Wilderness Hiking

Hiking in the Chilcotin Mountains

2012-01-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Bring your friends and get 10% Discount if you are a group of 4 or more and book before 28th February!
Hike with your essentials for the day, whilst your packhorse carries everything else into the alpine. Hike along historic pioneer trails, winding along the mountain tops until you reach mountains with 360 degree views of breathtaking scenery.

Grizzly Viewing in the Chilcotin

2011-06-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

Prime Grizzly viewing in our sub alpine camps is June 1st through July 15. But most horse pack trips see grizzlies right through to October. Last week our Guide School saw a Sow with 4 cubs- a pretty unusual sight!
We can also do Truck based Grizzly viewing day trips, and have courses in bear defense for those who want to enjoy the wilderness in a responsible way when on their own. Call us for details and to book your opportunity to see these animals in their home. A true Canadian experience unlike any other.

Hike the Chilcotin Mountains

2011-06-09T09:27:00.001-07:00

Join us on one of our Hiking Trips in the Chilcotin Mountains. We offer guided multi-day alpine hiking trips and wilderness trekking tours. Explore secluded alpine basins keep your eye out for abundant wildlife and enjoy open-air lunches with stunning scenery. We have over 150 species of wildflowers which cover the alpine meadows during the summer months.

2011-04-24T08:57:00.001-07:00

From May to September the South Chilcotin Mountains are alive with flora and fauna. Horse riding, wildlife viewing and flowering alpine meadows is the best all-round combination for a wilderness vacation.
Do you want to see a Grizzly Bear lying on his stomach pulling himself through a field of wild flowers with bouquets of flowers sticking out the side of his mouth?

The yellow flowers of the Spruce Lake side hills will be a bumper crop in May and June 2011. Balsa Root is what these colourful flowers are called. The name does not match their grandeur. Because of the good snow pack this Winter, the mountains side will be painted yellow for 6-8km in length and 1 km deep. the flower heads are over 4 inches in diameter. There will be clusters of 10 to 20 flower heads in each plant and they will stand over 24 inches tall, belly deep to the horses. To witness this display of nature at it's peak is a rare experience of the Chilcotin Mountains not had by many.

2011-04-11T10:54:00.001-07:00

Mantracker, Terry Grant, rides the horse trails of the Chilcotin Mountains

Tune in April 17th 2011 9pm ET/PT to OLN for the premiere episode of Season 6 featuring our guide Russ Floyd

Shane Doan, Team Canada, hockey player and Phoenix Coyotes captain and his brother Brook are the hunted on the premiere episode of Mantracker, Season 6. Russ Floyd acts as Mantracker's right hand man and Chilcotin Mountain guide. Russ and Mantracker, Terry Grant, rode our mountain horses in the pursuit of Shane and Brook- the hunted in the premiere show, April 17th 2011.

How did Russ get a chance to ride with Mantracker on the international reality TV show? When Russ was 18 he took the Wilderness Horse Pack Guide Training Program with Chilcotin Holidays. He learnt all the skills to be guide, then he taught the guide training programs at Chilcotin Holidays. Russ guides year round doing Mountain Horse Pack Trips, Grizzly Viewing Trips, Horse Logging and Horse Shoeing.

The Horse Back Guide Training first program is full - the second program runs May 16th - 28th - we say that if you want to work as a Horse Back Guide, take the the first schools of the year and you're ready to work for this season. We do schools until mid-September so if earlier ones don't fit your schedule, you will be ready next season.

Russ guides guests in the same mountains the two episodes of Mantracker were filmed. Guests can request to ride the same horse and ride the same trails that Mantracker rode when he hunted Shane Doan and his brother in the premiere episode.

Working as a Wilderness Guidew

2011-03-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Ed; I’m 52 years old and live in St Albert Alberta. I’ve been coming out to the Chilcotin Holidays Ranch for the last four years now. I’ve attended the Wilderness Guide and Outfitter courses and have been guiding guests and working around the ranch doing whatever needs to get done.

I grew up a city slicker but worked summers with my uncle who was a horseman with the
harness racing circuit in Manitoba. I loved the horses and atmosphere around the barns and helping to get the horses ready for the season was great fun.

I left home from Winnipeg when I was 17 years old and joined the Canadian Army. Travelling extensively and conducting operations around the world and Canada, at 47 years old I realized it was time to change my combat boots for cowboy boots. I since have been working full time for the Alberta Government as an Emergency Management Officer.

I have come out to the ranch every year as my working holiday and for some life balance. At first I was concerned about my age but now find, although not quite as fast as the 25 year olds,my stamina for the long days has not failed me and I truly feel rejuvenated by the experience each and every summer. I find working with younger people has an infectious spirit that provides for well- being beyond explanation.

My wife kids me saying “you’re are a sucker for hard work”, wilderness guiding is just that, however it is very rewarding hard work and at the end of each and every pack trip it gives me a the sense of satisfaction upon completing another journey that feeds me throughout the remainder of the year in that job back in Edmonton that provides me to eat regular.

Life on the ranch is filed with spectacular views, fresh mornings, and eagerness of physical and mental well-being. Great food for healthy eating, beautiful ranch accommodations for guests and clean well managed camps for the mountain trips are second to none.

