Wilderness Training

Friendly bighorn sheep

2012-02-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

At this time of the year, it is not rare to cross path with Bighorn Sheep. Groups of 3-5 to up to 12 individuals can regularly be seen on the side of the road or even on the road on the way to Lillooet.

Surprisingly, they are usually not shy, not afraid of cars, and very often you have to stop your truck to let them pass if not chase them away from the road.

They never run away too far, just in sight for a picture...

Ice fishing on the pond

2012-02-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

Our nearby frozen lakes and ponds, where Rainbow and Brook Trout of a good size can be found in abundance, are an invitation to go ice fishing...

The whole crew went ice fishing yesterday after lunch and stayed out until dusk.

After recent temperatures of -25 C°, the ice was much thicker than we expected, and it certainly took some effort and strong team-up energy to drill 5 holes in two feet of ice!

We baited our hooks with shrimps and slowly lowered it down into the dark icy hole. Then came patience...

Johanna was the first one to get a fish within 5 minutes!

As the afternoon was reaching an end, we built a big fire on the frozen pond, cooked smokies and grilled one of our fresh fish, no spices, nothing, delicious...!

Be wild, be smart, be tough

2012-02-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of "Cayuse Horses"?

Cayuses are the Canadian wild horses. Like Mustangs in the USA, Cayuses are still inhabiting the remote wilderness of British Columbia. All Cayuses are decendants of the Spanish horses brought by Cortes in the early XVIth century. A herd of about 100 lives in the Brittany Triangle by Nemiah Valley (Chilcotin District), they have been roaming this mountainous area for over 200 years. Smaller herds can be found in other areas of British Columbia.

Cayuses have always been known for being hardy and tireless. Click here to read the extraordinary story of one brave little Cayuse pony...

Most of our horses are Cayuses, caught directly out of the wilderness and trained. Their wild instinct is a fantastic asset: they are trail-smart, sure-footed, brave and persistent, capable of going safely on very challenging terrain where you wouldn’t imagine horses can go. Familiar with our local wildlife, they have no fear when encountering other animals, even predators like bears, black bear or grizzly. Most of them have some draft horse in them, which makes them calm, patient and trustable.

Unfortunately, wild horses are not protected in British Columbia, which makes their future uncertain in the province. They are considered a pest by many and hunting wild horses is not illegal…

Morning equine-canine bonding time...

2012-02-03T22:07:00.000-08:00

Tyaughton obviously prefers the dog's hay than his own... we found him sneaking into Boo's kennel this morning...

Good thing Boo is such a sharer!

Carpenter Lake is drying up

2012-01-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

Carpenter Lake is located 10 min drive down the road from the ranch (about 1h30 on horseback). This artificial lake is one of the three reservoirs that was built as part of the Bridge River Power Project, a pre-World War II project completed in the late 50's. The two other reservoirs of the hydro-electric system are Downton Lake and Seton Lake.

Carpenter Lake is the biggest of the three as it lies in a valley about 50 km long by 1 km wide.

The Terzaghi Dam diverts the water from Carpenter Lake into two powerhouses located on Seton Lake. Several creeks run into Carpenter Lake year round, including Gun Creek.

As glaciers melt in the Spring and throughout the Summer, the valley fills up. In the fall and the winter, the lake slowly dries up as the water is being used to provide electricity to the surrounding area, and the underlying valley becomes accessible to hikers and riders.

We went down on horseback to check it out this morning, it's quite dry now and it makes a very nice ride on the windy and wide open valley...

Gold Mine icicles on Carpenter Lake

2012-01-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

In the winter, the old Gold Mine located on the side of Carpenter Lake looks like a mysterious cave with its massive icicles shining in the darkness of its multiple rocky tunnels. As the top icicles start melting when the temperature rises inside the tunnels, bottom icicles form, giving the illusion that they are growing from the ground.

Stepping into the tunnels feels like stepping into a fairy tale... you wouldn't be surprised to see some kind of magical creature pop up behind the ice!

