River Rafting on a BudgetCanadian River Expeditions
This six-day all-inclusive trip in Canada from Williams Lake to Vancouver with rafting on the Chilcotin and storied Fraser rivers is value-priced at $999 (U.S.) per person. Two of these "shortie" trips are scheduled for 1999 (Aug. 10-15 and Aug. 17-22) both are Tue-Sun programs. Last fall, the Fraser River became the newest addition to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, which recognizes and protects Canada's outstanding rivers. "We've added this shorter trip in response to many who have asked for a trip priced to fit a tighter budget," says John Mikes, Jr. whose father founded the company. "It covers the core of one of our most popular longer trips and provides a six-day adventure requiring only a week off work. Not only is this trip more accessible requiring no fly-in or charters it has the best climate, the best rapids, and best variety of landscapes of any multi-day river trip in southern Canada." A float trip into the interior of British Columbia provides adventure enough to satisfy the primeval urge in most vacationers. It also is perfect for families, suitable for persons of virtually any age and anyone under age 19 receive a 20 percent discount on the trip. Rafting trips also are designed to cater to a wide range of interests no matter whether the participant is a rambler or fast hiker, artist or angler. A guide-to-client ratio of 1-to-4 permits a great deal of personal attention. Guides are knowledgeable about natural history as well as being skilled outdoorsmen, entertaining companions, and accomplished outdoor chefs who cook gourmet meals over open fires. "Whitewater Week" starts at Williams Lake, B.C., with participants invited to fly or drive there or take bus or train up from Vancouver. Then comes a journey into the grasslands and forests of Chilcotin country to rafts that are waiting on the turquoise water of the Chilcotin River near Hanceville.
On the third day you'll encounter the progressively more challenging whitewater of Big Creek Rapids, Deux Tetons, and Farewell Canyon. From the third camp opposite the Chilcotin-Fraser Junction Bighorn Sheep Reserve you'll splash through the last few miles of the Chilcotin River into the mighty Fraser were you'll sight many bighorn sheep. On one trip, the guide had to chase off an overly inquisitive young black bear. Later, rafters were treated to the sight of a cougar leisurely climbing up from the river and over a craggy ridge. An abundance of migrating salmon attracts bears and eagles. The fifth day takes rafters past the hoodoos, the rapids of French Bar Canyon, and the remnants of pioneer ranches and the 1858 Gold Rush to the final camp. There is an early rise on the sixth day to run the best whitewater of the Fraser, ending up a few miles above the town of Lillooet. Here, you catch the afternoon train to Vancouver for a relaxing wind down through the mountains and lakes of the Coast Range past Whistler and the Cheakamus Canyon. First timers quickly realize that river rafting isn't necessarily focused on risky, whitewater thrills. "Big rapids are not the primary attraction," says Mikes. "While there is some small or moderate whitewater on all of our expeditions enough to make them interesting several trips consist almost entirely of gentle floating." On most trips, there is lots of time on shore for walks and hikes to appreciate birds, wildflowers, and spectacular vistas. "Most of our trips," says Mikes, "emphasize the history and culture of our native peoples." Reservations and additional information fromCanadian River Expeditions, Ltd. Edited by Dave Shultz Courtesy of Canadian River Expeditions, Ltd. |
|
TM
Soft-adventure seekers should take a look at "Whitewater Week," a new rafting trip offered by Canadian River Expeditions, Ltd. It's a trip that is long on adventure for those short on time. And it offers a high quotient of excitement at a surprisingly low price.
The river trip begins through the scenic canyons and hills of the Goosenecks. At a camp on the edge of Big Creek Ecological Reserve rafters lay over for a day to hike, fish, or just plain relax at a beautiful spot that enjoys one of the finest climates in Canada.