There is a true infectious enthusiasm from everyone; guides, ranch hands and staff that the guests cannot help but absorb to give them a great experience. There is more than plenty of wide openness that Chilcotin country provides for, to all who venture into her. Whether a summer trip or a winters frolic, no one could help but feel invigorated! If I were only 25 all over again, mountain life may have become a full time venture for me, que sera sera… life may have turned out a little different but it is still pretty darn good with my “life balance” trips every year ha ha!

I have had many experiences in life and as a paratrooper, however I continue to realize each season at the ranch that my individual growth never ends, life just keeps providing excitement,and I’m a sucker for it all-as my wife says.

Take care all and we’ll see you on the trail in the very near future at Chilcotin Holidays were we will pitter-patter down the trail, sing and yell- Yahoo! Ed

Hike the Chilcotin Mountains

2010-04-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

$500.00 per person 7 day/6 Night Hike Trips in the Chilcotin Mountains

There are 10 camps to choose from. This is a self guided, self catered trip. We supply the equipped camp, pack horse and guide to get you in to the camp and to the trail head drop off and pick up point.
At your own interests you can explore the wild flower meadows, the mountain goat and big horn sheep and soak up the breathtaking 360 views.

Wilderness Hikers return for another Adventure

2009-08-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

This summer we had a group of experienced hikers who took advantage of our "self-guided trip" option. It sounds like they had a great time. Here is what Lorraine wrote about her experience:

Hi Kevan,

Our self-guided (after reaching Liza Camp), self-catered hike was most enjoyable and truly a wilderness adventure. We had the mountains to ourselves. We hiked an average of 7 hours a day, climbing 1700 -2400 vertical ft. each trip. The rock and scree of the upper ridges was stark, but deeply colored from the mineralization; making the wildflower meadows below even more beautiful. We had warm, sunny weather every day, and hiked in shorts and T-shirts. We enjoyed every stream we came to. The third day, Aug 2nd, we paused in the saddle above the headwaters of Liza creek for lunch, and discovered we were watching a developing forest fire (Big Dog Mtn. fire) in the distance. The topographic map showed we should be safe, and we were.

We relaxed (luxuriated) each evening back at camp after hiking. After a brisk wash-up with water from the creek, we had tea and cookies on the deck, followed by “Happy Hour” (wine and munchies); then a gourmet dinner thanks to the propane stove; then a game of cards or reading until dark.

Getting home was the grand finale adventure. We tried to drive home on our departure date but were blocked part way by the forest fire burning right along Hwy 40, and had to return to the ranch. Your staff was half expecting us back and already had everything arranged for us to stay over that night. Their cheerful helpfulness and hospitality were much appreciated. Having a safe comfortable place to stay (and wonderful food), was a huge relief after realizing we couldn’t get home.

I think you would really enjoy checking out the web-site. Helen and Norm in particular, take beautiful pictures. To find the pictures of this trip you need to click “Proceed to photo gallery”, then "Kamloops Outdoor Club", then on "2009-07-30 Shulaps". It will open three albums. Click on one of the albums and then on "view slideshow".

Thanks for another great experience. Several of the group expressed an interest in doing a guided horse-back pack trip in the future.

Lorraine

Flowers found in the Chilcotin Alpine Meadows

2009-05-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Alpine Hiking Season

2009-05-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on for the opening of the alpine hiking season. We’re eagerly following the receding snowline and already getting anxious to get up those mountains. Our staff will be starting to set up camp in the next few weeks, as the blossoming of the alpine wildflowers in June is just around the corner. We’ll have everything ready to go for you so all you need to do is let the adventure begin. You might want to start wearing in your hiking boots, which is sure to get you in the hiking mood. Keep an eye out for our hiking trip specials and take a moment to review the self-guiding hiking trip options available this year.

Trips for Seasoned Hikers and Past Guests

2009-03-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Over the years at Chilcotin Holidays we’ve had the pleasure of making acquaintance with many people from around the world. We’d like to welcome our past guests back to enjoy the experience again. We have more options to choose from, from the all-inclusive, guided variation you’ve been accustomed to, to a more independent “do-it-yourself” type of trip. With this option you can still take advantage of the services we offer, such as horseback aided transportation of your gear to camp. If you’ve got a group of experienced hikers, you can head out on the trails on your own at your own pace. Our new pricing system for camp rentals and guide services makes this all possible. If you’re interested in finding out more about these options, we’d love to go over the options with you in more detail. Send us an email or give us a call!

New Hiking Website Online

2008-09-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

We’ve created a new website for our hill walking, hiking, and trekking packages. You can still find hiking information on our general website, but for more specific itineraries and packages available on our hiking trips, check out our new site by clicking here.