Tracking bull moose in the fall...

2012-01-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

It was an early September morning, we saddled our horses in the dark and left camp at dawn. We were determined to find moose, rutting bull moose.

As we quietly rode through the bush, down in the wide misty valley, the first flakes of snow fell from the sky. Our horses carefully wove their way through the thick willows and pine trees, avoiding swamps and mud, walking fearless on rocky terrain and shale.

We had been riding for an hour when we found a fresh moose track, we could still smell the moose in the air, we knew it was a bull. This was our chance, we decided to follow the tracks and soon reached an opening, a large round meadow with a small frozen pond and a few pine trees. And there it was, a big bull, standing right in front of us, we hid in the bush, motionless, contemplative and fascinated.

Joe & Alzira, Wilderness Guides

Special bird encounter

2012-01-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

One of our staff member had the chance to spot a group of Bald Eagles on his way to town, and got close enough to take pictures.

These very impressive birds have a wingspan typically between 1.8 and 2.3 m (5.9 and 7.5 ft). They can fly at a speed of up to 70 km and up to 160 km when diving. They can live up to 20 years, but records show that some of them have lived until 50 years in captivity.

The numerous lakes and rivers of the South Chilcotin Mountains attract a large population of Bald Eagles on our 5000 sq km territory.

Winter deworming session

2012-01-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

Our guides recently dewormed all our horses. It only takes 5 ml of dewormer in the mouth to make our horses healthy for 3 months, so we have to do this about 4 times a year.

Cash is a very good patient...

We administrate the dewormer paste with a syringe that we gently insert at the very top on one side of the mouth. Some horses are quite reluctant to accept the syringe, rearing, kicking or just running away, so we have to trick them by mixing the paste with some oats. Some others really like it and beg for more...

Our guides mentored some of our staff members on the process, very special first time experience!

Chilcotin Holidays wishes you all the best in 2012

2012-01-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

We hope you are ready for an exciting and adventurous new year!

Have you ever thought of experiencing a different kind of lifestyle, explore the Canadian wilderness, work with horses and interact with people from all over the world?

Then you may be interested in our Wilderness Tourism Training Programs, a propeller for anyone wishing to pursue a career in Adventure Tourism, or a fantastic wilderness adventure for those looking for just a short break from their current career.

We hope to count you among our student this year!

Girzzly Viewing in the Chilcotin

2011-06-18T16:17:00.001-07:00

Prime Grizzly viewing in our sub alpine camps is June 1st through July 15. But most horse pack trips see grizzlies right through to October. Last week our Guide School saw a Sow with 4 cubs, a pretty unusual sight!

We also do truck-based Grizzly viewing day trips, and have courses in bear defense for those who want to enjoy the wilderness in a responsible way when on their own.

Call us for details and to book your opportunity to see these animals in their home. A true Canadian experience unlike any other.

Hike the Chilcotin Mountains

2011-06-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Join us on one of our Hiking Trips in the Chilcotin Mountains. We offer guided multi-day alpine hiking trips and wilderness trekking tours. Explore secluded alpine basins keep your eye out for abundant wildlife and enjoy open-air lunches with stunning scenery. We have over 150 species of wildflowers which cover the alpine meadows during the summer months.

Alpine flowers on display

2011-04-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

From May to September the South Chilcotin Mountains are alive with flora and fauna. Horse riding, wildlife viewing and flowering alpine meadows is the best all-round combination for a wilderness vacation.

Do you want to see a Grizzly Bear lying on his stomach pulling himself through a field of wild flowers with bouquets of flowers sticking out the side of his mouth?

The yellow flowers of the Spruce Lake side hills will be a bumper crop in May and June 2011. Balsa Root is what these colourful flowers are called. The name does not match their grandeur. Because of the good snow pack this Winter, the mountains side will be painted yellow for 6-8km in length and 1 km deep. the flower heads are over 4 inches in diameter. There will be clusters of 10 to 20 flower heads in each plant and they will stand over 24 inches tall, belly deep to the horses. To witness this display of nature at it's peak is a rare experience of the Chilcotin Mountains not had by many.

