Transfer and Other Options:

Sample Itinerary

Sunday: A 9:30 a.m. charter flight takes you from Vancouver across the magnificent glaciers of the coastal mountains to Chilko Lake, where Karen McLean 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 an afternoon ride.

Monday: After breakfast we ride through fir forests to Green Lake. Along the way we stop for a picnic at the lake. In the afternoon there are some wonderful opportunities to canter on soft forest trails. 

Tuesday: We ride up the steep trails of Mount Tullin. The ride takes us through magnificent fir forests to the timberline. From the summit it takes a 20-minute hike to reach the top of the mountain. Soak in the panorama of the Coast Mountains and 55 mile long Chilko Lake with its turquoise waters and the breathtaking beauty of  Tsylos Park.

Wednesday: One day during your stay  the riders will head up beautiful Chilko Lake. Pristine Chilko Lake is the largest natural high mountain lake in North America. Surrounded by glaciers, rugged towering peaks, roaring creeks and rivers, waterfalls, and of course the wildlife. Due to the glacial silt, Chilko Lake has a gorgeous turquoise coloring. The views, whether looking down on her or up from her, are unbelievable. You might have a chance to visit the old mining cabin at Franklin Arm and hike up to the waterfalls, or spend some time at a creek, fishing for Dolly Varden. This is a day that you will not want to miss! Optionally you will take part in a river float trip down Chilko River instead.

Thursday: We enjoy many brisk canters across the Chilcotin plateau and along the Chilko river. Advanced riders will enjoy the "rollercoaster" rides on narrow, windy forest trails. Due to the fast pace of these rides you have to be able to develop a good feeling and communicate well with your horse. It is excellent for stretching your riding abilities and building your confidence. Both the horse and rider find it fun and challenging. But not to worry, the horses are well trained and easily controllable. We stop for a nice picnic by the river with its fast flowing waters.

Friday: A long day-ride across the plateau to Choelquoit Lake with the opportunity to take a dip in the cool water. Enjoy a picnic at the sandy beach with awesome views of Niut, Chilko & Tsuniah mountains.

Saturday: A brisk ride takes you along the Chilko river to Henry's crossing. Enjoy a well deserved lunch break on the only bridge that spans the river. In September you can watch natives fishing for salmon here. In the afternoon we canter along the east side of the river to Canoe Crossing always with the whole mountain range in clear view. The horses swim across the river and freely gallop home while a boat ride takes you back to the ranch. In the evening a fabulous farewell dinner with barbecue awaits you.

Sunday: Return flight after breakfast or start of another wilderness ride.

Grizzly Weeks:
The Fall Grizzly Viewing, Photography packages include fully guided early morning late afternoon excursions by boat to get a good look at these magnificent animals. Limited riding time.

  Subject to changes due to weather etc.

The months of 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 – A fresh start
Spring is a burst of new energy and the warmth of the sun. It is new vibrant colours 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. Steelhead 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 colour.

Summer – Warmth and Beauty
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 – "When the river turns red"
Indian Summer in September and October is a very special time of year at Chilko. It is an explosion of autumn colours, 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 Tsylos Park Lodge!

Winter – A time to rest
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.

For this trip you will be staying at one lodge for the week and returning each day after riding to a wonderful evening meal, cold drinks, time spent by the fireplace and a relaxing hot tub under the stars. It is also a great trip to be combined with our Mountain Pack Trip, which takes you far out into the back country of Chilko Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Lodging
Up to 16 guests are accommodated in individual rooms and log cabins (riding groups are kept to 6 to 8 riders max). All of the rooms and cabins have private bathrooms with showers. The main lodge and dining area has a large stone fireplace, comfortable couches, a hot tub on the front porch and of course a stunning view of the mountains and Chilko River. Many evenings are spent sharing the daily adventures around the fireplace with a cocktail, soaking in the hot tub looking at the stars or playing horseshoes along the river.
The 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.

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 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.
The evening meal is especially nice...after a great day, everyone can relax with a good dinner, 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!

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

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter and Arab/Quarter cross
Pace:		Walk, trot and long canters | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3.5 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Age:		Min 10
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 14

The 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. The 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 makes our senses come 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!

Our daily rides from the lodge offer a variety of excellent riding experiences. Explore the Chilcotin Plateau, which offers open grasslands, rolling hills, numerous small lakes, adjacent mountain peaks with unmatched vistas and a couple of hundred miles of riding trails. You will love it!

All riding groups are kept small. 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 the 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 all that much better!

Tree riding is a big part of your week. We like to take some of our exciting 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!

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.