ROAM (Rivers, Oceans and Mountains) is one the best adventure companies out there. Established in 1986, and based in British Columbia, they orginally focused on rafting some of the world’s greatest rivers. Their trips span the globe and you may have traveled with them if you’ve taken one of the many trips they’ve facilitated for OARS, MT Sobek, American Express, World Wildlife Fund, Butterfield & Robinson, Natural Habitat Adventures and Virtuoso, among others.

The good news is that they have space available on two of their classic wilderness trips in British Columia this summer: Bear Camp and Chilko River Adventure.

BEAR CAMP

Bear Camp is a unique safari-style tent camp with ‘a Canadian twist’. Sheltered by the Pacific Coast Mountain Ranges, deep in the unspoiled raw wilderness of British Columbia, and protected by the vast terrain of the Tsilhqot’in (Chilcotin) First Nation People, lies Bear Camp.

Perched at the juncture of Chilko Lake and the Chilko River, it was originally built in 1954 as a hunting & fishing camp but has since been re-purposed and renovated into a funky, world-class adventure and wildlife-viewing destination. The main log structure is the focal point for meals, cocktails and most socializing. The surrounding tent cabins are a mixture of king or two bed rooms carefully positioned for privacy and view. There are river rock showers, flush toilets and plenty of staff to keep guests dearly spoiled while keeping the adventures flowing!

The name Bear Camp connotes simplicity but their service levels are anything but. The staff delivers coffee to the tents in the morning and they provide three chef-prepared meals, decadent appetizers and healthy organic snacks. The high guide-to-guest ratio allows guests to pick and choose daily activities ranging from hiking, rafting, biking, fishing, kayaking/canoeing, paddle boarding, bush craft, horseback riding, archery and wildlife viewing.

ROAM- Bear Camp from Skytography Inc. on Vimeo.

There are 8 deluxe safari tents featuring a king bed or two double beds with down duvets and electric blankets. There are inside and outside seating areas, charging stations and clothing storage. All the tents are perched several meters in the air along the waterfront for spectacular views.

Located at the head of the 80 km (50 mile) Chilko Lake, there are no roads or inhabitants. These are the headwaters of the famous Chilko River, which flows to the north. Floatplane service lands at the docks and wheeled planes land at the airstrip 1 km away.

In summer,  long days in the northern hemisphere allow them to explore well into the evenings. There are more activities available than one could accomplish in a week. The cost is $3,995 US pp, which includes RT air from Vancouver to Chilko Lake, chef-prepared meals, lodgings, drinks and all activities. Go to ROAM for details.

CHILKO RIVER ADVENTURE

This is a ROAM signature adventure, a classic way to see some of the most spectacular wilderness in North America, with the company that was a pioneer in river rafting.

• Meet in Vancouver where we board a flight to Chilko Lake. Flying over Whistler and the Coast Range offers a scenically spectacular start to our adventure
• Spend two glorious nights in the luxury safari-style platform tents at Bear Camp on the banks of the Chilko River
• Bike, paddle, fish or simply relax in the Chilcotin wilderness; enjoy fabulous chef-prepared meals

• Start your river adventure with 20 miles of swift current and mellow rapids watching for bears and eagles
• Descend through Lava Canyon and challenge the longest, continuous stretch of whitewater on the continent – heart stopping hydraulics and towering, standing waves cascade for more than 18 miles through deep and narrow lava gorges
• Run the “Gap”—a 20-foot wide chute that carries us into the Chilcotin Plateau
• Visit an ancient First Nation’s fishing spot deep in the 1500-foot canyon
• Soak up the scenery or hike at Big Creek
• Negotiate S-Bend and Big Creek rapid. Enjoy fun splashy rapids and the accelerating current as we whirl past towering hoodoos and dramatic canyons
• Challenge Farewell, The Gates of Mordor and Big John Canyon, a stretch of the Chilcotin featuring countless massive wave trains
• Shuttle to the airstrip for the spectacular flight back to Vancouver

The cost is $3,995 US pp, which includes RT air from Vancouver to Chilko Lake, chef-prepared meals, lodgings, drinks and all activities. Details at ROAM.

ROAM CHILKO RAFTING TRIP from Skytography Inc. on Vimeo.