The Chilko Experience Wilderness Resort, Chilko Lake, British Columbia Canada
The Chilko Experience Wilderness Resort
Chilko Lake, British-Columbia, Canada
www.chilkoexperience.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Shareholders
Privately Owned
Date of Creation
2000
Hotel General Manager
Phil Huston
Midwest USA native. The background was in agricultural commodities trading and later into commodity info services via a startup. Sold company in 2000.
Hotel Positioning
4-star luxury all-inclusive wilderness resort.
Development Strategy
The Chilko Experience has been a fully constructed facility for over a decade. In 2015 it began commercial operations. The current emphasis now on marketing and getting the product known in the luxury travel market. Becoming a TM branded product should aid in that goal.
THE CHILKO EXPERIENCE WILDERNESS RESORTt
History & Story
Escape to the unspeakably secret, untamed and rugged heart of British Columbia, where you can walk among wildlife, drift on crystal waters beneath ancient glaciers and wander through silent forests as old as time. Far, far away from the crowds, the noise, the 9-5… adventure awaits.
Our secluded log cabin hideaway will become your home for an unforgettable wilderness experience.
The Chilko Experience invites you to experience the raw, pristine wilderness of British Columbia, and come home at the end of an adventure-filled day to the luxury and comfort of our 20 acre resort nestled among the trees, with 6 of the finest unique log-homes in Canada, sumptuous chef-prepared meals, a selection of BC wines and craft brews, an eclectic library, wifi and a wood-fired hot tub under a canopy of stars. A selection of more than a dozen guided adventures are the main feature of this all-inclusive package, sure to set hearts racing and complete this vacation of a lifetime.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
This is a family estate dedicated to making guests feel like family. Activities or events are chosen day-to-day by the guests themselves, and if you have an occasion to celebrate we will go above and beyond to make you feel extra special. We welcome you wholeheartedly and will show you the best of the Chilcotin not as a visitor, but an insider.
The Swiss Artisan craftsmen constructed log and timber frame homes were designed for opulence and are one of a kind. Contractor was Pioneer Log Homes of BC (Pioneer is to log construction as Faberge is to eggs).
Location
Our incredible location equals the beauty of Banff, but with none of the crowds. The resort sits at the North end of Chilko Lake – the largest alpine lake in North America. It is 85KM in length, over 300m in depth and ringed by mountains and glaciers. Water is 100% glacier and snow melt and pure to drink. The Chilko River hosts 1M spawning Sockeye salmon each September which draws in over 100 Grizzly bears to dine. Chilko is one of the best bear viewing destinations in Canada. Wildlife is abundant. We are located 150 air miles north of Vancouver by spectacular scenic charter flight.
Key sites/activities in the area
- Wildlife Viewing
- Kayaking
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding
- Hiking and running trails
- Horseback Riding
- Fishing
- Lake Tours
- ATV trails
- Viking Axe Range
- Heli-tours
- White-water rafting
- Photography
Fun Facts
The Chilcotin region can be best desribed as Montana 1910 with more mountains. Only 1,000 hearty residents call the Chilcotin home – that’s one person for every 52 square miles! The region supports 17 unique ecosystems which biologists from around the world come to study. Over 25% of all bald eagles in NA live in BC. Over 15,000 grizzly bears and 100,000 black bears call BC home. Residents are uncommonly handsome.
Children’s Corner
The Chilko Experience will accept children of any age as long as they are accompanied by good parents. For many children, Chilko will be their first opportunity to connect with true nature . There is hiking, swimming, a hot tub, canoeing and special horse familiarization opportunities for kids as young as three.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
We offer all-inclusive packages which include homes, not rooms. We have six guest homes available, and each home is uniquely decorated with period antiques, and the locations were individually selected for privacy and fantastic views. We provide guests with luxury bedding, towels, bathrobes, toiletries, hair dryers, coffee makers, snacks and soft drinks. Direct TV available in each home and wifi in main lodge.
The Tower House
The Tower House is our architectural delight. With 2,500 square foot it is the largest of our log homes, comprised of open kitchen and living space, glass dining-room and expansive decking on the lower floor, open bed/lounge room, bathroom and 2 balconies on the second floor, and an observation tower and deck on the top floor, overlooking our private lake. Its special loft design makes it the perfect romantic getaway for two, ideal for honeymoons, engagements and anniversaries. The building was featured in the Timber Kings Show on HGTV in the year 2012.
Annie’s House
Annie’s House is situated on a small elevation to the west of the Main House. With its stunning view over the private pond, it is the place to enjoy the sun setting behind the mountains. It sleeps two people and has two bathrooms, an open loft style living with a loft bedroom beautiful kitchen made from Alder wood.
Bunk House
The Bunk House, (also called Ben’s House), lies directly at the private lake. On its deck, there is the wood heated hot tub, which gives the perfect opportunity to finish off the day with the stars above your head and a drink in your hand. The house accommodates 5 people and is the kid’s favorite, as it has easy access to the lake’s marina.
Bryan’s House
Bryan’s House was original to the property and has been completely renovated. It has two bedrooms and a lovely open kitchen/living area with a stunning carved bannister leading up to the second floor. Its surrounding deck makes sure you have sunlight all day long if you wish to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Carl’s House
Carl’s House was one of the first homes built on our estate. It’s the perfect family accommodation as it has two separate bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own bath. The kitchen area and open living room are perfect for cozy family evenings, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a stunning view over the lawn.
Main House:
The Main House, (also called Tim’s House) is the center of activity during your stay. Here we start the day, plan your activities, dine together, play games, watch movies and socialize at the bar. There are also three bedrooms with private baths attached. The Main suite on the third floor is over 750 sq. ft. and features a canopy bed made from 800-year-old Juniper logs.
Restaurants & Bars
All-inclusive offering features lodging in a log or timber frame home, chef prepared meals, an open bar and ten guided activities.
The chef is excellent and excels at old and new world cuisine. Breakfast is an expansive buffet offering designed to feed a hungry lumberjack.
Lunch is generally packed as guests are usually off site engaged in a gudied activity.
Appetizers and cocktails are served at 6 :30 pm. Sometimes by an open outdoor fire.
Dinner is plated and served with wine. Vegetables are grown in an on site green house or sourced locally whenever possible.
Our dining focus is to provide tremedously favorable food in a casual, relaxed atomsphere.
Wellness
- Fully equipped gym
- Natural pool made 10 acres pond that supports swimming, paddle boards, canoes and kayaks.
- Hiking, boating, horseback and ATV trail rides are some activities that place guests in the middle of pristine nature.
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New wood-fired hot tub, situated on the deck overlooking our private lake
Corporate & Celebration Events
We are a boutique facility and do not host traditional corporate events due to our location and size. We have hosted smaller executive groups who wish to team build or reward key clients.
Extra Notable Features
Wilderness Survival Skill Workshops
Arts and crafts, paints, woodworking shop
Eclectic library
Hotel and restaurant Awards
- Chad Clark’s Certified 25 top experiences for 2018
- Founding member of the Austin Collection 2018
- Villas of Distinction 2017
- Mantis Collection UK 2017
- Frosch Villa Collection 2017
Number of employees
10