The Lodge at Chilko Lake
ROAM is very pleased to announce our newest development, The Lodge at Chilko Lake. A joint venture between ROAM and the philanthropic Huston family, the new operation is based out of an upscale private residence perched above Chilko Lake and the Chilko River.
A one-hour plane ride north of Vancouver or Whistler, British Columbia, “The Lodge” is a formidable log structure with 3 luxurious suites and 5 deluxe timber frame cabins. Arguably one of British Columbia’s most spectacular settings, the lodge serves as an adventure outpost for a variety of world-class activities.
Chilko Lake, the prize jewel of B.C.’s T’sy-los Provincial Park, is in an incredible protected wilderness spanning the circumference of the 55-mile long lake. Hiking trails and mountain biking opportunities abound. This, combined with horseback riding, fishing, sea kayaking, canoeing and rock climbing makes for an unforgettable setting in a wilderness few rarely see.
For rafting enthusiasts, there are two levels of river adventures available. Lodge guests can challenge “Lava Canyon” which offers the longest stretch of commercially navigable whitewater in North America, while others may opt for an exhilarating but family-friendly stretch of rapids flowing 21 miles right from the head of the lake. This stretch is also available by drift boat and can be run late into the autumn to view grizzlies, salmon and bald eagles.
“Access to Lava Canyon is very remote and we use a 6-wheel-drive military vehicle to locate our gear. However, at the day’s end, our guests get whisked back to the hot tub by helicopter,” says ROAM founder, Brian McCutcheon. “The drift boat is ideal for watching bears feed on the two million returning salmon”
The Chilko River has been given special classification in recognition of its world-class rainbow trout fishing. Guests can fish with experienced regional guides or on their own. At the headwaters, they can launch float tubes or simply wade out into the river’s clear shallow waters. The lodge is equipped with state of the art Koffler boats and top quality fishing equipment is available to guests not wishing to bring their own.
For those interested in relaxing along with adventure, you’ll be pleased to know The Lodge has an on-site yoga instructor along with a massage therapist. Special “yoga & spa” weeks are also offered where instructors lead morning and afternoon sessions and massage therapists and acupuncture experts provide relief to tired muscles from the day’s activities. “Getting a massage while watching bears catch salmon is one of our outrageous experiences you don’t get at a traditional spa,” notes McCutcheon.
For the epicureans, The Lodge is also a stop on a popular Wine on the River Series and in 2008 will feature cooking classes with renowned Vancouver chef, Rebecca Dawson. Ms. Dawson was better known for developing menus for the Rain Tree Restaurant in Vancouver and spent years working in Europe for the presidents of Disney and Northwest Airlines. True to its roots, in the Chilcotin no one ever eats alone as the lodge serves up extravagant family style dining in its spectacular dining room with breathtaking views.
The success of this new luxury facility is predicated on being proximal to Vancouver and Whistler but offering a completely private and exclusive experience. “Previously we were an “invitation only” facility but now we accept up to 12 guests per week. To access the lodge, guests can fly in on scheduled charter flights to our airstrip or utilize float plane service from downtown Vancouver or Whistler,” says McCutcheon. “ The lodge has access to thousands upon thousands of acres of crown land and the park region making the adventure opportunities limitless.”
George Wendt, the founder of California-based adventure company O.A.R.S. says, “The multi-million dollar development is well timed to take advantage of the growing interest we are seeing in British Columbia. This facility is one of the finest in British Columbia and has been completed with plenty of time for the Winter Olympics arrive to Vancouver.” He doesn’t worry about the rapid expansion in Whistler because “the Chilcotin countryside hasn’t changed here since it was first plotted on a map so we are enjoying it just the way it is.” Surrounded by park and classified waterways, this investment in the wilderness will be in perpetuity.
For more information about The Lodge at Chilko Lake, contact:
Brian McCutcheon at 250 229 2115 or holiday@iroamtheworld.com
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