Before You Go: Bear Camp at Chilko Lake

Overview

Sample Itinerary

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. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:

Day 1 – Vancouver to Bear Camp at Chilko Lake

The details of our flight from Vancouver will be confirmed closer to the trip date. However, the departure time may be as early as 8:00 AM and as late as 3:00 PM. For those arriving to Vancouver International Airport this day, it is essential you arrive a minimum of three hours before our departing time as you’ll need to allow enough time for possible flight delays, time to clear immigration and customs, and time to transfer from the Vancouver International Terminal to the regional airfield at Airport South. Therefore, we suggest arriving the day prior and spending that night at a nearby airport hotel.

We board our plane for the incredible flight over the mountains and glaciers of British Columbia.  The flight we arrange will be either a commercial flight into Williams Lake Airport followed by a 4-hour ground transfer to Bear Camp, or a charter flight directly into the airstrip at Chilko Lake.*  Depending on our arrival time to Bear Camp, you may enjoy a hike, paddle on the lake, or casting a line for trout as a great way to unwind after your travels. A spectacular view, dinner and an evening to discuss your coming days’ activities will help you settle into the moods and rhythms of the trip.

*Your return flight to Vancouver on the last day will be the opposite logistic – commercial or charter. If you wish to avoid the 4-hour drive between Williams Lake Airport and Bear Camp, ask your OARS Adventure Consultant for details. 

Days At Bear Camp – Multi-Sport Activities or Bear Viewing

Chilko Lake is one of the world’s premiere alpine lake destinations.  During your trip you will explore it unobtrusively by sea kayak, canoe, SUP or fishing boat.  Surrounded by massive glacier-capped peaks and wilderness, you can spend the days paddling the lake and picnicking on sandy beaches.

Some might hike nearby trails while others try their luck with a fly or spin rod.  The Chilko is world-famous for its wild rainbow and massive bull trout.  Learn to fly fish or take a spin rod on the lake, the choice is yours.  Regardless, there will be time for a quick paddle on the lake or lounging around the fire before a sumptuous dinner.

We will explore the area by horseback, with many great destinations to choose from. Utilizing well-trained mountain horses, our local wrangler will treat you to a day on horseback riding in the mountains that you’ll never forget.  For those not keen on horses, we have options for hiking or biking on the double track and dirt roads surrounding the valley and lake. In any case, you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain scenery, vivid blue waters and endless fields of wildflowers. After a glorious day in the mountains, we’ll settle into our lakeside camp and enjoy the spectacular views and sunset.

On our river journey, we’ll jump in our inflatable kayaks and challenge up to 21 miles of the Chilko River.  For the less-intrepid adventurers, we have a comfortable, custom-designed drift boat where the ride is high and dry; ideal for soaking up scenery instead of waves.  In either scenario, a riverside picnic will be in order and there should be plenty of time when we return to camp for fishing, hiking, biking or a swim.

Late afternoons may be spent on a hike to Green Lake, while others may wish to take in a massage, yoga or kick back and enjoy a cold drink and watch the salmon and bald eagles.

During bear season we highly recommend you join us for an early morning paddle, returning to camp for a delicious and hearty breakfast. Watching the bears as the sun rises is otherworldly and something everyone should experience. After breakfast, we have a host of other activities, which can also incorporate bear viewing.

Final Day – Chilko Lake to Vancouver

After another delicious breakfast, we transfer back to Williams Lake or the local airstrip for our flight back to Vancouver.  The flights typically arrive late-afternoon, between 3:00-4:00 PM.  We recommend spending this night in Vancouver in case of delays due to weather.

