The Chilko Experience, British Columbia

Tucked away in five million acres of spectacular wilderness, The Chilko Experience is a private hideaway encircled by the emerald lakes, snow-capped mountains, and luscious forests of the Chilcotin. Featuring six luxury log cabins, here you’ll do as much (or as little) as you like. Waterside hot tubs and the hotel’s moon garden offer pockets of tranquillity while the lodge bar and gym offer the chance to connect with fellow travellers. Between your adventures into the wild, you’ll dine on maple wood tables beneath a glittering chandelier – or tuck into campfire S’mores beneath the stars. Or both.

Location

Set against a striking mountainous backdrop and overlooking the glistening Chilko Lake, The Chilko Experience is located in Chilcotin, a beautifully wild region of British Columbia, between the Coast Mountains and the Fraser River. Taking a one hour charter flight from Vancouver, you’ll arrive in style. Home to brown bears, wolves, eagles, mountain goats, and salmon, this breathtaking plateau is a vibrant paradise at the heart of nature. Especially in September. Perfectly positioned to witness this natural spectacle, you’ll watch as the Chilko River plays host to thousands of Sockeye salmon – while eagle-eyed grizzly bears take the plunge to catch a feast.

Your room

Crafted from the finest red cedar and decorated with authentic period antiques, the chic design of The Chilko Experience emanates rustic charm. Each luxurious log cabin boasts private decks, cozy living areas, and spectacular views of the surrounding Chilcotin wilderness. If we had our pick, we’d opt for the Tower House, which overlooks the estate’s private lake and the mountains beyond. This fairytale log castle features a wraparound deck, rainforest bathroom, and ‘Rapunzel tower’. The perfect place to let your hair down and relax. Fancy the entire wilderness resort to yourself? Just ask and we’ll make it exclusively yours, with space for up to 18 guests.

Why we like it

We love the philosophy behind The Chilko Experience, where the emphasis is placed on experiences connecting with nature and wildlife. Embrace your wild side by catching fish, axe throwing at the Viking range, horseback riding, kayaking on Chilko Lake, and swapping stories around the campfire. Between soaring over ancient glaciers by helicopter and seeking out bears in the wild, here you’ll embark on countless adventures. After exploring the mesmerising landscapes, an indulgent soak in one of the waterside hot tubs is the perfect way to unwind.

Sustainability

Located 40 miles from the nearest power grid, the hotel’s sustainability ethos is at the heart of its operations. Making use of natural resources, all the estate’s lodges are powered by solar energy. But that’s not all. The Chilko Experience also acts sustainably by growing organic vegetables and herbs, offering biodegradable soaps and shampoos to guests, drawing its fresh water from a well, and heating its chemical-free hot tub with firewood. This is off grid living at its finest.