Hiking Tours

Born To Hike - Hiking on a trail

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 00:35:00 +0000

Reason number two: It’s Simple.

Hiking on a trail is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. That's a big part of its appeal. Without expensive equipment or long-distance travel, hiking delivers a workout that's good for your body-and your mind too.

Hiking lets you unplug from the static of daily life as you explore forests, ramble through hills, and climb to panoramic views. There's no question about it: A day on the trail will energize and inspire you.

As you hike more frequently, you’ll begin to develop additional stamina, skills, and comfort on the trail. But let’s face it, what activity is more fundamentally human than walking upright on two feet?

The beauty of hiking on a trail is that unlike, say, cycling, it's an extension of something we all do naturally and every day. You will improve over time but the initial learning curve is almost non-existent. It’s easy to stick with hiking because the frustration level for beginners is low and you can control the intensity of your workout and find the pace that works for you. At Chilcotin Holidays we tailor our hikes to suit the interests and abilities of all our guests so whether you are a novice or an experienced hiker we have something for you!

A few Pointers for first time hikers

Know Your Limits: If you do some light exercise a few times a week, hiking on a trail won't pose much of a problem. But if you've been sedentary or have knee or back problems, don't push yourself too hard.

So start with short hikes and build your endurance.

Time Your Hike: It's easy to lose track of how long you've been out. Check your watch at the start of the hike and periodically recheck it to know how long you've been out. There are also smartphone apps for hiking. Some maintain a hike log with times, maps, and pace-a great way to stay motivated and track progress. One easy-to-use app is MapMyHIKE.

Keep It Simple: Avoid complex routes with multiple turns and route finding. A basic up-and-back hike will be easier than a loop and will reduce your chances of getting lost. Simply turn around when you've reached your goal.

Settle Into a Rhythm: Start slowly and find a comfortable pace. You may initially experience some shortness of breath until you warm up and your heart rate increases. One rule for a good pace is that you should be able to carry on a conversation without becoming so short of breath that you can't easily talk.

Stay Oriented: Turn around occasionally and familiarize yourself with the area. It's amazing how different a trail can look from the opposite perspective.

Take Breaks: Hiking on a trail is great exercise but it's also about connecting with nature. So don't rush. Breaks let you take in your surroundings and rest.

Don't Get Depleted: Drink before you're thirsty and eat before you're hungry. Sometimes, before you even notice the signs, your body is running low on fuel.

Wildflowers - BC Hiking

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 23:35:00 +0000

June is here and it is getting hot! It starts to feel like summer :) Time to be active and outdoors to enjoy the nice weather and blue skies while hiking in the shade of the forest or through alpine meadows and climbing mountains for the best view.

BC hiking offers you some of the most beautiful sights in Canada.

Some of our guests have just returned from a trip to Leckie Camp from which they visited the Spruce Meadows - it's a nice climb to get there from camp but absolutely worth the sweat!

The alpine meadows are already in full bloom, yellow Balsam Root and purple Lupins can be seen, forming a beautiful mosaic of colours.

If you're still looking for a BC Hiking Adventure into beautiful wilderness or a special getaway into nature, than this might be just what you are looking for!

Here are some of the pictures our guests brought back from their trip!

Nature Deficit Disorder - BC Hiking Trails Solution

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Wed, 20 May 2015 02:30:00 +0000

As humans we are part of nature yet outdoor activity in the natural environment has taken a back seat to the electronic age leaving us feeling disconnected from nature, and life in general. Recent studies have shown that this lack of routine contact with nature, especially in children, is substantially contributing to a numerous physical and psychological health problems such as childhood obesity, asthma, attention-deficit disorder, and mental health problems related to stress, anxiety and depression. This human cost of alienation from nature has been by author Richard Loub as Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD). It is serious, it is real, but the good news is that the solutions to this problem are right in our own back yards.

Chilcotin Holidays knows how important having contact with the natural environment is for peoples overall health and well-being and are committed to being part of the solution. BC Hiking Trails are astoundingly beautiful, and give you the chance to relax and truly appreciate nature. Our outdoor education programs and experiences are tailored to help foster creativity and promote unstructured time in the environment, where people are free to use all their senses to play and explore as they wish. Simply living in "high-nature conditions", such as the environment we offer here, buffers people against the effect of stressful life events by helping them to develop the capability and skills to analyze and engage in problem solving which allows them to make informed and responsible decisions in all areas of their life.

Forget the world around you and all your troubles - after walking one of the many BC Hiking Trails, summit a mountain with your own strength, all that matters is the here and now - the achievement and the amazing scenery.

Bear encounter on one of our day hikes

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 18 May 2015 00:01:00 +0000

On Friday morning Marie and I went for one of the day hikes to Pearson's lookout as it was such a nice morning. However just before we started climbing up to the lookout, we had an encounter with a black bear cub. At first, it was frightening and our heart was racing as we were not sure where his mother was, but the cub ran away and after being sure that no bear was around, we continued towards the lookout. It was such a magical view and as it was not very cloudy we were able to see the mountains tops which were surrounding us and we had an amazing view of the lakes.

I have always wanted to see a bear but I did not know that it would happen on one of the first day hikes I went on! It was pretty amazing and we felt very lucky. Unfortunately, we did not have time to take a picture but I am sure that I will see some more bears during my stay at Chilcotin Holidays!