Included in Your Trip Cost

• Skilled, professional guide service provided by our affiliate operator
• 4 or 5 nights deluxe safari tent accommodation
• Roundtrip air & ground transport package to & from Chilko Lake
• All meals from dinner on day 1 through breakfast on the final day
• Quality beer, wine, and some liqueurs in camp
• Towels, soap and shampoo
• All activities and equipment as outlined in the itinerary
• 27-oz Klean Kanteen water bottle

Not Included in Your Trip Cost

• Transportation to and from Vancouver
• Pre and post-trip accommodation (in Vancouver) and meals
• Excess baggage charges
• Single supplement fee
• Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan or mandatory emergency medical & evacuation coverage
• Optional heli-hiking or heli-biking (minimum number of participants required)
• Fishing license
• Massage
• Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
• Gratuities

TRIP PREPARATION CHECKLIST

☐ Consider Purchasing Travel Protection:  For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit: www.oars.com/tpp

In order to take part in this trip, each participant must have a minimum of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage in place for the dates of the trip. This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote here: www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.

☐ Trip Forms (online): Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation e-mail for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving within 90 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.

☐ Reserve flights, shuttles and lodging: Verify with your Adventure Consultant that your trip has met minimum numbers prior to booking flights and/or reserving overnight lodging for the night before and after your trip, if applicable.

☐ Whitewater Orientation: To increase your safety, we expect everyone to watch our 23-minute Whitewater Orientation video before joining us. Watch at https://www.oars.com/experience/safety/ or call 800-346-6277 to request a free DVD. Please don’t leave home without watching.

☐ Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitation you may have as soon as possible.  Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our essential eligibility requirements.

☐ Payments: Final payment is due in our office 90 days prior to your trip (refer to your invoice for final payment date). Please let us know if you would like us to automatically charge your credit card on file when final payment is due.

Travel Arrangements

Essential Travel Documents

Passports

If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately because the process can be lengthy. If you do have a passport, find it and check the expiration date to be sure it is valid on your date of arrival to Canada. Make a photocopy of the photo page of your passport and carry it separately from your passport. It is also a good idea to leave a copy with your emergency contact at home. We request that you send us a copy to keep on file for emergencies during your trip. If your passport is lost or stolen, a photocopy will help the local consulate speed up authorization for replacement. Also check your passport for blank pages. If you do not have at least one blank page in your passport, we recommend that you apply to have extra pages added.

Do not pack your passport in your checked luggage. If you are carrying a customs form, please keep it in a safe place at all times (we do not recommend carrying it in the passport because you often must submit the passport at hotels, where reception clerks can easily lose the form).

Visas

Visas are not required for US citizens to enter Canada. For non-US citizens, please check with the consulate.

Mandatory Evacuation Insurance

We require that you purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance to participate in this expedition. This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan.  You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote here:  www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.

Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan.  A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive.  For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit:  www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.

Trip Description

About Bear Camp

Bear Camp offers deluxe camping (if you can call it camping!) on raised wildlife viewing platforms overlooking the headwaters of the Chilko River at the mouth of Chilko Lake.  The spacious and deluxe safari tents are on the water’s edge and feature a king bed or two double beds, indoor and outdoor lounging areas, spacious decks and all the adventure opportunities one could imagine. Down duvets, hot showers and catered dining take “camping” to new levels of comfort. Situated at the north end of Chilko Lake and the headwaters of the Chilko River, Bear Camp offers the only facilities adjacent to Ts’yl-os Provincial Park.

Established in 1994, Ts’yl-os (pronounced sigh loss) is 233,240 hectares in the Chilcotin Ranges of the Coast Mountains. Although Chilko Lake is the centerpiece of the park, it is just one of many incredible natural features. Though there is much to explore in the region, it is rugged and un-serviced leaving its visitors up to their own devices. This is where we fit in.

