Chilko Lake Multi-Sport

Cast a line in a crystal clear river that never clouds, raft through the lava canyons of the Chilko River, mountain bike, hike or horseback in the Coast Range, kayak on a wilderness lake that stretches for miles without even so much as a road. The variety of scenery and activities on this trip unfolds in a panorama of changing vistas. Each day, we will return to the elegant comfort and charm of our private luxury residence to indulge in fine wine and great food. 

Our adventure begins with the breathtaking ahrter flight from Vancouver over the towering mountains and massive glaciers of the Cost Range. After arriving at the beautiful wilderness of Chilko Lake, we spend our days exploring the countryside and valleys that have made this region famous. Situated at the border of Ty’sl-os Provincial Park, the north end of Chilko Lake, and the headwaters of the Chillko River system, we will indulge ourselves in a variety of adventures at our wilderness area, hiking in the alpine and wildflower among glacier-capped peaks, mountain biking through pristine forest and river rafting the crystal clear Chilko River. The balance of the days will be filled with options like fishing for world famous rainbow trout, exploring Chilko Lake by boat and foot, horseback riding, wildlife viewing or simply soaking I a hot tub or reading a great book by the fireplace. Each day, we will return to the elegant comfort and charm of our private luxury residence to indulge in fine wine great food. 

The Terrain 

Our trip begins at the north end of Ts’yl-os Provincial Park. Established in 1994, Ts’yl-os (pronounced sigh loss) is 233,240 hectares in the Chilcotin Ranges of the Coast Mountains. Although Chilko Lake is the centerpiece of the park, it is just one of many incredible natural features. Though there is much to explore in the region, it is rugged and unserviced leaving its visitors up to their own devices. This is where we fit in. 

The Chilcotin flows near Nazko Lakes Provicial Park and Stum Lake Provincial Park. Both were recently expanded to protect wildlife habitat and BC’s only colony of nesting white pelicans, respectively. Upstream from the confluence of the Chilcotin and Big Creek, lies the new 660 hectares of rolling grassy plateau protected in Big Creek Provincial Park. 

The River 

Partiicpants are continually overwhelmed by the excitement and beauty of this natural corridor. The Chilko River drains Chilko Lake making this free flowing waterway perfect to raft from May through October. When compared to busy rivers south of the border, this circuitous system is considered a wilderness waterway. The Chilko is one of North America’s best rafting rivers and boats miles of roller coaster rapids that will keep you grinning from start to finish. Obviously the Provice of British Columbia agrees with us, as it has established more than 17 new parks in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. 

Cultural Notes 

To aboriginal people of the Nemaiah, Ts’yl-os is much more than a provincial park. Ts’yl-os was a man, or at least he used to be long ago, and like any man he had his moods. Given his towering height of 3,061 meters (Mount Tatlov on a map), it is wise to respect him and especially not to point at him. His presence can be so dominating that when occasional bad weather hits the valley, the 250 native residents wonder if it is a message from their spiritual protector. 

Wildlife and Flora 

The Chilcotin is home to the largest herd of California bighorn sheep in the world. During the rut, the big spiral-horned rams will charge speeds of 50 miles per hour and butt heads 30-40 times a day, an exhausting, and often fatal for sexual supremacy. Another fleet-footed hunter in the region is the cougar. Like other predators, cougars will prey on the weak or young. But in the Chilcotin, three quarters of all the sheep killed are adult rams. Biologist believe the larger horns used in the rut, impede the rams’ peripheral and rear vision. More times than not, however, cougars are harassed to leave their kill because of the persistent coyotes. Some coyotes become the cougars lunch, but the big cats are more likely to look to other sheep, moose, or deer. Fortunately for the cougars, all are in abundance. 

This area is also the home of black bear, grizzly, and wolf. Bear populations slurp down the abundant rose hips and berries in the aspen groves. August and September departures are virtually guaranteed sightings because the bears are feeding on the plentiful salmon runs. Beaver, river otter, and mink can also be seen along the riverbank. We have counted over 30 species of birds on this trip. They include bald and golden eagles, peregrine falcons and many species of hawks. Canada geese, great blue herons, sage grouse, Lewis woodpeckers, and many varieties of songbirds are also present. This diverse environment is also home to seven different bat species such as western-footed Myotis and Townsend’s big-eared bats. 

The upper Chilko is covered with lodge pole pine and Douglas fir. As we drop in elevation the trees become sparse. Large open grasslands interspersed with cottonwood and ponderosa pine is dominant in this dry climate. Sagebrush and prickly pear cactus cover parts of the desert on the lower Chilcotin and the canyons of the little concern. The largest airborne bugs are butterflies, more than 40 species. Each is associated with a specific plant, and many have exotic names like painted lady, aster checkerspot, woodland skipper, and white admiral. 

Minimum Age: 8Yrs

TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Transportation to and from Vancouver 
• Pre and post trip accommodations and meals 
• Round-trip flight package from Vancouver to Anahim Lake $800US per person
• Airport taxes and fees 
• Excess baggage charges 
• Insurance of any kind, including travel and mandatory medical and evacuation insurance 
• Optional Heli-hiking Day 
• Fishing license 
• Liquor or sundries at The Lodge 
• Items of a personal nature and equipment outlined in personal equipment list 
• Grauities