Fit and strong – mentally and physically - Day Hikes, Hut-to-hut hiking and more

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Wed, 06 May 2015 02:38:00 +0000

Fit and strong – mentally and physically

With the summer coming soon we want to encourage our guests to come and experience our healthy self-sustaining lifestyle by implementing our health and fitness packages. "Fit by Nature" - Health and Fitness Trips- Embark on a wilderness experience that will inspire and empower to live life to fullest. From guided day hikes to bareback horse-riding and hay rolling, there are endless ways to enjoy nature and the ranch-lifestyle as one grow fit and strong. For those that are looking for longer journeys into the mountains we offer hut-to-hut hiking trips which will take you higher and deeper into nature. Fuel the fun with healthy, home-cooked meals that include lots of vegetables, whole grains, and protein. So come join us and let's get fit together! Contact us now to find out about day hikes on offer and hut-to-hut too!

5 special hiking trails you have to explore in the South Chilcotin Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 23:36:00 +0000

5 Trails you have to explore in the South Chilcotin Mountains

Springtime is here, which also means warmer days and perfect hiking conditions.

Here you get some information about the different hiking opportunities in the South Chilcotin Mountains Park.

You can find approximately 200 km of trails in South Chilcotin Mountain Park, which can give you easy access to wonderful mountain lakes, ridge walks and broad valleys. Hiking is one of the main activities in the park .

Gun Creek Trail

The main hiking trails head for Gun Creek and Spruce Lake is at Jewel Bridge. The first portion of trail follows Gun Creek with an elevation gain of 450 m. Continue along Gun Creek with an elevation gain of 200 m to the junction with trails to Deer Pass and Warner Pass. Hummingbird Lake is about 5.5 km and Trigger Lake at about 9 km pas the Spruce Lake Main junction. Taylor Pass is 12 km past Trigger Lake with an elevation gain of 500 m.

lower Gun Creek ( www.trailventuresbc.com )

Warner Pass Trail

This hiking trails starts near the west end of Trigger Lake, following Warner Creek with an elevation gain of 250 m to Warner Lake. Warner Pass is reached after an elevation gain of 500 m.

Spruce Lake Main

From the Gun Creek trail junction, the trail to Spruce Lake climbs 200 m in 1 km. Continue on the relatively flat trail along the east side of Spruce Lake to reach the Spruce Lake North

High Trail
The High Trail is extremely scenic, passing through extensive alpine meadows with high mountain vistas. This trail starts near the south end of Spruce Lake, off the Spruce Lake Main trail. The trail is ending at the south end of Tyaughton Lake.

Tyaughton Creek Trail
This trail features open grasslands, moderate grades and spectacular views. The trailhead is accessed by the Mud Creek Forest Service road. The confluence with Spruce Creek is about 12 km up the trail, which continues along the Tyaughton Creek valley bottom for another 13 km to the mouth of Lizard Creek. The trail continues to follow Tyaughton Creek for another 6 km, gaining 600 m in elevation to Elbow Pass.

What you should be aware of is that some of the hiking trails sections are steep, wet and difficult to see. Weather in the park can change quickly, and you can actually experience sun, rain and snow on a summer day. In many locations you will be far from any help so do better be careful!

Also the wildlife is out there and if you don’t know how to react in the situation of a bear encounter it can get dangerous.

So you might prefer a guided hike, at Chilcotin Holidays we offer different hiking trails trips within the area for further information visit our website at

www.chilcotinholidays.com

Backcountry hiking with a pack horse

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 00:33:00 +0000

Horse Profile - Billy

If you want to go backcountry hiking but don't want to carry all of your stuff by your own, Billy is the right packhorse for you. He is calm, patient, strong, safe horse and knows the backcountry hiking trails. Next to all this benefits he is also a really pretty and aesthetic horse.

If you want to know more about our horses for backcountry hiking visit our Website:

www.chilcotinholidays.com

Chilcotin Holidays - Hiking trails in Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:15:00 +0000

Chilcotin Holidays

Even we had snow the couple last nights we still can feel the spring arriving as the sun is shining nearly everyday and we are busy to set up our Ranch and prepare everything for the coming season (fixing the roof, set up the tents, clearing the trails, fixing saddles, renovating the house,...) . The first Guide School will start in 3 days and next to the students also some guests will arrive. I am sure they will have a great time here and enjoy their wilderness adventure.
If you are also looking for the right thing for you this spring/summer, then you might have a look at our Homepage:

www.chilcotinholidays.com

And to get an idea what a hiking trails in Canada trip would look like I have here a general itinerary for a Ranch based and a Camp based adventure.

We do not have an itinerary set in stone for our hike trips. They vary according to:a) the actual level of the trip (i.e. I, II, III)b) the season (i.e. May vs September),c) the specific interests of the guests )