Activities

• Lake paddling:  Chilko Lake is one of the world’s premiere alpine lake destinations.  During your trip you can explore it unobtrusively by single or double sea kayak, canoe and SUP.  Surrounded by massive glacier-capped peaks and wilderness, you can spend the days paddling the lake and picnicking on sandy beaches. We have a variety of vessels for getting around on the lake. Sea kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards (SUPs) are available.
• Hiking: There are wonderful hiking opportunities from our base at Bear Camp into Ts’yl-os Provincial Park.  Choose from strenuous hikes with rewarding views, or mellow walks along the lake to secluded beaches and nearby Green Lake.  Heli hiking can also be arranged at additional expense (but is worth every penny) and visits a number of valleys and nearby glaciers.
• River running: From camp we offer the upper 21 miles of the Chilko River.  This Class II+ section allows participants to inflatable kayak, raft or enjoy our comfortable, custom-designed drift boat.  The drift boat ride is high and dry, ideal for soaking up scenery instead of waves. For the more adventurous, the inflatable kayaks put you right in the action. We can travel a half-day (10 miles) or an entire day (21 miles with a picnic lunch) and navigate some fun and scenic water that is still appropriate for any kiddos.
• Wildlife viewing: There is a variety of wildlife in our neck of the Chilcotin region, but come late August and September as many as 2 million salmon come to spawn at the headwaters of Chilko Lake. By mid-September more than 80 grizzlies and hundreds of bald eagles come to the mouth of the river to feed on nature’s bounty. By boat, kayak, bike and even horseback we can witness this amazing spectacle. In our drift boats and kayaks we safely and silently float past bears often less than 50 feet away.
  Bear Viewing (September & October trips): We highly recommend you join us for an early morning paddle, returning to camp afterward for a hearty breakfast. Watching the bears as the sun rises is otherworldly and something everyone should experience. After breakfast, we have a host of other activities, which can also incorporate bear viewing.   
  
• Horseback riding: Friendly horses and astute wranglers can tailor rides for all abilities on mountain trails, through fields of wildflowers, or riverside to beautiful waterfalls.  You’ll soon know what we mean by “happy trails”.  We utilize fit and well cared-for mountain horses that will get you to places unimaginable.  Boots for riding may be available (let us know your shoe size) and pants are recommended (light-weight travel pants are sufficient for a ride if you don’t want to travel with heavy-weight pants).
  
• Biking: Flowing double track, winding dirt roads, coasting along the rivers edge or gliding through pine-scented forests, we’ve got it all. Our fleet of Kona mountain bikes comes with vehicle support and a knowledgeable guide. What more could you want? Eliminate the hills? We can do that too!
• Bushcraft: There are many options for paddling, fishing, hiking or biking but one of the big highlights of this trip is the option for “bushcraft”. This involves a hike or drive up to Scotty Meadow to meet survivalist expert, Mike Yates, a.k.a. “Grizz.”  Mike ran a survival school for decades and was better known as the Marlboro Man for the cigarette manufacturer’s advertising series in Europe and abroad. Participants will see how to live off-the-grid, learn about plants and wildflowers as well as learn about constructing traditional log homes. By the day’s end you will be ready to face even the worst zombie apocalypse…or at least light a fire and build a shelter!
• Fishing: For fishing enthusiasts, Chilko Lake and the upper section of the Chilko River are truly world class. This prime location where sockeye salmon and rainbow trout are found together produces some of the best fishing in British Columbia. You can fish from shore, in waders, or by boat (paddle, drift or power). One can expect to catch wild rainbow trout in the river and massive bull trout in the lake. The river is “fly fish only, catch & release” and we have jon and drift boats and all the necessary gear to wade and fish this pristine waterway. We can teach beginners to fly fish or you can take a spin rod on the lake, the choice is yours. We include a half-day of guided fishing and there is no cost for fishing on your own. Additional guided fishing may incur an additional cost and can utilize deluxe flat bottom riverboats that have forward and aft fishing platforms with stanchions for stable casting. Float-plane or heli-fishing trips are also available at an additional cost. When exploring the lake by boat or kayak you can stop to fish many of the inlets and creek mouths where trout are plentiful. All Bear Camp guests have access to fly or spin rods, Gore-Tex waders and felt boots. However, if you have a favorite 5-6 wt. fly rod or spinning set up, we recommend you bring it along.
  If you plan to fish you must have a license. A fishing license can be purchased online at the following links or in Vancouver if you have time.  The actual user days can be allocated once you’re at Bear Camp.  Since the permits for river fishing are date-specific (and activities weather dependent), guests can wait to select the fishing days at camp, but since our internet is quite slow and the process for registering new anglers is time-consuming, anglers should have their profile prepared in advance so we can just add days as desired. U.S. citizens fall under the Non-Resident Alien category.A Basic License is good for Chilko Lake and everything downstream of the upper 17 miles of the Chilko River. Fishing the classified waters section of the Chilko River (17 mile section from the headwaters; fly fish only) requires a “Class II” license (plus the basic license if fishing further downstream).
  You can register for a fishing license online at British Columbia Freshwater Fishing License.
• Yoga: We have a yoga instructor on site to lead daily classes

