First, we'll fly over the towering mountains and massive glaciers of the coast range in a chartered aircraft. It is a wake up call for most city folk, entering this landscape of ice, freckled with towering serrated ridges and dramatic glacial lakes. As we approach our starting point, the 55-mile stretch of Chilko Lake is translucent and azure-like, on a par with the waters of the South Pacific. But do not be fooled. Combined with this pristine ambience is the superfluity of whitewater, all fast and splashy. And it is exactly this combination of serene and bustling that makes this expedition so incredible.
After a relaxing night at the lodge and get acquainted dinner, it’s onto the boats and prepare for the ultimate wild water adventure. The crystal clear, turquoise waters of the incredible Chilko River will provide heart stopping hydraulics and towering standing waves for more than 18 miles through deep and narrow lava gorges. This non-stop excitement has made this river section world famous among whitewater enthusiasts. The Chilko is considered a Class IV river system with a number of extended drops. At the end of this glorious day your helicopter whisks you back to the comforts of our wilderness retreat, The Lodge at Chilko Lake.
After this eye-opening adventure indoctrination we fly to the Taseko for another canyon run of whitewater superlatives. The Taseko drains out of the equally azure Taseko Lake. A narrow and steep river section, you will marvel at the incredible canyons and relentless Class IV whitewater. Eventually the Taseko joins the Chilko and once again you will be heli-shuttled back to Chilko Lake for another decadent evening and preparations for our heli-hiking in the Coast Mountains. Lodge amenities like sauna and hot tub give an excuse to rest tired muscles, laugh and reflect upon the marvelous days of adrenaline-running whitewater you were the first to challenge in this manner.
Chilko-Taseko Heli Adventure Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
Chilko-Taseko Heli Adventure Travel Planner
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The Terrain
Our trip begins at the north end of Ts’yl-os Provincial Park. Established in 1994, Ts’yl-os (pronounced sigh loss) is 233,240 hectares in the Chilcotin Ranges of the Coast Mountains. Although Chilko Lake is the centerpiece of the park, it is just one of the many incredible natural features. Though there is much to explore in the region, it is rugged and un-serviced leaving its visitors up to their own devices. This is where we fit in.
The Chilko River flows near Nazko Lakes Provincial Park and Stum Lake Provincial Park. Both were recently expanded to protect wildlife habitat and BC’s only colony of nesting white pelicans, respectively. Upstream from the confluence of the Chilcotin and Big Creek, lies the new 660 hectares of rolling grassy plateau protected in Big Creek Provincial Park.
The Rivers
Participants are continually overwhelmed by the excitement and beauty of this natural corridor. The Taseko flows into the Chilko which flows into the Chilcotin, making this free flowing waterway perfect to raft from May through October if need be. When compared to busy rivers south of the border this circuitous system is quite a wilderness waterway. The dramatically different sections of river offer a diversity of scenery and roller coaster rapids and surreal scenery. Obviously the Province of British Columbia agrees with us, as it has established more than 17 new parks in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.
Cultural Notes
To aboriginal people of the Nemaiah Valley, Ts’yl-os is much more than a provincial park. Ts’yl-os was a man, or at least he used to be long ago, and like any man he had his moods. Given his towering height of 3,061 meters (Mount Tatlow on a map), it is wise to respect him and especially not to point at him. His presence can be so dominating that when occasional bad weather hits the valley, the 250 native residents wonder if it is a message from their spiritual protector.
For the isolated Nemaiah First Nation, their agreement on the park represents an important, but tentative first step toward reconciliation with the outside world. It is this world that led to the so-called Chilcotin Indian War of 1864 and the subsequent deaths of many. Today, that historic uprising against the white intrusion on to Chilcotin Lands continues to color the native’s psyche and the park’s future.
The silty confluence of the Chilcotin and Fraser was also a major territorial boundary. The Ts’ilhqot’in people of the Athapaskan language group held a territory on the northwest side of the confluence where the Junction Sheep Range is located. Small bands of natives traveled the Chilcotin watershed, hunting and gathering food. During salmon runs, these bands would come together at the mouth of the Chilcotin.
Professional Guide Services
Our river guides are as impressive as the scenery and passionate about their work. Seasoned professionals, they are delighted to pass on their knowledge and skills. As university and college graduates, they have strong backgrounds in natural history, geology and anthropology. They also have knowledge of the local region and its folklore. Part chef, part naturalist, trained in wilderness first aid and professionally certified, our leaders are eager to please and will ensure you have a memorable experience.
Equipment
We utilize state-of-the-art self-bailing rafts. The rafts have been designed with center mount oar rigs and allow participants the option of paddling or just soaking up the views. For those unfamiliar with self-bailing boats, the benefits are revolutionary. As water enters the boat, it collects on the inflated floor then drains out through grommet holes along each side.
