5 Days: $6990*
per person based on double occupancy
*Price includes return air package from Vancouver
2024 Dates:
September 15 – 19, 2024
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and do not include 5% GST. All prices in USD.
Join Artica Studios founders Chase and Jenni Teron for five days of incomparable grizzly bear viewing in the remote wilderness of British Columbia. Watch for abundant grizzlies as they hunt for salmon in the azure blue waters of Chilko Lake and the Chilko River! Stay in riverside safari-style tents perched high above the waters while grizzlies feed on salmon right in front of you.
Remote and spectacular, the Chilcotin Country of British Columbia remains largely undiscovered by outsiders. Chilko Lake lies at the heart of this vast and diverse region, flanked by the jagged, ice-etched Coast Range on the west and sage-covered plateaus on the east. The lake, a 55-mile-long alpine basin filled with clear glacial water, is our base for natural adventure on a scale rarely encountered. From our wilderness camp we will embark on nature walks, river trips and lake excursions that bring us close to the abundant wildlife that thrives in the Chilcotin: Canada’s true “Wild West.”
Based out of Bear Camp, guests will be dazzled by fine food, great hospitality and a “Canadian twist” on the classic wildlife safari and with a limit of 10 guests, this promises to be an intimate, immersive experience for everyone.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Take a scenic flight over the Coast Mountains and transfer to Camp
- Check into the waterfront Bear Camp and get settled in our deluxe safari tents
- Be amazed by the abundance of grizzlies, black bears and eagles feasting on spawning salmon
- Watch grizzlies feed on salmon below your deck and while on daily excursions
- Explore the Coast Mountains, Chilko and Tatlayoko lakes by canoe, kayak, boat, and on foot
- Paddle and fish the breath-taking azure waters of Chilko River
- Hike or bike on paths enveloped by awe-inspiring mountains
- Enjoy home-cooked meals and evening “feasts” paired with eclectic wines and craft beer
- Unwind with a book, or do nothing but drink in the spectacular scenery
What’s Included:
- Experienced professional guides
- Accommodations at Bear Camp
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4 (5 or 8)
- All activities described in the itinerary
- Park fees and necessary permits
Chase Teron
Chase Teron, a dedicated ethical wildlife photographer and conservationist, finds his passion deeply rooted on the picturesque landscapes of Vancouver Island. With a commitment to preserving the natural world, Chase utilizes his lens to capture the beauty and vulnerability of wildlife in their natural habitats. His work extends beyond photography, embodying a mission to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
Hailing as an award-winning and internationally published photographer, Chase Teron’s captivating imagery speaks volumes about his devotion to his craft. His lens doesn’t merely freeze moments in time; it tells the stories of the creatures he encounters, reflecting their struggles, resilience, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Through his lens, Chase brings the untamed wilderness into focus for audiences across the globe.
Chase Teron’s impact extends beyond artistic endeavours. He has forged collaborations with major conservation organizations spanning the planet, a testament to his dedication to making a tangible difference having raised more than $2.6M USD for conservation through his direct efforts. His partnership with these organizations reflects his belief in the power of imagery to galvanize action and change for the betterment of the Earth’s fragile ecosystems.
The Arctic, with its vast and remote expanses, holds a special place in Chase Teron’s heart. His love for this region is evident in his captivating images of polar bears gracefully navigating icy landscapes and whales breaching through frigid waters. He is drawn to the challenge of capturing the raw beauty of these remote and often harsh environments, using his photography to shed light on their fragility and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
In Chase Teron’s journey, the camera is not just a tool; it’s a conduit for storytelling and a catalyst for change. His name has become synonymous with ethical wildlife photography and proactive conservation efforts, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of art, advocacy, and the environment.
Jenni Teron
Jenni Teron, a co-founder at Artica Studios, is a captivating blend of creativity and compassion. As a photographer, conservationist, and artist, she intertwines her love for the visual arts with a deep commitment to animal rights activism. Jenni’s lens captures not just images but stories that advocate for the voiceless.
