Transfer and Other Options:

It's not just the power of the Chilko, Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers that fascinates people from around the world, nor the paths we take while winding our way through some of Canada's most spectacular wilderness - it's the chance to experience an all-encompassing outdoor expedition. From a leisurely calm to an exhilarating high, the Chilko, Chilcotin-Fraser adventure is one you will never forget.

The flight from Vancouver to Chilko Lake takes approximately one hour. From Chilko Lake to the take out at Gang Ranch Bridge on the Fraser River, we cover 120 miles by raft. From the take out, we travel by mini-bus to the town of Lillooet where we board a B.C. Rail passenger train for a five hour journey to Vancouver via the famous resort town of Whistler.

Day 1  Our flight leaves the Vancouver airport from the south terminal –Avitat building at 7:00 am in the morning. Beginning with a flight over Howe Sound and Whistler, we soar over the 10,000 foot high Pemberton ice fields. Below us huge glaciers fill the valleys, while Mount Waddington, BC’s highest peak can be seen over our left wing. Our chartered plane lands at Chilko Lake where guides and rigged rafts are waiting.  Fishing licenses can be purchased at the Chilko Lake Lodge before we push off. Sunday morning is spent meandering down the upper stretches of the Chilko River. In the afternoon, the swift current and gentle rapids carry us away from the mountains to our meadow camp in the pine forest. A gourmet meal completes the perfect introduction to the six-day adventure.
Day 2: Today is whitewater! The morning is spent going over paddling and safety instructions as world-renowned Lava Canyon (class V), the longest and most continuous rapid section of our journey, is just around the corner. The next two hours are spent running the “White Mile”, “May Tag” and twelve miles of virtually unending whitewater. We descend over 1000 vertical feet as the river drops through lava rock formations and pine forests. After Lava Canyon, the river doubles in size as the turquoise Taseko River rejoins the Chilko. We run the dramatic “GAP” at Siwash Bridge where the river squeezes through a twenty-foot hole cut in the lava flow.
Day 3: Today we join the Chilcotin, which crosses the lush Chilcotin Plateau, home to many osprey and bald eagles. This is a perfect opportunity to try an inflatable kayak as this section affords many playful class II and III rapids. We camp upon the bluff at the top of Gooseneck Canyon. After a short hike, we can investigate bat caves or watch the locals dip-net for salmon.|
Day 4:  We begin the day by entering the 5-mile long Gooseneck rapids, exciting in raft and kayak alike. The densely forested landscape slowly begins to transform into dry desert. An early arrival at camp for a hot lunch allows plenty of time to climb nearby Dome Mountain for a remarkable panoramic view, angle for trout in Big Creek, or wander with a camera through the beautiful setting. The evening is capped off by a starlit sky and, if we’re lucky, we may witness the Northern Lights.
Day 5: We head down river to challenge the largest rapids so far. The one-mile long Big Creek rapids provide an instant eye opener. The Chilcotin winds its way deeper into the canyons, which provide the perfect habitat for herds of California bighorn sheep. This area is a designated reserve for bighorn sheep of over 3000 strong, so keep your camera at hand. We then run the BIG rapids at Farwell Canyon, which are dwarfed, only by the dramatic towering “badlands” around us. Next we challenge Railroad, the largest rapid on our journey, deep beneath the granite walls of Big John Canyon. The Chilcotin sweeps into the vast and historic Fraser River, ten times larger, where we make our final evening’s camp on one of the fine, untouched sandy beaches.
Day 6: The final morning is spent floating on the Fraser through Gang Ranch, North America’s largest working ranch. Before noon, we arrive at Churn Creek, where our mini-bus waits to shuttle us to the airstrip for our return flight down the Thompson & Fraser Rivers back to Vancouver.

You will experience the three rivers that many experts consider the premier whitewater rafting adventure in North America. This unique corridor provides access to British Columbia’s untamed wilderness known as “Super Natural”

No Experience is Required
No prior outdoors or rafting experience is required. Some of our guests have never rafted before, while others have rafted a dozen rivers or more. You are as active as you want to be. The hikers and fishermen can indulge all they want while those wishing to take it easy can relax with a good book.

Note:
This is a sample itinerary and may change due to weather and tidal conditions.


General Information
ON THE RIVER: Our rafts are oar and paddle powered (no motors) so each member can either take a paddle and participate or just relax and let your guide concentrate on the river. Fishermen, don't forget your gear as we can cast a line on the quiet stretches. Everyone must wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.

Wildlife
Black bear, moose, mule, deer, cougar, coyote, and California bighorn sheep are just a few of the animals we have seen along this river system. Bird life is also abundant. Golden and bald eagles, osprey and many species of hawks, to mention just a few, are observed on every trip. This river system is also a major spawning ground for sockeye and chinook salmon. They can be seen in the crystal clear waters during their late summer run. And fishermen, don't forget your rod and reel for rainbow trout.

Your Guides
On each rafting expedition you have a fully qualified licensed guide for each raft. The guides are very knowledgeable in the local history and environment surrounding the rivers. Each guide has safety and first aid training and several years experience rafting down the three rivers. Apart from their outdoor skills, they are superb chefs, great hosts and enjoy making the most of your vacation. They are BC government licensed with safety and first aid training.

Your Rafts
Oar and paddle powered rafts (no motors) for silent, peaceful drifting are used. The rafts are steered by a guide who does the rowing. Those who wish to be more active can grab a paddle and help out some or all the time.

Safety
Your safety while participating in this expedition is one of our prime concerns and therefore we provide you with the best equipment and extremely competent guides. The guides are well trained in wilderness first aid techniques, and well experienced in this environment. Ultimately your guide makes decisions with your comfort and safety in mind, yet tries to maximize the experience of the adventure for each individual. We must stress that listening to instructions and directions given by the guide is your ultimate responsibility and in the best interest of yourself and the group. The expedition is equipped with a VHF radio communication for logistics and emergency transmissions.

he Chilko/Chilcotin/Fraser River system is on the leeward side of the Coast Mountains of B.C. The weather is generally dry, sunny and bug free. This is semi-arid area receiving under 15 inches of rain annually. Ponderosa pine, sage brush and prickly pear cactus gives a good indication of the weather to expect. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 20°-30° Celsius (70°-80° F) with nighttime lows of 10° Celsius (50° F).

AT CAMP: After unloading the rafts, each member sets up his or her own tent. There is plenty of time to go hiking, fishing, swimming or just relax before dinner is served. The guides prepare the meals but if you want to join in, please do so. Our menu is a gourmet delight, many surprises await you. We promise outdoor cooking the likes of which you have never imagined. We provide beer and wine each evening and special coffees after dinner. (There will be no consumption of alcohol during hte day until we reach camp.) After dinner, we get together around the fire to enjoy songs and stories under the clear starlit sky. Although insects are usually hard to find in this semi-arid climate, a well prepared rafter is a happy rafter; bring your bug repellent. In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we break camp, load the rafts and head down river.
Our outfitter takes special care in preparing nutritious and delicious meals for all trips. Fresh, first class and plenty of it. Breakfasts are hearty with lots of fresh fruit, and lunches always have something for every taste. Dinners are superb: baked salmon, barbecue chicken or juicy steaks accompanied by big salads and dessert treats. Three beer per person per day, wine with dinner and special coffees are provided. If you bring your own supply of alcohol, only beer in cans and wine and liquor in plastic containers are acceptable. There will be no consumption of alcohol during the day until camp is reached late afternoon.

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.