Mantracker, Terry Grant, rides the horse trails of the Chilcotin Mountains

2011-04-11T10:57:00.001-07:00

Tune in April 17th 2011 9pm ET/PT to OLN for the premiere episode of Season 6 featuring our guide Russ Floyd.

Shane Doan, Team Canada, hockey player and Phoenix Coyotes captain and his brother Brook are the hunted on the premiere episode of Mantracker, Season 6. Russ Floyd acts as Mantracker's right hand man and Chilcotin Mountain guide. Russ and Mantracker, Terry Grant, rode our mountain horses in the pursuit of Shane and Brook- the hunted in the premiere show, April 17th 2011.

How did Russ get a chance to ride with Mantracker on the international reality TV show? When Russ was 18 he took the Wilderness Horse Pack Guide Training Program with Chilcotin Holidays. He learnt all the skills to be guide, then he taught the guide training programs at Chilcotin Holidays. Russ guides year round doing Mountain Horse Pack Trips, Grizzly Viewing Trips, Horse Logging and Horse Shoeing.

The Horse Back Guide Training first program is full - the second program runs May 16th - 28th - we say that if you want to work as a Horse Back Guide, take the the first schools of the year and you're ready to work for this season. We do schools until mid-September so if earlier ones don't fit your schedule, you will be ready next season.

Russ guides guests in the same mountains the two episodes of Mantracker were filmed. Guests can request to ride the same horse and ride the same trails that Mantracker rode when he hunted Shane Doan and his brother in the premiere episode.

Working as a Wilderness Guide

2011-03-27T14:37:00.002-07:00

Hi, my name is Ed Haines, I’m 52 years old and live in St Albert Alberta. I’ve been coming out to the Chilcotin Holidays Ranch for the last four years now. I’ve attended the Wilderness Guide and Outfitter courses and have been guiding guests and working around the ranch doing whatever needs to get done.

I grew up a city slicker but worked summers with my uncle who was a horseman with the

harness racing circuit in Manitoba. I loved the horses and atmosphere around the barns and helping to get the horses ready for the season was great fun.

I left home from Winnipeg when I was 17 years old and joined the Canadian Army. Travelling extensively and conducting operations around the world and Canada, at 47 years old I realized it was time to change my combat boots for cowboy boots. I since have been working full time for the Alberta Government as an Emergency Management Officer.

I have come out to the ranch every year as my working holiday and for some life balance. At first I was concerned about my age but now find, although not quite as fast as the 25 year olds,my stamina for the long days has not failed me and I truly feel rejuvenated by the experience each and every summer. I find working with younger people has an infectious spirit that provides for well- being beyond explanation.

My wife kids me saying “you’re are a sucker for hard work”, wilderness guiding is just that, however it is very rewarding hard work and at the end of each and every pack trip it gives me a the sense of satisfaction upon completing another journey that feeds me throughout the remainder of the year in that job back in Edmonton that provides me to eat regular.

Life on the ranch is filed with spectacular views, fresh mornings, and eagerness of physical and mental well-being. Great food for healthy eating, beautiful ranch accommodations for guests and clean well managed camps for the mountain trips are second to none.

There is a true infectious enthusiasm from everyone; guides, ranch hands and staff that the guests cannot help but absorb to give them a great experience. There is more than plenty of wide openness that Chilcotin country provides for, to all who venture into her. Whether a summer trip or a winters frolic, no one could help but feel invigorated! If I were only 25 all over again, mountain life may have become a full time venture for me, que sera sera… life may have turned out a little different but it is still pretty darn good with my “life balance” trips every year ha ha!