4 Day Ranch Based Hike

Guests are picked up in Vancouver by our Chilcotin Express on the morning of the first day, arriving at the Ranch at noon. After a healthy home made lunch, enjoy an afternoon walk exploring the surrounding Ranch trails. Over the next three days, take advantage of the flexibility of a Ranch based trip. A number of options are available on a day-to-day basis. Choose a half-day hike in the morning, or afternoon, with the rest of the time spent leisurely at

the Ranch or taking advantage of our many other activity options, such as fly-fishing, Grizzly viewing, gold panning and hands on horse-logging demonstrations. For those that want the full hiking trails in Canada experience during their adventure, choose two half-day hikes, full day hikes or a combination of

both. After a hearty Ranch breakfast, head off on a morning hike, walking the alpine meadows, along the river's edge or to the Bluffs overlooking the Ranch. Following the morning hike, return to the Ranch for another freshly prepared lunch. After taking your fill, explore another trail in the

afternoon, before returning to the Ranch in the evening for a Western fare dinner. A full day trip will take hikers further from the Ranch, higher into the mountains and deeper into the backcountry. On a full day hike, enjoy an open-air lunch, packed and prepared by our Kitchen. At the end of a day's satisfying hike, return to the Ranch in the evening greeted by the wafting aromas of your awaiting dinner. Evenings can be spent in the library, enjoying a campfire or take part in one of the activity options. The last day of the trip includes a refreshing morning hike. After a generous lunch, guests are picked up by the Chilcotin Express, arriving in Vancouver in the early evening.

Hut Based Hikes

Guests are picked up in Vancouver by our Chilcotin Express on the morning of their first day, arriving at the Ranch at noon. After a healthy home made lunch, our guides will give a thorough orientation before assisting guests to repack personal gear into duffel bags, which are provided by Chilcotin Holidays. We will then pack the horses with personal gear and equipment - guests are welcomed to get involved! By late afternoon, we head into the sub alpine to your mountain hut. We arrive at camp in the early evening in time for a fireside dinner prepared by the guides.

Each day from camp, enjoy an endless number of different trails radiating from the hut, taking you to alpine meadows, lofty mountain ridges, mountain divides and pristine lakes - stopping for an alfresco lunch, photo opportunities and just to take in the stunning views. After a full day's hike, guests may wish to get involved in taking horses out to the meadows at night to stake and hobble - taking home wrangler skills including throwing a Diamond Hitch! Evenings can be sent fireside, or perhaps take in some fishing, swimming or canoeing depending on the camp. On the last day of the hike trip, we head out early and hike back to the Ranch. Arriving at noon, enjoy a sumptuous lunch before being picked up by the Chilcotin Express.

Send us an email at adventures@chilcotinholidays.com to find out more about hiking trails in Canada with a guide and or pack horse.

Hiking in Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 00:09:00 +0000

Mountain Cabin/Camp Rental

At Chilcotin Holidays, you can rent mountain cabin/camp for those capable of having a self-guided and self catered hiking in Canada wilderness adventure. We support adventurous wilderness explorer by facilitating them with unique camp locations, trailhead drop offs, pick-ups and with a guided hike, pack horses to take supplies to camp.

Rent one of our eight mountain cabins, year round, throughout the South Chilcotin Mountains.

Leckie Creek: This camp is ideal for early season wilderness trips to see the spring migration of mountain goats, grizzly, mule deer and moose. It is also a perfect location for winter wilderness ski trips.

Spruce Lake: This Camp is the perfect setting to view the areas early season alpine flowers and I situated near some ancient fossil beds. A great base for hiking and fishing! You'll savor a hearty meal at camp, prepared by your guides and camp host.

Liza Creek: Beautifully situated for Hut to Hut hiking between our Brett and Grizzly Lake camps or as a hideaway for wildlife viewing.

Brett Camp: This camp is amidst fields of wildflowers with plenty of wildlife, e.g. Grizzly Bears and bighorn sheep.

Grizzly lake: This camp features dramatic scree slopes, grizzly bear sightings, and magnificent wildflower meadows.

McGillivray: Ideally situated to explore high alpine grasslands and wildflowers. You'll marvel at the glaciers and have to be prepared with your camera for grizzly bears and mountain goats that are frequently sighted in the area.

Tyax Creek: This camp is known for the wildlife frequenting the area, mineral springs, and hundreds of alpine basins.

Big Creek: This camp is the divine between Chilcotin Mountain Range and the plateau with dramatic landscapes.

Spruce Lake where one of our Camps is located

Sleeping Arrangements

All mountain cabins have basic kitchen equipment. A lot of bunks with foam mattresses on the upper floor provide comfortable sleeping quarters with summer tents located around the cabin.

Nightly Rental

Cabin Rental prices are based on nightly rental per four people. Extra people can be added.

Additional trip features

Customize your mountain cabin rental with any of the following trip features:

Food

Extra person rate

Transport to trailhead

Guides to take you to the camp

Day Guides with gun for safety at the camp

Pack horses to carry your gear, equipment and food supplies.

We are looking forward to sharing the mountain with you on your hiking in Canada trip.

Sincerely,

The Chilcotin Holidays Guest RanchTeam.

More Information: www.chilcotinholidays.com

10 day guided Wilderness Alpine Hike Hut-to-Hut with Pack Horses - Hiking Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 16:50:00 +0000

10-Day Guided Wilderness Alpine Hike Hut-to-Hut with Pack Horses

This hiking vacation is all inclusive and an unforgettable wilderness experience, trekking the Spruce Lake Park, the jewel of the South Chilcotin Mountain Park and Big Creek Park.

Experience a historical and cultural tour on your way up to the ranch and learn about the beginning of the historic Gold Rush, Fraser Canyon and the surrounding area.

On the next day you will be off with the pack horses in the stunning and pristine Chilcotin Mountain Park. You'll spend days hiking in the famous alpine meadows where the wildflowers of the Chilcotin Mountains number in the hundreds and bloom from May to September. You'll hike to our permanent alpine hut camps: Spruce Lake, Warner Lake, Tyax Creek, and Paradise Creek, each one unique given its alpine setting with its own special features.

