Frequently Asked Questions
Our Frequently Asked Questions
Together with the Chilcotin Ark Institute, Wilderness Trails facilitates conservation adventure trips throughout our 5,000 square km operating area. These experiences in Canada’s wilderness get everyone actively involved in hands-on conservation projects while reconnecting to nature and themselves. This guide area has been operational since 1880, making it one of the oldest in British Columbia. It encompasses the South Chilcotin Mountains and the surrounding ranges of southwestern British Columbia. The South Chilcotins lie within a transition zone between the Coast Mountains and the Chilcotin Plateau. This favoured position produces a rain shadow. This means sunny skies and a dry climate. It is almost bug free.
The South Chilcotin Mountains are part of the Chilcotin Ark, the real Shangri-La of North America . The Chilcotin Ark is a complex 2.5 million hectare ecosystem and is renowned for its high biodiversity, with vegetation ranging from Douglas fir to alpine tundra. Plants, representing both temperate vegetation to the south and boreal vegetation to the north, occur together. Massive ancient firs give way to the trembling aspen and meadows covered in wild flowers. The Chilcotin Ark is home to an abundance of wildlife, with an outstanding variety of wildlife inhabiting our guide area. California Bighorn sheep, moose, mule deer, mountain goats, grizzly and black bears, cougars, lynx, wolves & 100’s of birds are plentiful and frequently sighted.
We have conducted participatory action research projects in the Chilcotin Ark for over 30 years. Participatory action research is used as a tool to understand problems and, more importantly, to take action for solving them. It triggers stakeholder engagement, actions and communal commitment to change in land-use practices.
What is the cancellation policy for our wilderness trips?
The Chilcotin Ark is a special place and a unique ecological environment, a limited commodity and our spaces are limited so we don’t overtax the environment we benefit from. Bookings are made a long time in advance, so we cannot fill spots cancelled on short notice. All spots are held with non-refundable deposits. In the event of a last minute cancellation, your spot can be deferred to different dates or can be used by a friend or relative of your choosing who filled out the Wilderness Readiness Survey.
What is the philosophy Wilderness Trails operates on?
All of our wilderness experiences are based on the six principles of nature connection, nature conservation, personal development, self-sufficiency, empowerment and consciousness and awareness.
Conservation requires a collaborative approach, so different wilderness experiences are facilitated by different partner organizations. All of our wilderness experiences facilitated by Trails to Empowerment, Wilderness Trails, Bridge River Valley Accommodation, the Wilderness Training Academy and the Chilcotin Ark Institute are based on the six principles.
Our values include personal responsibility, accountability, initiative taking, contribution and a positive attitude. Visions are shared and decisions are made by the community. You’re encouraged to share your ideas and contribute to the community as much as possible. We live by the laws of nature, which means we learn to be flexible and adaptable. As community partners, we believe the best of each other and hold each other accountable to be our best in a positive and constructive way.
How will the 6 principles be part of my wilderness experience?
Nature Connection
Spending time in the wilderness enhances our overall well-being, the connection to nature and to yourself. Our horses are wilderness facilitators, allowing you to tune into your wilderness environment. But it’s not just our horses. The energy of the South Chilcotin Mountains will rejuvenate your heart, mind and spirit.
Personal Development
Every trip with us is an opportunity to learn something new. Whether you saddle your own horse, challenge yourself to get out your comfort zone or share your skills with someone else, you’ll develop your skills and end your time with us feeling empowered and confident.
Nature Conservation
When you love a place you want to protect it, that’s why we educate you on this environment and get you involved in hands-on conservation projects. Reciprocity means for everything we receive from nature, it is our responsibility to take care of it in return.
Self-Sufficiency
We are self-sufficient on all levels and in all aspects of life from how we get our food and water, to being the master of our own destiny. Developing essential wilderness and horse skills and having a self-sufficient mindset allows us to get the job done no matter the challenge.
Empowerment
Learning new skills and living with a positive mentality empower us to do anything and everything. Everybody becomes the leader in their own life. We operate with collaboration, interdependence and synergy.