Additional Activities (not always available and incur additional cost)

• Heli-hiking or biking: With two Bell (6 passenger) helicopters servicing the area, the heli-access opportunities are endless. Here you’ll hike or ride at 7000-9000 feet elevation. Surrounded by mountaintops and wildflowers, grizzly sightings are common and the scenery second to none. An additional cost and minimum participants apply.
• Rafting Lava Canyon:  Paddle the longest, most continuous stretch of commercially-navigable Class IV whitewater in North America on this 2-day adventure.  The 2-day Lava Canyon add-on is available with any Bear Camp program.  The last day of your scheduled Bear Camp program is day 1 of the Lava Canyon section, so adds one day total to your trip.  An additional cost and minimum participants apply.
• Massage: Should you need a little extra help to soothe your spirit, book our massage therapist for a relaxing treatment in the privacy of your own tent

Life at Bear Camp

Bear Camp’s deluxe safari-tent camping is adjacent to Ts’yl-os Provincial Park at the north end of Chilko Lake, the headwaters of the Chilko River. The spacious tents are perched on wildlife viewing platforms at the water’s edge and feature a king bed or two twins, indoor and outdoor lounging areas, private decks and bathrooms in a separate, shared facility. Down duvets, hot showers and catered dining take “camping” to new levels of comfort.

Meals

Treat your palette to fresh gourmet cuisine starting with wholesome breakfasts, picnic lunches, indulgent hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine before your sumptuous family-style meal in the spectacular dining tent. The food is created from some of the finest local seafood, fresh organic produce and perfectly prepared wild game. Throughout your stay, and in part because we have only 12 guests at once, you will have the thoughtful attention and service that you deserve.

Dietary Restrictions

We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary restrictions we should consider in planning your trip.  If you have food allergies or restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. However, there may be a supplemental menu fee ranging from $5-25 per person per day, to cover any increase in our costs.

Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for vegetarian, vegan and many allergy-restricted diets without applying a fee.  However, we cannot always provide the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as we do for our regular menu. Similarly, certain allergen-free snack foods are difficult or impossible to source in our locations, so feel free to bring your own favorite snacks to supplement our provisions.  Please let your Adventure Consultant know if you intend to do so.

We cannot guarantee that cross-contamination from allergens will not occur during meal prep, and reserve the right to refuse service to anyone as it relates to safety, including the potential for a medical emergency caused by a severe food allergy. Also, due to the constraints of cooking for a large group in a wilderness setting, availability of ingredients or specialty items in remote locations, and limited packing space, we are unable to cater to dietary preferences (likes or dislikes).

Beverages / Alcohol

We provide a selection of beer, wine and some liqueurs in the evening. We also supply a selection of non-alcoholic beverages with meals and plenty of fresh drinking water throughout the day. For your safety and the safety of others, alcoholic beverages are limited to camp at the end of the days’ activities.

Drinking Water

Our drinking water at Bear Camp is a combination of filtered well water and filtered water from the lake. It is of great quality and you’re able to drink the water directly from our water sources in camp.

Laundry

There is no laundry service while at Bear Camp.

Electricity

At Bear Camp our electricity is solar generated with a fuel powered generator as back up. Outlets are in each safari tent and in the lodge for recharging batteries and devices.

Cameras

Please bring a small bag or carrying case, preferably waterproof, to hold your camera and other items you might want during each day. To further protect your camera you may wish to place it in a zip-loc plastic bag, or special waterproof camera case. We also recommend padding it with a towel or clothing. Sand can be a problem – so clean your camera every night with tissue, a brush and lens paper. We also strongly recommend you take out a rider on your homeowner’s policy to cover your camera – especially if it’s fine equipment. If you are planning on bringing a digital camera make sure to bring additional memory cards, batteries, and any other extras you will need.

