Witness The Beauty Of Chilko Lake In British Columbia – Travel Guide

Jan 11, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 19, 2024

Travel Guides

If you are planning a vacation soon, then let me tell you about a wonderful destination for you to visit, which is British Columbia, Canada. This wonderful stretch of crystal clear blue, glacier-fed, water that is about fifty miles or 80 km long, is called Chilko Lake.

The meaning behind name Chilko is derived from an Indian term called Chilcotin, which means ochre river. The lake is situated in the Ts’yl-os Provincial Park, with a lot of natural diversity of both flora and fauna present around.

So now that you seem quite interested in Chilko Lake, then let’s know a bit more about it, and maybe then you can decide whether you are going or not.

Overview Of Chilko Lake

If you are dreaming of a peaceful getaway from the noise of the city, then that way you can take a tour along the 65km long Chilko Lake British Columbia. The peaceful and mesmerizing atmosphere is the reason why it is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, if not the World.

This stunning visually appealing stretch of water, located in the wilderness of British Columbia, is the best place for you to visit. The lake is surrounded by beautifully colored volcanic mountains, jagged peaks, vast ice fields, and wide alpine meadows.

The beautiful blue color of the crystal clear water of Chilko Lake and the stunning greenery that is surrounding the beautiful Chilko Lake.

Things To Do Here In Chilko Lake

You might think that there won’t be much to do in Chilko Lake, but that is where you are wrong, there is a lot to do here. So if you are planning to visit Chilko Lake then keep on scrolling down below.

Fishing

If you are an avid fisherman, then Chilko Lake is the best place for you to just sit down and go fishing for hours, who knows you might be able to catch 70cm of Bull Trout.

So if you are really excited about a day in the lake for fishing, then if you wanna test your hand at fishing then you are about to have a great time.

Paddle Sports

One of the best activity you can do here in Chilko Lake was different types of boating. On the clear blue crystal water, it is quite peaceful and tranquilizing to silently row around the Chilko Lake.

Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are one of the best ways you can row peacefully, this way you are going to have the perfect family outing.

Viewing Grizzly Bear Throwing

To gaze upon the true beauty of nature, the viewing of wildlife like grizzly bears in the wild. Here at Chilko Lake, you will be able to see these beautiful wild creatures, of course from a safe distance.

The Chilko River side estuary is a beautiful place where there is no barrier, platform, or viewpoint, but just nature and wildlife.

Hike

People who are very much into hiking, are going to love walking along the trails of Chilko Lake and walking around the pine forest, Chilko river, and beautiful mountain tops.

The walking trails are beautiful to just sit down and even have a beautiful picnic out in the open. There you can have a grand time just spending quality time with your partner.

ATV Riding

With just the extra power of 420CC ATVs, you can have all the thrill-seeking adventure days you want.

You can spend your whole day exploring the backwood trails of Chilko Lake and view some of the amazing viewpoints along the trails. But something you should be counting on is having dirty and muddy clothes and a high adrenal rush.

Horseback Riding

To get the full cowboy experience you just cannot miss out on Horseback riding. With the optimum climate, if you are lucky, you are going to have a great time horseback riding up the trails with a wonderful view of the beautiful Tatlayoko valley.

Archery

There is no way in the city where you can really learn archery and actually enjoy it. But here at Lake Chilko, you can easily learn and even brush up your skills in archery. There are full ranges, with instructors available here.

Mediation + Yoga

While there are a lot of options here for an adrenaline junky if you just wanna relax and calm yourself and your nerves down. Then the best activity for you will be to sit down and meditate and do a bit of yoga.

Wrapping Up!

So now that you are well aware of the beautiful surroundings of the Chilko Lake in British Columbia. The rigged wilderness, the lush greenery, and the sterling blue crystal blue water are just beautiful.

So if you wanna know more about the beautiful Chilko Lake, then give us a like and comment down below to know more about the lake.

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Nabamita Sinha loves to write about lifestyle and pop-culture. In her free time she loves to watch movies and TV series and experiment with food. Her favourite niche topics are fashion, lifestyle, travel and gossip content. Her style of writing is creative and quirky.

