Ready to get in touch with your wild side?

It’s no secret that British Columbia really has it all when it comes to outdoor pursuits, but there are plenty of secret spots waiting to be discovered for those willing to get off the beaten track and explore! From the moment you board the flight into the remote valley of Bella Coola, it’ll be clear that nothing but adventure lies ahead: within one amazing week you’ll experience the fabled Great Bear Rainforest, take in the sweeping valleys, glowing glaciers & sparkling lakes of the Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and explore the golden meadows, alpine lakes and ancient mountains of the Chilcotin Plateau.

Be amongst the privileged few to have experienced the trails in these parts, and enjoy abundant wildlife viewing, enormous waterfalls, rushing rivers and  ancient forests! Our trip begins at a private lodge with big mountain views, multi-course meals and welcoming hosts, which serves as a basecamp for our first few adventures in the valley. Later we venture deep into the wilderness by way of a spectacular float plane flight, reaching a remote lakeside campsite where we’ll spend the following day running, hiking, paddling, swimming and swapping stories around the campfire. After a couple of blissful days off-grid we’ll ease back into some semblance of civilization, finishing up at a cozy lakefront lodge with panoramic views, dramatic sunsets and a grand finale of a run amongst the Rainbow Range.

None of these places are easy to reach, and that’s exactly the point. If you’re ready to unplug and get in touch with your wild side, then this is the one for you!

ITINERARY

Please note that the itinerary is subject to adjustments due to weather, logistical considerations, etc.

USE THE ARROWS AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THE IMAGE TO SCROLL THROUGH!
DAY 1: ARRIVAL... WITH A VIEW!
DAY 1: ARRIVAL... WITH A VIEW!

The trip begins with a stunning flight from Vancouver to Bella Coola, crossing over remote mountain ranges dotted with multi-colored glacial lakes and vast icefields. The entire group will fly in together on a small 19-seater plane and don’t worry - everyone gets a window seat! After landing we’ll get settled into the beautiful lodge that we’ll call home for the next three days for lunch and introductions. After some downtime we will regroup for a wildlife safety orientation, a shakeout run through the surrounding old-growth forest to our first waterfall and a welcome feast!

Running: 3-6 mi / 5-10km shakeout run, singletrack trail
Meals: Lunch (L) and dinner (D) included

DAY 2: RUN THEN RAFT
DAY 2: RUN THEN RAFT

Wake up - not too early! - for breakfast before heading out for our first run! This run begins with rolling jeep track through beautiful forest before a winding single track leads you up to Lost Lake and sweeping views from high over the turquoise Bella Coola river - which happens to be our next stop. From there we’ll hike down to the river where rafts await for a relaxed float downriver with local wildlife experts; expect to learn a lot, and to be on the lookout for bald eagles and bears! At the end of the float we’ll take a short guided walk through an ancient grove of giant cedar trees before a short drive back to the lodge. You’ll have the evening to enjoy the hot tub, sit by the fire pit, and dig into another wonderful dinner.

Running: 6-8 miles / 10-13 km; 1000ft/300m elevation gain. Jeep road and technical single track trail with a bit of pavement too.
Meals: BLD

DAY 3: GLACIAL VIEWS & A WONDER OF A WATERFALL
DAY 3: GLACIAL VIEWS & A WONDER OF A WATERFALL

Enjoy another relaxed breakfast before gearing up and driving up a rugged forest road to Odegaard Falls. The run begins with a stunning view of the towering cascade and only gets better from there! Get ready for a steady climb out of the forested slopes, emerging into a valley scattered with alpine lakes and eventually reaching the dramatic Purgatory Glacier viewpoint. Take some time to admire the huge glacier and surrounding mountains before you turn around and cruise back the way you came, finishing with a picnic lunch and a short walk through an enchanted stretch of forest to check out the waterfall from another angle. Once back to the valley we’ll kick back and enjoy our final evening at the lodge!

Running: up to 12 miles / 20 km; 2500ft/800m elevation gain. Double track, forested jeep road.
Meals: BLD

DAY 4: INTO THE WILD!
DAY 4: INTO THE WILD!

