A River Adventure and Ranch Experience with
Cariboo Chilcotin Jet Boat Adventures and Echo Valley Ranch & Spa
This package is specially designed for those seeking an extraordinary wilderness adventure and ultimate vacation experience. This 7 day package includes a 3 day / 2 night jet boat trip down the historic Fraser River from Williams Lake to the Big Bar Ferry, one of the most scenic and wild sections of the Fraser and then four days / 3 nights of eco- and soft adventures at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa.
Your Package includes:
3 Days / 2 Nights on the Fraser River- Canyon lands and Bighorns
Discover B.C.'s rich heritage and majestic river scenery on the Fraser River. You will enjoy your days cruising down stream in the comfort of a deluxe riverboat, making frequent landings to view wildlife, explore the wilderness, visiting historical and geological sites. This is an all inclusive full service adventure in a natural environment. This 3-day adventure offers authentic First Nation Cultural experiences, Gold Rush history as well as a walk in the footsteps of early explorer Simon Fraser as we read from his journal. This is an adventure for everyone.
Highlights
- Hands on experience with a First Nation Guide, Dip-netting (traditional style of fishing) for Sockeye and Chinook salmon. We will enjoy a feast of traditional foods.
- The guide will offer guests a Sturgeon fishing demonstration.
- All meals are prepared and presented by a professional chef; we feel that food is a big part of fulfilling a successful vacation. Not only are our guests well fed, but also the food is interesting and delicious. In some cases we will gather wild food from the land with our guests, accompanied with our Native Guide.
- Travel through the heart of the Fraser River wilderness aboard a riverboat with experienced pilot and guide.
Includes:
Shuttle from our meeting spot in Williams Lake at 9:00 on Day 1 (must be prearranged) at The Coast Fraser Inn, shipment of extra luggage to Echo Valley Ranch & Spa.
Safety Equipment, all meals and refreshments (such as Fresh fruit, veggies, granola bars, bottled water, juice and soft drinks throughout the day and between meals) will be provided while on the river, during the Jetboat portion. Tents will also be provided. Additional camping equipment, sleeping bag and thermo rest may be rented. To guarantee these options please request or discuss them at the time of booking your initial reservation.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1
At 9:00 guests will be picked up for a 40-minute scenic drive north of Williams Lake to Soda Creek, where we will start our Three Day River Adventure. Once we arrive at the boat launch we will have introductions, guides will load each persons luggage and give a safety orientation on our river activities.
In the morning we will observe the Historic Soda Creek town site and some of its remnants from the 1800's when this spot was a terminus for sternwheelers. Our Jetboat will arrive coming downstream just as the sternwheelers did in earlier times.
We will slice through the upper Soda Creek Canyon and stop for a visit to "Xatsull" a traditional native tepee village," it was at Xatsull that Simon Fraser met with "the Great Chief of the Atnaugh," who welcomed him, spoke on behalf of the strangers to his followers and produced the man who had seen the sea." After we say goodbye to Xatsull, we return to the river passing under the Rudy Johnson Bridge, BC's only privately owned bridge. Then a stop and look at "Russian Island" a small island where a Russian Immigrant once mined for gold, but abandoned it about 50 years ago. In "Flat Rock Canyon" we may see bald and golden eagles hovering above the canyon walls by a small waterfall. It is here that Simon Fraser laid eyes on the First Chilcotin Men, he wrote in his journal… "The men are tall and slender, of a serious disposition and inclined to industry"
We will stop at a traditional Fishing site and try our hand at dip netting; this is a traditional First Nations style fishing. Once fishing is over we will move to our evening camp spot set up our campsite and tents. Dinner will be cooked over the fire, with fresh foods, special desserts and a selection of wine or beer and other drink selections. Guests can do some gold panning, exploration or just relax.
DAY 2
Our guides will be up this morning making you a wonderful Chilcotin breakfast; you will wake to the smells and sounds of the Fraser River, wild plants and big brush sage. After breakfast we will load up and climb aboard our boat and back on the river. As we cruise along we will get into some canyon scenery, keeping ours eyes open for Bighorn Sheep and other wildlife. You will learn history of the First Nations, as well history of early Explorers.
It is here where Simon Fraser noted in his journal: "At this place we found a horn of the Sasyan or Rocky Mountain ram"…. and also noted the Native Chilcotins' making use of horses. We will be making a special excursion off the river today, to the grasslands, located on the plateau above the river. The grasslands are found in the rain shadow of the Coast and Cascade mountains. Here we have low rainfall, which limits tree growth and allows grasses to dominate. The area is home to many unique animals and rare plant life. It was also an important part of First Nations lives in original times. We will spend a part of today having a picnic lunch, walking to great canyon vistas and learning about this valuable grassland area. Arriving back to our boat we cruise to our evening camp. We will enjoy a fine dinner meal, and relaxing around the fire.
DAY 3
Guides prepare another scrumptious warm riverside breakfast. Guest can take it slower this morning. Hiking to the cathedrals is an option in the morning before the sun gets hot. We will get out on the river exploring some new areas, stopping to view some old mining sites and some more amazing river.
As we flow through this section you will be thankful for the covered roofs on our boats as well as the gentle breeze that comes through. We will have one more final lunch together, which will be well remembered. We then arrive at Big Bar Ferry; where we can have a tour of how a reaction ferry works. Upon coming to the end of our river journey together we are proud to introduce you to the staff of Echo Valley Ranch and Spa, who will pick you up at Big Bar.
