7 Days of Authentic Canada: Your Perfect Week at Red Cariboo Resort

7 Days of Authentic Canada: Your Perfect Week at Red Cariboo Resort
Vast wilderness, snow-capped peaks, mirror-like lakes, and real adventures: Those who travel to British Columbia, Canada, often seek unspoiled nature, authenticity, and adventure off the beaten track.

Day 1: The Journey into the Wilderness – From Vancouver to the Heart of Chilcotin
The journey begins with a short domestic flight from Vancouver South Terminal to Williams Lake. Right at the small airport, the Enterprise car rental service welcomes us – uncomplicated, friendly, and quick.
Before continuing our journey, we take the opportunity in Williams Lake to do some grocery shopping, as the resort does not have its own restaurant. Then it is off on the legendary Chilcotin-Bella-Coola Highway 20. For approximately 340 kilometres, the road winds westward through the endless expanse of the Chilcotin Plateau – past sprawling ranches, dense forests, verdant swamps, and shimmering rivers. If you get hungry along the way, you can stop at the Kinikinik Restaurant in Redstone, located directly on Highway 20. The "Homemade Stew" is especially recommended (https://pasturetoplate.ca/kinikinik-restaurant-store/ - Check in advance if the restaurant is open).

In the afternoon, we reach Anahim Lake and turn onto the driveway to Red Cariboo Resorts. Supplies quickly find their place in the individual compartments and refrigerators of the fully equipped community kitchen. Then we settle into our cozy cabin: the pleasant scent of wood, modern comforts like central heating, a large flat-screen TV with premium channels, very comfortable beds, a spacious sofa lounge, and a view of the green pasture and the horse paddock – the adventure can begin!
 
Day 2: Arrive, Relax & Ride with a View
The day begins at a relaxed pace. After a delicious, self-prepared breakfast in the morning sun in front of the kitchen – accompanied by the curious eyes of the good-natured resort horses and friendly resort dogs – we explore the expansive grounds of the Red Cariboo Resort on foot. The view of the gently flowing Dean River and the majestic Coastal Mountains on the horizon makes everyday life fade away instantly.
In the afternoon, we saddle up: A guided ride on sure-footed, well-behaved horses takes us through the surrounding forests and meadows. In the evening, guests and the resort team gather around the crackling fire pit to share stories under a perfectly clear, unpolluted starry sky.

Day 3: Fjord Adventure – Day Trip to Bella Coola & "The Hill"
Today, one of Canada's most spectacular stretches of road awaits us: Highway 20 winds its way down into the lush green Bella Coola Valley via Heckman Pass and the infamous, steep gravel section known as "The Hill."
The valley welcomes us with temperate coastal rainforest, ancient giant trees, and crystal-clear rivers where, with a bit of luck, we might spot grizzly bears fishing for salmon. After browsing the souvenir shops and enjoying a delicious lunch in Bella Coola, we stroll along the harbour and see the Northern Sea Wolf ferry, which departs from here to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island.
Before heading back, we make a detour to the roaring Clayton Falls and enjoy a picnic at the recreation site on North Bentinck Arm. (A detailed report on this fjord trip will follow in a separate story post!)
 
Day 4: Beach Day at Charlotte Lake
After the eventful previous days, pure relaxation is on the agenda today. After a nearly hour-long drive on well-maintained gravel roads through the wilderness, we reach Charlotte Lake.
Fine sandy beach, crystal-clear water, and the silhouette of the mountains in the background: At the idyllic recreation site, we take advantage of the barbecue areas and picnic tables, brave the refreshing water, and spend the day sunbathing, reading, and doing absolutely nothing – pure Canadian summer bliss.

Day 5: A Bird's-Eye View – Scenic Flight & Nimpo Lake Trails
A day of superlatives! In the morning, we drive to the seaplane base at Nimpo Lake. We take off in a floatplane for a scenic flight over spectacular natural wonders:
• The vibrant colours of the Rainbow Mountains in Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park
• The gigantic Hunlen Falls, Canada's fourth-highest waterfall, in the Pacific Ranges, and the turquoise Turner Lake, accessible only by plane or a full-day hike
• The vast ice masses of the Monarch Icefields, reaching up to 3,555 m on Monarch Mountain
The view from the air is simply breathtaking. Back on the ground, we stretch our legs in the afternoon on the diverse Nimpo Lake Trails before returning to the resort.
 
Day 6: Canoeing Bliss & Canyons
The day awakens peacefully on the water. Early in the morning, we glide almost silently across Anahim Lake in a canoe – wisps of mist rise, and nature awakens.
In the afternoon, one last scenic contrast awaits: We set off in our car to the impressive Hotnarko Falls and the wild Precipice Canyon, where sheer cliffs and roaring cascades once again demonstrate the raw power of this region.

Day 7: Farewell to the Wilderness
After an unforgettable week, we pack our bags. We drive back to Williams Lake via Highway 20, return our rental car, and catch our flight to Vancouver.
 
Our conclusion: A week at the Red Cariboo Resort combines the perfect dose of adventure, diverse landscapes, and restorative tranquillity. We will definitely be back!