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READ MORE Great Barrier Island wildlife tours

Aotea Great Barrier Island Wildlife: The Ultimate Tours & Spotting Guide (New Zealand)

BY  Sibashree Nov 12, 2025

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The Black Petrel (Takoketai) This seabird breeds only on the Great Barrier and Little Barrier islands. They nest in burrows high in the mountains. The Glenfern Sanctuary protects a key colony of these birds.  However, the main breeding colony on Aotea is at Mount Hobson/Hirakimata. According to the Department of Conservation, around 900-1000 pairs of birds stay there.  These birds are featured on the IUCN Red List as a vulnerable species. Furthermore, they are identified as “Nationally Vulnerable” in New Zealand.  Moreover, there has been a conservation monitoring going on since 1995 to assess the population of these birds and how they are declining.  3. The Chevron Skink (Niho Taniwha) This large, rare lizard is found only on the Great Barrier and Little Barrier. It is almost like a mythical animal, and spotting it is very unlikely.  However, they mostly stay in the Stream-side forests. 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Specialist Day Tours & Sanctuary Visits The Glenfern Sanctuary of the Great Barrier Island is a haven for the endangered and rare species. It is an 83-acre regional park, and it functions as the “gateway to the 240-hectare Kotuku Peninsula of the north-west coastline of the Great Barrier Island.” Furthermore, the Glenfern Sanctuary Trust is committed to the preservation of the endangered flora and fauna and their habitats as you walk through the 2km loop track through a native bush to spot the birds and native species.  The black petrels and the ancient Kauri trees are the biggest highlights of this tour. The sanctuary remains open 7 days a week and from sunrise to sunset.  Moreover, you must hike through the Sanctuary and Loop Track to explore nature, wildlife, and the unique culture of the Great Barrier Island.  Sanctuary And Loop Track The Glefern Loop Track is one of the easiest Great Barrier Island hiking tracks. 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This area, maintained by the Department of Conservation (DoC), is a treasure hub for native birds.  Here, we had to walk through an easy boardwalk and gravel road to encounter pāteke and spotless crakes. And thanks to the new Kai swing bridge here, the route has now become wheelchair and buggy accessible.  Even when we were swimming in the geothermal pools, we could listen to the calls of the pātekes.  2. Mt Hobson (Hirakimata) Track The Peach Tree Track to Mount Hobson is the best route for spotting native birds and the wildlife of the Great Barrier Island. The route passes through regenerating forests, and these forests are home to a lot of native bird species, such as: Kākā Tūī: Tomtit (Miromiro) North Island Robin (Pītoitoi) Black Petrel (Takoketai) You can spot these birds in the dense native bush. Also, you can see them in large numbers near the high slopes and close to the summit. In addition, the 360-degree view of the island is a bonus you will love to count on.  3. Medlands Beach & Onetangi Medlands Beach and Onetangi are famous for coastal and nearshore wildlife like the paradise shelducks and little blue penguins.  Furthermore, wekas are common in these locations, and these are chosen as the reintroduction programs of the North Island brown kiwi.  4. Windy Canyon On the Windy Canyon hiking route, you will find conservation centers such as the Kiwi Park Queenstown. Here, you will find native species such as tuatara and Kiwi.  Furthermore, throughout the route, you will listen to the buzzing cicadas.  The Best Tips For Spotting The Birds On The Great Barrier Island  Dawn and dusk are the best hours of the day for spotting birds on the Great Barrier Island. “Dawn Chorus” is a real experience on the Great Barrier Island.  Once you reach the spot, be patient and wait quietly, as patience is a virtue for bird watching.  Keep your ears open. You'll hear the tūī's "click-whirr-gurgle" and the kākā's "screech" before you see them. Going nocturnal is a great trick for watching the native birds of the Great Barrier Island. That is why being a Dark Sky Sanctuary is crucial for the Aotea Great Barrier Island.  Carry a red-light torch and be alert about the "more-pork" call of the Ruru to spot the birds in the dark.  Talk to the staff of the hotel or the owner of the homestay you are staying in. They will have the best local tips about birdwatching on the Great Barrier Island.  How To Plan The Great Barrier Island Wildlife Tours?  There are three main aspects of planning Great Barrier Island wildlife tours. 1. How To Reach The Great Barrier Island? You can take a Barrier Air flight from Auckland to reach the Great Barrier Island in 45 minutes. You can even take the SeaLink ferry and complete a journey of 4.5 hours to reach the Great Barrier Island.  2. How To Move Around The Great Barrier Island? Renting a car or a bike is the most convenient option to move around the island. Furthermore, kayaking is an excellent way to explore the bays, caves, and diverse marine life of the island.  3. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Great Barrier Island Wildlife? From September to November, or the spring season, is the ideal time to visit the wildlife of Great Barrier Island. This is the nesting season for most birds on the island.  So, these months are the best for listening to the chorus of the dawn and the dusk.  Being A Responsible Tourist To Protect The Wildlife Of The Great Barrier Island Biosecurity is the most important aspect of the Great Barrier Island wildlife tours. The wildlife of the island is thriving as it is maintained as a sanctuary. So, by cooperating with the biosecurity checks at the DoC-approved facilities and cleaning stations, we have to be a part of the conservation effort.  The 3C policy of the biosecurity checks on the Great Barrier Island is: Check Clean Check We have to check our bags, gear, and shoes for pests (rats, mice, insects) and seeds before they leave the mainland.  Your Great Barrier Adventure Awaits The Aotea Great Barrier Island is a nature lover’s dream, with every nook awaiting a surprise with the native birds and their playful chirps. Furthermore, the Glenfern Sanctuary, Mount Hobson Track, and the wetlands on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, are a stronghold for rare and endemic birds and animals.  So, the birds are calling. Are you ready to answer? 

