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 Getting Started
Welcome to our industry leading, multi-sport adventure tour through
British Columbia's most diverse and extraordinary landscapes. To best
enjoy your adventure, we suggest you take some time to become familiar
with trip details. Our goal is to be at your side every step of the way
as you prepare for your expedition, so we ask that you do not hesitate
to call with any concerns or questions.
Notes from the Region – A
letter from Brian McCutcheon
The start of our adventure is marked by one of the most stunning plane
rides you’ll ever experience. Entering this icy landscape,
you’re soon surrounded by serrated, towering ridges and
spectacular glacial lakes is a sure thrill for most city –
folk. The 55-mile long Chilko Lake is azure-like in color and
translucent, on par only with the impressive waters found in the South
Pacific. The Chilko River flows from the lakes north end and begs to be
explored. This combination of the intense yet serene is precisely what
makes this trip so memorable.
Priorities quickly change with time spent out
here. People forget about accessories, diets, poise and would-be
sophistication. As we dine at the lakeshore we can see thousands of
rainbow trout and salmon and leap from the waters in front of you, as
act which takes on unprecedented decadence. Spotting grizzlies along
the hillsides from the comfort and safety of our private helicopter and
exploring the alpine becomes a truly divine experience. Fax machines
and cell phones are the farthest thoughts from your mind. By day we
enjoy the sun soothing our backs before we watch it turn blood red in
the sunset over the teal waters.
A land full of legends, the Chilcotin is steeped
with the heritage of the Canadian gold rush, spotted with million acre
homesteads, and the best stretch of whitewater navigable by commercial
vessels found in North America. Our fellow travelers come to us from
all walks of professional life, and levels of trekking experience. None
of whom have any trouble leaving civilization behind them as they check
into Chilcotin country – the tough part doesn’t
come until they have to back in. This is one trip that stays with our
guests forever.
It was 1985 when Brian McCutcheon began Rivers
& Oceans, and has been operating kayaking and rafting trip here
since the late eighties. We changed to Rivers Oceans and Mountains in
2000 so as to best reflects the landscape of the regions we visit. The
evolution of our company to ROAM includes us now offering three very
different styles of adventure tours – Expedition, Safari, and
Exploratory. Brian has been down the Chilko River well over 100 times.
His experience was a large part of why ESPN selected ROAM to help
facilitate the filming “Wild Rules” and adventure
reality series at Chilko Lake. When not out on a tour, Brian acts as
ROAM’s Managing Director from our Nelson, BC offices.
 Why the Multi-sport
Adventure?
A breathtaking charter flight out of Vancouver marks the start of out
adventure, one that takes us over the impressive glaciers and towering
mountains of BC’s Coast Range. Following our arrival to the
stunning wilderness of Chilko Lake, we soon find ourselves exploring
the scenery that this region is famous for. Located on the border of
T's'ylos Provincial park, the headwaters of the Chilko River system and
the north end of Chilko, we are surrounded with a variety of
adventures, all available at our doorstep. These activities include
kayaking on Chilko Lake, heli-hiking in the wildflowers and alpine
meadows of the Coast Mountains, and rafting the clear crystal waters of
the Chilko River. Other activity options include hiking, fishing or
horseback riding. At the end of each day we will return to the rustic
charm and comfort our riverside accommodations where we’ll to
indulge in great food and fine wines. Cap off the day with a dip in our
Jacuzzi, sauna or swimming pool.
About the Accommodation
Chilko Lake Resort is nestled in the Provinces historic ranch country
and has a brilliant view of both the lake and river headwaters. The
main lodge is a impressive log structure built from spruce trees and
surrounded by enough cabins to accommodate all of our guests. The main
lodge boasts a lounge, restaurant, sauna, swimming pool and games room.
It is perched next to Ts'yl-os Provincial Park, the crown jewel of
BC’s park system. Appetizing meals are meticulously prepared
with fresh local vegetables, meats and locally harvested seafood. With
advance notice we can accommodate and dietary restrictions. Thoughtful
attention and service greets you upon arrival and lasts throughout your
stay.
The Terrain
The starting point of the trip is the north end of Ts'yl-os Provincial
Park. A Provincial Park since 1994, Ts'yl-os (pronounced
“sigh loss”) covers 233,240 hectares of the
Chilcotin Ranges amongst the Coast Mountains. While Chilko Lake is
often considered the showpiece of the park, there are many more
spectacular natural features in the area. Though the region boasts much
to explore, it is unserviced and quite rugged, leaving its' visitors to
their own devices. This is where we come in; ROAM can enable you to
experience the area in a level of safe, comfortable adventure.
