ACTIVITIES
Get away to Chilko Lake where you'll discover a multitude of unforgettable experiences. Whether you choose to explore the unspoiled wilderness, towering standing waves or tranquility, you're sure to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Click here to view the Chilko Multi-Sport video
Considered one of B.C.'s finest fly fishing rivers, the Chilko is an unsurpassed fishing destination. The river’s opulent straights and eddies flicker and splash with the promise of fat, feisty rainbow trout, bull trout and dolly varden. The large salmon cycle and ideal hatches provide ample feed making the fish large and aggressive.
The river is a giant bevy of hot spots, with clear shallows and cold, deep pools. Draining the main lake, the waters never cloud and fishing is superb throughout the season. Because Chilko is so remote, for centuries these fish have feasted at will — making them more than game for flies — and certain to dish out a memorable fight.
Expect to catch many rainbow trout in the19-28 inch range – right at your doorstep. The river’s fishing is so outstanding it has been given special “classified waters” status by the Province of British Columbia. You can drift the river with your licensed guide or fish on your own. Either way our crystal clear waters are so inviting you may never want to leave. A veritable bouillabaisse of fish, the Chilko is utopia for anglers of all abilities
Guided fly fishing services utilize our fully outfitted, jet-propelled, fishing boats with fore and aft fishing positions. Other options include drifting and wading a 21-mile stretch of the Chilko River in our classic aluminum dories. Floatplane or helicopter accessed fishing can also be arranged at a number of alpine lakes but few ever want to leave this productive river.
If hiking is your passion, you can explore a variety of trails in or out of the park. We have maps, books and experience, and can arrange an informative guide to accompany you. For those wanting to experience the ultimate in magic carpet rides, let a helicopter lift you up above the lake into an alpine full of wildflowers. This terrain makes for easy walking and there is almost unlimited room to roam. The 360-degree scenery will make you feel like the gods as you wander among the mountaintops.
Explore the lake in total tranquility. Whether on your guided excursion in the main lake or simply poking along the shoreline on your own, our fleet of comfortable and stable double and single kayaks will be a great way to spend any part of your day. Mornings present all sorts of wildlife opportunities – otters, beaver, bears and birds of prey – while late afternoon is time for the perfect catch. Days are long in the north but alpenglow sunsets are worth the wait – especially from the seat of your boat.
The Lava Canyon section of the Chilko River offers the longest stretch of commercially navigable whitewater in North America. Unmatched in its diversity and enormous stretches of continuous Class IV whitewater, you will be treated to rollicking hydraulics and towering standing waves that cascade for more than 20 miles through deep and narrow lava gorges. The river trip completes at the junction of the Taseko River where a helicopter whisks you back up river to the lodge.
Not all is the River Wild
For those not seeking Class IV excitement, the Upper Chilko offers a most incredible ride of a different kind. Floating right out from the lake, we can travel a half-day (10 miles) or an entire day (21 miles with a picnic lunch) down to a pull out at respective points above the bigger rapids. Traveling by raft you will challenge some exciting water that is still appropriate for little ones. If you want to raise your adventure coefficient, try doing this stretch in an inflatable kayak where you’ll get up close and personal to this fast stretch of water.
For the ultimate in scenic rides - and ideal for photographers - try a dory ride on this breathtaking stretch. In a dory you get a wild ride but soak up the scenery instead of waves. During salmon season, the dories provide an unobtrusive way to float among the bears.
Screaming single track, winding dirt roads, coasting along the rivers edge or gliding through pine-scented forests, we’ve got it all. We can even lift your bikes to the alpine where you could ride for weeks without ever seeing a soul. Our guided bike trips include Kona mountain bikes, vehicle support and a knowledgeable guide. What more could you want? Eliminate the hills? We can do that too!
Horseback rides can be organized in advance to accommodate guests' experience and interests. Friendly horses and astute wranglers can tailor rides for all abilities on mountain trails, through fields of wildflowers, or along the river. Half-day and full-day rides are available with advanced notice. You’ll soon know what we mean by “happy trails”.