READ MORE things to do in scarborough

Scarborough Secrets: Your Ultimate Guide To Coastal Charms

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 1, 2023

For those who want to get away from city life, Scarborough's top attractions provide an amazing holiday experience. One of the most well-known coastal resort towns in England, it embodies the traditional historical charm. It is dotted with arcades, fish and chips, and waterfront parks. The essence of Scarborough is some of the nation's nicest beaches at the base of sheer cliffs. This seaside town in Yorkshire has the atmosphere of being stuck in the Victorian era. Perched atop the cliffs, the Grand Hotel commands attention from all directions. The Scarborough Spa continues to draw national visitors. The town's architecture is characterized by a lot of flamboyant buildings with a hospitable old-world charm. In this article, we will enumerate all the things to do in Scarborough you cannot miss. Things To Do In Scarborough Even with its historical vibe, Scarborough is still a lively and welcoming spot to spend a summer in England. 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Additionally, there's a great food court with a view of the hallway. Scarborough Harbor Scarborough's historic harbor has long served as the city's center. It should come as no surprise that the harbor is home to several top-notch seafood restaurants, given that the fishermen still bring in their fresh catches on a daily basis. The classic fish and chips, which can be found at excellent establishments like Winking Willy's, First Catch, and Harbour View Café, is, of course, the dish of choice. As the name implies, Harbour View provides beautiful views of the old lighthouse across the protected moorings. You can help yourself to a traditional portion of English fish and chips wrapped in paper and savor it with a wooden fork. It is an English version of a takeout. A generous amount of vinegar gives the dish a unique tang and softens the crispy batter surrounding the flaky cod or haddock. Scarborough’s Old Town Not only do the winding old streets behind the harbor and South Bay Beach have a lovely, old-world charm, but they also have a fantastic assortment of stores and cafés. A few major high street names, such as Marks and Spencer and New Look, are present, but the bulk of the stores are tiny local businesses that sell some unusual and interesting goods. The selection of confectionery stores in Scarborough is particularly good. Seaside sticks of rock are boiled sugar candies is an English classic. There are plenty of other sweet options for you to choose from Additionally, there are a good number of casinos and amusement arcades. Stephen Joseph Theatre Scarborough boasts an active theater scene with a number of excellent locations scattered throughout the small town. The Stephen Joseph Theatre is one of the greatest. It's conveniently located next to the Scarborough Spa. They feature a combination of contemporary and classic shows, and the performances are excellent, even though it's unlikely that you'll see many well-known actors on stage. You won't have any trouble seeing or hearing the plays because of how small the theater itself is. There are several eateries close to the contemporary location, along with a decent bar and a small art gallery on the premises. When there isn't live action, the theater frequently screens old films and occasionally streams significant international events. Peasholm Park Peasholm Park offers both peaceful reflection and moments of excitement. During the summer (June to August), every Saturday at 3 p.m., model warships battle on the large lake near the beach, with the addition of aircraft and explosions to the action. You can rent a boat and go rowing around the large central island. It has a distinctive Japanese pagoda in the center when the miniature navies aren't in action. To explore the stunning hidden garden located at the other end of the park, stroll among the trees beside Peasholm Beck if you'd rather stay on dry land. Along the route, there are some exotic tree species like Chusan palms and American red oaks. Scarborough Spa Its distinctive history and location are what make this specific live music and events venue intriguing and worthwhile to visit. Constructed during the Victorian era, the spa is situated on the cliffs with a stunning view of South Bay Beach. Despite its historical appearance, it is equipped with contemporary amenities. One of the few seaside orchestras that still performs in the Spa plays lively classical music and classic oom-pah tunes under the sea breeze. It is a tradition they have brought down just like they did in the heyday of the town. It is a very memorable performance because of the setting, which can be either the Grand Hall or the suncourt. Since they only perform in the summer, make sure to schedule your travel and hotel well in advance. Wrapping Up The North Sea laps the picturesque, horseshoe-shaped bay at the heart of Scarborough. It is a seaside town, ruled over by a castle dating back to the 12th century. Over four centuries of sandy beaches, surfing, and hearty Yorkshire fare have made Scarborough a family favorite. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about things to do in Scarborough, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Things To Do In Leeds: Dive Into The Dynamic Heart Of Yorkshire Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham