Canada: British columbia - the chilko valley & the grizzly

Program

Day 1:
A remote retreat in the wild nature of British Columbia. The starting point of this journey is the northern tip of Chilko Lake, which provides access to Ts'yl-os Park, a division between the stunning Coast Mountain range and the Chilcotin Plateau, where the clear Chilko River flows towards the coastal waters.
This area is perfect for exploration on horseback, allowing you to reconnect with nature amid the fresh scent of pine or fir forests, the sound of hooves galloping, and leaves rustling. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of unexplored lands in the company of your trusty steed.
Designed for intermediate to advanced riders seeking adventure without sacrificing the comfort of a warm retreat at night, daily excursions from the lodge offer a variety of experiences. Ride up Mount Tulin to enjoy some of the most spectacular views of Chilko Lake, then explore the Chilcotin Plateau with its open meadows, rolling hills, numerous small lakes, mountain peaks with unparalleled views, and hundreds of kilometers of trails.
After a day in the saddle, you can unwind in the hot tub on the front porch overlooking the Chilko Valley or simply relax in front of the large wood-burning fireplace, exchanging stories with fellow riders. Exceptional meals and excellent wines are served family-style. Throughout the week, you’ll also participate in a rafting trip along the Chilko River or on Chilko Lake.
At the end of September and early October, we offer grizzly bear observation and photography courses lasting a week, combined with time for riding through the autumn landscape. There is no purer symbol of Canada's wilderness than the grizzly bear, and the area boasts a large concentration of them. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a memorable experience. The bears are drawn to the abundant salmon in the Chilko River, and it’s not uncommon to see large male grizzlies as well as females with their cubs learning to fish. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

VANCOUVER - CHILKO LAKE (-/L/D)
You’ll fly into Vancouver (YVR) and meet at 8:50 AM for the check-in of your charter flight (South Terminal in Vancouver). The 12-seat plane will take you to Chilko Lake. (Please note: 18 kg weight limit per person, soft-sided luggage recommended). We’ll fly over the magnificent glaciers of the Coast Mountains and land at the private airstrip, where Karen, the ranch owner, will welcome us. After lunch and an introduction to the trek, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your horses with a two-hour ride. Dinner and overnight stay at the ranch.

Day 2:
CHILKO LAKE (B/L/D)
After breakfast, saddle up for a ride towards Green Lake. A picnic lunch by the lake followed by an afternoon ride with faster paces thanks to the soft forest trails. Dinner and overnight stay at the ranch.

Day 3:
CHILKO LAKE (B/L/D)
Today we’ll ride along the Chilko River. Dinner and overnight stay at the ranch.

Day 4:
CHILKO LAKE (B/L/D)
A ride up Mount Tulin through beautiful forests. Once at the summit, we’ll walk about 20 minutes to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the turquoise waters of Chilko Lake and the 55-mile Coast Mountain range framing the park Tsylos. Dinner and overnight stay at the ranch.

Day 5:
CHILKO LAKE (B/L/D)
Today we’ll head towards the stunning Chilko Lake. The pristine Chilko Lake is the largest high-mountain natural lake in North America, surrounded by glaciers, towering peaks, roaring streams, rivers, waterfalls, and of course, wildlife. Due to the glacial silt, Chilko Lake has a wonderful turquoise color and the views here are breathtaking. We’ll have the opportunity to visit the old mining cabin at Franklin Arm and hike to the nearby waterfalls or hike to a hidden glacial lake. Dinner and overnight stay at the ranch.

Day 6:
CHILKO LAKE (B/L/D)
Today, we’ll ride at a faster pace through the Chilcotin Plateau and along the Chilko River. Experienced riders will appreciate the winding, narrow forest trails. We’ll stop for a lovely picnic near the river with its fast-flowing waters. Dinner and overnight stay at the ranch.

Day 7:
CHILKO LAKE (B/L/D)
Long gallops will take us along the Chilko River to Henry's Crossing. We’ll pause for lunch on the only bridge that crosses the river. In September, you can see the locals fishing for salmon here. In the afternoon, we’ll gallop along the eastern side of the river to Canoe Crossing. We’ll leave the horses and board a boat or raft for our excursion. Return to the ranch for a fantastic farewell dinner with a barbecue.

Day 8:
CHILKO LAKE - VANCOUVER (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we’ll take the charter flight back to Vancouver. It’s recommended to book your international return flight no earlier than 3:30 PM.

Note: The itinerary outlined above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
During the grizzly bear photography weeks, we will have fully guided boat excursions to observe and photograph bears and other wildlife. These outings typically occur in the early morning and late afternoon (for the best light conditions) in addition to riding excursions.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°

Duration: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Difficulty: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
Accommodation: RANCH
Equipment: Western saddle with saddlebags
Horses: Quarter Horses and Arab Quarter Horses
Pace: Primarily walk, mountain trails – 4 to 7 hours of riding per day
What to bring: Layered riding clothes (weather can be variable), including waterproof gear, long sleeves, chaps, gloves, a protective helmet, insect repellent, sunscreen, water bottle, swimsuit for the hot tub, and a first aid kit.
Type: Ranch-based equestrian stay

Accommodation:
7 nights at a typical wooden ranch, warm and welcoming, perfect for sharing great moments with your fellow travelers. Located next to the Chilko River, it offers 3 river-view cabins and 4 rooms in the main building with private facilities and a wood stove. The common area includes a restaurant, a large room with a big stone fireplace, a fully stocked bar (extra charge for alcohol), hot tub, barbecue area, and expansive decks. Canoes and kayaks are available, and Wi-Fi is provided. Laundry service is available (extra charge).
Fly-fishing available upon request.

Traditional cuisine with typical local dishes is served in the common area for breakfast and dinner, with picnic lunches provided. Special dietary requests can be accommodated upon request.

Guaranteed Departure Dates with a minimum of 1 person from Italy:

From 21/06 to 28/06
From 28/06 to 05/07
From 05/07 to 12/07
From 12/07 to 19/07
From 19/07 to 26/07
From 26/07 to 02/08
From 02/08 to 09/08
From 09/08 to 16/08
From 16/08 to 23/08
From 23/08 to 30/08
From 30/08 to 06/09
From 06/09 to 13/09
From 13/09 to 20/09
From 20/09 to 27/09 – possibility of a "grizzly bear watching photo week"
From 27/09 to 04/10 – possibility of a "grizzly bear watching photo week"
From 04/10 to 11/10 – possibility of a "grizzly bear watching photo week"
From 11/10 to 18/10 – possibility of a "grizzly bear watching photo week"
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 – MAX 8

SUPPLEMENTS AND REDUCTIONS:
Price per person in double room – “special grizzly” dates: EUR 7,420
Single room supplement: EUR 2,280

Price includes

Shared charter flight from/to Vancouver to Chilko Lake Airstrip
All meals as per the program (house wine included at dinner)
7 nights at the ranch
6 days on horseback (4-7 hours per day)
Horses and equipment provided
Expert local guide speaking English
5% mandatory taxes
Tourist tax
Medical Assistance Insurance, Repatriation, Baggage Damage, and Cancellation Insurance

Price does not include

International flights to/from Vancouver
Alcohol at the bar
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks, tips, personal extras
Anything not mentioned in the "included in the price" section
Cancellation insurance

Itinerary

Accommodations provided in each place