Join GeoQwest Excursions Ltd on a 3 Day Exploration Safari designed to visit the authentic exploration,cultural and natural history of this historic pioneer district of BC. Located at the edge of the South Chilcotin Plateau, this region is one of the scenic regions of the province. Combine that scenery with professional caliber landscape and cultural interpretation, you've got a world class GeoQwest Overland Safari!

Prospectors in the 1860's found gold in the gravels near Carpenter Lake. Soon the towns of Bridge River and Gold Bridge were formed. By 1890, hardrock claims began to produce gold with the discovery of the Pioneer and Bralorne Mines that produced over 4 million ounces of gold ($1.6 billion @$400 oz) over their lifespan. Much of the extensive mining activity has been reclaimed by nature. But with research and interpretation by your GeoQwest guide, that history is revealed in the raw beauty that is British Columbia?s backcountry.

The Yalakom River follows a regional fault that has resulted in a spectacular valley flanked by mountains that rise to elevations of up to 9,000 feet. Legends of a portal to the depths of the earth have endured with the native St'at'imc people with a unique alluvial feature in the valley appearing to be a cave leading to the depths. Yalakom Mountain is the one of the highest peaks in the Camelsfoot Range but is dwarfed by Big Dog and Big Sheep Mountains of the Shulaps Range across the valley. Yalakom is a St'at'imc (Lillooet) Nations word meaning "Ewe of the Mountain Sheep", implying it as the home to one of the many species of BC wildlife that roam this remote region.

Exploration and mining roads give this tour comfortable access to the spectacular vast alpine that extends for hundreds of square kilometres. Our specially equipped 4x4 will take you into this spectacular region in total comfort and safety. A photographers dream, your guide will explain the principles of formation of the landscape features to give you a fresh understanding of British Columbia's viewscapes.

Your return to Vancouver will be via backroads traveled by few except for backcountry professionals or ardent explorers. The landscapes of this route are classic British Columbia at it's world renowned finest!

Your tour guide is a geomorphologist and a former exploration geologist with over 20 years in international exploration as a remote terrain specialist. You'll travel in confidence in GeoQwest's professionally equipped, inspected, licensed and insured safari vehicle that will return you each night to the comfort of your hotel. Be sure to bring plenty of film or memory cards as this safari will prove to be a trip of a lifetime!

Go Ahead! Book today for the GeoQwest Exploration Safari of the Yalakom Highlands.