Transfer and Other Charges:

Alexis Creek area

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 is meant to be a loose checklist. Feel free to add things, just keep in mind it all has to fit into one duffle bag and a maximum of 25 lbs. We recommend bringing your own “down” sleeping bag; we can supply duffle bag and sleeping mat. Extra items can be left at the lodge during your ride. 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.

SADDLE BAGS are provided for riders.

Wilderness Pack Trip:

On the first and last night of this week long trip you are accommodated at the lodge, either in one of our cabins, or if not available, in our very comfortable tent camp near the lodge. 

Accommodations are 2-person dome tents with a comfortable sleeping mat. 

Our campfire gourmet meals are prepared over an open fire and are delicious and plentiful. All our food is freshly prepared and made with the utmost cleanliness and care. Freshly prepared salads, meats, pastas, and vegetables are prepared daily and cooked over the open fire. 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. 

Chilko Explorer Ride:

For this trip you will be staying at Tsylos Park Lodge and returning back home to a wonderful evening meal, cold drinks, time by the fireplace and a relaxing hot tub under the stars. It is also a great trip combined with our Mountain Pack Trip, which takes you far into the back country of Chilko Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Lodging

We accommodate 16 guests at the lodge in our four individual rooms and three log cabins. All of our rooms and cabins have private bathrooms with showers. Our main lodge and dining area has a large stone fireplace, comfortable couches, a hot tub on the back porch and of course a stunning view of the mountains and Chilko River. Many evenings are spent sharing our daily adventures around the fireplace with a cocktail, soaking in the hot tub looking at the stars or playing horseshoes along the river.
Our accommodations are rustic, but very comfortable. There is daily maid service to ensure that your room or cabin is kept comfortable for your stay at the lodge.
Please note there is no cell reception.

Meals
Life at the lodge is focused around the great outdoors. The gathering of everyone for meals is a special time of the day. We serve all of our meals at the lodge "family style."
Wonderful Canadian breakfasts as well as fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts, and juices are served before you active day on the river, lake or trail.
Lunch is spent streamside, on top of a mountain, or wherever your wanderings have taken you, giving you total freedom throughout the day.
Our evening meal is especially nice...after a great day, everyone can relax with a good meal, a glass of wine and great company, sharing stories from their adventures. Wonderful meat dishes, breads, salads, pastas, vegetables, delicious desserts and table wines are served. This is all "no guilt" eating, as your active day ahead needs the energy!

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter, Arab, Appaloosa, Paint, Draft and Thoroughbred
Pace:		Slow with steep slopes. 4-6 hours in the saddle per day.
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max 220
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 10 riders

Our guides love the outdoors, riding and are experienced horse people. They can help you make the transition from English riding to the Western riding style. If you have never ridden with Western tack or saddle, do not worry. Your guide will show you the proper horse cues and show you how to tack your horse up. The guides can ensure that you are matched with the right horse for your riding ability and personality. Our equipment and tack are well maintained and fitted to the individual horses.

We normally keep around 35 horses. Our herd is a mixture of different breeds, sizes and colours. You will be amazed at how well they do their job! They are chosen and bred for their disposition, endurance, and strength. Most are ranch raised and are all very comfortable on the trail and in the mountains. They will be a big part of your trip and deserve all the extra love that they can get!

Riding is a physical experience. It brings all of our senses alive. It is the smell of a good horse, of leather, the fresh scent of a pine or fir forest, it is the sound of cantering hooves, of crackling leaves, of horses snorting or a soft whinny. It is the seeing of new country and spectacular vistas unexplored. It is the feeling of a strong animal beneath you, of you own strength and ability, and although few words are spoken, lines of communication between horse & rider are shared and understood. It's the freedom to just ride for miles!

All riding groups are kept small. Our guests are usually intermediate riders allowing us to enjoy great canters through the forests or across open meadows. All riders should be able to canter and be comfortable in the saddle for the Lodge Riding. Many of our guests do not ride regularly, and need a few rides or lessons before their vacation to feel comfortable in the saddle again. It will make your trip to Tsylos Park Lodge all that much better!

Tree riding is a big part of your week. We like to take some of our windy trails at a fast trot or slow canter; we even named one of our rides as the "roller coaster". It is great for stretching your ability and improving your confidence. It is a lot of fun and we know that you will love it! We always take one day out of the week to head up 52 mile-long Chilko Lake for a tour and some casual fishing. This lake is a true wonder! Surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks, the scenery is unmatched.

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.