Conscious and Aware
When you spend more time in the wilderness, you naturally become more in tune with the world around you, yourself and other people, connecting on a deeper level. Being more conscious and aware allows us to take responsibility for ourselves, our actions and what happens to us and therefore can contribute to something bigger than ourselves.
Why those 6 principles?
All Six Principles are used to facilitate your ability to create positive change – for yourself, for others and for your environment. Embark on a transformational self-development journey with our community, discovering who you are and who you want to be. Connect to nature and feel its restorative benefits. Get involved in nature conservation and make a real world difference. Become more self-sufficient as you learn new skills and mindsets. Experience real empowerment as you achieve things you have never done before, or never believed you could. Become more conscious and aware as you learn to see the natural environment and every aspect of life from a new perspective.
Why is the Wilderness Readiness Survey an important step in booking my wilderness experience?
As this place is a limited commodity only a few get to experience, we want to make sure everyone is prepared for the adventures and challenges they will encounter along their journey. Those that get to experience the Chilcotin Ark come with a positive and solution-orientated mindset, take responsibility and initiative for themselves and the environment they are benefiting from. It may be an unconventional approach to booking a trip or accommodation. But that is how we do things here, we take responsibility and have a hands-on approach. We want you to be happy with your choice and to experience the adventure you are imagining for yourself. If you have not filled in the Survey yet, you can find it on our website.
How is the Wilderness Journal implemented on my wilderness experience?
On your last day of the trip, you will use the Wilderness Journal to reflect on your wilderness experiences and the transformations you had on your journey with us. These questions allow you to reflect on your successes, challenges and appreciations. How did each stage of your journey impact you? How were you challenged and how did you overcome this? The Wilderness Journal is based on the 12 stages of the Hero’s Journey, a 12-step process that guides you through the cycle of every journey, from the initial idea, through the struggles and success to the transformation you experience.
We believe that reflecting on your day, being aware of your surrounding and challenging yourself are as important as the journey itself. And remember: the journey through every challenge and success is more important than the destination!
How will I be involved during my wilderness experience?
Whether you join us for a wilderness trip or rent our accommodation, we expect all our guests to get involved. When taking a trip with us, you are not only coming as a guest but you are joining our family, home and community as a Community Partner. From there, the decisions you make will have an impact not only on you but also on the people around you. And when the journey is more important than the destination, it is up to you to take on all the opportunities to learn as much as possible from your experience! We will help you through the steps, and guide you on your adventure to make your trip a memorable journey! So, you will get involved from saddling your own horse to learning everything you need to take care of yourself and your horse independently once on the trails. Be ready to connect with yourself and nature like never before!
What does conservation mean as part of my wilderness trip?
Our goal is to conserve the environment we benefit from. That’s why we get you involved in conservation on every trip into the mountains. The conservation work you will get involved in contributes to the stewardship of the Chilcotin Ark, an area of high biodiversity and home to a variety of animals from Grizzly Bears to California Bighorn Sheep to Mountain Goats. During you stay, you will take part in the conservation effort and act as a steward of the Chilcotin Ark through a wide range of opportunities like: participating in species population counts to determine herd recruitment and impacts on the animals, recording the wildlife you see in our Wildlife Sightings form to help shape the focus of our conservation projects, learning to identify invasive and native plants then get involved in invasive species removal or even learning about range management and more. In addition, 5% of your trip cost goes directly to Conservation in the Chilcotin Ark.
How do I get to Wilderness Trails by car?
Important details:
Gas: Regardless of your route, be sure to gas up your car before you leave Lillooet (Carpenter Lake Rd) or Pemberton (Hurley River Rd).
GPS: Don’t defer to your GPS as it often takes people over the Highline, past Anderson Lake – a tight single lane road. We do NOT recommend this route.
Rental Car: The Hurley River Road is a Forest Service Road, meaning most rental cars are not insured on it.
Cell Service: Pemberton and Lillooet are the last places with cell service. Make sure you give us a call before you leave, so we know when to expect you.
Fraser Canyon Route (Hwy 1)
From Vancouver, follow the Trans Canada Hwy (#1) east to Hope. At Hope you take the exit to continue on the #1.
Stay on the #1 until Lytton where you turn onto Hwy 12 to Lillooet. Once at Lillooet, drive up the hill towards the town site, and then stay on the main road until the intersection at the Subway restaurant. You should gas up in Lillooet.
