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 Riding with fishing options Meeting: Chilko Lake Airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Transfer: South Terminal Signature Building Riders: Min 4 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Minimum Deposit: 50 %

    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:

Charter flight is not optional.
Check-in at South Airport in Vancouver for 8:50am on Day 1. Return by 1:00pm to Vancouver on last day. Do not book a return flight before 3:30pm.

Sample Itinerary: Goat Mountain Range - subject to changes

Jagged peaks and raw beauty abound, experience horseback riding into the pristine wilderness of Chilko Lake. 

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
A 9:30am charter flight takes you from Vancouver across the magnificent glaciers of the coastal mountains to Chilko Lake, where our host will greet 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.
Riding: ~ 2 hours
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in tents near to the Lodge

Day 2 (Monday): First Pack-Trip Day
In the morning. 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.
Riding: ~ 9-10 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 3 - 6 (Tuesday to Friday): Ride through Goat Valley
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.
Riding: ~ 4-6 hours per day
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 7 (Saturday): Ride back to Lodge 
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/ tents outside the lodge depending on availability.
Riding: ~ 4-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
Morning flight back to Vancouver - arriving early afternoon. Do not book a flight out before 3:30pm!
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: Wild Potato Mountain Range - subject to changes

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.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival 
A 9:30am charter flight takes you from Vancouver across the magnificent glaciers of the coastal mountains to Chilko Lake, where our host will greet you at the private landing strip of the ranch. After lunch, we will brief on  the trip and gear (saddlebags, duffle bags, sleeping mats and tents). Later meet the horses and have a short introductory ride. After dinner time, to repack your duffle bags for the trail ahead.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in tents near to the Lodge

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Coast Mountains
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.
Riding: ~ 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 3 (Tuesday): Fish Lake to Echo Lake
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.  
Riding: ~ 4 -5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride around Fish Lake
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.
Riding: ~ 4.5- 6.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 5 (Thursday): Fish Lake to Tatlayoko Lake
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.  
Riding: ~ 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 6 (Friday): Tatlayoko Lake to Choelquote Lake
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.
Riding: ~ 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 7 (Saturday): Ride back to Lodge
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. 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.
Riding: ~ 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
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. Do not book a flight out before 3:30pm!
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Alexis Creek area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	25	33	47	56	65	71	75	76	67	52	34	23
Average Low Temperature (°F)	9	12	21	28	36	43	46	45	37	28	18	7
Average High Temperature (°C)	-4	1	8	13	18	21	24	24	19	11	1	-5
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-13	-11	-6	-2	2	6	8	7	3	-2	-8	-14
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	2	2	3	6	9	8	7	5	5	5	5

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.

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! Weight restriction for your luggage is 35lbs. Please pack in soft-sided luggage. Tents, sleep pads, duffel bags, and saddle bags are provided. Extra items can be left at the lodge during your ride.

Our weather can be hot, cold, or wet, appropriate attire for the great outdoors and changing weather conditions is a must. Dressing in layers that you can add on or take off is best. 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.

Riding
- Riding gloves
- Waterproof riding boots with heel
- Wide brimmed hat or helmet (we do not have any to borrow)
- Full rain gear
- Bandana
- Riding chaps
- Long underwear (both shirt and pants)
- Warm socks
- Fleece jacket or warm sweater for under jacket
- Comfortable riding pants

Around the Camp
- Sleeping bag rated to -5 C or 10 F
- Water bottle
- Camera, film, batteries
- Flashlight
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Camp towel
- Swimsuit
- Toiletries
- Special medications
- Comfortable pair of runners and sleepwear for the tent and around camp

Average ratings from 13 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date sandy lampman 9/27/2016 yujiro nishio 9/25/2016 nadia d'hart 8/9/2012 françoise seiwerath 8/24/2011 laurel morgan 8/31/2009 gail bonner 8/30/2008 lutz wevelsiep 8/26/2008 linda macqueen 8/20/2008 sabine walitzi 8/27/2007 margaret kaiser 8/6/2007 carrington brown 8/7/2005 art shea 7/17/2002 lindsay floyd 8/24/2001

Accommodations
This is a pack trip, so nights will be spent camping in tents.

