EXPERIENCE
Vast skies, untamed wilderness, rich culture, and heartfelt hospitality define this extraordinary region. Start your journey from Vancouver Island onboard a breathtaking sailing with BC Ferries from Port Hardy to Bella Coola. This remarkable voyage marks the gateway to British Columbia’s last true frontier – the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, a land without limits. From coastal mountains to rolling grasslands, historic gold rush routes to vibrant Indigenous heritage, every stop invites adventure, reflection, and discovery, inspiring a sail and drive journey shaped by nature, history, and the open road.
Use this suggested itinerary as a guide to planning your unforgettable journey through the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast of BC.
PORT HARDY TO BELLA COOLA
Travel from Port Hardy to Bella Coola onboard BC Ferries, sailing deep into the Great Bear Rainforest. Journey past fjords, old growth forests, and coastlines rich with wildlife on one of BC’s most remote routes, where ocean passages lead straight into a true wilderness adventure.
Explore the Great Bear Rainforest ➜
Continue inland from Bella Coola where the journey unfolds through the Chilcotin, an expansive region of plateaus, rivers, lakes, and working ranches. This storied region blends cowboy culture, Tsilhqot’in heritage, and boundless landscapes shaped by adventure and history. 
Explore the Chilcotin ➜
1: WILLIAMS LAKE TO HIGHWAY 24
From Williams Lake venture into the Land of Hidden Waters, centred on BC’s “Fishing Highway” (Highway 24). This legendary 97km route has access to over 100 lakes. Expect lakeside stays, camping, and year-round ways to fish, paddle, and explore.
Explore the Land of Hidden Waters ➜
2: WILLIAMS LAKE TO BARKERVILLE
Travel north on the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail toward Quesnel and historic Barkerville, where Gold Rush history comes alive. Follow an experiential route shaped by nature and story. Perfect for heritage stops, trails, and a deep dive into the past.
Explore the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail ➜
3: WILLIAMS LAKE TO LILLOOET
Explore the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail ➜ Presented in partnership with 
Soak up the best of Southern Vancouver Island on this seven-night self-guided tour. Start your adventure in Victoria, touring historic buildings, walking the cobblestone streets, and eating your way through the tasty cuisine.
Explore family-friendly stops like Parksville & Nanaimo, or enjoy outdoor adventures in the Comox Valley and Port Hardy. Use our Trip Planning Hub to discover the best sailing offers, and the best ways to save on accommodation through exclusive offers only for BC Ferries customers.
Take a trip through the scenic landscapes of Vancouver Island; through small, peaceful towns like Port Renfrew, and bustling tourist destinations like Victoria. Explore the seaside communities and ancient forests along your adventure.