Turn left and take the Carpenter Lake Rd. (Hwy 40) towards Gold Bridge. Follow this road for 91km
Take the uphill road that forks to the right, Tyaughton Lake Rd. About 3.5 km later you turn left onto Gun Creek Road. In about 3 kilometres you will see our Ranch on your right hand side. This is about 340km from Vancouver, and about a 5-6 hour drive.
NOTE: Carpenter Lake Road is a maintained highway, but be cautious of sharp corners and rocks on the road. Nothing over 60km/h!
Sea to Sky Route (Hwy 99)
From Vancouver, take Hwy #1 to Horseshoe Bay and continue up the Sea to Sky Hwy (#99) to Whistler. Continue through Whistler and Pemberton. From Pemberton, take the Duffy Lake Rd. (also Hwy 99) to Lillooet. From Lillooet, see above. This is about 420km from Vancouver, and about a 5-6 hour drive.
From Seattle
Take I-5 north to Bellingham and exit on Meridian Road. Follow the signs to the Sumas Border Crossing. In Abbotsford, take the Trans Canada Hwy (#1) east towards Hope. Follow the directions above for the Fraser Canyon Route.
Hurley River Road
A short cut from Pemberton to the ranch is the Hurley River Road. This is a summer- use-only rough gravel road. It is closed November to mid May, so call for conditions if you travel in the shoulder months.
Gas up in Pemberton. Cross the railroad tracks at the roundabout then turn right at the “T” intersection onto Prospect (Prospect turns into Pemberton Meadows Road).
After 23km, you will see signs for Gold Bridge. Turn right. After 8 km, you will cross the bridge over Railroad Creek and see the signs for Hurley River & Gold Bridge. Go straight up the pass (don’t take the flat road that forks left).
The Hurley Pass is initially steep and rough, but it levels out before you begin the downhill into the Bridge River Valley. A sign to the right directs you to Bralorne, but take the left road towards Gold Bridge.
After a total of about 50km of gravel logging road, you will reach Hwy 40, a paved road. Turn right and stay on this road for 12km.
Turn left up the hill onto Tyaughton Lake Rd.. About 3.5 km later you will turn left onto Gun Creek Road. In about 3 kilometres you will see our Ranch on your right hand side. This is about 260km from Vancouver, and about a 4-5 hour drive.
NOTE: The Hurley River Road is a Forest Service Road, not a highway. Please check with either the Highways Department (tel.# 1-900-565- 4997) or Wilderness Trails to make sure the road is open. We don’t recommend driving the Hurley in the dark.
Whichever route you take, call us at 250-238-2274 before leaving Lillooet or Pemberton so we know when to expect you.
How do I get to Wilderness Trails if I don’t have a car?
We offer a shuttle service from Surrey B.C. to our ranch. If you require the shuttle, be sure to let us know when you are booking your trip. If your circumstances change (e.g.: car no longer available), let us know and we’ll try to fit you into the schedule. Our route follows the Fraser Canyon from Surrey so as to avoid Vancouver traffic and road closures along the Sea to Sky Hwy.
We have set pick-up and drop-off location in Surrey. Once you have booked the shuttle, we will provide you with more details. Because of scheduling, we do not pick up at special locations. If you choose to stay at another hotel than the set location, please provide us with the name in the event we need to contact you just prior to your arrival. Departure time from Surrey is 6:15 am, so be sure to be ready 15 minutes early so you arrive at the ranch in time for lunch. The return trip heads out after lunch, dropping guests off in Surrey later in the evening.
Do I need travel and medical insurance to go on a wilderness trip in Canada?
It is recommended that you have a travel and medical insurance, especially when you are travelling from abroad. Since places are limited and we have a no-refund policy, it is recommended to have a travel insurance which covers refunds in case you have to cancel your trip.
Do I need a visa to go on a wilderness trip in Canada ?
Depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay you need to apply for an eTA or a visa. If you are only coming into Canada to participate in one of our guest trips, you only need an eTA. In any case you should check out the Government of Canada’s website for more information.
What gear do I need for my wilderness trip?
