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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Canada
Intro to Canada
Alberta British Columbia
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Chilko Lake Wilderness Pack Trip
British Columbia
Canada
A very special pack trip and wilderness ride inside the beautiful Tsylos Provincial Park of British Columbia, Canada. The park underlies very strict environmental rules, making it a perfect setting for a wilderness trail-ride and camping trip deep into the refreshing Canadian backcountry away from all civilization.
Here we are out with Mother Nature, sleeping in tents or if weather permits, under the open star filled sky. No roads, no phones; just pristine wilderness, clean mountain air, crystal blue water, open meadows, and spectacular views!
Start your trip with a breathtaking flight over the Coast Mountains with its glacier topped peaks and reflective mountain lakes and as you are delivered to the "door step" of the lodge at Chilko Lake. You will spend your first afternoon going on a short introductory ride to get to know the horses. Then everyone will get together to go over preparation for the trip and how to pack properly. An excellent dinner & glass of wine is waiting for you at the main lodge to welcome you in style and you will sleep well in your tent that night as you look forward to what the next day brings! Tomorrow we are off and will ride deep into the mountains where there is no road access, so all food and equipment is transported by pack horses. Weather and nature conditions will determine the route we will take, but no matter which way we take you - you will have a wilderness experience of a lifetime in and around the majestic Tsylos Provincial Park, the traditional grounds of the Chilcotin Native tribe who have roamed these mountains for generations.
Camping Ride with pack horses
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Meeting:
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Chilko Lake
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Airport:
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Vancouver International
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Transfer:
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Vancouver - South Terminal -Signature building at 9:30 AM
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
All meals and overnights, 5 nights wilderness camping, 2 nights camping at the base, 6 days riding, 4 - 7 hours per day, tent, sleep pad, duffel bag
The itinerary can either be "Goat Mountain Range" or "Wild Potato Mountain Range"
A | 2019 | 8 day Trip, AP Wild Potato Range | 8d / 7n | $2345 |
B | 2019 | 8 day Trip, AP Goat Camp Wilderness | 8d / 7n | $2345 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
GST (VAT) 5%
Rates Note:
If a trip has to be cancelled due to not enough persons or nature, guests will be accommodated at the lodge.
Transfer and Other Charges:
2019
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No single supplement based on sharing a tent
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$0
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2019
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Xeni Gwetin First Nations User Fee and charter flights from/to Vancouver (not optional)
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$650
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Charter flight is not optional.
Do not book a return flight before 4:00 PM on Sunday.
Tour Dates for 2019
Check here for details and availability
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A |
2019
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07/14
- 07/21
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8d / 7n
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8 day Trip, AP Wild Potato R...
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4
/10
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Reserve
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B |
2019
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07/21
- 07/28
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8d / 7n
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8 day Trip, AP Goat Camp Wil...
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4
/10
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Reserve
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A |
2019
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07/28
- 08/04
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8d / 7n
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8 day Trip, AP Wild Potato R...
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4
/10
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Reserve
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A |
2019
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08/04
- 08/11
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8d / 7n
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8 day Trip, AP Wild Potato R...
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4
/10
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Reserve
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Dates can be added for custom groups
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Rates do not include:
Sleeping bag (rated to -5 or 10F), gratuities, beverages from the bar at the lodge or on trip. Charter flight to lodge (mandatory), 5 % GST Tax
No riding helmets provided!
Sample Itinerary - Goat Camp Subject to changes.
Sunday: A 9:30 am flight (be there 45 min early to check in please) on a 12 passenger aircraft takes you from Vancouver across the magnificent glaciers of the coastal mountains to Chilko Lake, where Karen McLean greets you at the private landing strip of the ranch. After lunch and a short introduction you get a chance to test your horse on a 2-hour ride. Upon return some cool drinks on the porch and then a delicious dinner with fine wines await you.
Monday: In the morning of day two you start your pack trip which will eventually be returning in the afternoon of day seven after spending 6 days in pristine wilderness.
The ride goes high up into Goat Country. It is rugged, wild and absolutely beautiful! You ride along Chilko Lake for the day spending the first night at Moose Lagoon.