Electronics & Technology

The use of electronic devices, especially music players and flying drones, on your trip may represent an intrusion into the wilderness experience of your fellow guests. We ask that you please be mindful of the impacts to others and respect the wilderness nature of the trip. Please bring headphones if you intend to listen to music during the trip and leave your drone at home.

Many of our guests travel with their smartphone although cell service may be limited once you leave Vancouver. On a trip like this, there is always the risk of water damage to smartphones and other electronic devices, even when they are stowed in a dry case. If you intend to take your phone or other electronic device with you on the water, consider investing in a small, waterproof case just for your phone.

Communication

Because of our remote location at Bear Camp, cellular phones are not an option. Bear Camp does have a land line for receiving calls. Internet is available while at Bear Camp via a satellite connection, therefore the speed is slow and can’t facilitate streaming, but can manage emails and similar online usage.

Wildfires & Smoke

Fire activity frequently impacts the air quality on our trips, and occasionally wildfires may be present in the immediate vicinity of where we’re traveling.  Smoke impacts are more likely in the latter-half of the summer season, so those with asthma or other respiratory conditions may wish to steer clear of this time frame.  In general, we will not cancel a trip on account of smoky conditions, except in cases of clear danger to life or property.  Necessary changes to logistics and/or destination may occur with very short notice as fire conditions are constantly changing.  We will do our best to keep you apprised of excessively smoky conditions that can be foreseen for your upcoming trip.

Our standard cancellation terms & conditions apply should you choose to cancel due to environmental conditions resulting from a wildfire near to where our trip operates.  Please review our Terms & Conditions section in this document, below.  Furthermore, we recommend you consider investing in a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan that provides you the ability to “cancel for any reason” should you feel conditions from a nearby wildfire may result in you canceling your reservation.

CPAP Machine

If you require the use of a CPAP machine and intend to bring one with you, be sure to alert your OARS Adventure Consultant prior to your trip to let us know the dimensions of the machine, description of battery(s), and any protective case(s). Travel-sized CPAP’s are readily available and often come with a battery kit. You must assess the power needs of your CPAP and bring the battery(s) needed to operate it for each night of your travels.  We’re typically able to accommodate the transportation of your machine and accessories on the trip; however, please understand that despite efforts to protect your equipment we can’t guarantee your machine and accessories won’t suffer water or impact damage and therefore we recommend additional protective case(s) for your machine & accessories.

Money Matters

The Canadian monetary unit is the Canadian dollar (CDN). Like U.S. currency, coins are the penny, nickel, quarter and the one and two dollar “Loonie” and “Toonie” coins.  Consider avoiding carrying large sums of cash at any time during your travels.

American dollars are accepted in most establishments. If converting American to Canadian dollars, you’ll get the most favorable rates at banks. Most banks are open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday, though some branches stay open later and on Saturday mornings. ATMs are prolific in Vancouver.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Vancouver, especially Visa and MasterCard.

Canada’s Goods & Services Tax (GST)

Canada has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% and the province of British Columbia has a 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST), as well as a liquor tax and hotel tax. For non-residents of Canada, it’s possible a portion of the GST taxes (including those paid for your river trip) may be recuperated. Be sure to keep receipts and ask customs officials on your departure from the country for the necessary forms and information.

Details can be found at: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses/gst-hst-rebates/application.html 

Health and Medical Information

Although we do not require any immunizations to participate in this trip, it is important that you be up-to-date on several standard immunizations and that you check with your physician prior to departure. The CDC is a good resource for recommendations pertaining to international travel immunizations.

Menstrual Cycle

Even if you aren’t anticipating your menstrual period, come prepared for it. We recommend you bring some sandwich-size Ziploc™ bags. These bags can be used to store products during the day while you are exploring. Used pads or tampons can be disposed of back at camp. We provide some menstrual products for emergencies.

