Our adventure begins with a breathtaking flight from Vancouver over the towering mountains and massive glaciers of the Coast 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 Ts’yl-os Provincial Park, the north end of Chilko Lake, and the headwaters of the Chilko River system, we will indulge ourselves in a variety of adventures at our doorstep. The principal activities will be kayaking on Chilko Lake surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks in a roadless wilderness area, hiking in the alpine and wildflowers among glacier-capped peaks, mountain biking through pristine forests 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, learning yoga, horseback riding, wildlife viewing or simply soaking in a hot tub or reading a great book by the campfire. Each day, we will return to the elegant comfort and charm of our private luxury residence to indulge in fine wine and great food.
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Lodge at Chilko Lake Photo Gallery
About the Accommodations
The Lodge at Chilko Lake is an upscale private residence located in BC’s historic ranch country overlooking the river valley and mountains at the head of the Chilko River. The main lodge is a formidable log structure manufactured from local trees and is the focal point for meals, cocktails and most socializing. It has wireless Internet, a big screen television (if you must), as well as comfortable lounge chairs and the main dining room. The upper level is a luxurious suite with impressive king bedroom, sitting area and grand bathroom complete with double headed showers. The ground floor has a bar, games room and access to the popular fire pit area.
The surrounding cabins are a mixture of one and two bedroom log and timber frame structures carefully positioned for privacy and view. The cabins are unique but equally breathtaking featuring fine craftsmanship, comfortable furnishings and a magnificent collection of antiques and collectibles. Each unit is self-contained and has comfortable living rooms, private bathrooms and kitchenettes.
The ranch is perched closely to Ts’yl-os Provincial Park, the prize jewel of the British Columbia park system. It’s meticulous construction falls more into an art-form category than traditional building.
Delicious meals are carefully prepared by our chef utilizing fresh vegetables, meats, and seafood. The ranch has its own greenhouse for herbs and vegetables. Local and regional organic and whole foods are sourced out as well Special dietary considerations may be accommodated with advance notice. Throughout your stay and in part because we only deal with 12 guests at a time, you will have the thoughtful attention and service that you deserve.
Chilko Multi-Sport Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and always flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, length of stay and sometimes the weather. Our packages are 3,4 or 7 nights but the following is a sample of what a 4-night, 5 day trip might be like.
Day 1 - Sunday
We meet for our 11:00 AM flight to Chilko Lake.
Important Note for Those Arriving at Vancouver International Airport on Day One: It is essential to arrive a minimum of two hours before our 11:00AM flight. You need to allow enough time for possible flight delays, time to clear customs, and time to transfer from the Vancouver International Airport terminal to a private charter plane terminal.
Please make sure your gear is packed in soft luggage (NO SUITCASES) as this will allow for easy storage. As soon as everyone’s gear is stowed, we will board our plane for the incredible flight over the mountains and glaciers. Once at the headwaters of the Chilko River, we will meet our guides, check into our rooms, and enjoy the afternoon and evening at the lodge. A guided hike, canoeing or casting a line into our trout pond will be a great way to unwind. A spectacular view at dinner and an evening to go over last-minute details will help you settle into the moods and rhythms of the trip.
Day 2 - Monday
Today we will explore Chilko Lake by kayak as we head into a 55-mile long wilderness waterway. Surrounded by massive glacier-capped peaks and a road-less wilderness, we will spend the day paddling the lake and picnicking on sandy beaches. There may be an opportunity for an afternoon hike and some fishing before heading back to the Lodge for cocktails and a sumptous dinner. After dinner we’ll take a tour of the night skies with resident engineer, Jaromir, and his incredible telescope.
Day 3 - Tuesday
Today you will be transferred to our rafting put-in point. The whitewater enthusiasts will descend the long and continuous rapids of the Chilko River. You will be treated to a chorus of heart-stopping hydraulics and towering standing waves. Cascading for more than 20 miles through deep and narrow lava gorges, this non-stop excitement has made these river sections famous amongst whitewater enthusiasts. Those not seeking Class IV excitement will float the upper Chilko watching for wildlife and relaxing with a book. At the end of an exhilarating day you will be transferred back to the lodge by vehicle or perhaps, riding ATV’s up the river trail (heli- options may also available). A hot tub or short walk may be in order to watch the sunset.
Day 4 - Wednesday
For those who are keen for a full day hiking adventure we’ll ascend Mount Tullin. Hiking high up above Chilko Lake we’ll travel through endless valleys of wildlfowers. Once at the summit, you will be treated with a spectacular view of the lake and Coast Ranges. The 360-degree scenery will make you feel like the gods as you wander among the mountaintops where very few mortals ever go.
Those less energetic may choose to poke along the Green Lake trail or may opt to choose a heli -hiking option, where our Bell Longer Ranger chopper will lift us up to the incredible alpine surrounding the park. High up above Chilko Lake nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains. This rich carpeted terrain makes for easy walking and will allow us to cover great distances. There may also be time to enjoy some fishing at Chilko Lake. Our guides can teach you how to fly fish or you can use spin rods all on your own. Or perhaps set off for an afternoon horseback ride or get a massage – the choice is yours. Tonight we will feast outdoors, roast marshmallows and have a sing along around the campfire.
Day 5 - Thursday
This morning we can mountain bike, walk, fish, hike, kayak, canoe or simply immerse oneself in a good book. Everyone can pick their own pace and get organized for flights back to Vancouver. Weather permitting you should be back around 3:30 PM.
Other Activities…
Bikes: we have a fleet of “Kona” mountain bikes with disk brakes. The bikes are used for guided an un-guided mountain biking excursions on and off the property.
Fishing: for the fly fisherman, the Chilko River is truly world class. This prime location where sockeye salmon and rainbow trout are found together produces some of the best fishing in British Columbia. The guides utilize deluxe flat bottom riverboats that have forward and aft fishing platforms with stanchions for stable casting. We utilize 4-stroke environmentally friendly jet engines in order to negotiate the river but you can also fish from shore or in waders. One should expect to catch 18-29 inch rainbow trout. (Fly out floatplane fishing trips are available at additional cost). Chilko Lake is also a fantastic fishery. When exploring the lake by cabin cruiser or kayak we often stop to fish many of the inlets and creek mouths where trout and dolly varden are plentiful. All guests have access to fly or spin rods, gore-tex waders and felt boots. If you have a favorite 5-6 wt. fly rod or spinning set up, we recommend you bring it along.
Hiking: we have numerous hiking trials into Tsylos Provincial Park. The Mount Tullin route covers almost 4000 vertical feet and would be described as challenging. The Green Lake route is a lovely meander up the lake. The Lodge also has 2 cabin cruisers that we utilize to travel down the 55-mile lake to access some incredible hikes.
Heli-hiking is also an optional activity. With a Bell Long Ranger (6 passenger) helicopter servicing the lodge, the heli-hiking opportunities are endless. Here you’ll hike for the day at 7000-9000 feet above sea level. Surrounded by mountaintops and wildflowers, grizzly sightings are common and the scenery second to none.
Kayaks: we have a fleet of doubles and singles complete with spray decks, floats and pumps. We also stable kayaks for self-guided paddling around our private trout pond.
Rafting: we utilize 18-foot self-bailing oar boats (with paddle assist) for challenging the Lava Canyon stretch of the Chilko River. Guests will raft about 30 miles in one day. For the less intrepid adventurers and younger guests, we offer the upper 21 miles of the Chilko River (class II+) by raft or inflatable kayak.
Horseback riding: the lodge does not own horses but we can organize 2-3 hour rides on short notice with a local outfitter or full-day rides with advance notice.
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