Tuesday to Friday: Then you cut up into the Goat Valley where you spend four unforgettable days riding over mountain tops and through breathtaking valleys. Towering 11,000 foot peaks surround the base camp with three large glaciers rising out of the valley floor at the south end. No roads, no phones, the perfect get-away and a chance to get back to the essentials of life. The abundance of alpine flowers throughout the valleys and surrounding mountains is overwhelming. The whistle of the plentiful marmots accompany you on each day to new mountain peaks and wild valleys. Goat Camp is named after the majestic Mountain Goats that call this area home. Often wild deer visit you in camp to nibble on the grain. We use a pioneer tent with cook stove, table and benches for a warm, relaxing evening dinner. We might tell some tales while sitting by a roaring bonfire watching the many stars or the Northern Lights. This trip offers plenty of time to relax, hike, photograph wildflowers or wildlife.
If the group so desires, the last day offers an optional fast return ride to the lodge on Saturday. Overnight and farewell dinner at the lodge.
Sunday: Morning flight back to Vancouver - arriving early afternoon. Do not book a flight out before 4 PM!!
The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.
Sample Itinerary - Potato Range Subject to changes.
Sunday: You are met from the light aircraft flight and transferred to Tsylos Park Lodge. After lunch an introduction to the trip and gear (saddlebags, duffle bags, sleeping mats and tents). Later meet the horses and a short introductory ride. After dinner time to repack your duffle bags for the trail ahead. Overnight in tents near to the Lodge.
Monday: Head out from the ranch, climbing about 4,000 feet to the high alpine, with views of Chilko Lake and the Coast Mountains. Camp is by a small lake hidden in the valley, where you can swim or fish for small trout. (Approximately 5 ½ hours)
Tuesday: From Fish Lake you continue climbing to higher alpine plateaus and cross over to Echo Lake. The camp is situated on the shores of small lake and overlooks the Echo Valley. The lake is cold, but great for swimming. Stay here for two nights. (Approximately 4 -5 hours)
Wednesday: This is a free day and you can choose to spend the day in camp relaxing, hiking, or join the ride and explore the neighboring mountains. Take a nap on the side of an alpine meadow surrounded by majestic mountains and alpine wildflowers. If conditions are good, there may be a small amount of cantering on the ride.
Thursday: Pack up Camp and head north with Stunning views and changing scenery. The countryside changes from mountain valleys to softer slopes, and descends about 4,000 feet into Tatlayoko Valley. At the steepest part of the descent you will be asked to hike down the mountain for about 30 minutes to assist your horse. Camp is located adjacent to Tatlayoko Lake, ideal for swimming. Tatlayoko Lake and valley is a small ranching community. On Thursday the trip meets the truck, and all gear is transported by vehicle from here. This means there may be possibilities for some canters on the last two days. (Approximately 6 hours)
Friday
Camp is packed by vehicle and you ride through Lincoln pass to Choelquote Lake. If conditions allow there may be some canters where trail conditions allow. Choelquote Lake is a warmer mountain lake and offers beautiful sunsets and open grasslands along the eastern part of the lake. (Approximately 6 hours)
Saturday: Camp is packed and taken by vehicle to the lodge whilst you saddle up and ride along Choelquote Lake, crossing the Chilko River by bridge. Travel along the Chilko River which, if conditions allow, offers nice canters throughout the ride. (Approximately 4.5 hours)
Arrive back at the lodge where camp has been set up for you. Time for a hot shower, soak in the Jacuzzi and a cold beer or drink on the decks prior to the barbecue.
Sunday: After an early morning breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Vancouver, or join us at the lodge for another week of a seven night lodge riding vacation, or fly fishing trip.
Due to weather conditions or other circumstances this trip may alternate to our popular Wild Potato Mountain ride.
Wild Potato Mountains offer a multitude of different kinds of scenery and riding styles: Ride through high alpine plateaus, hidden valleys, deep mountain passes, and open sandy beaches. Enjoy the splendid views, the immense variety of wildflowers, ancient fossil beds, and the companionship of your fellow riders.