It’s time to unplug and head into the wild! But first, one last morning run in the valley on a pine needle-y trail winding through a veritable cathedral of trees near our lodge. From there we’ll pack up, load up and head for “The Hill,” a spectacular (and steep) stretch of road that connects the Bella Coola valley with the Chilcotin Plateau, where our next destination awaits. Once we arrive at Nimpo Lake we’ll begin the process of transporting everyone out to camp… by way of floatplane! Our camp itself is located deep within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, set on the shores of an alpine lake where the only sound is that of wind in the trees and loons on the water. Accommodation is a mix of rustic cabins & tents, and our camp manager will have everything ready for us; expect delicious, hearty meals, a crackling campfire, billions of stars and the feeling of having left the rest of the world faaaaaar behind…

Running: 5 miles / 8 km; single track. 1600 ft/ 530m elevation gain
Meals: BLD

DAY 5: SUMMER CAMP MODE
DAY 5: SUMMER CAMP MODE

Wake up with the sun to a hearty camp breakfast and a relaxed start to the day. We’ll spend the morning with a basic canoe lesson, then a short test of the skills to our trailhead for the day. This out/back run will take us to the next lake in the chain for the chance to enjoy a mid-run plunge with sweeping views of glaciated mountains in the distance, and the paddle back to camp will complete the excursion.

After some downtime and a camp lunch, we’ll get back in the canoes for the real test: paddling nearly 3 miles to the other end of our lake to reach the short trail that will take us to a dizzying viewpoint overlooking the tallest single-drop waterfall in Canada! After that we will - you guessed it! - paddle back to camp and spend the evening around the campfire with a freshly-prepared dinner, cold beverages, stories and, of course, s’mores.

Running: up to 6 miles / 10 km; single track plus an additional 2 mi / 3km hike
Paddling: 7 miles / 12km total for the day
Meals: BLD

DAY 6: OUT OF THE WILD
DAY 6: OUT OF THE WILD

Wake up early to catch the sunrise (take out a canoe if you’d like!) and enjoy a leisurely morning of coffee and camp breakfast before beginning to pack up. The plane will arrive to begin transporting us back to Nimpo Lake, where comfy cabins and a beautiful lakefront lodge await. We’ll have an optional late afternoon run around the local trail network, then kick back on the wraparound deck with drinks in hand while we await dinner at the lodge.

Running: up to 8 miles / 13 km; single track; 700 ft / 250m gain
Meals: BLD

DAY 7: RUN THE RAINBOWS!
DAY 7: RUN THE RAINBOWS!

This is our final full day, and we will make the most of it! We’ll start with sunrise and breakfast at the lodge before heading back into Tweedsmuir Park for our final run. This flowy single-track trail winds through high alpine terrain unlike anything we’ve seen yet this week, passing numerous pristine lakes along the base of the colorful and aptly-named Rainbow Range mountains. The afternoon will be free for whatever you wish - take a nap, paddle a canoe, read a book on the deck! - and that evening we’ll gather for our final dinner and of course, our infamous awards ceremony.

Running: up to 9 miles / 15 km; forested single track, open high alpine terrain. Up to 1000 ft/ 300 m elevation gain.
Meals: BLD

DAY 8: DEPARTURE
DAY 8: DEPARTURE

That’s it! After one last sunrise coffee and home-cooked breakfast we’ll pack up and head back down The Hill to Bella Coola to catch the flight back to Vancouver.

Running: No organized run (optional shakeout depending on flight time)
Meals: B

PRICING & DETAILS

DATES
July 23-30, 2024


COST
A $600 deposit secures your spot, and the total cost depends upon signup date:

Standard Price: $5095

Balances are due three months prior to departure. Please refer to the FAQs for our cancellation & refund policy.