Challenge yourself by hiking up the summit of Mount Cunningham at 8,350 feet (2,546m) or the even higher summit the peak of Mount Sheba 8,740 feet (2,665 m), and get rewarded with an unforgettable breathtaking view.

Or take it easier and enjoy your hiking vacation with plenty of time for wildlife viewing, bird watching, photography and whatever passions you have amidst nature.

The trip includes an licensed wilderness guide, satellite phone carried by guide for safety, freshly prepared meals everyday, permanent stocked up wilderness camps and a real wilderness experience. Be prepared for a lot of fun and an unforgettable amazing hiking vacation.

check out our website:
www.chilcotinholidays.com

Spring is arriving and so are the bears - Wildlife tours in the Chilcotin

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 01:15:00 +0000

Spring is arriving and so are the bears

The days get longer and warmer up here at the ranch and it's time to get outside into nature. As the spring arrives so early this year it's also time for the Bears to come slowly out of there dens and the possibility to spot one grows every day. If you want a chance to see one, go on our wildlife tours and hike or a walk into the mountains and you might be lucky to see one of these massive and impressive animals. But also be aware that bears are wild animals, so make sure you have a bear spray and bear bangers with you.

If you read the story below you might get a feeling of, how it is to watch a real bear in real nature.

Grizzly Sighting at the Ranch

Summer is almost here. As I look out across the Ranch, I notice the snow slowly receding up the mountains a little more each day. There is a gentle humming of activity all around as we start to get ready for the summer months ahead.

As I type, I hear distant and rapid footsteps. They grow louder and I sense the urgency.

I stop and look around at the others in the Office…then a muffled: “Guys…Guys!”

A second later, Melanie bursts through the door of the Office: “BEAR!”

She’s short of breath.

“There’s a Grizzly out front!”

We jump up and race out, collecting everyone we find along the way, including the binoculars and head out to the front pasture. We are just in time to catch a beautiful big Grizzly with white tipped fur, loping down the road in front of the Ranch.

He takes his time; Looking around, sniffing a little and checking out the place. Then, he casually jumps the Gymkhana Fence. After a moment he is gone again.

Silence….

“Wow! That was incredible!”

“My first Grizzly!”

Everyone’s adrenaline is pumping, and for most of us it was our first sighting.

My heart was pounding and couldn’t quite believe what we had seen.

By May we knew that they would start to appear but had no idea we would see one so close! And so early! Our upcoming Grizzly Wildlife Tours guests are going to be so excited!

After much exhilarated talk and comparing notes on how much of it we saw, we all turn around and head back to work. “Just another day on the Ranch”, I hear someone say.

What a fantastic start. I can’t wait to see what the summer season brings, hopefully more wildlife tours right on the ranch!http://chilcotinholidays.com/all-inclusive-vacations/wildlife-viewing/

Poem of a Staff Member - Hiking in nature

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:25:00 +0000

Poem of a Staff Member about hiking

Inside our houses, cars and offices without play

In the nature we long for

Not just the kind we hear in old folk lore

We bring plants, pictures, and animals into our homes

To help soothe the cut off of Nature un-shown

How do we keep this connection alive?

We need to revive the disconnection.

How do you ignite the passion for nature?

Re-invite the wilderness into your life?

Intuitively cut the ties to the box life with a knife

Experientially connect with natural living culture

Correlation does not equal causation

So lets look at the cause and effect

Is living divorced from nature correct?

Or does the connection create common relation?

Well, you will see, the treatment with glee

With a grand adventure for a small fee

To come and learn how to find the unity

With an amazing opportunity

To go hiking in the wilderness

Let go of the city bitterness

Find the courage inside

To connect outside

The Chilcotin way

will surely keep the NDD at bay

Great Hiking Vacations - Wildflower season in British Columbia

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 20:36:00 +0000

Hike through Wildflower meadows

The weather is getting warmer and warmer every day, the snow covered meadows are quickly changing and the first wildflowers will not wait long to come out. Indian Paint-Brush, Lupine and Balsa root will color the landscape and we will see entire valleys and alpine meadows turn yellow.

Here are a few of the many amazing images we captured last year below on one of our great hiking vacations. This is a truly spectacular experience that everyone should see once in their lifetime. If you love hiking through colourful rolling meadows, towering mountain peaks and crystal lakes then this wilderness experience is for you. Get inspired to come and see this natural phenomenon for yourself, and join us for one of many great hiking vacations with your friends and family.

7-Day Guided Wilderness Alpine Hike Hut-to-Hut 3 Alpine Camps with Pack Horses - Our Hiking Routes

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 23:08:00 +0000

7-Day Guided Wilderness Alpine Hike Hut-to-Hut 3 Alpine Camps with Pack Horses

This trip is all inclusive and an unforgettable wilderness experience, hiking routes that the gold seekers in the 1800's with pack horses did on the leeward side of Southwestern British Columbia's pristine Chilcotin Mountain Park. You'll spend days hiking in the famous alpine meadows where the wildflowers of the Chilcotin Mountains number in the hundreds and bloom from May to September. You'll hike to 3 of our permanent alpine hut camps, Leckie Camp, Eldorado Camp and Spruce Lake Camp, each one unique given its alpine setting with its own special features. They are located at a height between 6,000 and 6,500 feet, and the highest elevation a group goes to is 9,000 feet. Your days are spent hiking routes in the mountains, with plenty of time for wildlife viewing, bird watching, photography and whatever passions you have amidst nature.

