Chilko/Chilcotin/Fraser

Class III - V
(Scale Of Difficulty)

• Trip guidelines, wildlife, and weather
• Trip size, details, cancellation policy, safety and responsibility
• Equipment checklist
• Rates
• Photo Gallery

EXPEDITION GUIDELINES

On the River

Our rafts are oar and paddle powered (no motors) so each member can either take a paddle and participate or just relax and let your guide concentrate on the river. Fishermen, don't forget your gear as we can cast a line on the quiet stretches. Everyone must wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.

After unloading the rafts, each member sets up his or her own tent. There is plenty of time to go hiking, fishing, swimming or just relax before dinner is served. The guides prepare the meals but if you want to join in, please do so. Our menu is a gourmet delight, many surprises await you. We promise outdoor cooking, the likes of which you have never imagined. We provide beer and wine each evening and special coffees after dinner. (There will be no consumption of alcohol during the day until we reach camp.) After dinner, we get together around the fire to enjoy songs and stories under the clear starlit sky. Although insects are usually hard to find in this semi-arid climate, a well prepared rafter is a happy rafter; bring your bug repellent. In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we break camp, load the rafts and head down river.

Black bear, moose, mule, deer, cougar, coyote, and California big horn sheep are just a few of the animals we have seen along this river system. Bird life is also abundant. Golden and bald eagles, osprey and many species of hawks, to mention just a few, are observed on every trip. This river system is also a major spawning ground for sockeye and chinook salmon. They can be seen in the crystal clear waters during their late summer run. And fishermen, don't forget your rod and reel for rainbow trout.

Weather
The Chilko/Chilcotin/Fraser River System is on the leeward side of the coastal mountains of British Columbia. The weather here is generally dry and sunny. This is a semi-arid area receiving under 15 inches of rain annually. Ponderosa pine, sage brush and prickly pear cactus give a good indication of the kind of weather we can expect. Daytime average high: 25c/85f. Night-time average low 10c/50f.