Meeting:
Chilko Lake
Airport:
Vancouver International
Transfer:
Vancouver - South Terminal -Signature building at 9:30 AM
Distance:
1 hour flight
Charter flight is not optional.
Do not book a return flight before 4:00 PM on Sunday.
Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter and Arab/Quarter cross
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Pace:
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Slow with steep slopes. All riders must be physically fit, able to mount and dismount both sides of a horse, walk, trot, canter, and saddle up.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Good Novice to Low Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
200
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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All riders must be physically fit, able to mount and dismount both sides of a horse, walk, trot, canter, and saddle up. Most riding is in the high alpine. The pace is mostly slow, but we have three riding days with opportunities for some faster riding since they are without pack horses (pack horse use limits the pace).
We use western saddles and tack. If you have never ridden western before, there is nothing to worry about. The guides will give you some good instruction on how we ride and you will have no problem adjusting. We also supply leather chaps on the trip for you to use. Our horses are a big part of the trip and need to be taken care of! Our guides will stake, hobble and free range some of the horses to make sure that they stay where we want them to in meadows of excellent alpine grasses.
Our herd is a mixture of different breeds and you will be amazed at how well they do their job! We use horses to pack our camps and personal belongings from place to place. Usually we take 3-5 packhorses on a weeklong trip, depending on the size of the group.The photo opportunities are some of the best in the world, amidst rugged glaciers, mountain meadows, alpine flowers, crystal clear lakes and streams, and wildlife. The vistas and settings are too beautiful to put into words.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 . more
Alexis Creek area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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25
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33
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47
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56
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65
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71
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75
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76
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67
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52
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34
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23
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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9
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12
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21
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28
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36
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43
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46
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45
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37
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28
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18
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7
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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-4
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1
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8
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13
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18
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21
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24
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24
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19
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11
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1
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-5
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-13
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-11
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-6
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-2
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2
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6
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8
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7
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3
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-2
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-8
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-14
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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4
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2
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2
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3
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6
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9
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8
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7
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5
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5
|
5
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5
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The months during which we operate our trips (May, June and September) are usually warm during the daytime, but can get cool in the evenings. During July and August you can expect temperatures in the low 70's to mid 90's Fahrenheit (18 to 30 °C).
Spring
Spring is a burst of new energy and the warmth of the sun. It is new vibrant colors from the first blade of green grass, to the budding of a new leaf, crisp blue skies, and snowcapped peaks. With the spring the river gains in size and large migrations of Sockeye Salmon fry and smolt take place. With a billion one-year old Sockeye heading to the Pacific Ocean and billions of minute fry hatching and making their way to Chilko Lake, the Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout congregate in the river for a feast. Steelheads are spotted spawning in the shallows and leaping out of the Chilko River to have a look around. Wild roses and Sunflowers are starting to bloom on the side hills, giving the land more and more color.
Summer
Summertime means big hatches, blue skies, warm days, alpine trips and wildflowers. Dry fly fishing on the river starts and the laughter can be heard from trail where the riders are cantering through the trees along the water. Life does not get any better than this!
Indian Summer
Indian Summer in September and October is a very special time of year at Chilko. It is an explosion of autumn colors, an abundance of wildlife, and an orchestra of sounds. With the changing seasons the Sockeye & Chinook salmon return in vast numbers, spawning on the river and lake. The water wiggles with red spawning fish, bringing down the Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Herons, Ducks, Ospreys, and other wildlife to feast on the dead salmon that have already laid their eggs for the cycle to begin all over. This is a wonderful time to visit!
Winter
Soft falling snowflakes bury the earth and silence falls within our valley. The Trumpeter Swans move into Chilko and add their grace and beauty to the splendor of the frozen land. Only the running water of Chilko River reminds us of earlier times, and the seasons to come.
To make this trip most memorable you need to be prepared for all weather conditions.
All riders are part of a team and need to be able to depend on each other. Everybody helps out and is in charge of his/her own horse and gear.