The trip includes, Licensed wilderness guide, satellite phone carried by guide for safety, Freshly prepared meals everyday - fresh fruit and vegetables, Permanent wilderness camps set up and stocked.

If you are interested to do a Hut-to-Hut trip then Chilcotin Ranch is the right spot for you.

for more information on our mountain hiking routes trip call us at 250 238 2274

or send us an e-mail at adventures@chilcotinholidays.com

Hiking in winter trip to Cinnabar Ridge

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 19:45:00 +0000

Hiking in winter Trip to Cinnabar Ridge

When, Lina, Alina, Diana, Pauline, Kate and I, started our hiking in winter trip on Friday morning, the weather looked ominous with the clouds were hiding the mountain tops and the sun barely shining through.

Nevertheless, we put on our rain gear, put the snowshoes in our backpacks and headed out on our mountain adventure.

In the beginning it was a little bit hard for me to find my rhythm as I d hadn't done anything for my condition the last few month. But it got better every step I took and even it was lightly raining I enjoyed the feeling of being alive and having the connection with nature.

The dogs Malou and Boo were running around us and you could hear the sound of the forest around you and you could feel the peace of nature. I just felt like I was at the place at the right time.

After a while we got into steeper terrain and the what was once dirt covered trails turned quickly into snow covered trails which got deeper and deeper the higher we ascended.

It was getting harder to walk in the snow, so we put on our snowshoes. With new power we walked further up and you could here the hard breathing of 5 girls (of course Kate was walking up the hill like it was nothing :)) and the constant “scht” “scht” sound of the snowshoes. When you took a short break you nearly could hear the silence of the snow and nature around you – just freedom and peace.

Hanna walking in the snow

It didn't take long till one of us asked Kate the question we where all thinking about, “Is it still far to go?”

Kate said something about 3 more corners and with new motivation we were nearly running up the hill, OK it was more an exhausting pushing yourself to do one step after the other.

The snow got deeper and the job for the front-woman even harder but we push each other up the hill.

Finally we decided that we reached our goal and we were sitting down to enjoy our well deserved lunch. It have been one of the perfect and peaceful moments where you bite in your sandwich after an exhausting trip and you think how amazing your life is. Even though the weather was less than ideal, I enjoyed being in the present moment and not worrying about anything.

Pauline, Diana and Kate are happy to have snowshoes

After a while sitting on the mountain top we started to get cold and decided to descend back to the ranch.

.

Now the funny part of the trip started. Kate has decided that it is unnecessary to walk all the way down the same track that we came up. Why not shorten the way and take a slide down!

We laughed a lot while sliding down the steep snow covered hill and suddenly the exhausting part was forgotten.

Still giggling we walked the whole way down while I was sometimes falling on the ground, my clumsiness keeping the others entertained and in a good mood.

Finally at half past 4 we arrived back at the Ranch tired, sweaty but satisfied and extremely happy. Proud of our achievement, we all headed of for our well deserved shower.

This trip taught me to always keep moving forwards, regardless if you feel exhausted and you think you can't take another step further, just do it – fight for it and you'll be fulfilled with life and satisfaction afterwords. And never turn down an opportunity because you think “the circumstances are bad” (like hiking in winter when it's cold and snowy) – it could prevent you from having an unforgettable adventure in your life!

Thanks for the nice day girls, can't wait for the next adventure and challenge!

Hanna 22, Student from Austria

South Chilcotin Mountains Provinicial Park a riding, cycling and hiking area

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 16:45:00 +0000

South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park

South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park is a visually spectacular hiking area with mid elevation grasslands, sub alpine and alpine meadows, alpine lakes and mountain peaks. The park encompasses the complete watersheds of Lizard and Leckie Creeks, Gun Creek, Relay Creek, Tyaughton Creek and significant portions of other large intact watersheds and headwaters.

There are broad valleys and ridges with interconnecting trail systems. Over 200 km of trails through broad valleys, alpine meadows and ridges offer an excellent variety of loop trips of varying difficulty and distances for hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers. Visitors to this park will have an outstanding wilderness experience.

Park Size:

56,796 Hectares

Special Notes:

Hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers use this area. Park visitors should familiarize themselves with proper trail etiquette when there are multiple trail users. Since the hiking area, cycling area, and horse trails are the same place, it is important to remember trail rules. Cyclists yield to all other trail users and hikers yield to horses.

In consideration of wildlife; safety hazards related to bears, dogs should not be taken into the park.

Please keep to the established trails, especially in the grassland and alpine hiking areas.

Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. Water is available from the numerous lakes, streams and creeks. Visitors should filter, boil or treat the water prior to consuming.

Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and viewing spectacular mountain scenery are the main activities here, as well as wildlife viewing, fishing and skiing in winter.

Visit our website for more information:

www.chilcotinholidays.com

Hiking, Not Only A Summer Adventure! Hiking in the winter in the Chilcotin.

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 15:16:00 +0000

What an experience hiking in the winter can be! Your surroundings are quiet. The only sound is the beating of your heart as you take in the incredible mountain scenery, or maybe the rat-tat-tat-tat of a woodpecker. There are no insects to bug you. The bears are hibernating. So no need for insect repellent or bear spray. Hiking in the winter is safe in the Chilcotin Mountains since there is a low risk of avalanches.