The River
Participants are regularly overwhelmed by the intense beauty and
excitement of this natural corridor. The Chilko River drains the lake,
making this free flowing waterway ideal for rafting from May through to
October. When pitted against the often busy rivers south of the
Canadian border this circuitous system is considered a unique and
fantastic wilderness waterway. The Chilko is without a doubt one of
North America's best rivers for rafting. It boasts mile after mile of
roller coaster - like rapids that won’t fail to keep your
undivided attention from start to finish. The Provincial Government of
British Columbia certainly agrees with us - they have created more than
17 new parks in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region alone.
Cultural Notes
Ts'yl-os is far more than simply a
Provincial Park to the indigenous people of the Nemaiah Valley.
Ts'yl-os is a figure in Aboriginal heritage, a man who was known for
his moods. His towering height of 3,061 metres gave him a certain
amount of respect, as well as fear (Mount Tatlow on a map). The
Aboriginal people note that it is wise to respect him; this includes
not pointing at him. His presence is thought to be so overbearing that
when in rare times of poor weather, the 250 native residents question
if it may be a message from their spiritual protector.
The agreement between the isolated Nemaiah First
Nation people and the park residents is a very important, however
tentative first step towards collaboration with the outside world. It
is this so – called ‘outside’ world that
sparked the so-called Chilcotin Indian War of 1864. That historic
uprising against the outside white world onto these lands continues to
colour the native's opinion of Government intervention and the park's
future.
Professional Guide Services
Our guides are as notable as the surrounding scenery; they are
passionate about their work, and more than pleased to pass on their
local knowledge to out guests. College and University graduates, they
all have impressive backgrounds in the fields of geology, natural
history and anthropology. They also have vast knowledge of the local
folklore. Trained in wilderness first aid, part naturalist and
professionally certified, our guides will ensure that you have an
incredible experience with ROAM.
Equipment
Our kayaks are ideally suited for the waters on which we paddle, and
should be as they are manufactured in B.C. When on the river, we make
use of self-bailing crafts, the benefits of which are revolutionary.
These devices collect any water as it enters the boat, which then
drains out by way of grommet holes along each side. The rafts have also
been designed with center mount oar rigs and give participants the
option of paddling or just soaking up the views. With advance notice, a
helicopter or Beaver bush plane is available for those wishing to add
some fly-in fishing to their trip.
Weather
The Chilcotin is one of the driest regions in the country. During the
summer months of July and August rainfall averages fewer than several
inches a month. Temperatures may reach the mid 90's (degrees F) by
midday and may drop as low as the mid 50's by night. Nearer to the
Coast Ranges, convection showers are fairly common.
Wildlife and Flora
The world’s largest herd of
Californian Bighorn Sheep are found in the Chilcotin region. These huge
spiraled horned rams are known to charge at collective speeds of 50
miles per hour and strike heads more than 30 times a day. This violence
is an often fatal fight for the sexual supremacy of the herd. Another
of the regions fleet footed hunters is the cougar. Much like other
predators, cougars will often prey on the young or the weak. More often
than not, however, cougars are harassed with great persistence by
coyotes until they leave their kill. Some coyotes may become lunch for
the cougar, but the giant cats are much more likely to look to moose,
deer or sheep. Fortunately enough for the cougars, all are plentiful
here.
This area is where we’ll find the
grizzly and black bear. The strong bear population feeds on the
abundant berries and rose hips found in the aspen groves. An August
departure will virtually guarantee sightings due to the bears feeding
on the rich salmon runs during this time of the year. River otter,
beaver and mink will also be spotted along the riverbank. We have also
counted more than 30 species of birds on this trip. They include the
golden and bald eagles, peregrine falcons as well as several species of
hawks. Canada geese, sage grouse, great blue herons, Lewis woodpeckers
and several varieties of songbirds are also present. In addition, seven
different bat species such as Townsend’s big –
eared bats and the western-footed myotis make the area their home.
The landscape along the upper Chilko is marked by
Douglas Fir and Lodgepole Pine. However, as we move down in elevation
trees become sparse and large open grasslands are interspersed with
ponderosa pine and cottonwood. As we move into the lower Chilcotin,
prickly pear cactus and sagebrush coat parts of the desert found here.
Comparatively, insects are quite rare. Butterflies are the largest
airborne bugs, of which there are more than 40 different species. Each
different species is associated with a particular plant, many of which
have exotic names like the Painted Lady, Aster Checkerspot, Woodland
Skipper, and the White Admiral.
Fishing
Chilko Lake is truly a world class fishing area. The Lake has the third
largest Sockeye Salmon run in British Columbia (a return of over 2
million annually) and is also a spawning ground for Spring and Coho
Salmon as well as Steelhead. For our fly fisherman guests the Lake also
offers plenty of Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden. In the case that you
may want to enjoy the abundant fish light, we suggest you bring your
gear, however, rods and gear can be provided with advanced notice.
