If you want to go where only a handful of people has ever rafted, this is the trip for you. The Klinaklini was descended for the first time in 1997 with Men’s Journal Magazine and writer Steve Jermanok covering the event. Other magazines such as SELF, Harper’s and even Marie Claire have all followed suit. Since then, Brian and company has led all the other trips down the corridor. Why? First, the river is remote – native populations did not even inhabit the upper river because of inaccessibility. Second, it requires a remarkable logistics to complete the journey – all of our equipment and supplies must be flown in advance and we heli-portage to traverse and impassible canyon. But you won’t notice all the behind-the-scenes work. While guides look after the portage, you can enjoy a remarkable day of heli-hiking through vast glacial icefields and high alpine meadows.
Today, this carefully planned state of the art expedition allows participants to travel where it was once thought unimaginable. And yet, the Klinaklini is a great trip for even those with no rafting history. It is a unique experience to raft through the dramatic Coastal Mountains, past glaciers and the highest peak in British Columbia. When we finally emerge at the Pacific coast, it is into Knight Inlet, a 60-mile long fjord that meets the sea at the north end of Vancouver Island. This area defines the notion of pristine wilderness, nature’s purest form. Discover immense ice caves, wide plateaus of wildflowers and crystal clear air. It seems impossible to imagine that Vancouver and the rush of civilization are just an hour’s flight away.
Klinaklini River Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
Klinaklini River Adventure Travel Planner
(Requires Adobe Acrobat)
Day 0 - Saturday
Today is your arrival day into Vancouver. Downtown Vancouver is an approximate 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. Please check your trip planner for recommendations on accommodations.
Day 1 - Sunday
We meet for our 12:00 Noon flight at the SOUTH TERMINAL of the Vancouver Airport. (Remember this is not the main Vancouver airport terminal.) Please make sure your gear is packed in soft luggage. This will allow for easy storage and transfer of your gear into waterproof river bags. As soon as everyone's gear is stowed we will board our chartered plane for the incredible flight over the mountains and glaciers to Chilko Lake Lodge. Here we will meet our guides, check into our rooms and enjoy the evening at the lodge. A lakeside view at dinner and an evening to go over last minute details and issuing expedition equipment will help you settle into the moods and rhythms of the trip.
Day 2 - Monday
After a hearty breakfast, it’s into the floatplanes for a spectacular flight to Klinaklini Lake. Upon arrival we will go through the safety procedures for the trip (including a grizzly bear briefing) and teach any would be paddlers the basics. Depending on timing and water levels we will make our first camp just below The Little Drop of Horrors rapid (which was the very first descent ever by our guides in 1997). Those not wishing this class V excitement can easily walk around this section on a portage route and there is ideal point for taking photos of the rafts cascading through this dramatic drop.
Day 3 - Tuesday
After a riverside breakfast, we will board the rafts for a beautiful day on the water. Today will be our longest rafting stretch. We will raft a few class III rapids before lunching at “Nobody Move” rapids. The largest drop of the trip, the guides will scout the river and decide on the options of running this incredible stretch of whitewater. If we can run the drop, participants will once again be given the opportunity to paddle or hike. The afternoon will feature some easy but continuous class III rapids, which are reminiscent of the White Mile on the Chilko. Tonight's camp is below the North Klinaklini confluence. Here the glaciers and wildlife will inspire us for more adventure.
Day 4 - Wednesday
Today we will raft into the heart of the mountainous terrain. Surrounded by Waddington and Silverthrone, you will be overwhelmed by the size and scope of this land of legends. Tonight we will camp above the upper reaches of Klinaklini Canyon where not even the most intrepid adventurers dare travel. A prime wildlife viewing habitat, we will explore its wilderness with a few of the guides, while others help prepare another delicious riverside dining experience. The balance of the day is available for hiking, walking, photography, sitting by the campfire or just staring in wonder at the incredible views.
Day 5 - Thursday
Today the helicopter arrives to whisk us to places unimaginable. Alpine meadows and views of the enormous Klinaklini glacier make for an unforgettable day of hiking and exploring. Soon after, your magic carpet will drop you at our new camp at the foot of the glacier where icebergs calve into our secluded lake.
Day 6 - Friday
Today we will have a lay over day. This will allow us to hike the lateral moraine, walk on the glacier and for the more adventurous, hike up to the ice caves. There should be plenty of time for hot showers, reading a good book and simply immersing your self in this spectacular scenery.
Day 7 - Saturday
Today we will enter the West Klinaklini River which features countless massive wave trains that roller coaster for miles in a rushing chorus. An exciting section of river, its speed dissipates as the river broadens and braids. This region is prime for sighting many of the 200 bird species that call the Klinaklini home. As the river widens, we will pick up the scent of salt air as we float into the magical Knight Inlet and a tidal lagoon, which is famous for its grizzly bears. You’ll say good-bye to your guides and board your floatplane back to Vancouver rich with new experiences, new friends and fantastic memories. Weather permitting; we should arrive in Vancouver at approximately 6:00 PM.
