Chilko Lake Multi-sport (Lodge): About the Region

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 many incredible natural features. Though there is much to explore in the region, it is rugged and unserviced leaving its visitors up to their own devices. This is where we fit in.

The Chilcotin 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 River

Participants are continually overwhelmed by the excitement and beauty of this natural corridor. The Chilko River drains Chilko Lake making this free flowing waterway perfect to raft from May through October. When compared to busy rivers south of the border, this circuitous system is considered a wilderness waterway. The Chilko is one of North America’s best rafting rivers and boasts miles of roller coaster rapids that will keep you grinning from start to finish. Obviously the Province of British Columbia agrees with us, as it has established more than 17 new parks in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.

The Accommodations

The Lodge at Chilko Lake is an upscale private residence located in BC’s historic ranch country overlooking the river valley and mountains at the head of the Chilko River. The main lodge is a formidable log structure and is the focal point for meals, cocktails and most socializing. The surrounding cabins are a mixture of one and two bedroom log and timber frame structures carefully positioned for privacy and view. The cabins are unique but equally breathtaking featuring fine craftsmanship, comfortable furnishings and a magnificent collection of antiques and collectibles. Each unit is self-contained and has comfortable living rooms, private bathrooms and kitchenettes.

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 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.