About Us

Your Hosts

Peggy Zorn, a third-generation western Canadian, has over 30 years of knowledge and experience in the tourism industry. Alongside Ryan Simmonds, our Field Operations and Head Guide, they offer a professional guide service with an excellent reputation for providing a quality wilderness outdoor experience. With a strong sense of stewardship and regard for the waters and lands, Peggy and Ryan are committed to combining good management with the maintenance and enhancement of the unique ecosystem and life it sustains, following their “leave only footprints” philosophy. Their comprehensive knowledge of the geography, wildlife, flora and fauna, and natural history of the area provides guests with a well-rounded wilderness experience—an opportunity to simply enjoy and learn about the region. For more about Gary’s legacy and contributions, please visit the Bear Whisperer page.

Winners of the 2010 "Business Excellence Award for Tourism"

Wildlife viewing can be done without disturbance to the animals or habitat. At times we are up close and personal with some of the animals, particularly the grizzly bears that inhabit the Mitchell River area during the annual salmon run. Not to worry, Gary and Peggy have years of experience with these bears. Gary has become known as “the Bear Whisperer™” because of his passion for the big bears and the knowledge of their habitat, habits, and body language and his understanding of their actions and reactions.

Gary is noted for his unique relationship with the bears and his many amazing bear, wildlife and adventure stories. Gary and Peggy have learned to co-exist with the animals of the area and tread lightly through their forest homes. Safety is always first and foremost in the wilds of British Columbia. We promote a “leave only footprints” philosophy in our area and request that you take no souvenirs other than pictures and memories.

Ryan Simmonds – Field Operations and Head Guide

Ryan has been with Ecotours-BC for over a decade learning his wilderness guiding craft and absorbing the methodology and vast knowledge from Gary Zorn, the “Bear Whisperer”, founder of Ecotours-BC. Born and raised in the Mission area of BC Ryan worked at a number of vocations before following his true passion for the outdoors, wilderness and wildlife with Ecotours-BC. Ryan and his wife, Amanda, along with their furry family of two Border Collies and three cats have made the Cariboo Mountains their home. Ryan honed his guiding skills under Gary’s tutelage and mentorship and carries on Gary’s wilderness and wildlife legacy. He is a skilled guide and outdoorsman who loves showing guests “the forest from the inside out” as Gary taught him. Ryan loves sharing stories of his guiding adventures and times spent with Gary in the mountains, on the rivers in a jetboat and on Quesnel Lake. He is also an excellent wildlife photographer. As a guide, guests are always quick to praise him for his expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm as well as his always positive attitude and caring nature.

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How can you help protect the areas we visit?

Good eco-tourism practices through self education help make your trip more enjoyable and aids in the protection of the natural areas you venture into. During your trip maximize your positive impact.

Documenting your trip and your observations gives you lifetime memories and something to share with future generations. We always appreciate receiving copies of your pictures and stories, too. It creates a unique personal connection with you and helps us to make our trips and better, to recognize potential problems and lets us share your unique feelings and observations with others.

Oh my! If you’re the kind of traveller who wants a unique experience that gets you up close with the locals (and by locals, we mean the wildlife) then the folks at Ecotours-BC have just the adventure in mind.

Courtney McCaffrey - flightnetwork.com