Personal Preparation
Our trips require no previous experience. Our experienced guides will
provide you with a thorough orientation to smart and safe wilderness
practices upon your arrival, as well as teaching you all the basic
skills. ROAM’s prime consideration is your safety and
comfortable level, which we want as high as possible, whilst
maintaining the integrity of a true wilderness experience. These
activities are always easier to enjoy when you are physically fit, so
we suggest that you try to exercise prior to your trip. All of our
clients are required to complete a medical questionnaire prior to the
trips departure.
Ecological Sentiment
ROAM is strongly committed to preserving British Columbia's wild areas.
Our trips are specifically designed to support an appreciation and
understanding of the fragile ecosystems that make our province unique
whilst preserving the integrity of the habitats we encounter. We ask
that participants share our environmental concern by practicing minimum
impact touring in the regions we operate in. We believe that the
survival of our wildlife and environment depends on establishing an
economy that extends beyond simply harvesting our resources. The
immersion of our clients into BC's vast natural areas supports
eco-tourism as a practical and smart economic choice.
Registration
In order to confirm trip availability, we require a deposit of $500.
These and other payments are non-refundable, therefore and we recommend
that you purchase trip cancellation insurance when you make your
deposit. Upon our receipt of your deposit we will send you needed pre
– departure information, a letter of confirmation, medical
questionnaire, liability release form and equipment list. Both the
medical questionnaire and liability release form should be returned to
us with the balance due no less than 90 days prior to departure. We
look forward to seeing you on your Multi-sport adventure.
2006 Dates (Mon-Friday)
$1995 US per person plus 7% GST
Single
Supplement: $300 per person
May 20-May 24
Jun 3-7
Jun 17-21
Jul 1-5
* Family Trip
Jul 15-19 * Family
Trip
Jul 29-Aug 2 * Adventure
Spa ($2495)
Aug 12-16 * Solo
Travelers Trip
Aug 26-30
Trips begin and end in Vancouver, British
Columbia
Services Included:
• All meals while on a trip or at the lodge from
Dinner Day 1 through Lunch Day 5
• Cocktail reception
• Guided hiking
• 4-nights of lakeside accommodation based at Chilko
Lake Lodge
• Sea kayaking on Chilko Lake, heli-hiking in the
Coast Mountains
• River rafting trip (whitewater rafting or float)
on the Chilko River
• Round trip air charter from Vancouver to Chilko
Lake
• ½ day horseback ride and ½
day fishing
• Complete professional rafting guide services
Services not Included:
• Any necessary personal items, massage services and equipment
outlined in personal equipment list fishing license
• Accommodation in Vancouver, liquor or sundries at
the resort
Multi-sport Sample Itinerary
Day One (Monday)
We meet for our morning flight at the Esso Avitat adjacent to the SOUTH
TERMINAL (keep in mind that this is not the main terminal of the
Vancouver International Airport.) Please ensure that you pack your gear
in soft luggage as this will allow for easy storage. Following our
incredible flight we will meet at the headwaters of the river to
introduce you to our guides. We’ll check into our rooms and
enjoy the rest of the day at the Resort. A lakeside dinner and an
evening to mull over final details and issue expedition equipment will
help get you into the rhythms of the trip.
Day Two (Tuesday)
The day starts with a transfer to our launch point. As we enter the
whitewater we will quickly begin our descent along the continuous
rapids of the Chilko, being treated to impressive standing waves and
thrilling hydraulic along the way. Those who may not be seeking the
excitement of a class IV river will float the upper Chilko looking out
to spot wildlife or perhaps relaxing with a book. At the end of your
second exhilarating day, the group will be transferred back to Chilko
Lake Lodge where the hot tub or a short walk is in order so that you
can best enjoy the fantastic sunset.
Day Three (Wednesday)
Today we will enjoy the great fishing that Chilko Lake has to offer
before setting off for an afternoon adventure on horseback. Our guides
are always available to give you a few pointers on fly fishing or you
can spend some time relaxing with a spin rod. This afternoon is the
perfect opportunity to take a swim in the pool, soak in the hot tub or
go for a hike or a short canoe trip.
Day Four (Thursday)
Today we make our way to the incredible alpine surrounding the Park, a
short helicopter ride away. High up above Chilko Lake, resting in the
stunning Coast Mountains we will trek through the endless wildflowers.
This richly carpeted terrain allows us to cover greater distances. The
undisturbed 360-degree scenery is breathtaking as you meander amongst
the mountaintops sure to be seen by just a selected few.
Day Five (Friday)
Today, our final day, we depart Chilko Lake Resort via boat, and head
into the 55-mile long waterway. Surrounded by colossal glacier-capped
peaks and isolated wilderness, we will today paddling the lake with a
picnic on the rivers sandy beaches. Once we are back on the ranch we
prepare for the afternoon flight back to Vancouver.
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