Plus: 4 Days & 3 Nights at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa
Located in British Columbia's pristine Cariboo region, Echo Valley offers guests the chance to refresh both body and soul in our magical wilderness paradise. Through invigorating adventures, such as horseback riding, hiking and fly fishing, relaxing activities or cleansing Thai spa treatments, guests can achieve peace of mind while restoring their passion for life.
Set amidst four distinct geographic regions, called biomes, Echo Valley offers an exceptional range of eco and soft adventures. Explore countless trails designated for horseback riding and hiking. Fly fish at nearby lakes, pan for gold or go flight-seeing over mountain glaciers or sight-seeing in a 4X4 down into the mighty Fraser Canyon. Round out the day with pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments that include a full range of Western as well as Asian spa therapies. These include our signature Thai massage, herbal aromatherapy massages, facials, body wraps, steam baths, hydrotherapy, pedicures and manicures.
First-class accommodations are provided in both guest lodges and cabins, and guests dine in a family setting with meals created by our Master Chef.
The Exceptional Experience at Echo Valley includes accommodation, all meals and use of all ranch amenities. Activities are optional extras, offered so you can customize and enrich your stay as an experience to remember.
Echo Valley will be ready to transfer you from the Big Bar Ferry to the ranch. Your stay on the Exceptional Experience package includes the following:
- 3 Nights Accommodation in Dove Lodge or Lookout Lodge. Cabins are available at an additional charge of CDN $50 per night (not per person). All accommodations are rated 4.5-stars by Canada Select Properties
- All meals prepared by our Master Chef in an open kitchen, with a focus on good nutrition and healthy food. Special diets are accommodated. The ranch is licensed to serve a variety of local and imported beers and wine
- Use of ranch facilities: Large outdoor hot tub, sauna, indoor heated swimming pool, fitness centre, large games room with pool table, shuffleboard, darts and board games, Karaoke and wide plasma screen video/satellite TV
- Ruesri dat ton lessons: An easy-to-learn, gentle Thai stretching class, based on ancient Thai practices and new in North America. Lessons offered every morning; suitable for all age groups and abilities
- Cooking and nutrition tips: Master Chef Kim Madsen is available throughout the day with useful advice concerning cooking, special diets and nutrition
- Ranch around: Help with the ranch animals, enjoy roping and horse training demonstrations; practise 'horse shoes' and challenge the champs
- Wireless Internet access
- Unguided walks/hikes are numerous and range from easy nature trails to difficult walks as well as three-hour mapped hikes
- Planned evening entertainment includes Thai Night (Thursday) featuring authentic Thai food and traditional Thai dancing. Also, during June, July, August and September, Native drumming (Tuesday), a Cowboy Cookout (Friday)
- Falcons in flight: Watch our falcons being trained.
Add to your "Exceptional Experience" with these optional activities:
To guarantee optional activities, we recommend bookings be made at the time of your initial reservation. Please discuss your preferences with our program coordinator.
| Horseback Riding Lessons | $ 40 per hour |
| Guided Morning/afternoon horseback rides | $ 70 per ride |
| Guided all day Horseback Rides | $ 160 per ride |
| Guided Hikes: | $ 60 per hike |
| 4x4 Safari Tour: | $ 90 |
| Gold Panning trip with 4x4 Safari | $ 135 |
| Bird Watching Safari | $ 75 |
| Fly-Fishing Lessons | $ 15 |
| Fly - Fishing Excursions | $ 70 |
| Spa Treatments - Many treatments from which to choose |
Prices / Dates:
Package Price: $2749 per person plus 5% GST (CDN)
Package Dates: July 14th - 19th || July 28th - August 2nd || August 18th - 23rd || September 15th - 20th
Please contact us for further information
North America Reservations:
Nicolle: 1.800.253.8831 | Uny: 1.866.988.3230
International Reservations: 604.862.6196
Ranch: 250.459.2386
Notes:
- Flight to Williams Lake is not included, please ask reservations for details on transportation or contact them directly with provided information below.
- Williams Lake hotel overnight stay and all hotel meals in are not included in this total price.
- All prices are in Canadian funds
- Upgrades to a cabin at Echo Valley are available and is $50 per night.
- To guarantee optional activities at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, especially spa treatments, it is recommended that you book in advance of your arrival at the ranch. You may do so with our reservations personnel or email us at: info@evranch.com
- Some outdoor activities are subject to weather
- The 10% service charge is paid as a gratuity to our staff. It is intentionally less than would be charged by other facilities so that you have the option to pay more
Options, Flights and Transportation:
To guarantee these options please request or discuss them at the time of booking your initial reservation.
- Stop to Xatsull Village - $18 per person
Flights:
There are various flights from Vancouver to Williams Lake. For the best prices, it is best to book your flights in advance. There are two main airline companies offering various flights with prices ranging from $143.50 - $300.65.
Contact these companies direct or on their Web site;
Where to stay in Williams Lake
The Coast Fraser Inn Hotel
The staff here are very welcoming and the rooms have recently been renovated and are attractive. If we book the rooms for you the cost is $77/person with a continental breakfast or prices range from CDN $80- $135/night.
You can contact them directly at 1-250-398-7055 or Web www.fraserinn.com
Transportation:
- Transportation in luxury 10 passenger Van - $ 90 per hour
- Transfers from Echo Valley Ranch to Kamloops - $ 300 divided among number in vehicle
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