A Wilderness Without Equal
The Chilcotin is an expanse of pristine wilderness spanning central British Columbia, covering more than 50,000 sq miles — an area more than twice the combined size of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Yet within this staggering scale, fewer than two thousand people reside, making it one of the most sparsely populated regions in North America.
Glacier-fed rivers, vast alpine lakes, ancient forests, and wildflower meadows create a mosaic of ecosystems that remain almost entirely untouched. It is one of the last intact wilderness regions of its kind — a place where wildlife thrives, human presence is rare, and the land endures in its natural state.
Protected Lands
Established in 1994, Tsʼyl-os Provincial Park was created to protect Chilko Lake and its surrounding wilderness in perpetuity. Its undeveloped classification prohibits any future construction, ensuring the landscape remains as it is today — pristine, wild, and untouched. Neighboring First Nation–titled lands provide further protection, safeguarding the integrity of this region for generations to come.
Wildlife in Abundance
Wildlife is woven into daily life here. Each autumn, hundreds of thousands of sockeye salmon return to the Chilko River to spawn, drawing grizzlies to the lake in remarkable numbers. Chilko is recognized as one of the best places in the world to watch grizzly bears in their natural habitat — an extraordinary privilege of living in this wilderness.
Alongside the bears, bald eagles soar overhead, moose move quietly through forests and wetlands, and wild horses range across the open valleys. This is a landscape where nature remains dominant, and encounters with wildlife are part of the rhythm of life.
A Four-Seasons Landscape
Set at approximately 4,000 feet, the region experiences a dry, high-elevation climate with abundant sunshine and low annual precipitation. Summers are mild and bright, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the low 60s to mid-70s and cool evenings. Winters are crisp and clear, with daytime temperatures generally in the 20s, shaped by mountain conditions rather than dampness. Spring and autumn are brief and striking, with autumn foliage transforming the landscape each year.
Life In The Chilcotin
Living here means having access to one of the most diverse landscapes in North America — river, lake, mountains, and plateau — each offering its own way to explore. On the river, owners and guests enjoy world-class fly fishing, kayaking, and the extraordinary experience of watching grizzlies during the salmon run. The lake provides pristine waters for boating and fishing, along with hiking routes that begin at its shores.
Beyond the valley, mountains and glaciers open to endless trails and sweeping views, while the high plateau offers ATV adventures and sunsets that stretch to the horizon. On the estate itself, there are opportunities for simple pleasures — casting a line, trying archery, or enjoying outdoor games with family and friends.
Fishing here is a tradition: rainbow trout on the river, bull trout and rainbows in the lake, and numerous nearby lakes with excellent trout fishing. Salmon fishing is reserved for First Nations heritage on the Chilko River, but the coastal waters near Bella Coola are renowned for some of the best salmon fishing in British Columbia.
Location &
Getting There
The lodge is located 173 air miles north of Vancouver; 172 driving miles west of Williams Lake in the heart of the Chicotin region of British Columbia.
Travel Options:
Charter Flight: Take a 1-hour direct charter flight to Chilko from Vancouver.
Commercial Flight & Drive: A quick one-hour flight from Vancouver to Williams Lake is followed by a scenic 3-hour drive to Chilko.
Drive: From Vancouver, a ten-hour scenic drive following the Fraser River awaits you.