We provide all equipment related to ranch activities. All you need to bring is your personal gear. Bringing your own gear gives you the chance to get the right size and increase you comfort.
- Practical clothing. Expect to get dirty.
- *Western hat with brim
- Bandana for dust
- Toque (knit cap) and/or headband to keep your head warm at night. The headband should fit under your hat for cold days.
- Sleeping bag. For camp. It can get quite cold at night, so a 3-season sleeping bag (rated to -10C) is recommended.
- *Jeans or comfortable riding pants
- Gloves for riding. Lighter in the summer, insulated other times of the year.
- *Rain pants and jacket. No ponchos. Sturdier is better so it doesn’t get ripped when riding through trees or working outside. We go, rain or shine.
- Rubber boots. Should be mid-calf height. Alpine meadows are wet in the morning.
- Practical footwear. Hiking or work boots are fine, as you want good support above the ankle for walking downhill. Our saddles all have tapaderos for safety, so you don’t need a heel.
- Towel and personal toiletries. If you are going to camp you should bring biodegradable soaps and shampoo.
- Empty pillow case for camp to make a pillow out of your jacket
- Pocket knife
- Water bottle. Not more than 500 ml. We will ride past many creeks that we can drink from.
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent. We don’t get many bugs, but the first few days after rain there are a few around.
- Flashlight/Headlamp & Extra batteries
- Long johns and warm layers. Mountains can be cold even in the summer. Clothes that you can layer are the best.
- *Specific gear related to horseback riding. Lighter rain gear is more practical for hikers and bikers as well as light hiking pants.
If you have any medications, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your stay. This would include vitamins, allergy medication, asthma inhalers, epi pens, etc.
If you prefer to ride with a helmet, bring one. Binoculars and/or a spotting scope and cameras are not necessary but are nice to have for obvious reasons. For those new to riding, a pair of Lycra shorts or padded bicycle shorts can help to prevent chafing and saddle sores.
Why are rubber boots important on my wilderness trip?
If you are doing a hiking and horseback trip with us, then they are an essential item. On a hiking trip, some of the areas you will be walking can become swampy after heavy rain and you may end up crossing some streams throughout your adventure. If you are doing a riding trip then we recommend rubber boots. We often have heavy dew in the morning and cold wet feet are never pleasant. If you do not have rubber boots, then any waterproof boots will be suitable.
What kind of rain gear do I need for a wilderness trip?
Rain gear is essential, because the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. When you are riding through narrow trails surrounded by trees, you often end up brushing against them which can transfer rain fall, snow or dew on to you and your clothes. Lighter gear is more suitable for hikers and mountain bikers, but if you are horseback riding, we recommended non-breathable clothes as we have found that the breathable clothes often let in moisture if you are not moving enough for it to run off, which can become uncomfortable very quickly.
Should I bring my own fishing equipment on a guided trip in BC?
If you do not fish and want to learn, then we have equipment for rent. If you are an avid fisherman, or are coming on a fishing trip, then we recommend bringing your own rod, preferably collapsible.
How do I communicate with home in the back-country?
There is no cell service at the ranch. There is limited wireless satellite internet available at the main house if you wish to bring your laptop or phone. In emergencies there is a landline phone.
What kind of accommodation will I be staying in during my wilderness experience?
When you stay at the ranch, you sleep at our main ranch house. Bedrooms are comfortable with down duvets and great views. All rooms have a queen bed and en-suite bathroom. Some have an additional single bed. For larger groups we have cabins available to rent. We ssign rooms shortly before the trip begins based on occupancy levels.
Do you have private ranch accommodation?
We have two private cabins available for rent. Our smallest cabin, the Honeymoon Cabin, is ideal for couples seeking some quiet time. The Ranger Cabin is ideal for families with children or small groups and sleeps up to 8 people in 3 rooms.
What do the back-country camps look like?
Our camps are satellite-research huts which are well-established spots in our territory with good shelter, water, and grazing for the horses. They are the base for our conservation work. The camps facilitate a rustic environment that allows you to connect to nature. They all have a fully equipped cabin with cooking equipment and dishes, a bear cache with non-perishable supplies, canvas wall tents on platforms, foam mattresses and outhouses. The only camping gear you need to bring is your sleeping bag.