Weather

You may want to check one week prior to your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast. We recommend looking at the forecast for Chilko Lake prior to your trip.

The weather is one of the few details we can’t control. During late June through early August, the Chilko-Chilcotin region tends to be dry in climate and warmer than the coast. In mid-summer, daytime highs in the interior can reach the high 80’s° F, while temperatures can drop significantly over night. Rain is always a possibility in British Columbia. Be sure to follow our recommended equipment list, as our experience suggests a multi-layering approach with a range of temperatures and conditions in mind.

Late season trips, from late August through October, can experience wild swings in temperature and weather. 

Average Air Temperatures at Chilko Lake

Time Zones

Chilko Lake is located in the same international time zone as the US west coast, Pacific Standard Time.

Getting Ready

Traveler Responsibility Code

1. Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.

2. Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.

3. Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

4. Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.

5. Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.

6. Abide by the managing agency’s rules.

7. No drugs or alcohol during the day; alcohol is allowed in moderation in the evenings.

8. Minimize your impact on the environment.

9. Wear the issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming. Wear a helmet when required.

10. Your children are your responsibility!

Packing for Your Trip

The information below is subject to when your trip takes place. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.

Clothing for physical activity should be quick-drying and made of merino wool or synthetics. Warmth and comfort are the main objectives with this outline. Weather conditions can vary considerably. It’s important to dress in layers so that you can maintain a comfortable body temperature no matter what Mother Nature may have in store. The inner base layer should move perspiration outside, where it can evaporate. The intermediate layer should insulate while the outside layer should act as a barrier to wind and rain.

Clothing
Late season trips, from late August through October, can experience wild swings in temperature and weather.  Therefore, be sure to bring warm layers & outerwear, warm hat & gloves and raingear.  We have rubber boots and insulated flotation jackets available at camp for cold or wet days on the water.

Active clothes— Bring a combination of lightweight cotton and synthetic or merino wool fabrics that breathe well for hiking, biking, horseback riding or fishing. Whatever you choose, be sure you have comfortable freedom of movement, especially for uphill and downhill activity. Conditions may vary greatly day to day, particularly on late August through October trips – so plan for all conditions!

On the river— Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic or merino wool shirt as a base layer. Additional layers for sun protection or insulation can be added and subtracted depending on the weather, temperature and how wet you’re getting in the rapids. Wetsuits are provided.

At Bear Camp— When the weather is warm, lightweight cotton pants/skirt or shorts and shirt make great camp-wear. Anytime the forecast calls for cool evenings and cold nights, a dry set of long underwear is the perfect base layer under long pants and a fleece sweater.

Footwear

In the boat— The best choice is an amphibious shoe that drains water, protects your toes and won’t come off in swirling current. A retired pair of athletic shoes can work well, too. Sport sandals with a heel strap are a good option, especially on rivers with sandy beaches. Find professional-grade options made by Chacos®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.

Hiking— The importance of good footwear cannot be overstated. Given that our trails are often gravelly or sometimes muddy, you need a good walking shoe or boot with a firm sole, good ankle support and a degree of water resistance. It’s now easy to find a “hybrid” walking boot, which combines the lightweight, ventilated features of a shoe with the support and durability of a boot.

Horseback riding – Ideally a boot with rigid sole & heel and ankle coverage is worn, but we know travelling with this type of footwear isn’t ideal.  We may have a pair of boots to loan, so let us know your shoes size in advance.  A good hiking shoe or boot is sufficient for a one-day outing.

Please note: If you buy new shoes or sandals for the trip, make sure you break them in first

Socks— Bring at least one pair for each day of hiking. We recommend merino wool material. It may be a good idea to bring along some additional items such as foot powder, cushioned pads and/or bandage or 2nd Skin®, which provides cushioned comfort with an antiseptic for blistered and sore feet. You will want a pair of neoprene, wool or fleece socks for the river. They will keep your feet warm, even when wet.

Headwear

During the day— Wide-brimmed hats are a good choice for sun protection. Ball caps are also useful since they fit under helmets, which are required attire when paddling the river.

