A luxury log cabin resort nestled in the pristine wilderness of Chilko Lake, British Columbia. Discover the unspoiled wonder of the Chilcotin region by horseback, kayak, SUP, lake cruise, fishing trip, ATV, or mountain hike. After your exploration, take a soak in the hot tub set amidst secluded shorelines, snow capped mountains and endless greenery. Finish your day by enjoying the opulence of gourmet meals cooked by our chef, private log-homes and specially selected wines, beers and spirits. You will fall in love with The Chilko Experience.
After Covid19 scuttled our travel plans to Greece, we were looking for an alternative vacation close to home. The Chilko Experience Wilderness resort was the perfect Plan B! Gorgeous scenery, amazing log home architecture, gourmet food and drinks, and lots of interesting activities. The staff were incredibly hospitable and guided us through a ton of new experiences with patience and good humour. ATV riding, horseback riding, axe throwing and archery were all new to us and we enjoyed all of them. Hiking and fishing are also available. We had a picture perfect summer day for a cruise of the lake, which was the highlight of our stay. This summer the resort is offering a substantial discount for local travellers. Strongly recommended as a once in a lifetime experience.
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Date of stay: July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We traveled to Chilko Experience with a family of five (kids ages 10, 7, 5). I cannot recommend the lodge highly enough, it was a truly special experience, like nothing else we have done before.
It is difficult to pick a highlight - the location is beautiful and secluded, the staff from all over the world are warm, engaging, and knowledgeable, the food (by a serious expert chef) was delicious, the activities (on and off property) were great for kids and adults, the private cabins/lodges were spacious and very comfortable, and the hosts (Phil and Annie) were incredibly welcoming. This was a perfect family vacation. We had a great time on property (archery, obstacle course, boating and fishing, sports and arts and crafts) and in excursions on the lake, hiking, and wildlife viewing (bald eagles and bears). Several times we left the kids to do our own thing and the staff at the lodge were great in coming up with fun stuff for them to do (no cookie cutter 'kids club' here). We also really enjoyed the daily happy hour and the communal dinners where we met really interesting and friendly other guests as well as the staff.
I also should highlight just how secluded you feel there - on our day on the lake (180 square km) we saw a total of 5 other people (on a comparable day in Lake Tahoe there would be thousands). You really are in the middle of no where which was a great experience for all of us
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Summer is great, but for those not tied to school vacations the Fall bear season also sounds...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We recently returned from a wonderful trip with our grandchildren (ages 16, 15). This was truly an amazing experience. We arrived late in the afternoon, were greeted warmly by the owners, Phil and Ann, and shown to Carl's House, our home away from home. The activities we participated in for the next four days were personalized to each of our desires: ATV adventure, boat trip across the lake, with picnic and hike; river trip, archery, hiking, terrific cooking classes with Chef Bongo, and ax throwing (our grandson's favorite). The Lodge is immaculate and each of the houses is beautiful - decorated by Ann with her very personal touches. There was a never-ending plate of homemade cookies on our coffee table. Everyone at Chilko is passionate about the environment, wildlife and having each guest have a very positive experience. Each of us left with a heightened respect and knowledge of the wildlife, fauna and lake. Thank you all for a most wonderful adventure!
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chilko Experience Lodge is a special place that touched us in many ways. Flying over the beautiful landscape of glaciers and crystal blue water was just the beginning of the outstanding scenery we will take in over the five days at Chilko Experience. Landing on a dirt runway only to see Mama Grizzly and her cubs on the river's edge made my day, my year! Ben was at the airstrip to meet us and was an excellent guide throughout our trip. He was very knowledgeable about the area, vegetation, and animal safety. Katheryn was at the Lodge to greet us, and we immediately felt at home.
Chef Bongo spoiled us; the presentation was beautiful, but most importantly, the food was incredible. Bongo was sure to care for anyone with food allergies or sensitivities. We bought many of his cookbooks for friends at home, all personally signed by Chef Bongo!
Phil and Ann were such gracious hosts who wanted to ensure every guest was cared for, and we became friends quickly.
Activities are abundant. Hikes, ATV tours, fishing, horseback riding, riverboat trips to see the bears fishing for salmon. (my favorite) Lake picnic on the shore looking up at the beautiful landscape on the turquoise water made for an incredible day. Taylor guided us through these adventures and was terrific at sharing his knowledge of the area and ensuring everyone was cared for.
I paddle-boarded on the lake at the Lodge and the Chilko River; both proved to be a great workout as I took in dense evergreen forests and massive mountain peaks.
An extra bonus was a massage from Bianca, one of my best.
My husband was not very mobile, but everyone at the lodge ensured he was comfortable and cared for throughout our stay. The staff went out of their way to ensure he had an incredible experience. We loved every single staff member. They all felt like good friends! ( or extended family)
I already miss our beautiful Log Cabin set in a heavenly remote paradise. I am now trying to figure out how to get back there to view more grizzlies before they close for the season!