What kind of food will I be eating during my wilderness trip?
We have a set menu at the ranch, with staff and guests eating together at the table. The home-made fare is healthy and hearty and includes meals like lasagna, shepherd’s pie, chilli and pasta with sauce. Due to our remote location, we can not cater to different dietary preferences. Please let us know if you have dietary requirements or allergies. But dependant on the type of allergy / requirement, you may need to bring some of your own food, for example gluten-free bread.
There is a no smoking, drug and alcohol policy at the Ranch, so alcoholic beverages are not offered.
Are meals included in my guided wilderness trip?
If you are booking an all-inclusive trip, then yes, all meals are included in the price. If you wish to rent one of our cabins, you will be able to cook for yourself as the cabins are equipped with a kitchen.
Can I bring my children on a guided wilderness trip?
For horse and hiking camp trips, children are welcome and we ask that they be at least 7 years old. We have suitable horses for beginners and young children but ultimately it’s up to you whether you think that your child will be comfortable with the type of trip you choose. For children under 7 years of age, we have ranch trips suitable for the whole family. An introduction to horses for young kids is available at the Barn with parents in attendance.
Do you have a special kids rate for a guided wilderness experience?
If you are thinking of doing a guided trip with us, then the rate is the same for everyone. However if you are just renting accommodation from us, and any children under 8 years old will be staying in your room with you, then they stay at no extra charge (Subject to availability).
How fit do I need to be for a wilderness back-country experience?
Depending on your trip you will need to bike or hike uphill, walk downhill on horse and hike trips and get involved in horse care. Should you embark on a horse based trip, you must be able to walk downhill over steep terrain on uneven and rocky trails for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours at the walking pace of a horse. Our amazing horses bring us up to the top of the mountains, and to prevent any leg injuries or sores, we walk them downhill. Our staking meadows are often located on steep side-hills. You need to be able to hike up the side-hills to bring your horse to its staking location in the evening and get them back in the morning. On our Hiking Trips, you will be hiking steep terrain for 2 – 6 hours per day, depending on your experience and fitness.
The days are long and physically demanding on all of our trips. All of our trips require a moderate level of fitness.
Can I bring my dog on a horseback trip?
We have a ‘no pet’ rule in the main ranch house and on our guided trips. In certain situations we may be able to accommodate for pets, e.g. when you rent our private cabin. Since our horses, cats and chickens walk freely around the property, all dogs need to be on leash at all times. If go on a self-guided experience, please be aware that dogs need to be on a leash in Parks. Please contact us for further information.
Can I do a wilderness trip as a solo traveller?
Yes. We often have guests who are travelling alone staying with us so being a single person is not a problem. For camp based trips, we will match you with other guests of similar fitness and experience.
If I am an experienced rider, will I have to ride nose-to-tail?
We travel at a fast-paced walk on mountain trails (just as most of us hike mountain trails instead of running or jogging them). Our horses are trained to stay on the trail, not simply to follow the horse in front of them. Our goal is to travel long distances across rough terrain, e.g. crossing creeks, steep side hills and over rock. We want to reach the tops of the mountains instead of galloping around in the valley bottoms.
Do I need horse riding experience to go on a wilderness horseback pack trip?
No. We can accommodate for all levels of experience and have some wonderful ‘bombproof ’ horses for beginners.
How big will the group be on my guided wilderness trip?
Our maximum group size is 7 guests and 2 guides. We match smaller groups of similar abilities, age and interest to create an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement. Families get matched with other families, couples with couples, and young travellers with young travellers. New friends are often one of the highlights of the trip.
How long will I be riding or hiking each day on a back-country trip?
This all depends on the type of trip, your group’s interests, experience and fitness. All time estimates are based on a fast paced walk, either by horse or on foot. It is your responsibility to maintain this pace so your trip runs on time. The days where we ride or hike to camp and back out to the Ranch are 6-8 hours of riding or hiking.
My children have never ridden before. Can they still join for a horse riding experience?
Yes, our horses are sure-footed Mountain Cayuse horses from the Cariboo-Chilcotin where the wild herds still roam freely. They are patient and gentle with small children and adults alike, and know their job well. You can trust them to get you over the rough trails safely.