I have had many experiences in life and as a paratrooper, however I continue to realize each season at the ranch that my individual growth never ends, life just keeps providing excitement,and I’m a sucker for it all-as my wife says.

Take care all and we’ll see you on the trail in the very near future at Chilcotin Holidays were we will pitter-patter down the trail, sing and yell- Yahoo! Ed.

Jobs Available

2010-04-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

Chilcotin Holidays - the Canadian Tourism Training Center is looking for highly motivated staff. Anyone who is on a working holiday, a short-term stay, a SWAP program or WWOOFing can apply. We offer positions for staff wishing to stay for a minimum of 4 weeks. Longer stays are welcome! Have a look at the following positions:

Office Department

Skill Requirements: Will train for specific tasks but some office and accounting experience is needed.

Knowledge of "Simply Accounting", College training or work experience an asset. Need computer skills, good telephone manner and good work ethic. Must have good knowledge of English language.

Specific Duties: Accounting, Answering phones, bookings/reservations, typing fulfilling enquiries.

Outside Department - Maintenance

Skill Requirements: Repairs and maintenance.

Specific Requirements: Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. Mechanic skills, plumbing skills, electrical skills an asset. This is a general maintenance position, which covers a wide variety of duties that are required for the repair and maintenance of a ranch.

Kitchen/Housekeeping Department

Skill Requirements: Home or work experience cooking. Must have good knowledge of English language.

Specific Duties: Prepare meals and deserts from set menu. Prepare special dishes for guests with food allergies. Purchasing and ordering. Maintain a clean and professional working kitchen. General cleaning and maintenance. Will train.

Outside Department - Ranch Hand

Skill Requirements: Horse experience preferred

Specific Requirements: Feed and tend animals. Fix fences, move irrigation sprinklers, Gardening, recycle garbage. inventories, help guides with chores, maintain saddles. Will Train

As the ranch is located in a remote setting, staff must relocate.

We provide free board and accommodation and a true Canadian wilderness experience.

Call us for any questions or send us an email. Apply by email: adventures@chilcotinholidays.com. For more information regarding positions or to learn about the ranch, please check out our website: www.chilcotinholidays.com.

School Schedule 2010

2010-04-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Being a Mountain Guide by horse back is a once in a lifetime experience and adventure.

Here is a guide to our school courses for 2010. Check out what we have to offer and see if you can fit some wilderness guide training into your summer plans!

2 Week Guide M-Sa April 26-May 8

2 Week Guide M-Sa May 17-29

1 Week Hike Guide Su-Sa May 30-June 5

2 Week Guide M-Sa June 7-19

1 Week Guide Su-Sa June 27-July 3

1 Week Angling Guide Su-Sa July 4-10

1 Week Guide Su-Sa July 18-24

1 Week Guide Su-Sa August 8-14

1 Week Guide Su-Sa Sept 12-18

Upgrading your existing Guide skills is a good way to start the season of wilderness guiding.

1 Week Advanced Guide Su-Sa June 20-26

1 Week Outfitter Guide Su-Sa July 11-17

1 Week Tourism Management Su-Sa August 15-21

1 Week Horse Logging Su-Sa April 11-17

1 Week Log Cabin Building Su-Sa July 25-31

We have a lot of international students that come to practice their English in our western wilderness environment. Check out our ESL programs.

1 Week ESL June - Sept

Basic English Communication

2 Week ESL June - Sept

Basic English Communication

4 Week ESL June - Sept

Basic English Communication

1 Week ESL Oct - May

2 Week ESL Oct - May

Basic English Communication

4 Week ESL Oct - May

Basic English Communication

Staff Member turns into ambitious Entrepreneur

2009-08-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Alison has been working for Chilcotin Holidays since February, 2008. During her employment at the ranch, her responsibilities ranged from customer service, office administration, form and template development, writing detailed procedures, working with spreadsheets, data analysis, staff scheduling, and marketing.

