Lodge at Chilko Adventure Activities

Kayaks: we have a fleet of doubles and single kayaks complete with spray decks, floats and pumps. Guests can explore the 55-mile long Chilko Lake surrounded by massive peaks.  We also have smaller kayaks for self-guided paddling around the private trout pond in front of the lodge. Kayaking these crystal clear waters can only be improved during salmon season as you will see millions of red torpedoes and bears galore.

Hiking: we have numerous hiking trials into Tsylos Provincial Park. The Mount Tullin route covers almost 4000 vertical feet and would be described as challenging. The Green Lake route is a lovely meander up the lake. The Lodge also has 2 cabin cruisers that we utilize to travel down the 55-mile lake to access some incredible hikes.

Bikes: we have a fleet of “Kona” mountain bikes with disk brakes. The bikes are used for guided an un-guided mountain biking excursions on and off the property. Guided trips include vehicle support and may explore more radical terrain if so desired. Chilko is home to one of BC’s most legendary single-track mountain bike races across the Potato Mountain Range.

Wildlife Viewing: there is lots of wildlife in our neck of the Chicotin but in August and September as many as 2 million salmon come to the head of Chilko Lake to spawn. By late August more than 60 grizzlies and hundreds of bald eagles come to this stretch of river to feed on nature’s bounty. By boat, kayak and even horseback, we can witness this amazing spectacle. In our drift boats we safely and silently float past bears often less than 50 feet away

Heli-hiking is also an optional activity. With 2 Bell Long Ranger (6 passenger) helicopters servicing the lodge, the heli-hiking opportunities are endless. Here you’ll hike for the day at 7000-9000 feet above sea level. Surrounded by mountaintops and wildflowers, grizzly sightings are common and the scenery second to none.

Horseback riding: most cannot imagine a more spectacular place to horseback ride. We organize 2-3 hour trail rides or full-blown day rides in the sprawling alpine or along our many lakes and streams.

Rafting: for the less intrepid adventurers and younger guests, we offer the upper 21 miles of the Chilko River (class II+) by raft, drift boat or inflatable kayak. We utilize 18-foot self-bailing oar boats (with paddle assist) for challenging the Lava Canyon stretch of the Chilko River. This river section attracts whitewater enthusiasts from around the globe, as guests will raft about 30 miles in one day.

Fishing: for the fly fisherman, the Chilko River is truly world class. This prime location where sockeye salmon and rainbow trout are found together produces some of the best fishing in British Columbia. One can fish the river from shore, in waders or with guides using drift boats. One should expect to catch 18-29 inch rainbow trout. The guides utilize deluxe flat bottom riverboats that have forward and aft fishing platforms with stanchions for stable casting. We utilize 4-stroke environmentally friendly jet engines in order to negotiate the river. Guided fishing and fly-out floatplane fishing trips are also available at additional cost.

Chilko Lake or nearby Tsuniah Lake are also fantastic fisheries that guests may visit. When exploring the lake by cabin cruiser or kayak we often stop to fish many of the inlets and creek mouths where trout and dolly varden are plentiful. All guests have access to fly or spin rods, Gore-tex waders and felt boots. However, if you have a favorite 5-6 wt. fly rod or spinning set up, we recommend you bring it along. Flies, tackle and licenses can be purchased at the lodge. A Canadian fishing license is required to fish either the lake or the river. You will need an additional daily sticker to fish the river. The river is fly fish only (catch and release) while some fish caught in the lake may be kept. You are allowed to use spin-casting equipment on the main lake.