Winter Workshops Overseas

The animals we see are wild and free and unhabituated.  They are in their natural habitat – no wildlife preserves, animals parks or populated areas.  We will operate in an area of pure wilderness. Our area of operation covers over half a million hectares in the Cariboo Mountains surrounding Quesnel Lake the deepest fjord lake on earth.  We use 4×4 vehicles to access the general areas we want to explore and then snowshoe into specific areas for observing the animals.  We take you where the animals are so there are no groomed trails as we follow the animal movements based on their tracks and other signs.  These are exceptional wilderness encounters with unique learning opportunities.

The soul tingling howl of a timber wolf guides your snowshoes through the ancient forest where you experience nature’s most intimate touch. The solitude, peace and beauty of winter in this mountain wilderness fills your senses as you interact with nature and wildlife. Learn about wildlife behavior, habitat and their amazing adaptability to the often harsh conditions of the Canadian winter. As the snow deepens in the high country the moose, the prime food source for wolves, move to wintering grounds in lower elevations to feed on willows and more easily available browse in the valley bottoms around lakes and on river banks. The wolves follow offering exceptional opportunity to see them as they stalk their prey.

Lynx typically inhabit areas of dense forest and bush where they pursue the Snowshoe Hare, their prime food source. Although typically more nocturnal, in winter Lynx are on the move as they hunt. Their propensity to travel is especially notable during mating season, mid-January to March, when they are more likely to be less cautious and more active during the day.

Our study area is an amazing wild wintering ground for Canada Moose, wolves, lynx and winter birds. Come to understand the relationship between the animals in Canada’s north country. Animals you can see in this winter wonderland include timber wolves, moose, mountain caribou, deer, lynx, cougar, mule deer, fox as well as members of the weasel family – marten, fisher, mink, otter, ermine and perhaps a glimpse of the shy and reclusive wolverine.

This is also a wonderful opportunity for winter birding and photography. Winter birds include eagles, swans, Barrows Goldeneye and ducks on the rivers, owls, hawks and other raptors to tiny mountain songbirds like chickadees, juncos, varied thrushes, grosbeaks, pine siskins and many more that winter in the Cariboo Mountains. And don’t forget the Northern Lights which are often seen during the winter months complete this winter wonderland.