Weather
The Chilcotin is one of the driest areas in Canada. Rainfall during July and August averages less than a few inches per month. Temperatures can reach the mid 90s (F) during the day and drop to the mid 50s during the night. Convection showers are not uncommon near the Coast Ranges.
Wildlife and Flora
The region is home to the largest herd of California bighorn sheep in the world. During the rut, the big spiraled horned rams will charge at combined speeds of 50 miles per hour and butt heads 30-40 times a day—an exhausting, and often fatal fight for sexual supremacy. Another fleet footed hunter in the region is the cougar. Like other predators, cougars will prey on the weak or young. But in the Chilcotin, three quarters of all the sheep killed are adult rams. Biologists believe the large horns used in the rut impede the rams’ peripheral and rear vision. More times than not, however, cougars are harassed to leave their kill because of the persistent coyotes. Some coyotes become the cougar’s lunch, but the big cats are more likely to look to other sheep, moose or deer. Fortunately for the cougars, all are in abundance.
This area is also the home to a plethora of black bear and grizzly. Bear population’s slurp down the abundant rose hips and berries in the aspen groves. August departures are virtually guaranteed sightings because the bears are feeding on the plentiful salmon runs. Beaver, river otter and mink can also be seen along the riverbank. We have counted over 30 species of birds on this trip. They include bald and golden eagles, peregrine falcons and many species of hawks. Canada geese, great blue herons, sage grouse, Lewis woodpeckers and many varieties of songbirds are also present. This diverse environment is also home to seven different bat species such as the western-footed Myotis and Townsend’s big-eared bats.
The upper Chilko is covered with lodge pole pine and Douglas fir. As we drop in elevation the trees become sparse. Large open grassland interspersed with cottonwood and ponderosa pine is dominant in this dry climate. Sagebrush and prickly pear cactus cover parts of the desert on the lower Chilcotin. In the desert, insects are comparatively rare. A few mosquitoes may be present, but they will be of little concern. The largest airborne bugs are butterflies, more than 40 species. Each is associated with a specific plant, and many have exotic names like painted lady, aster checker spot, woodland skipper, and white admiral.
Fishing
Chilko Lake is a truly world class fishing area. It has the third largest sockeye salmon run in the province (over 2 million return annually) and is a spawning ground for spring and coho salmon as well as steelhead. The river and lake are also a bouillabaisse of trout and dolly varden. However, our Wildwater Week or Multi-sport adventures are bettered suited if you want time to fish. This condensed adventure does not afford as much time in the prime fishing regions.
Personal Preparation
No previous river experience is required. Your guides will give you an orientation to safe rafting and expedition practices on the first day and teach you all the basic skills that you’ll require to safely enjoy the trip. Our prime consideration is to provide you with a trip that is as safe and comfortable as possible while still maintaining the integrity of a wilderness experience. Activities are always more fun when you are physically fit so try to exercise regularly prior to your trip. All participants will be required to complete a medical questionnaire prior to departure.
Ecological Sentiment
We are committed to the preservation of British Columbia's wilderness habitat. Our excursions are designed to promote an understanding of the delicate ecosystems that make our province unique while preserving their fundamental integrity. R.O.A.M. operates on a “no trace” policy meaning we travel in a self-contained manner, carrying in what we require and carrying out all garbage and waste. We believe the survival of the natural environment and the wildlife it supports depends on establishing an economy beyond simple resource harvesting. Our goal is to immerse our clients in BC’s vast natural beauty that, in turn, supports eco-tourism as a viable, economic choice.
Safety and Personal Responsibility
Safety is always our utmost concern. It is important however, that each expedition member realize that there are inherent risks involved in river rafting, as there are in many other outdoor activities. Individuals must be responsible for their own actions and accountable for their own decisions. To acknowledge this assumption of risk, each expedition member is required to read, understand and sign an acknowledgement of risk release form. We will provide you with all the information you require to make your decision about joining us or taking part in any specific activity. We will support any decision made by expedition members to opt out of any activity that they are concerned about or feel is beyond their capabilities.
Registration
Due to the small group size and limited departure dates, we encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment. In order to confirm your space on the trip, we only require a $500 non-refundable deposit. Upon receipt of deposit, we will send you a letter of confirmation, pre-departure information, equipment list, medical questionnaire and acknowledgement of risk release form. The latter two items should be returned to our office with the balance of payment due 90 days prior to departure. All payments are non-refundable so we strongly recommend you purchase trip cancellation insurance at the time of deposit. Trips begin and end in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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