At Bear Camp— In the evenings, mornings or when the weather is cool, you’ll want a beanie-style hat to wear. They are the perfect remedy for bed-head as you rise from your safari tent to secure your morning cup of coffee or tea, or for retaining warmth in the evening hours after the sun sets.

Raingear

Rain gear protects you from rain, wind and the splash of the rapids. It is one of the essential items that all passengers should have no matter what time of year you are traveling. Look for jacket and pants that are 100% waterproof, not just water resistant. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists and ankles. Do not bring a rain poncho as it cannot be worn under your PFD.

Sun Protection

Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Light-weight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs.

A hat, sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are also a must. Rheos, the official sunglasses sponsor of OARS guides, offers polarized floatable nautical eyewear with 100% UV protection. Use promo code OARS15 to save 15% on any purchase from The Nautical Eyewear Collection.

Bugs & Mosquitoes

Bugs and mosquitoes vary depending on location and time of year. It’s a good idea to come prepared with insect repellent. Long sleeved shirts and pants may be desirable at times.

Packing List

Equipment and Personal Items:

☐ 1-liter water bottle: durable and reusable
☐ Daypack for short hikes (to carry a water bottle, camera, rain gear and more)
☐ Headlamp or flashlight (consider bringing extra batteries)
☐ Sunglasses (preferably polarized such as Rheos floatable eyewear www.rheosgear.com) with securing strap (consider bringing a spare)
☐ Toiletries including biodegradable soap (such as Campsuds or Dr. Bronner’s)
☐ Sunscreen and lip protection: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher (aerosol sprays not recommended)
☐ Moisturizing lotion or cream
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Personal first aid kit (medications, Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
☐ Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts (wind and blowing sand can cause problems for contact wearers)
☐ Locking carabiner (for clipping a water bottle or personal dry bag into a raft or inflatable kayak)
☐ Cash for gratuities and incidentals

Footwear:

☐ Athletic shoes or lightweight hiking boots: 1 pair, waterproof, comfortable and with good tread
☐ River shoes or sandals with a heel strap (such as those made by Chacos®)
“Aqua socks” strongly discouraged
☐ Socks: 2-3 pair lightweight for hiking
☐ Socks: 1 pair of neoprene, wool or fleece for the river

Clothing:

☐ Long-sleeved shirt: 2-3 lightweight and light color for sun protection (UPF rated shirts are great)
☐ Long pants: 1-2 pair lightweight and quick-drying (a sturdy pant may be desirable for horseback riding, but not required)
☐ Shade hat, ball cap or visor with securing strap and a spare
☐ Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant) A hooded jacket with secure closures is recommended
☐ Swimwear; a two-piece is recommended for women for changing and using the restroom. Tankinis and board shorts are a great option.
☐ Underwear
☐ Shorts: 1-2 pair
☐ T-shirts/tops: 2-3
☐ Synthetic or merino wool long underwear: 1 set top & bottom (light-, mid- or expedition-weight
depending on the time of year & weather forecast)
☐ Down or synthetic insulated jacket or fleece jacket
☐ Warm gloves – to be worn during various activities and while at camp
☐ Warm hat

Optional Items:

☐ Paddling gloves – particularly useful on fall trips (late August through October)
☐ Camera and accessories
☐ Bathing wipes: pre-moistened disposable towels
☐ Binoculars: small
☐ Flip-flops or similar for camp
☐ Fishing rod with case and tackle
☐ Small bags: stuff sacs, zip locks or similar for organizing items in your travel bag
☐ Sarong: useful for sun protection, evaporative cooling, changing clothes, etc.
☐ Sketchbook, notebook and pen, paperback book
☐ Bandana
☐ Ear plugs

Find all the gear you need for your trip online in the OARStore + 15% of your purchase helps provide under-resourced youth with outdoor adventure experiences.

Packing Your Gear

On the commercial flight to or from Williams Lake the checked bag allowance is one bag limited to 50 lbs (23 kg) per passenger. Baggage exceeding the allowance is subject to excess baggage fees.  For details about the baggage restrictions on this commercial flight, visit the Pacific Coast Airlines website.
On the charter flight to or from Chilko Lake the checked bag allowance will likely be 35 lbs per passenger.

