Welcome to the Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser River expedition: an unforgettable river trip through some of British Columbia’s most distinct and remarkable landscapes. To fully enjoy this adventure, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the information provided. We want to be with you every step of the way in your expedition preparations so please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns.
Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
Notes from the River - A letter from Brian McCutcheon
We start our Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser expedition by zooming off on one of the most spectacular plane rides on earth. It is a wake-up call for most city folk, entering this landscape of ice, freckled with towering serrated ridges and dramatic glacial lakes. 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 water that makes this expedition so incredible.
Priorities change during our time here. Most folks discard diets, fashion accessories, would-be sophistication and poise. A hot shower overlooking a moose pond takes on unbelievable decadence. Dining by the riverside while California bighorn sheep entertain by precipice jumping becomes something utterly divine. Cell phones and fax machines seem a thing of the past. The sun soothes our backs by day and sets over teal waters turning blood red, then intense violet by night. The surreal hoodoo sculptures become more dreamlike amid the midnight howls of wolves.
The Chilcotin is a land of legends, steeped with gold rush heritage, million acre homesteads, and North America’s best stretch of commercially navigable whitewater. Yet, contrary to popular belief, our guests are not experienced adventurers. Our participants, who come from all walks of professional life, find it easy to check out of civilization in Chilcotin country—it’s checking back in that’s so tough. This is one trip that leaves footprints with you forever.
Brian McCutcheon founded Rivers & Oceans in 1985 and has been operating rafting and kayaking trips in British Columbia since the late eighties. In 2000, we changed to Rivers Oceans And Mountains as the addition of “mountains” better reflects the topography of the regions we visit. The new company, R.O.A.M., offers lodge and camping based adventures into the Chilcotin. When not out on the water, Brian is the Managing Director of R.O.A.M. from our offices in Nelson, British Columbia.