Is it safe to explore the Canadian wilderness alone?
If you would like to explore the mountains by yourself, you can do that by renting one of our satellite research huts or do our self-guided hut-to-hut trip. You can explore the mountains by mountain biking, hiking or riding your own horse. Our huts provide you with shelter against weather conditions and wildlife, such as Grizzly Bears. You can also travel light when staying in our huts. Our huts are fully equipped with propane stoves, cookware, and basic dry goods, all you need is your fresh food and personal gear.
When you book a guided trip, you are required to have a guide with you at all times for safety reasons. This includes horse riding and hiking.
Can I bring my own horse and saddle on a horse riding trip?
We do not allow people to bring their own saddle nor horses. Our saddles are old saddles which were built to fit the horse and ensure they don’t get sore. We don’t allow other horses for several reasons, including the fact that we don’t know if your horse will get along with ours or if they will be able to cope with our trails.
Can we gallop on a Canadian horseback riding experience?
We climb mountains with our horses so that we can ride the mountain tops. As we ride long days up to 10 hours we want to make sure our four-footed friends don’t get sore or injured. We also don’t trot or gallop to prevent accidents happening, e.g. running into grizzly bears or other trail users. Instead you get to enjoy the surrounding wilderness. Take in the breathtaking scenery and views, look for wildlife or find the time to reflect and relax.
What type of riding equipment will I be using on my wilderness horse pack trip?
We ride Western, using saddles that in many cases are over 100 years old. This means the saddles are designed to be worn everyday by our horses and not make them sore. Respect all the equipment provided and take good care of it so it can be used for many more years to come.
How will I take care of my horse in the back-country?
On our horse and hike pack trips, we stake our horses in meadows 15-20 minutes from camp. A stake is a wooden post, made on arrival at camp and hammered into the ground which the horse is attached to by a rope. This allows them to graze in the meadows overnight. Staking can take up to 2 hours depending on the size of the group. This is an activity everybody gets involved in as you will expand your skills in taking care of your horse. Though it is a physical demanding activity, it is an empowering and team building exercise.
What does a guide do on a wilderness experience?
Our guides move beyond the label of a traditional wilderness guide. Our guides will be leading you safely into the wilderness, through nature and back to your ordinary world. But they will do much more than that. Our guides will get you involved in all activities, from saddling and staking your horse, camp maintenance to hands-on conservation projects. They will share their knowledge and skills, empowering you to become self-sufficient. Your guides will facilitate opportunities for you to take responsibility, so you and your guides will become a team in which everyone is involved and a contributing member. Our guides will not only guide you physically, but, with our morning and evening reviews, guide you through a reflection process which allows you to reflect on your personal development and the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the wilderness and nature. Just like you our guides are committed to their growth and evolvement and continuously learning as much about themselves as you are.
What will the weather be like on my Canadian wilderness experience?
The environment is “almost bug-free.”
Summers get quite hot in these mountains, with temperatures around 22-28C and the odd spike to over 30 in August. The skies are usually clear, giving fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Nights can still get quite cool, so a good sleeping bag is a must.
In the Fall, our “Indian Summer” lasts into October, with warm days (10-20C) and clear skies. Freezing temperatures at night bring on the fall colour in the trees and meadows.
During the Winter it gets cold around the ranch, with temperatures ranging from –8C to –12C and the occasional dip to –20C. Days are mostly sunny, although we get most of our precipitation as snow at this time of year. The snow pack at the ranch is normally about 2 feet deep.
With Spring comes warmer days (10 to 15C) although the nights still cool down to freezing temperatures. The ground is wet from the melting snow so this is when we get our few mosquitoes and ticks coming out. Although we get some rainy days, the weather patterns clear through quickly to give us our sunny skies.
3 Steps to your unforgettable adventure
Talk with one of our mentor guides
You'll discuss the details & goals of your adventure
enjoy your wilderness adventure with us!
Leave the chaos of city life behind as you reconnect with nature and yourself
We offset guests' flight carbon production by investing in sustainable community forest management
5% of each trip supports conservation efforts in the Chilcotin Ark