Chilcotin Meadows Brimming with Wildflowers – New Hiking Trips

2008-07-04T13:50:00.001-07:00

The breathtaking scenery of an alpine meadow filled with wildflowers is one of those must sees for every outdoor enthusiast. Right now, the sidehills around Spruce Lake are covered in a soft yellow glow from the balsa root – this is one of the first wildflowers to bloom in the South Chilcotin Mountain ranges.
Throughout the area’s different mountain elevations, over 150 species of wildflowers will cover thousands of hectares of meadows and sidehills in a brilliant display of flowers from May to September. Be sure to check out Chilcotin Holidays new walking and hiking vacations into the wildflower meadows of the South Chilcotin Mountains at: http://www.wildernesstrekkingcanada.com/.

New: Wildflower Meadows Walking and Hiking Vacations

2008-07-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

On our new wildflower meadow hiking trips, our trained licensed guides will take you into the remote areas of the South Chilcotin Mountain where the wildflower meadows are in full bloom. From June to September, the Chilcotin Mountain ranges are transformed into brilliant displays of colours ranging from subtle pastels to fiery reds and purples – a botanist’s paradise. Between June and September, choose a trip according to the month that best suits your flora interests.

June is the time when the balsa root first starts to bloom. With the coming of spring, brings the bold and bright colours from the first wildflowers marking the passing of the winter snow. Similarly, animals are preparing for the birth of their young and black, brown, and grizzly bears are feasting on new alpine grasses after months of being in hibernation, offering many wildlife viewing opportunities from the alpine meadows.

July and the warmer weather encourages more wildflowers to flourish carpeting the higher elevations. Given the elevation level, spring arrives in the alpine in July as the snow line recedes up the mountain slopes with wildlife following close behind.

August is when all southern mountain aspects are in full bloom in the subalpine and alpine zones. A truly spectacular display of flowers beckons.

September brings the pinnacle of spring/summer blooms on the north slopes of the Chilcotin Mountains. At the same time, the first dusting of snow appears around mid-September providing a unique overlap of spring, summer, and fall – all at once!For more details on our hill walking, hiking, and trekking vacations in British Columbia’s South Chilcotin Mountains, visit our new hiking website at: http://www.wildernesstrekkingcanada.com/. Contact us by email or phone, or complete our online Information Request Form so we can customize a hiking trip to suit your needs.

Music Night at the Ranch

2008-07-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Chilcotin Holidays guests and staff are in for a real treat on July 5th and July 6th as the Canadian band Gerald Fitzella – an eclectic, genre-bending and blending band from Victoria, BC – will be performing at the ranch. We’re pleased to welcome lead singer and banjo player Marian van der Zon, a former wilderness guide at the ranch, back to the ranch for two evenings of music described as alt punk, folk, country, and bluegrass.

Going the Extra Mile for our Guests

2008-07-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

Dinah Kerzner and her husband Merv booked one of Chilcotin Holidays 4 day hike trips to Brett Creek. Having hurt her knee several days before arriving, Dinah was certain she wouldn’t get to explore the alpine meadows she dreamed of. Some quick thinking on the part of Kevan and his crew, Dinah rode one of the ranch’s Cayuse horses – a pinto gelding with one blue eye – up to camp as the rest of the group hiked on foot.

Dinah was grateful for gentle Montana walking the steep trails to Brett Creek Camp so she could walk the carpeted alpine meadows near camp that were filled with newly blooming wildflowers.

As Dinah writes, “The setting is magnificent; the ambience warm and inviting. Because of our wonderful guide, Birgit, and your willingness to make things work, I walked the trails and rode your gentle horse Montana to Brett Camp. My husband, Merv, took delight in photographing everything from bighorn sheep to the tiny flowers that carpeted the terrain. Being a vegetarian, I was impressed with the wide variety of dishes that were prepared with me in mind. Thank you for making our holiday such a memorable one.”

Wilderness 4-Day Yoga Retreats – Starting August 4, 2008

2008-06-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of Alison, our new marketing and sales coordinator, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that she’s also a certified yoga alliance instructor. To get a break from the office, Alison is offering wilderness yoga retreats at Chilcotin Holidays starting this summer!
Join us on the August long weekend, thanks to BC Day being a civic holiday, for our inaugural wilderness 4-day yoga retreat. Combine the rejuvenating effects of yoga with guided hikes through the beautiful South Chilcotin Mountains. You’ll find your balance and replenish your energy during our 4-day retreat. Contact Alison for more details.

Spring at Chilcotin Holidays

2008-04-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Spring is just around the corner here at Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch in British Columbia, Canada. It promises to be a spectacular display of alpine flowers this year with lupines, glacier lilies, Indian paintbrush, and many more. This colourful display begins in May and lasts until mid-September. It’s sure to create a Technicolor feast. We can’t wait to dust off our boots, load up the camera, and hike the trails. We invite your friends to come with us and have an experience of a lifetime. They won’t be disappointed!

Imagine … 360° panorama views

We pioneered guided pack horse-supported mountain hike tours in the South Chilcotin Mountains. These multi day single-track wilderness hike tours are guided into prime subalpine hiking areas. Our guides are trained in wilderness safety, and are knowledgeable of the wildlife and mountain trails, making every trip a quality experience. Alpine huts are permanent and stocked with supplies.

Choose between Ranch or Level I, II, or III Hut-based, all-inclusive adventures. Your friends will experience places they would not see on their own.

For groups totalling seven or more, the group leader is free!

Click here for more info on our trips.