Recently she has taken the first steps in starting her own business, Birkenhead Business Solutions. With a science degree in International Horticulture Management and experience in Project Management and Process Optimization under her belt, Alison is planning on working as a virtual assistant and consultant. Her home based business will give her the flexibility of offering services to companies virtually anywhere via online correspondence and telecommunications. For more information on the types of services offered by Alison, check out her website.

Social Networking and Website Updates

2009-05-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

Check out our new official group and the Chilcotin Holidays profile on Facebook. We’ll keep you updated on the current news and events, for example our upcoming special deals, last minute trips, discounted courses and much more. You can be added as a friend or you can become a fan of Chilcotin Holidays for exclusive ranch updates.

Our photography competition will award the winner with a free 2-night (3-day) all-inclusive ranch stay. The competition will run until September 30th so spread the word and start sending us your photos. Members of facebook can upload them right to the photography competition group or if you’re not a member of facebook you can email us your pictures (include photo credits) and we will upload them to the group for you. The photo must have been taken in our Guide Territory. The winner will be notified October 1st. Good luck!

Take a look at the latest additions to our website. You’ll find new videos and we’ll soon be uploading clips of the guide training taking place right now! YouTube – coming soon to YouTube will be instructional How-To videos, hosted by our long standing wilderness guide, Russell Floyd. New website for our Spruce Lake Park Backpackers Lodge will be launched at the end of May ready for the summer season.

Employment Opportunities only limited by your Imagination

2009-05-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

As the new season approaches, we are welcoming back some of our amazing staff members – Doug, Russ, Bob, Willi and Todd.

We’re also happy to be welcoming Randy back to help guide some trips this summer. Randy works as a Restaurant Manager in resort town of Whistler. He took the guide school a few years ago and comes up to the ranch each summer to guide on his free time.

This is just one example of the flexibility the guiding industry can offer you. We hire all of our guides out of our pool of guide school graduates and will be looking closely for eligible candidates to join our team this summer.

Guide School Student Bios

2009-05-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

First wilderness guide school of the season is off to an excellent start. With a successful completion of the first week, these students are ready to begin the second leg of their journey. They will be heading to camp for the second half of their training and will be perfecting their skills at the shoeing, and packing. With long days of riding ahead of them we are sure the beauty of the mountains will make their hard work worth it. Lead by expert backcountry wilderness guide, Russ, and assisted by guides Bob and Willie, these students are in for an experience of a lifetime. These nine students from diverse backgrounds show a wide ranch in age and interest. Here is a brief overview of this year’s starting lineup:

Jill and Jackie, two sisters aged near 60, fun gals, lead an all-girl riding camp on Vancouver Island and plan to expand their services to overnight pack-trips.
Nicole,21, from Ontario has experience in the hospitality industry and wants to acquire skills to attain employment at a guest ranch or wilderness lodge.
Damian, 23, a German carpenter, came to Canada to practice his English and experience the Canadian wilderness. After his 12-month working holiday in Canada he intends to go back home to study architecture.
Daniel, 26, from Manitoba is a farmer. He wants to be an outfitter one day and is here to improve his horse-related skills so he can open the door to a lifelong dream.
Stephanie, 19, comes from Ontario and worked as a camp counselor. Her goal is to combine and expand her skills to include horse guiding.
Sebastian, 20, a guy from downtown Vancouver has trained as a chef. He is passionate about the outdoors and is looking for a balance. Working part-time as wilderness horse guide seems like a great solution.
Teresa, from Hope, BC, has her own horses wants to learn the skills of shoeing and packing to enable her to take her own horses into the mountains on overnight trips.
Mike, 32, from Nova Scotia has his own wilderness guiding business that operates across Canada in different seasons. He operates a dog-sledding business in northern Québec in the winter and goes guiding in Ontario in the summer. With the skills as a horseback guide he can really round out his services.

Entry Ticket

2009-03-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

Our Wilderness Guide Training Course running April 27 – May 9 2009 is almost full. If you’re interested in taking part in one of these early 2-week courses, then you better get your contract in ASAP, as these last spots will be given on a first come first serve basis. These spring courses offer graduates a full season of guiding after the course.

