuary. Though seldom seen, we are sometimes fortunate enough to spot them at the entrance to the sanctuary. They are a majestic animal to observe and a true symbol of the wildness and resilience of these lands.
Desert Muses
The extraordinary California Bighorn Sheep embodies the rugged beauty of the mountainous West, with an impressive agility and intricate social structure to fascinate anyone lucky enough to observe them.
Their muscular build allows them to cavort across the most inaccessible canyon terrain and the rams sport a majestic set of horns marking them as one of the iconic species of the region. They inspired early First Nations artists, who depicted them on rock paintings still seen today at Farwell Canyon, an inspiring pit stop on our journey.
Giants of the Forest
Moose, the giants of the forest, are another highlight of the region. Weighing up to 1200 lb, these heavy beasts engineer the ecosystems, managing tree growth and plant populations through their grazing.
Early morning and dusk are the best times to spot moose wading through the river or browsing vegetation in the forest. Seeing the majestic silhouette of a bull’s antlers glistening in the golden dawn light against the Taseko’s dramatic canyons is a truly indelible experience.
With a convergence of both mule and whitetail deer populations, a walk through the ancient Douglas fir forests inevitably shows evidence of the elusive yet thriving mountain lion and reminds us of the truly wild nature of the Chilcotin Plateau.
Awe-Inspiring Avian Migrations
A dream for bird watchers, the Taseko straddles a major flyway and our expedition is timed to make the most of many species’ journeys south, make sure to bring your binoculars!
You’ll find yourself paddling alongside species including American white pelicans, yellow rail, sandhill cranes and Arctic terns as they rest on their epic journeys. Iconic resident species such as boreal owls and Clark’s nuthatch are also always a delight to see or hear.
The river’s dramatic cliffs and open skies provide perfect fishing opportunities for Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles and Ospreys. Watching these birds hunt is a captivating phenomenon set against the backdrop of untouched nature.
Great blue herons, kingfishers, and trumpeter swans are other riparian birds frequently spotted making use of some of BC’s last intact waterways.
Unsung Heroes
Though smaller and somewhat less charismatic, amphibians are excellent indicators of ecosystem health, as well as natural pest controllers and soil health promoters. Pond turtles inhabit nearby marsh ecosystems fed by the rivers, whilst the mating calls of bull frogs will immerse you in an idyllic soundscape each evening.
Diverse Plantlife
It’s not just the wildlife that enthralls us on the Taseko, Chilko and Chilcotin Rivers, but also the diverse trees, grasses and flowers which form the backbone of these ecosystems. From alpine terrain to rich wetlands and forested valleys, the region boasts an incredible array of plant species.
Wetlands and marshes are dominated in the summer months by a variety of grasses, sedges, and vibrant wildflowers such as Indian Paintbrush and Fireweed. These species not only create visually enamouring floral mosaics, but also provide crucial habitats and food for migratory waterfowl as well as smaller rodents and amphibians.
The riparian zones flanking the rivers are filled with alders, willows and cottonwoods, whilst the rich forests further into the Chilcotin Plateau are made up of spruces, cedars, pines and birches. These trees are impressive to look at whilst also providing important habitat for the many animal inhabitants of the forests.
Take a walk across the Chilcotin Plateau and you’ll notice a remarkable plant dotted the desertic plains: the prickly pear cactus. The genus Opuntia is the most widespread of all cacti, with more than 300 species found throughout the Americas. Opuntia fragilis – found throughout the Canadian provinces and western US – has an exceptional cold tolerance, allowing it to persist in these northern climates as far north as the 56th parallel.
These hardy northerners are found dotted across the grasslands, bringing an otherworldly feel to the landscape and making for striking photographic opportunities. Though their fruits (or tunas) are covered in glochids (small, detachable hairs), they don’t deter the deer, raccoons and other mammals from feasting upon the succulent flesh beneath!
Rubber rabbitbrush is another outstanding species, a hip-height xerophytic shrub whose flaxen leaves are covered by short, felt-like hairs to help disseminate pollen.
The plant has been traditionally used by First Nations to weave baskets and ropes from the branches, dyes from the flowers, medicinal tea from the leaves and even chewing gum from the latex-containing sap. When supplies of rubber dwindled during World War II, the plant was even investigated as an alternative latex source!
As well as attracting a diversity of pollinators throughout the warmer months, the rabbitbrush fruits well into the winter, providing a key food reserve for many small mammals, deer and birds.
As we paddle through fiery rapids, mystical canyons and decadent forests, we can’t help but be amazed by the extraordinary diversity of plant species which direct the rich drama of the Chilcotin Plateau.
A Window to the Wilderness
We respectfully acknowledge that this expedition travels through the traditional territories of the Xeni Gwit’in, Yunesit’in and Tl’etinqox First Nations, who have stewarded this land and its wildlife for generations.
The Taseko, Chilko and Chilcotin Rivers are a unique window into the heart of Western Canada’s remotest wilderness. Our rafting trips offer more than just a thrilling adventure: they are immersive journeys through a land of breathtaking vistas and timeless cultures whose plants and wildlife will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Read more about our Taseko, Chilko & Chilcotin raft journeys here or get in touch with our friendly Expedition Planning Team to start planning your perfect river trip!
