A group of horses running through a field in BC, Canada

Experience Nature's Heartland

River rushes, rugged pursuits and trails through time.

Every journey connects to something deeper in Nature’s Heartland.

This is where canyons, grasslands, and forests are full of life, and every adventure feels part of the story. Trails follow trade routes and river corridors long travelled (and protected) by many First Nations and settlers over time, weaving through a landscape of big skies, powerful waterways, and bold terrain.

The Mighty Fraser and its tributaries sustain salmon and wildlife, while open plateaus and valleys are home to working ranches and welcoming small communities that invite you to explore on horseback, by paddle, or along scenic backroads. Whether gliding across quiet lakes, riding through rugged plateaus, or joining a celebration in town, the past and present meet with every step.

A scenic view of the Fraser Canyon captured during a run at Cougar Point in Edge Hills Provincial Park near Clinton.

Layers of time

This land speaks in textures—canyons and plateaus, unique grasslands and powerful waterways. In the south, the Fraser River carves deep lines between Hope and Lytton, sustaining life along its banks. These waters support some of BC’s richest biodiversity, from the inland icefields of the Chilcotin Ark to Kamloops’ native grasslands and remote valleys, home to caribou, bears, eagles, mountain goats, and elusive wild horses.

Follow the Gold Rush Trail north through the Fraser Canyon to Yale and take in the dramatic river from the Hell’s Gate Airtram. Historic Hat Creek Ranch shares Bonaparte First Nation perspectives alongside settler stories in heritage buildings and trails, while nearby Lillooet, the “jade capital of the world,” connects striking landscapes with cultural depth and ongoing community traditions. Barkerville Historic Town & Park offers another perspective with its preserved streetscapes, engaging guides, and recognition of the lasting presence of local First Nations and the contributions of Chinese immigrants.

From there, the Discovery Coast Circle Route leads west into dramatic contrasts—from Marble Canyon’s limestone walls to the fjords of the Central Coast. Stay at Nemiah Valley Lodge or visit Xatśūll Heritage Village, where traditional kekuli / pithouses and guided experiences share the culture of the Xatśūll First Nation. Near Cache Creek, fossils at the McAbee Fossil Beds—co-managed by the Bonaparte First Nation—demonstrate a 50‑million‑year timeline. Wells Gray and Tweedsmuir provincial parks round out the journey with waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife in spectacular settings.

A grizzly bear on the Chilko River. Operators that offer guided wildlife viewing in this area include The Chilko Experience, Bear Camp, and Tsylos Park Lodge

Moose in a lake in Bowron Lakes Provincial Park

Wildlife ways

Grizzlies, moose, and mountain goats move through valleys and alpine meadows, following the same seasonal paths they have for generations. Among these landscapes, one of North America’s most isolated wild horse populations roams freely, a rare sight. Guided experiences, like those offered by EcoTours-BC help visitors quietly observe animals as they move through forests, rivers, and mountain passes.

Further east, Wells Gray Provincial Park offers its own array of wildlife marvels. Glacial lakes, lava-formed canyons, and old-growth forests are home to more than 200 bird species, dozens of mammals, and rare plants and lichens. It’s a park where waterfalls, camping spots, and paddling routes give visitors the chance to connect with its incredible diversity.

The lakes and rivers that run through this region are at its heart. Along Highway 24—the “Fishing Highway”—cast a line in the Interlakes District, or join a guided trip on the Fraser or Thompson rivers. These waterways have sustained communities and ecosystems for generations, and continue to support both recreation and cultural traditions today.

Strong roots

The Secwépemc, Tŝilhqot’in, Dakelh, Nlaka’pamux, St’át’imc, and Syilx Peoples—and many others—continue to live closely with this land, a connection that can still be felt in the region’s cultural life today.

That same sense of connection runs through the region’s towns and gatherings. In Wells, art festivals, galleries, and colourful heritage buildings showcase local creativity. In Lillooet, jade shops, Lillooet Brewing Company, and Fort Berens Estate Winery highlight craft and harvest. Guest ranches such as Big Bar Guest Ranch, Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, and Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort offer hands‑on experiences of ranch life, and the rodeos in Clinton, Quesnel, and Williams Lake are lively gatherings where you can cheer on riders.

At Xatśūll Heritage Village near Soda Creek, Xwísten in Lillooet, and the Xeni Gwet’in Visitor Centre in Nemiah Valley, community members welcome visitors to experience their perspectives and ways of life. In Kamloops, the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park offers exhibits and trails along the South Thompson River, while the Kamloopa Powwow and Williams Lake First Nation Powwow welcome all to experience the energy of dance, drumming, and shared celebration.

Food and drink also play a part. Along the Kamloops Wine Trail and at Fort Berens Estate Winery, local harvests shine in farm‑to‑table menus. The Ḱwséltkten Farmers & Artisans Market in Kamloops—an Indigenous‑run market—features traditional foods, medicines, and handmade goods alongside the region’s agricultural bounty.

Canoer paddling along the Bowron Lake Provincial Park

Earned experiences

Adventure here follows trails, rivers, and lakes that have been travelled for generations.

Paddle the 116‑km Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit in the Cariboo Mountains or fly into Turner Lake in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, a remote spot known for its waterfalls and stillness. In Wells Gray Provincial Park—the fifth largest in BC—trails wind through old‑growth inland temperate rainforest and alpine meadows to 40+ stunning cascades, including Helmcken Falls. Canoe the Clearwater and Azure Lake chain or hike Trophy Mountain when the alpine wildflowers bloom.

Rivers add a different kind of thrill. Along the Fraser, Nahatlatch, and Thompson Rivers, guides from Kumsheen Rafting Resort and REO Rafting lead whitewater and canyon tours. Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures offers Indigenous‑led trips on the Fraser River, where you’ll experience the Tŝilhqot’in and Secwépemc Nations’ deep connections to these waterways firsthand. In the Chilcotin Ark, mountain biking, hiking and horseback trips from Tyax Adventures & Tyax Lodge, Nemiah Valley Lodge, and Stewart’s Lodge immerse you even further in this ecologically rich landscape.

Trail systems near Kamloops, Clinton, and Wells make biking easy to access, and at Sun Peaks Resort, each season brings a new way to explore by snowshoeing, paddling, riding, or walking among wildflowers. Along the Land of Hidden Waters route, smaller lakes and forest paths invite great fishing and quieter discovery, with winter highlighting snow‑dusted cabins, frozen shorelines, and wildlife tracks.

Person getting of a plane on Ptarmigan Lake

Travel with care

Nature’s Heartland is a place full of life that holds ecological and cultural importance. There’s a mix of grasslands, small towns and off-grid areas here, so pack what you need and allow extra time to get where you’re going. Stick to marked trails and campsites, carry out everything you bring in, and avoid disturbing wildlife or removing anything you find along the way. Sacred places aren’t always marked, so tread gently. Wildfires are a seasonal risk here. Check for fire bans before you go, avoid parking hot engines on dry grass, and skip campfires if you can (or must). Road conditions can also change quickly, so check DriveBC for updates before setting out and make sure your vehicle is equipped for backroads.

Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or joining a local event, travel in a way that supports the communities you pass through. Respect local protocols, think about your impact, choose Authentic Indigenous and Indigenous- or locally owned experiences, and leave the places in a better way than you found them, and you’ll come home feeling even better about the trip.