While we encourage you to travel light, you’ll also want to be sure you pack all the essentials. Although we are returning to the comfort of Bear Camp each evening, we want to make sure you are prepared for both land and water environs. The personal equipment list will address what you will need to wear in conjunction with our gear. Weight restrictions come into play with our local, domestic flight, so please follow our recommendations closely.

Late season trips, from late August through October, can experience wild swings in temperature and weather.  Therefore, be sure to bring warm layers, outwear, hat & gloves and raingear.

Valuables

Canada is very safe for travelling, but still there is no point in carrying lots of valuables when travelling. Regrettably, tourists are among the most easily targeted, so please exercise caution. We recommend that you check your personal insurance policy before travelling to ensure that you are covered for theft and loss while travelling. As a safety precaution, do not travel with excessive cash or jewelry if it is not necessary.

Gratuities

Tipping is optional but appreciated by our staff.  If you are wondering how much to tip, you may consider that we operate in a service industry with a host of behind-the-scenes contributors in addition to the guides on your trip.  In general, we suggest a gratuity based on approximately 10-15% of the OARS trip cost.  It is customary for gratuities to be given to the Trip Leader, who will then distribute appropriately among all the guides and support staff.  You’ll want to plan ahead and have cash or credit card, or you can provide a gratuity by mobile app (a “peer to peer” payment method such as Venmo, PayPal or similar) who will then distribute appropriately amongst all the guides and support staff.

Something Voluntary

In reviewing your statement, you’ll note a $1 per person per day donation to the Fraser Basin Council, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring that the Fraser River Basin in British Columbia – a mighty salmon-producing watershed almost the size of California – continues to support the healthy ecosystems upon which sustainable communities depend. One-hundred percent of these funds go directly to fostering collaborative solutions to improving water quality, raising awareness on the importance of a healthy Fraser Basin, and inspiring youth to become actively engaged in shaping a sustainable future. Please notify our office if you would prefer to delete the donation from your balance.

Helpful Links

Gear up in the OARStore where 15% of all purchases help fund outdoor adventures for under-resourced youth
www.oars.com/OARStore

Shop for the latest in top-quality clothing, footwear & outdoor gear
www.rei.com

Terms & Conditions

Reservations & Deposit

A $800/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. Deposits may be made by check, money order or Visa/Mastercard (American Express and Discover incur a 3% processing fee). Prices are in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars.  Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency.

Cancelling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days prior to the departure date will be cancelled without exception.

Cancellations & Refunds

Your deposit is fully refundable, less a 3% processing fee, for 7 days after you book when you submit a deposit 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.

If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.  We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest or personal emergencies.  There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan (see Travel Protection below).

Requests to transfer a date will be treated as a cancellation, per the terms above.

Cancelled Trips

OARS International and the outfitter R.O.A.M. Adventures, Inc. reserve the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip.

If a trip must be cancelled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3^rd-party suppliers.  OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3^rd-party suppliers, however we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made.  OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a cancelled trip.

Medical

Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying this trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.

Travel Protection 

Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan.  A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive.  For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit:  www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.

In order to take part in this trip, each participant must have a minimum of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage in place for the dates of the trip.  This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan.  You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote here:  www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.

Liability Release / Assumption of Risk

Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release/assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS International cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.

Responsibility – An Important Notice

O.A.R.S. International, Inc., R.O.A.M. Adventures, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which they have no control. Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 2 guests), and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting and inflatable kayaking, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” and “float-it-out” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept passengers weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We are experienced at accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. However, we need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips.

OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected.  To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees.  We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others.  Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice.  OARS is an equal opportunity provider.

R.O.A.M. Adventures, Inc.

R.O.A.M. Adventures, Inc., a travel partner of OARS. International, is the operator of this trip. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and escort you throughout the program. These staff members are the very best and will strive to ensure your complete satisfaction.