Come for a true Wilderness Trekking Adventure, one that will take you to one of the most beautiful places in the world: the South Chilcotin Mountains offer breathtaking scenery in an untouched wilderness with incredible views over endless mountain tops, Coast Mountains glaciers, or alpine valleys.

Our trips are all customized according to your interests, abilities and schedule and they are suited for families, groups of friends, singles or couples.

Or if hiking in the winter isn't what you're after, you can always plan for next summer's trip on our Guided Wilderness Alpine Hike Hut-to-Hut expedition to our three alpine camps with pack horses. This trip is all inclusive and an unforgettable wilderness experience, trekking the original route of the gold seekers in the 1800's, with pack horses on the leeward side of the southwestern British Columbia's pristine Chilcotin Mountain Park

You'll spend days hiking in the famous alpine meadows where the wildflowers number in the hundreds and bloom from May to September. Wildlife viewing, bird watching and photography are just some of the pleasures you could enjoy.

Winter Hiking Provides Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:17:00 +0000

One of amazing animals that can be found in the South Chilcotin Mountains is the Gray Wolf, a beautiful but very elusive animal. To hear it's howl in a moonlit night might send shivers down your spine, but it also gives this special feeling of an old wise and quite magical being.

To honor these mystical beings we decided to do an educational series about them. Wildlife viewing is even more enjoyable when you have a greater understanding of the animal you are watching.

Part I

The gray wolf (Canis lupus) also known by the names timber wolf or western wolf is an often misunderstood and feared animal.

What is not known is that wolves will rarely attack humans, indeed they've been taught the opposite by hunters over time: to stay as far away as possible from humans and to fear them. Most of the attacks that have been recorded were caused by wolves who suffered from rabies.

While the gray wolf is native to North America where it predominately can be found in Alaska and Canada, wolves are also found among other wildlife in many parts of the world, like Europe and Asia. Some mythologies in Northern Europe and Asia pay the wolves high respect and even portray them as near deities. Japanese farmers, for example, would leave food offerings near their dens to seek protection of their crops from deer or bears.

They are majestic creatures, especially in winter when their fur is long, bushy and very dense. The fur usually has an unevenly spotted grey color, but can take on an almost pure white, red, brown or black tone.

Their thick coats make them highly resistant like other Canadian wildlife to the cold and even with temperatures dropping as low as -40° a wolf can rest comfortably in open areas by placing their muzzles between their rear legs and using their tail to cover their face. Compared to dog fur the wolf's fur provides a much better insulation. In spring most of the short underfur will be shed and grow back in fall.

White hairs at the tip of the tail, along the nose or on their forehead usually means that it is an older wolf. Their lifespan can vary a lot. While the usual age they reach is between 6 and 8 years, examplaries who reached the age of 13 (wild) or 17 (in captivity) have been recorded.

We offer wildlife viewing trips for those interested in seeing these beautiful animals in action. Send us an email at adventures@chilcotinholidays.com to find out more.

Sources:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/river-of-no-return-gray-wolf-fact-sheet/7659/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_wolf

Family Hiking Trips the South Chilcotin Mountain Ranges

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 19:03:00 +0000

Family Hiking Trips - 7-Day Guided Wilderness Alpine Hike Hut-to-Hut with Pack Horses

Our family hiking trips are all inclusive and an unforgettable wilderness experience, trekking the original route of the gold seekers in the 1800's with pack horses on the leeward side of Southwestern British Columbia's pristine Chilcotin Mountain Park. You'll spend days hiking in the famous alpine meadows where the wildflowers of the Chilcotin Mountains number in the hundreds and bloom from May to September. Your family hiking trips will take you on a hike to 3 of our permanent alpine hut camps, each one unique given its alpine setting with its own special features. They are located at a height between 6,000 and 6,500 feet, and the highest elevation a group goes to is 9,000 feet. Your days are spent hiking with plenty of time for wildlife viewing, bird watching, photography and whatever passions you have amidst nature.

The trip includes, Licensed wilderness guide, satellite phone carried by guide for safety, Freshly prepared meals everyday - fresh fruit and vegetables, Permanent wilderness camps set up and
stocked.

What are you waiting for? Find out more about our family hiking trips today!

A Mountain Adventure - Hiking Getaways

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 21:58:00 +0000

My first Night in a Kikwilly

It's hard to say and you can't imagine what it stands for until you have stayed in one. It's the winter accommodation for an extended First Nation family in central British Columbia which has been used for the last 10.000 years or so. On December 23, the snow was 18" deep and the temperature minus 25. We were going to spend the night in a Kikwilly in the middle of the wilderness! Upon our arrival I don't see anything but trees and snow. We're very alone, me, my daughter, and guide.

The guide calls us over into the woods and what we see is a crude wood door in the side of the hill. Upon entering and getting light going we see it's a huge vaulted dome of approximately 25' in diameter all entirely laced by golden log work, supported by massive posts, a fire in the center with a smoke hole directly above through the roof. The temperature inside is a balmy +10 degrees Celsius, but within an hour of the fire going, it goes up to a cozy + 15 - 20 degrees. We settled in quickly with basic chores - splitting wood, getting the fire going and chopping a hole in the ice on a nearby stream to get water through a hole while preparing dinner. We snacked on dried meat and nuts, as the water heated and dinner was prepared on top of the stove.