In a world filled with complexities, Jenni finds solace in the simple things—embracing the beauty of minimalistic scenes and the soothing palette of pastel colors. Her artistic vision is a testament to the belief that elegance lies in simplicity.
Beyond the confines of the studio, Jenni thrives in the vast expanse of the remote wilderness. It’s here, amidst nature’s untouched wonders, that her spirit finds true liberation. Whether through the lens of her camera or the stroke of her brush, she translates the serenity of these landscapes into art that speaks to the soul.
However, it’s not just her art that resonates with gentleness; it’s also her character. Known for her kindness and caring nature, Jenni is a compassionate soul driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Her advocacy extends beyond the canvas, as she actively champions the cause of animal rights.
Jenni Teron, a creative force with a heart as vast as the wilderness she adores, invites you to explore the world through her lens and join her in the pursuit of a more compassionate and visually enchanting existence.
Jenni Teron’s artistic journey extends beyond the canvas, leaving an indelible mark on renowned brands and international landscapes alike. With an impressive portfolio, she has collaborated with industry giants such as Canon, Canadian Geographic, and Arc’teryx, crafting visual narratives that transcend boundaries.
Jenni’s most memorable wildlife encounters have been swimming with wild orcas in the Norwegian Arctic, walking with Polar Bears and Arctic Fox in Churchill, and walking amongst grizzlies in the Canadian wilderness and sailing around icebergs in Western and Southern Greenland.
What to Expect When Bear Viewing at Chilko Lake
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group and time of year. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like.
Day One – Fly to Bear Camp
We meet in Vancouver for your flight. For those arriving at Vancouver International Airport on Day One – it is essential to arrive a minimum of two hours before our meeting time. 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 the South Terminal.
Please make sure your gear is packed in soft luggage (NO SUITCASES PLEASE) 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. Upon arrival, your guides will give you an orientation to the events ahead and we’ll enjoy the first of many delicious meals in our wilderness setting.
Though we are here to encounter nature, the camp environs are also captivating. Your safari tents are built up on large viewing platforms and have either one king or two double beds complete with comfy duvets, indoor/outdoor lounging areas and a view that cannot be beat. The main tent and renovated 1954 Trappers Lodge are the focal points for meals, cocktails and relaxing. Fine fare is a ROAM hallmark, and our chef creates elegant meals using local and regional natural foods. Once checked in we will begin one of or many wildlife viewing options culminating with a sunset paddle or boat ride and bear viewing from our raised platforms.
Day Two
Every morning before breakfast we offer coffee/tea delivery to your tent. Watching the bears as the sun rises is otherworldly and something everyone should experience. After breakfast, we offer a host of activities to choose from based on weather, people’s interests and energy levels. All the activities incorporate bear viewing as a key component but there’s no sitting around Camp, unless you choose too! We prefer to engage with our local bruins while explore this incredible environment.
The Chilko River lies within an ecosystem that contains some of the world’s best habitat for grizzly bears. They converge in great numbers in the fall, when millions of salmon return to spawn at the river’s mouth, providing a feast of stunning proportions. Black bears, wolves and cougars also abound in the pine and fir forests.
Activities to choose:
Hiking: there are an endless number of great trails accessible right from Bear Camp. Green Lake offers pretty mellow terrain for stretching one’s legs, while Mt Tullin is a challenging hike with 360 degree views. Heli hiking can also be arranged at additional expense (but is worth every penny) and visits a number of valleys and nearby glaciers.
Kayaking: Chilko Lake is one of the world’s premiere alpine lake destinations where you can explore by boat in total tranquility. Surrounded by massive glacier-capped peaks and a road-less wilderness, you will spend the days paddling the lake and picnicking on sandy beaches. Days are long but the alpenglow sunsets are worth the wait! During bear viewing season, most of the bruins congregate right at our doorstep so we do not have to paddle far to watch bears feeding on Mother Nature’s bounty. We also have a quiver of very stable paddle boards (SUP’s) and paddling above the salmon is truly surreal.