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Date of stay: September 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My recent trip to the Chilko Wilderness Experience was nothing short of extraordinary! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains and the serene Chilko Lake, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
The culinary journey orchestrated by talented chef Bongo was an absolute highlight. Each meal was a masterpiece, a symphony of flavors that celebrated the bountiful local produce. The attention to detail and creativity in each dish was evident, turning every meal into a delightful experience.
The natural beauty that enveloped us was nothing short of breathtaking. The majestic mountains seemed to touch the sky, creating a backdrop that left me in constant awe. Chilko Lake provided a sense of tranquility that is simply unparalleled.
The wildlife encounters were beyond anything I could have imagined. Witnessing grizzly and black bears in their natural habitat was a privilege that I will cherish forever. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and ensured a safe and respectful distance, allowing us to observe these magnificent creatures in their element. It was a humbling experience, reminding me of the importance of preserving such environments for generations to come.
The staff at Chilko Wilderness Experience were warm, accommodating, and genuinely passionate about sharing this slice of paradise with guests. Their dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the area was evident in every interaction, and their enthusiasm for the wildlife and surroundings was infectious.
The Chilko Wilderness Experience is a hidden gem that promises an unparalleled fusion of gourmet dining, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and intimate wildlife encounters. It's a place where the soul finds solace, and every moment is etched into memory. This trip exceeded all expectations, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature in this pristine wilderness.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a vacation we won’t forget! If you are looking to get away from the crowds & become a part of nature, this place is for you. I just thought…..we had a television in our room, but never turned it on. You are surrounded In the breathtaking beauty of nature. Everything about Chilko was exceptional. The employees were unbelievable in the care and attention they gave us, we loved Chef Bongo, his outgoing personality & his delicious food! We loved Taylor’s knowledge & patience in teaching us to fly fish. Ben was so knowledgeable about nature, when we went on hikes it was so interesting. The hospitality that was shown - from doing our laundry, homemade cookies delivered to our room each day, fixing drinks, setting a beautiful dinner table, arranging flights (thank you Kathryn), teaching various games (axe throwing & archery), picnic lunches….a special treat was getting to know Annie & seeing her unbelievable selection of hand picked jewelry for sale. Chilko is expensive & hard to get to, but worth every penny! A great vacation!!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the beautiful log cabin accommodation to the friendly, informative guides, and the excellent food-thanks chef Bongo!-the Chilko experience is an amazing retreat in the beautiful British Columbia wilderness. The location could not be more beautiful, serene, and peaceful. We really enjoyed hiking, trail riding, and a really fun cooking lesson with chef Bongo. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed and the staff are all wonderful, attentive, and ready to answer any questions. It is a truly unique experience in an untouched part of the world which seems to be increasingly rare.
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Date of stay: June 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The charter flight to the location is well worth it, a really incredible part of the experience.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked this trip for our 15th wedding anniversary after our Europe plans had to be cancelled (stupid covid!). But wow! Am I glad our Europe plans got cancelled and we found this place instead. Yes, it's pretty pricy. Yes, it's a 10 hour drive from Vancouver. Yes, it's worth it. It started with a champagne greeting and just kept getting better and better. The property is amazing. Our Bunk house cabin on the lake was, in our opinion, one of the best places in the world we've ever stayed. (Though I still think a walking path around the lake would be an awesome addition - so get on that Chilko Phil!) We went in October to see the bears. So worth it. I mean I can't even describe what an amazing experience it is to see these magnificent beasts in their own environment. And to do it in such a respectful way, well done Chilko Experience. The bears were really the whole point of the trip so we were so blown away by the other stuff we got to do. The horseback riding and ATVs. Not to mention trying to figure out how to roast cinnamon buns around the bonfire after the mid-night Klubb games. I want to give a special shout out to the staff. They really made the trip. They really did everything they could to make our stay amazing. (That includes taking down the giant stuffed moose head from over our bed because I'm a pain in the butt vegetarian....) We had ripping great conversations with the staff during happy hour and dinner. (LOVE the happy hour - SO FUN, and dinner, so delicious every night!) I just can't give the staff enough credit. Thank you.
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Date of stay: October 2020
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Room Tip:Choose the Bunk House. It's amazing. (There is no in room wifi but there is wifi in the main...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A great wilderness experience, incredible scenery, plenty of activities and individually tailored programs with excellent guides, delicious and varied food by Chef Bongo. Warm hosts with very friendly and attentive staff. Traditional log houses are very comfortable.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Horrible communication that led us to cancel our planned honeymoon at Chilko. Leading up to our arrival date, Phil was supposed to share information about the upcoming trip, which he did not do. I had to ask Phil the same question in three consecutive emails because Phil ignored it each time. When we finally decided to cancel based on the terrible communication, Phil lied to us about sending our refund. First he said he reverse wired it, which he didn’t. Then he said he sent it via mail, which made no sense since he didn’t have our address (a clear lie). When we called him out on it, he finally initiated the reverse wire. I’m so happy we chose to go with another place for our honeymoon.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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