While dinner cooked, we organized our beds around the outer perimeter in the traditional way on buffalo hides. Instead of the fine furs, we used a modern sleeping bag. We could lay on the bed and watch the fire crackle and hear the conversation around the central cooking socializing fire.
After a 5pm dinner and clean up, the night was still young and time was passed telling stories about animal habits of the area. The bear is most revered as the Native Indian survival is so closely related to the bear hibernating during winter in an underground den. An Indian game Lahal, a social game like gambling, would normally be played. Instead, we played card games like Go fish and Crazy 8's. The glow of the fire, the flickering candlelight, the solitude and the big dinner soon induced sleep and we rolled into our buffalo hide beds.

Sleep lasted 12 hours and can only be attributed to the silence, the darkness, coziness, and the obvious fact that there is nothing you can do without the artificial distractions we take for granted in our life. Breakfast was prepared over the fire - wash water is always on - chopping wood - carrying water and life chores are done. Normally time would be spent sewing cloths out of tanned hides, but instead we went looking for animal tracks in the snow and seeking sun on this bright, clear winter day.
I didn't know that life could be so simple, but I do know I need that balance, and am looking forward to my next hiking getaways!

Helen Williams, Vancouver, BC

Hiking in the mountains for New Years

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 03:04:00 +0000

It has always been a one of my dreams to spend New Year's Eve in a small cabin hiking in the mountains, in the middle of nowhere, with good friends around me and lots of snow to have fun with. And guess what, my dream came true this year!

One day before New Year's Eve, we gathered early in the morning to set out to Brett Camp, one of our camps in the Shulaps mountains. We hit the road just before sunset and were lucky enough to see a real wolf, a herd of Bighorn Sheep and a Bald Eagle on our drive to the beginning of the trail that would see us hiking in the mountains.

Wrapped in multiple layers of warm clothes (the thermometer indicated -17 degrees when we left the ranch), we put on our snowshoes and skies and started our 4-hour hike through the knee-deep snow and an amazing winter landscape. The hike was quite exhausting but our motivation kept us going and finally we reached the cabin - happy and hungry!

After having lunch and a revitalizing cup of hot tea, we went on a short expedition around the cabin. We climbed the top of one of the smaller hills next to the cabin where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. We returned to the camp where we had a hearty dinner before falling fast asleep in our sleeping bags.

The next day, we headed out for some more hiking in the mountains. Blue skies, the warm sun on our backs and fresh powder snow made it an amazing experience! We returned to the cabin just as the sun vanished behind the mountain ridge and we started a big campfire for our New Year's celebration. Though the night was starry and cold, we had a great time sitting around the fire, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, discussing our plans for the new year and simply enjoying the company of so many diverse people from all over the world who became good friends. This was for sure one of the most memorable New Year's Eve celebrations I have experienced so far! - Alina

The Wilderness Trekking Canada Team wishes you a happy New Year with lots of joy, many new experiences, an adventure everyday and good friends to accompany you along the way.

Day Hiking Will Change Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 03:01:00 +0000

Number 4: It’s Cheap.

Compared to just about any other sport, your upfront spending for hiking essentials is minimal.

Good boots a few pieces of the proper clothing, a comfortable pack, and you’re pretty much ready to go. Overall, it’s not a sport for gearheads—nor do you have to worry about paying $275 for a tee time.

As you get more into day hiking, maybe you will decide to try a hiking vacation halfway around the world you may even decide to come and do some spectacular hiking with us in the South Chilcotin Mountains and surrounding ranges. We offer both long hiking vacations into the mountains where you would stay in wilderness cabins, but for those that would prefer to stay at the ranch, we offer day hiking packages. But most of us have easy access to parks and natural areas with trails, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money (or time) to head out on a hike.

Here are the Ten Essentials, you need for day hiking:

1. Map – NECESSARY: A physical, paper map is absolutely essential to anyone spending time in the wilderness – they’ll help you if you get lost, they’ll help you locate landmarks and options if a route is closed or more difficult than you thought, and you don’t have to worry about batteries running out.

2. Compass, Supplemented with a GPS Receiver – OPTIONAL / NECESSARY: If you’re not confident in your cartography skills, compasses are cheap and light, and you should consider them necessary, GPS is more expensive but invaluable when it comes to getting out of a potentially sticky situation

3. Sunglasses and sunscreen – NECESSARY: A decent pair of polarizing lenses will do wonders for you. Not only will they prevent sun and snow glare, but they’ll also shield your eyes from drying winds AND errant branches and brush. Sunscreen is ALWAYS important, even on cloudy days. You’re going to be spending a few hours outside in direct sunlight, and you’re probably going to be sore the next day. You don’t want to have a sunburn, too.

4. Extra food and water – NECESSARY: … to a point. You don't need to take food for a week but you should always take more food than you plan on eating and more water than you plan on drinking. It adds a little bit of weight to your pack, but if you spend more time on the trail than you were planning to, you’re going to be thankful.

5. Extra clothes- NECESSARY: … again, to a degree. I recommend dressing layers, and will usually take the top layer with me even if it’s feeling warm at the trail head. But it’s nothing too fancy — a fleece pullover for the top, a hat and gloves, and convertible pants are all you need for dayhike “extra clothes.”