Fishing: A veritable bouillabaisse of fish, the Chilko is utopia for anglers of all abilities. The river is a giant bevy of hot spots, with clear shallows and deep pools. Draining the main lake, the waters never cloud and fishing is superb throughout the season. The river is “fly fish only, catch and release” and we have jon and drift boats and all the necessary gear to wade and fish this pristine waterway. We can teach beginners to fly fish or you can take a spin rod on the lake, the choice is yours.
Mountain Biking: flowing double track, winding dirt roads, coasting along the rivers edge or gliding through pine-scented forests, we’ve got it all. Our fleet of Kona mountain bikes comes with vehicle support and a knowledgeable guide. What more could you want? Eliminate the hills? We can do that too!
River Float or Paddle: floating right from Bear Camp, we can travel a half-day (10 miles) or an entire day (21 miles with a picnic lunch) by inflatable kayak (aka “ducky”) and navigate some fun and scenic water that is still appropriate for little ones.
Drift Boat: for the ultimate in scenic rides – and ideal for photographers – try a drift on this breathtaking stretch. In a drift boat you get a fun ride but soak up the scenery instead of waves. Our drift boat is also ideal for fly fishing outings and during salmon season, the dories provide an unobtrusive way to float among the bears.
Bushcraft: there are many options for paddling, fishing, hiking or biking but one of the big highlights of this trip is the option for “bushcraft”. This involves a hike or drive up to Scotty Meadow to meet, 80 year old survivalist expert, Mike Yates, a.k.a. “Grizz”. Mike ran a survival school for decades and was better known as the Marlboro Man for the cigarette manufacturer’s advertising series in Europe and abroad. Participants will see how to live off-the-grid, learn about plants and wildflowers as well as learn about constructing traditional log homes. By the day’s end you will be ready to face even the worst zombie apocalypse…or at least light a fire and build shelter!
Last Day
After another morning paddle and amazing breakfast, we will leave Bear Camp and get ready for flights home. You should arrive mid-afternoon but we always recommend overnighting in Vancouver at the end of the trip in case of weather issues with smaller aircraft. ROAM would be pleased to make Vancouver accommodation arrangements on your behalf as we often get preferred rates.
September 15 – 19, 2024
Accommodations at Bear Camp
Bear Camp is a safari-style tent camp with ‘a Canadian twist’
Sheltered by the Pacific Coast Mountain Ranges, deep in the unspoiled raw wilderness of British Columbia, and protected by the vast terrain of the Tsilhqot’in (Chilcotin) First Nation People, lies Bear Camp. Forged out of Douglas Fir timbers and perched at the juncture of Chilko Lake and the Chilko River, it was originally built 1954 as a hunting & fishing camp, but has since been re-created into a funky, world-class adventure and wildlife-viewing destination. The main log structure is the focal point for meals, cocktails and most socializing. The surrounding tent cabins are a mixture of king or two bed rooms carefully positioned for privacy and view. There are river rock showers, flush toilets and plenty of staff to keep you dearly spoiled while keeping the adventures flowing!
About the Region
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 centre piece 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 River flows near Nazko Lakes Provincial Park and Stump 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.
Cultural Notes
To aboriginal people of the Nemaiah Valley, 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 Tatlow 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.
For the isolated Nemaiah First Nation, their agreement on the park represents an important, but tentative first step toward reconciliation with the outside world. It is this world that led to the so-called Chilcotin Indian War of 1864 and the subsequent deaths of many. Today, that historic uprising against the white intrusion on Chilcotin Lands continues to colour the native psyche and the park’s future.
The silty confluence of the Chilcotin and Fraser was also a major territorial boundary. The Ts’ilhqot’in people of the Athapaskan language group held a territory on the northwest side of the confluence where the Junction Sheep Range is located. Small bands of natives traveled the Chilcotin watershed, hunting and gathering food. During salmon runs, these bands would come together at the mouth of the Chilcotin.