COST INCLUDES

  • Pre-trip guidance + communication

  • Flight from Vancouver (YVR) to Bella Coola on arrival day

  • Flight from Bella Coola to Vancouver (YVR) on departure day

  • Transportation: 4x4 vehicles and/or passenger vans, fuel, and drivers

  • Three nights in a newly renovated, modern lodge with comfortable rooms, hot tub and fire pit with mountain views and gourmet multi-course dinners (rooms are a mix of single and double occupancy - you can indicate your preference when you register and we’ll accommodate in the order that registrations are received)

  • Two nights camping in rustic wilderness cabins or tents at established lakefront campsite deep in the mountains. Freshly cooked meals, canoeing, swimming and mountain views all around (this is rustic, communal accommodation; cabin and tent assignments are at the discretion of the guides so please ensure that you are adaptable in this regard)

  • Two nights in classic, cozy Canadiana-style lakefront cabins, each with their very own wood burning stove and amazing lake views! Communal lodge with bar, restaurant and deck overlooking pristine Nimpo Lake (double-occupancy rooms)

  • All camping gear except sleeping bag and pillow

  • Trail safety supplies and thorough orientation on how to use them: bear spray, bell, whistle

  • All camp supplies flown in and out by float plane

  • Floatplane transport to/from camp with a scenic flyover of Hunlen Falls along the way

  • Seven unique organized & guided runs/hikes

  • Wildlife viewing raft trip with professional river guides

  • Canoes rentals

  • All necessary trail permits

  • Experienced Rogue Expeditions trip leaders & and local logistics team

  • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8

  • Rogue Expeditions swag

  • An off-the-beaten-track experience that you’ll never forget!

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Transport to/from Vancouver International Airport

  • Alcohol and beverages other than water (coffee always provided with breakfasts)

  • Travel Insurance

  • Personal purchases/souvenirs

  • Sleeping bag (required!) or pillow (optional) for campsite

  • Tips

RUNNING REQUIREMENTS
All routes are adjustable in terms of distance. Daily maximums are listed on the itinerary and while some hiking is to be expected (and sometimes required), participants should arrive prepared for trail running and rugged mountain terrain.
Though we’ll be on established trails, please be comfortable with and excited about the idea of remote wilderness. This is grizzly bear country, and runners must be willing to comply with the safety measures outlined by our guides, including but not limited to carrying bear spray (you’ll be given thorough instruction), bells, occasionally hiking rather than running and sticking together in pairs or small groups.

GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 runners. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early deposits are recommended!

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Your trip price includes the spectacular 19-seater regional flight from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Bella Coola on arrival day and then back to YVR on departure day.

Arriving in Vancouver at least one day prior to the trip start date is strongly encouraged to avoid missing this flight. If you do choose to fly in on arrival day, plan for a bare minimum of a 3 hour buffer at the airport. This allows time to clear immigration, collect your checked luggage, and take the shuttle bus to the domestic terminal. Please note that if you do miss the group flight you will be responsible for getting yourself to Bella Coola (which will mean waiting until the next day, if there are seats available). You should have no problem booking a return flight home on the final day, but again - give yourself a few hours buffer in case of delays.

Flight schedules are below; registered runners should not book travel to/from Vancouver until we give you the green light:

Group Flight Info:
July 23: Departing YVR 10:50am
July 30: Arriving YVR 2:05pm

US citizens will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity left; no visas are required. Participants from other countries should check with their consulate for entry requirements.

Please note that travel insurance is strongly recommended. Although we hope you never need it, we've seen enough to know that it can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency, flight delays that cause you to miss the start of the trip, lost baggage or cancellation on your part (break your leg two weeks before departure? Miss the flight to Bella Coola and have to book another on your own? Insurance could cover the entire cost of your trip, or that missed flight!). 

FAQS

You can find those here.

CONTACT
Allison Macsas at allison@roguexpeditions.com

“Run BC was an unforgettable, breathtaking, beautiful, fun-filled adventure! This ranks as one of my best trips ever. Our guides went out of their way to accommodate every request possible and make a group trip also somehow feel very personal. We went to places most people don’t even know exist. The remoteness and landscape are definitely a key draw of this trip (if big cities are your thing, this might not be for you). The entire trip was wonderfully thought out, both from a pure logistics standpoint as well as the intangible but important balance of relaxation and high effort adventure. I couldn’t ask for anything better and am already signing up for my next trip!”
— Janet M.