Retreat: The Lodge at Chilko Lake

He wants a fishing trip. She wants the spa. He loves the quietude of wildlife watching. She craves action. She’s looking to really get away from the city but he needs to be close.

It may seem like grounds for separate vacations, but the The Lodge at Chilko Lake promises it all.

Located on the 55-mile Chilko Lake, The Lodge is in the middle of the Chilcotin region of British Columbia. This area boasts Canada’s largest high alpine lake, 17 provincial parks and some of the best wilderness terrain on the planet. Find it on a map between West Coast and Alaska Highway just north of the Coast Mountain Ranges. The best part is, while feeling amazingly remote (like, Patagonia remote) it’s only an hour and a bit flight from Vancouver.

And the flight in is really where this vacation begins as you soar over snow capped mountains, alpine meadows and a network of hidden rivers.

Once you’re there the options unfold - raft the white water of the Chilko River, discover a fishing hole, make like a cowboy atop a horse, pedal single track to your heart’s content, paddle the glassy blue lake or just wander into the wilderness (safely with a guide). If you want to ratchet up the adventure, head off for some heli-hiking or join a multi-day paddling trip to see grizzlies in the wild.

However you chose to spend your Chilcotin time, bring the camera. Many resident bears, wolves and eagles make regular appearances. In the autumn, 2 million salmon attract as many as 70-80 grizzly bears and hundreds (sometimes thousands) of bald eagles. 

All of that action may leave you looking for a little pampering. Don’t worry, there are regular yoga classes on the beach, spa services are a phone call away and every meal is chef-prepared (with your personal dietary needs happily handled).

There’s no question this ‘his and hers’ vacation has plenty to love.

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