Not only Chilcotin Holidays, but many other outfitters across the country will be hiring their staff soon, and looking for a solid foundation of skills when they hire their guides. Having taken this training is basically your entry ticket to the world of guiding, so don’t wait until it is too late. Visit our website or contact us for more details about these opportunities.

Government Funding for Training

2009-03-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

The training programs offered at Chilcotin Holidays are registered with the PCTIA (Private Career Training Institutions Agency of British Columbia) and are eligible for government funding.

We provide a wide variety of courses for jobs in the wilderness tourism industry (see the training section on our website). For more information on the programs being funded by the government please click here: www.servicecanada.gc.ca The Canadian government is putting approximately $3 billion into funding for educational career training and this includes special industry sectors like manufacturing and forestry. Other categories include the self-employed, youth, and older workers etc. If you’re thinking about getting training in the wilderness tourism industry, then contact us and we’ll assist you with your new career.

Horse Dentistry

2009-03-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

Well horse dentistry is not what I had expected when I arose on Saturday morning. However each day at Chilcotin Ranch is not like the last, there is always something new to throw yourself at, quite literally in this case. After we had finished the exhilarating task of chasing, lassoing, and holding the stomping, kicking horses while they were given the wormer. Kevan decided to let us help him file some of the horse’s teeth. So it was Damian’s and my job to hold the horses while Kevan did the filing. The first two horses, Tom and Yalokom went pretty smooth with Damien and myself taking turns at filing the horse’s teeth.
Then came the last horse, which was the smallest of the whole herd, JP and he decided he certainly did not want to participate in "seeing the dentist" (neither would I to be honest). So as Kevan showed us how to file down their teeth. But at the moment we thought things were going to go smoothly, he went up with legs with us holding on for dear life and trying to control him. After some time off this he decided that we had it over him and he reluctantly let us finish. Once we were finished he was more than happy to snack on some rolled barley. Then we retired to lunch a little bit wiser and quite a bit sorer but happy none of the less.
Brooke and Karl, Australia – 2009

It’s that time of year again

2009-02-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

Our Wilderness Guide Training Courses are beginning to book up. If you’re interested in taking part in one of this year’s sessions, then now is the time to reserve your spot. Our spring courses tend to book up especially quickly as they offer graduates a full season of guiding after the course. Outfitters across the country will be looking to hire their staff and your chances of obtaining one of these sought-after guiding positions are dramatically increased, when you have a foundation of training under your belt. Visit our website or contact us for more details about these opportunities.

A Day in the Life of a Guide School Student

2009-02-26T16:59:00.000-08:00

Before signing up for the course I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do after high school. There are so many options out there! But my love of horses and desire to work in the outdoors led me to the Chilcotin Holidays website. Before starting university the following year I planned to take a year off and work as a wilderness guide.
My first step in achieving this goal was to enroll in the guide training program. On my first day I was a bit nervous. There were 8 other people in the course, all from different back-grounds, all different ages, but we all had one thing in common: our desire to work in the wilderness. That afternoon we began with the basics of rounding up the horses, shoeing, and tacking up. After dinner we all went for a ride; it was my first time “bushwhacking”! This was definitely riding off the beaten tail. It was incredible.
The next morning our day began at 6am. Let me tell you – getting out of your cozy, warm sleeping bag in the morning requires real discipline! But once I was out there and could take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, it was all worth it. We chased the horses from the coral down to the front pastures and then prepared all the materials we would need later on: horse shoes, nails, shoeing chaps and other equipment. By this time we could smell the sweet aroma of fresh pancakes coming from the ranch kitchen! By 7am we were gathered together in the dining room, chowing down on a real “loggers’ breakfast”! Pancakes, fried eggs, sausages, granola, fresh fruit salad, yogurt, orange and cranberry juice, coffee, tea, … we had everything my little heart could desire!
After breakfast we spent the next couple hours practicing our ferrier skills. I already had a favourite horse picked out. His name was RA – short for Runaway – a beautiful paint with one blue and one brown eye. We went down to catch the horses and RA seemed to know that I was coming for him.
By around 10am we were starting to feel the warmth of the early morning sun on our backs and were happy to see one of the kitchen staff members coming out with refreshments for us. There’s nothing like a freshly baked muffin and a glass of juice to keep our energy going.
We continued working on the horses’ shoes throughout the rest of the day. And again we headed off after dinner for a rewarding ride after a long days’ “work”. Upon our return to the ranch, just as dusk was setting in, we gathered around the campfire. A couple of the others could play the guitar pretty well and it reminded me of being at summer camp back when I was younger. Tomorrow would bring a new day and we would learn how to put the pack on the horses. I couldn’t wait to get out there and try these things out on a real pack trip! Soon enough I would be out guiding guests through the mountains and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the rest of my summer!
Jane, BC, Canada

