Kitlope Heritage Conservancy Park Tour

The Kitlope Heritage Conservancy Protected Area protects the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the world encompassing over 321,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. In 1994, preservation of the Kitlope was announced with West Fraser Timber Co. voluntarily relinquishing its timber rights in the area. Located approximately 100 km southeast of Kitimat BC, the Kitlope contains trees over 800 years old and encompasses a rich diversity of natural and cultural heritage.

Natural Heritage
The rugged granite peaks of the Kitimat Range form a stark contrast to the rich temperate rainforests blanketing the valley bottoms within the Kitlope. The Kitlope watershed provides a wide range of rich habitats for both wildlife and fish. The diversity of its estuaries, flood plains, lakes, swamps and alpine habitat provide home to healthy populations of grizzly & black bear, wolverine, wolf, moose, deer and mountain goat. The Kitlope's ancient forests also provide critical habitat for the endangered marbled murrelet and a variety of other waterfowl and bird species. In addition, the Kitlope contains healthy populations of all five species of pacific salmon as well as steelhead, trout and olichan. These species provide the basis of the food chain upon which so many other species depend. Even the ancient forests receive nutrients from these fish, helping trees reach heights of over 250 ft.

Cultural Heritage
The Kitlope region is the traditional territory of the Henaaksiala people who are part of the Haisla nation. The Haisla people consider this part of their ancestral lands to be of central importance to their cultural and spiritual well-being. For thousands of years the Kitlope provided everything the Henaaksiala needed. Cedar trees gave them clothing, housing and canoes, while salmon, herring and oolichan gave them a steady supply of rich protein. Today, it is still a Haisla tradition to wash ones face upon entering the Kitlope. By washing your face you are introducing yourself to the spirit of the Kitlope ensuring harmony and safe journey. Because of its cultural and spiritual importance, the Haisla people fought hard to protect the Kitlope during the Early 1990's. By preserving this important part of their territory, the Haisla have given their children and generations to come a connection to the land that may otherwise have been lost.

Kitlope Tour
From Kitimat, you will climb aboard a boat for the incredible journey up Douglas Channel and through Gardner Canal. This area is in the heart of the Coast Mountains where 6000 meter granite peaks rise abruptly from ocean shores. Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, the Gardner Canal is home to some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in the world. While enjoying your boat ride you will pass countless waterfalls and glaciers. Mountain goats are usually observed high on the cliffs above, while deer and bears are often seen wondering the waters edge. Sea life is abundant, with leaping salmon and seal sightings commonplace. Porpoises, Killer whale and Humpback whale sightings are always a possibility. Along the way you will stop at one of several natural hot springs. While bathing, you will be rejuvenated by the minerals as you look out onto the ocean a few feet below. After thinking there couldn't be a more beautiful place on earth, you reach the Kitlope. Upon arrival in Kitlope estuary you will be taken by jet boat upriver to explore a place untouched by modern man. The glacier blue river fringed with ancient moss covered forests will stir your sole as you anticipate what is around the next bend in the river.

You soon reach Kitlope Lake, where you will follow Haisla traditions by washing your face to allow the Kitlope spirits to accept you and to show you mean no harm to the watershed. Haisla culture is rich in folklore and tales, you will hear many of these tales and observe human footsteps cast into solid granite. High above Kitlope Lake, you will see the man who turned to stone watching over all newcomers to this land. At the end of the day you will enjoy a fresh salmon and seafood feast or a vegetarian dish in front of an open fire. As you rest your head for the night you may hear the wolves howl while you reminisce about the days adventures. You are safe and warm looking forward to several more days exploring rivers, forests and wildlife.

After a refreshing nights sleep in this mystical land and a hearty breakfast the Kitlope is yours to explore. Canoeing, kayaking, to walking the beaches looking at animal tracks with your guide or an estuary walk in which you will learn about the micro ecosystems inside the Kitlope. This will surely give you an appetite for another fantastic dinner and a yearning to hear more about this mystical land.

Tour Information
The Kitlope is a special place that very few people get a chance to visit. Due to its remoteness trips of no shorter than 5 days are required. All of our Kitlope tours are based out of Kitimat, British Columbia.

Lodging
We have two types of lodging. There are no lodging facilities located within park boundaries. Those looking for a wilderness experience but do not wish to stay in tents, Kowesas lodge is located just outside the park overlooking a pristine estuary on the Kowesas River. Rustic in nature, the lodge is very spacious and comfortable sleeping up to 25 people. From the lodge access to the Kitlope is only 20 minutes by boat. The surroundings are pristine and day trips into the Kitlope are a great way to explore the park while enjoying more creature comforts at the end of the day.

Alternatively, for those who do not mind staying in a tent camp, Silvertip EcoTours has all the necessary gear for a comfortable stay within park boundaries. Kitlope Lake offers a protected area in which camping outside is a great experience.

Food
All food is provided and prepared by Silvertip EcoTours. Your guides are well versed in preparing delicious meals in a wilderness setting. Salmon and fresh seafood, vegetarian or whatever your likings is yours for the asking. For those wanting specific items, please inform us when booking your trip.

Equipment
Silvertip EcoTours has four state of the art jet boats, and all necessary supplies for wilderness camping and cooking. We carry radios and satellite phones at all times and have a contingency plan in case of emergency.

Required Gear
Guests should bring good quality rain gear, rubber boots, warm clothing and sleeping bags. Silvertip EcoTours will provide sleeping bags if the client so desires.

Optional Gear
It is recommended that guests bring cameras (lots of film) we have people run out before even getting to the Kitlope and binoculars for the amazing wildlife viewing and photo opportunities found along the way. A walking staff is optional.

Alcohol
Due to respect for the land and its traditions, we do not allow alcohol on any of our wilderness adventures.

Custom Tours
Custom tours are available for smaller or larger group sizes. For more information please contact Silvertip EcoTours by Phone: 250 635 9326 or by email