Overview
Trip Highlights
- Bucket list paddling on the longest stretch of navigatable whitewater
- World-famous sections like Lava Canyon
- Riverside Camping with Lodging & Meals Included
Quick Facts
Paddlesport
- Kayaking
- Rafting
Activity
- Whitewater
- Expedition
Experience/Service
- Paddling Trip
Length
- 9 Days
Accomodation
- Glamping
Outfitted
- Fully
Special Interest
- Wildlife Viewing
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Adventure Level
Itinerary
Meeting Place
Vancouver, British Columbia
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips in the area, and sometimes the weather. Our daily distances can fluctuate depending on weather, activities, and National Park notices. The following is a sample:
Day 1:
Meet in Vancouver. As soon as everyone’s gear is stowed, board our plane for the incredible flight over the mountains & glaciers to Bear Camp, on the banks of the Chilko River. Settle in to our luxury safari-style platform tents before exploring the stunning surroundings. Welcome dinner.
Day 2:
After a hearty breakfast, choose to mountain bike, inflatable kayak on the upper Chilko River, cast a line for trout, sea kayak, SUP or simply hang out in our scenic riverside camp. Yet another gourmet meal signals the end of an epic day and following some pre-trip instructions, head to slumber.
Day 3:
Rise early & pack up on expedition rafts. Receive personal wet suit, pfd & helmet & after safety briefing, begin our adventure with a 20-mile scenic float from Bear Camp to our first camp at Bear’s Den. Arrive at camp, transfer gear to preset tents & meet in the dining tent for cocktails & dinner.
Day 4:
Breakfast, break camp, push off & descend Lava Canyon & the longest, continuous rapids of the trip. Hydraulics and towering, standing waves cascade for more than 18 miles. Stop at Bumper Camp, just below where the turquoise Taseko River joins the Chilko, delightful evening & rest.
Day 5:
This morning the river valley opens as we emerge on the Chilcotin Plateau for a casual float. Arriving relatively early into camp, there will be time for swimming or reading around the campfire. Try your hand at some fishing or sit and watch the sunset on the metamorphic rocks across the valley.
Day 6:
Early departure for action-packed day. Enjoy friendly Class II-III rapids before lunching at ancient First Nation fishing spot deep in 1500 ft canyons. Hiking, swimming & cliff jumping. Ride the Goose Neck Rapids while golden eagles soar above us. Tonight, camp at the confluence of Big Creek.
Day 7:
Full day of wild rides through Farwell Canyon & enter California bighorn sheep country. After lunch, float through a reserve, enter Gates of Mordor & challenge Big John Canyon. Camp on one of the many massive beaches of the Fraser River.
Day 8:
Peaceful float down mighty Fraser, arrive at take-out point by the historic Gang Ranch. Board vehicles for the shuttle to Williams Lake to meet plane for the ride back over Coast Mountains and eventually reach the Pacific. Weather permitting, we plan to arrive back at the Vancouver airport by 3:00