Proper clothing is essential. The equipment list below is meant to be a loose checklist only. Feel free to add things, or leave things out, just keep in mind everything you bring has to fit into one duffel bag and a maximum of 35-45 lbs.
We highly recommend bringing your own “down” sleeping bag; we can/will supply a duffel bag and sleeping mat. Extra items can be left at the lodge during your ride.
Tents are provided (dome tents) - possibly some cots in the high mountain camp - but not guaranteed. You need to bring your own sleeping bag!
SADDLE BAGS are provided for riders.
This list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
Flight tickets |
Passport |
Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
Two pairs of riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
Waterproof Riding Boots with heel |
Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) or hat **we do not have any to borrow |
Riding gloves |
Water bottles |
Rain coat, Windbreaker |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
Warm jacket and sweater (fleece or similar) |
Three Shirts, T Shirts |
Jeans |
Shorts |
Underwear and socks |
Light Long Underwear |
Pyjama |
Bag for dirty clothes |
Sneakers |
Swimsuit |
Bandana |
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Sleeping Bag (rated for –20 or better) |
Ground Mat (Thermarest or foam mattress) |
Biodegradable Soap |
Biodegradable Shampoo |
Biodegradable Toothpaste |
Towel |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
Personal Toiletries |
Insect protection |
Personal medications |
Sore cream (for the emergency) |
Moisturizing Cream |
Handkerchiefs |
Camera and enough extra films |
Belt pack |
Sun glasses with strap |
Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Flashlight, extra batteries |
Small Binoculars |
Pocket Knife |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips

On the first and last night of this week long trip you are accommodated in our very comfortable tent camp near the lodge, or if available, we will give you one of the lodge cabins!
Your guides are experienced horsemen and love the outdoors; they will ensure that your trip is the best that it can be. With most trips there is one guide and one camp cook for the group. The group size ranges from 4-12 people.

Our campfire gourmet meals are prepared over an open fire and are delicious and plentiful. Camp chores, such as fire building, chopping wood, getting water, staking out horses, making lunches and salads, washing dishes, and setting up and breaking down camp are a group effort; we encourage everyone to lend a helping hand when needed. Accommodations are 2-person dome tents with a comfortable sleeping mat...or you can choose to lie beside the fire and watch the stars. The photo opportunities are some of the best in the world, amidst rugged glaciers, mountain meadows, alpine flowers, crystal clear lakes and streams, and wildlife. The vistas and settings are too beautiful to put into words.
This is a pack trip with very limited or no vehicle support. All equipment and food will be transported by pack horses, so pack light!
Tack:
|
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Western
|
Horses:
|
|
Quarter and Arab/Quarter cross
|
Pace:
|
|
Slow with steep slopes. All riders must be physically fit, able to mount and dismount both sides of a horse, walk, trot, canter, and saddle up.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Good Novice to Low Intermediate
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200
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Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
All riders must be physically fit, able to mount and dismount both sides of a horse, walk, trot, canter, and saddle up. Most riding is in the high alpine. The pace is mostly slow, but we have three riding days with opportunities for some faster riding since they are without pack horses (pack horse use limits the pace).
We use western saddles and tack. If you have never ridden western before, there is nothing to worry about. The guides will give you some good instruction on how we ride and you will have no problem adjusting. We also supply leather chaps on the trip for you to use. Our horses are a big part of the trip and need to be taken care of! Our guides will stake, hobble and free range some of the horses to make sure that they stay where we want them to in meadows of excellent alpine grasses.
Our herd is a mixture of different breeds and you will be amazed at how well they do their job! We use horses to pack our camps and personal belongings from place to place. Usually we take 3-5 packhorses on a weeklong trip, depending on the size of the group.The photo opportunities are some of the best in the world, amidst rugged glaciers, mountain meadows, alpine flowers, crystal clear lakes and streams, and wildlife. The vistas and settings are too beautiful to put into words.
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.
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
1 |
USA |
2 |
Other EU |
3 |
Visa Required? |
British |
No/4 |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
N/A |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
5 |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
N/A |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Chilko Lake Wilderness Pack Trip
Tour Code:
RTBC01
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,345.00
Dates :
July to Aug
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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