Description
The first and last night of the 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. The remaining 5 nights are spent camping in the wilderness.

You will be sleeping in 2-person dome tents on a comfortable sleeping mat, which will be provided for you. You can also choose to lie beside the fire and watch the stars. Please remember to bring your own sleeping bag! You will experience authentic camping, meaning lakes and creeks for showering and shovels to dig a hole for washrooms. 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.

Room Occupancy
No single supplement based on sharing a tent. Single tents can be requested, but we are limited to 2, so please let us know in advance.



Meals
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.

Our campfire gourmet meals are prepared over an open fire and are delicious and plentiful.
The morning’s meal is a hearty Canadian breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, eggs benedict, or our famous Chilko scramble, all cooked over a camp fire.
Lunch is packed in your saddle bags and is made up of sandwiches along with an apple or orange and a candy bar.
 inner is a fresh salad, vegetable, meat, pasta, rice or potato.
Everything is packed with us on our steady pack horses.

We also take a mini bar which is chosen prior to leaving the lodge. It is beautiful to get to camp after a gorgeous ride for the day, get your home away from home set up, the horses staked out, and enjoy a glass of wine while dinner sizzles over the campfire.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to vegetarians with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		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)    Low Intermediate to Intermediate
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 10 riders

Riding Experience
All riders must be physically fit, able to mount and dismount both sides of a horse, walk, trot, canter, and saddle up.

Wild Potato Range
This trip requires intermediate to advanced riding skills. The riding is primarily walking due to the terrain, but for the last two days the camp is transported by vehicle which offers the riders some opportunities to trot and canter depending on the group. On one day during the trip, you will hike down a steep mountain leading your horse for about 45 minutes. Rides each day are from 4.5- 6.5 hours per day.

Goat Camp Wilderness
This trip requires low intermediate to advanced riding skills. The majority of the trip is spent walking your horse, due to the rough terrain, except the last day back to the Lodge where there is some trotting and cantering. Rides range from 9-10 hours the first day and 4-6 hours daily the rest of the trip.

Horses
Our horses are well trained and excellent traveling companions in the mountains. Born and raised in the Chilcotin, they are connected with the terrain and are confident, sure footed and dependable. We are proud of our horses and can easily say that they are some of the most accomplished mountain horses anywhere. You will love them. They are personable, trustworthy, and know how to do their job. The horses are a mixture of many different breeds (Quarter, Arab, Draft, Appaloosa, Paints, Morgan) and they have been chosen for their disposition, willingness and agreeable personalities.

We match you up with a horse that suits your personality and riding ability. Each horse comes with two saddle blankets, Western saddle, bridle, halter, lead rope and a set of saddle bags for you to carry light-weight items needed during the day. Your horse will take good care of you on your journey and, in turn, you will help take of your horse. Your horse will appreciate a good brushing in the morning and at the end of the day when you pull off your saddle. You are going to find that you will quickly bond with your horse. We all work together to ensure that the horses have plenty of sweet mountain grasses to eat and cold spring water to drink. Your horse trail guide will stake, hobble or free range the horses in the evening on meadows of excellent alpine grasses.

Pack Horses
We use pack horses to carry our food and supplies into the mountains. Each pack horse has a special pack saddle and we use the traditional “sawbuck pack saddle”.  Each horse carries a set of pack boxes which hold the food and cooking gear, plus two tents and three duffel bags. To secure the load and keep the packs dry, we cover the load with a tarp and secure it using the “Michigan Hitch”, a tried and true method of keeping the pack nice and tight. Usually three to five pack horses accompany us on a trip. Of course, this depends on the size of the group.

Guides
Two trail guides will be accompanying you on your horse journey through the mountains.  Both guides are skilled horsemen, as well as experienced in horse riding in the mountains and wilderness. They love the outdoors and have absolute commitment to safety and attention to detail to give you peace of mind and a rewarding adventure. Each guide brings different skills and talents to the trip. One guide is in charge of the group, horses, horse packing, wood, water, fire, and grass, while the other guide is in charge of the camp, food preparation, packing of the cook boxes, and the care, organization, and cleanliness of the camp.  Each horse trail guide can step into the others position and help you or each other during the trip. 
 

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.