6. Headlamp/flashlight – NECESSARY: The only thing worse than being lost is being lost in the dark

7. First aid kit – NECESSARY:

8. Fire starter

9. Knife

10. Small Tarp – All OPTIONAL: But it always pays to be prepared and when you think about it, what is a few extra grams when it could save your life.

It is a natural assumption to think that day hiking is safer and therefore you would need to bring less equipment, but for this reason day hiking can be more dangerous. When you head out on your day hiking trip, always let a few people know when and where you're going, and ask them to contact the appropriate authorities if you don't check in at a certain time.

Above all, have fun!

Hiking trips in BC will change your life

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 03:29:00 +0000

Number Three: It's Real

We all spend too much time on computers and indoors under fluorescent lights. Or texting and watching TV (often texting while watching TV).

This unwanted side-effect of the electronic age is called Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD). The term was coined by author Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods in order to explain how our societal disconnect with nature is affecting today's children. Louv says we have entered a new era of suburban sprawl that restricts outdoor play, in conjunction with a plugged-in culture that draws people indoors. This lack of routine contact with nature may result in stunted academic and developmental growth as well as serious physical and mental health issues.

Hiking encourages you to step away from your desk and step back out into nature. It’s a chance to experience the world directly and without a filter, and to rediscover the rhythms of the day and the seasons. Hiking is an unscripted experience where spontaneity is the rule. Even a trail hiked many times before will deliver surprises that keep boredom at bay.

When one goes on hiking trips in BC, particularly in the Chilcotin Mountains it's not unusual to spot bears with their cubs wondering the hill sides, mountain goat and big horn sheep grazing on the mountain tops, Bald Eagles perched high in trees, spring wildflowers, squirrel's, woodpeckers, chipmunks, deer and much more. All in a less than a day. The abundance of nature you'll see on hiking trips in BC is virtually unparalleled.

What can I say? Reality beats reality TV any day.

Nature Deficit Disorder

Connecting with nature is not simply a matter of going for a walk and getting some fresh air, rather, it involves getting away from the bright lights and city noise and immersing oneself in a true wilderness experience. Here at Chilcotin Holidays we see time and time again how wilderness experiences have such a profound affect on people that it changes who they are. Confidence, leadership, self belief, a sense of connectedness and clarity are just a few of the things that people gain through their wilderness experience. Find out about hiking trips in BC by contacting us today.

Hiking in British Columbia will change your life

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 00:42:00 +0000

Next to having a family picnic down at the lake and roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire, it's hard to imagine a more iconic camping activity than hiking, especially hiking in British Columbia: Marching single file across a grassy clearing wandering quietly in dappled shade among tall trees, and finally making it to the top of a challenging summit. The hike is often rewarding enough, but the benefits of hiking in British Columbia go far beyond good vistas.

Over the next few weeks I am going to share with you my top 5 reasons why you and your family should start Hiking right now.

Hiking: Its good for you Health

Hiking has a number of benefits, one of the most important being that it good for you health in a surprisingly large number of ways.

According to the American Hiking Society, hiking delivers a remarkable range of health benefits with comparatively few risks. By using hiking as a way to stay physically active, you can potentially lose weight, reduce heart disease, decrease hypertension, and slow the aging process. It also offers mental health benefits by reducing stress and anxiety.

categorized as an aerobic exercise, hiking can help improve:

Cardio respiratory fitness including heart, lungs and blood vessels

Muscle strength

Bone density (or slow its loss)

Sleep quality
Weight control. On average hiking burns up about 250 calories an hour—and people who lose weight through hiking or walking generally maintain that loss and continue to lose, while those who depend on diets tend to gain weight back.

Hiking through the forest can also help reduce your risk for:

Heart disease and stroke

High blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes

High cholesterol and triglycerides

Colon, breast, lung and endometrial cancers

Depression (if so afflicted)

Early death (studies have shown that someone who is active for seven hours a week has a 40 percent lower chance of dying early than someone active for less than 30 minutes a week.)

Negative effects of osteoporosis and arthritis
Tension and anxiety

In short, if you want to live longer and have a greater quality of life it's time to get walking!

Hiking in British Columbia in particular is not only incredibly good for you, you will get to see some of the most extraordinary places on earth!

Winter Hikes at Chilcotin Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 18:12:00 +0000

Last week we went on a few winter hikes. One of the winter hikes was to Pearson Pond to show our new ESL students and interns the area. Though I have been there before, I happily joined the group as I like to see how much places can change with the seasons and sometimes even within a few weeks. I was not disappointed, the forest floor was still covered with soft snow and keen to be the first to take in the changed scenery behind each bend of the trail I had the honour of being the first one to leave my footprints in the snow. It was a beautiful white wonderland, just as you would read it described in a book. Winter hikes let you see the places you knew in a new magical way.

Pearson Pond itself was stunning, while I had not expected the scenery to surpass the scene of frozen shores and trees still covered in frost that had enchanted me on my last hike here, I found myself just as entrapped by the completely frozen lake, the snow topped trees surrounding it and the icy peaks in the distance overlooking the scene. While we walked over the solid lake, the children in us came out, one by one, as we slid over the ice and wrote messages for our friends and families on it. The highlight though was the majestic Bald Eagle that was watching us from the top of a tree. For most of us it was a first time experience to see a bald eagle and from such a close distance, too!

I'm looking forward to hearing about your winter hikes!

Kind regards,

Kristin