Welcome to the Chilko-Taseko Heli-rafting expedition—an unprecedented helicopter supported river and hiking trip featuring more than 60 miles of whitewater in an action-packed adventure. In addition to great rapids, this expedition takes participants heli-hiking through some of British Columbia’s most distinct and remarkable landscapes. To fully enjoy this adventure, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the information provided. We want to be with you every step of the way so please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns.
Chilko-Taseko Heli Adventure Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
Chilko-Taseko Heli Adventure Travel Planner
(Requires Adobe Acrobat)
Day One (Wednesday)
We meet for a 3:00 PM flight out of Vancouver. We will be utilizing a private departure lounge near the Vancouver International Airport. Important Note for Those Arriving at Vancouver International Airport on Day One: It is essential to arrive no less than two hours before our 3:00 PM flight. You need to allow enough time for possible flight delays, time to clear customs, and time to transfer by taxi from the Vancouver International Airport terminal to a private charter plane terminal (TBA).
Please make sure your gear is packed in soft luggage as this will allow for easy storage and transfer into waterproof river bags. As soon as everyone’s gear is stowed, we will board our chartered plane for the incredible flight over the mountains and glaciers to Chilko Lake. Here at the headwaters, we will meet our guides, check into our rooms, and enjoy the afternoon and evening at the resort. A lakeside view at dinner and an evening to go over last-minute details and issuing expedition equipment will help you settle into the moods and rhythms of the trip.
Day Two (Thursday)
After breakfast, it's on to the rafts. Today we descend through Lava Canyon and challenge many long and continuous rapids. Heart stopping hydraulics and towering, standing waves cascade for more than 18 miles through deep and narrow lava gorges, making for some non-stop excitement. It is no surprise Lava Canyon has become world famous among whitewater enthusiasts. At the junction of the Chilko and Taseko rivers, our helicopter will be waiting to whisk us back up-river to the lodge. Flying over Lava Canyon will be an exciting finish to one of the world’s best stretches of whitewater. A hot tub, massage or glass of wine will be the ideal way to relax before another delightful evening. Perhaps a campfire under the stars and celebration is in order after a fun filled day of adventure.
Day Three (Friday)
Today we will heli-hike in the magnificent Coast Mountain Ranges. From our doorstep, our helicopter will lift us up to the incredible alpine surrounding the park. High up above Chilko Lake nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains we will hike through endless valleys of wildflowers. This rich carpeted terrain makes for easy walking and will allow us to cover great distances. The 360-degree scenery will make you feel like the gods as you wander among the mountaintops where very few mortals ever go.
Today will also be ideal to enjoy some fishing at Chilko Lake and then set off for an afternoon horseback ride. Our guides can teach you how to fly fish or you can use spin rods all on your own. This afternoon will be a good time to soak in the hot tub, swim in the pool, go for a hike, or canoe.
Day Four (Saturday)
Today we fly to the Taseko River. Participants will be in for a real delight with this river whose gradient is similar to the Chilko and even less traveled. The long narrow canyons twist and turn through a variety of geological processes, while we ride the cascading torrent downstream for mile upon mile. The Taseko’s swift currents dissipate only for a moment as we regroup before running the magnificent rapid Taseko Falls. This is the largest single drop on the river but there is plenty of action still to come as we blast our way back towards the Chilko and flights back to the lodge.
Day Five (Sunday)
After a leisurely morning at the lodge—fishing, soaking in the hot tub, horseback riding—we’ll meet our shuttle for the spectacular flight to Vancouver. The flight is a fitting finale to a wild and woolly mini-expedition adventure. Depending on the weather, we plan to arrive back in Vancouver between 6:00 and 7:00 PM.
Back to top