Publish Post

Calling All Aspiring Wilderness Guides

2009-01-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

Chilcotin Holidays Wilderness Tourism and Training Centre is proud to be enrolling students into the 2009 training session. Please be advised that the courses will be filling up fast over the next couple of months, especially the early sessions, which allow the graduates to get a full season of guiding in before fall. We are happy to help you out with any questions you may have about our upcoming courses.

Megumi’s Story – My Experience in Chilcotin Holidays

2008-12-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

I came from Japan on a working holiday visa – I wanted to experience nature and the wilderness so I called Chilcotin Holidays. I had lots of fantastic experiences during my one-month stay. I could not have experienced so many wonderful adventures, if I had lived in my own country my whole life. I did a lot of great things, like: western riding, bareback riding, archery, and shooting a biathlon rifle and a shotgun. I even had to chance to drive a big truck pulling a trailer, float a horse’s teeth, worm a horse, cook western meals for large groups, and see Canadian wildlife.
In one month’s time, I experienced growth in my thinking, my knowledge, and my imagination. The reason for such change is because at Chilcotin Holidays they asked me what my interests were and provided me with a list of opportunities the ranch had to offer. They also made my jobs match my interests and I found my list of interests getting longer and longer the more time I spent at the ranch.
The staff were all wonderful and helpful. However, they got me up to work on my own – on jobs I had never done before, forcing me to grow and from this I had great accomplishments. I learned a lot about myself. I now know that I like working outside, working with horses, and I love the Canadian wilderness and nature, which I had never known before since I had always lived in a big city.
Because of my stay at Chilcotin Holidays, I have more appreciation for nature now; the bright stars and the smell of the forest, and I am a hundred percent sure I want to experience more of it. While at the ranch, I have become stronger and tougher, and I now understand better what is important to a human being.

Beyond Basic Guide Training – Upgrade Your Skills

2008-12-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to upgrade your skills with a higher-level wilderness guide training course? Advanced trips require advanced guides and we can show you what you need to know. If you’re looking to make a career in the wilderness tourism industry, then you need the advanced skills to put you ahead of the game. When you’re ready to be a professional guide in the wilderness, we’re ready for you. Check out the Canadian Wilderness Tourism Training Centre.

International Internship Opportunities

2008-12-07T10:43:00.001-08:00

Apply for a valuable internship position in southwestern British Columbia’s wilderness where you learn, through hands-on experience, Canadian practices in various disciplines including forestry, wildlife management, tourism management, languages and culture, business administration, and natural resources. Put the theory you learned in university into practice. At our wilderness guest ranch with a surrounding guide territory totalling 5,000 sq. km and an accompanying woodlot, we have wildlife management projects, stewardship programs, logging, and many other real-life business entities and projects in place with opportunities for new studies or data analysis. An authentic wilderness ranch combined with a friendly communal lifestyle adds a unique and valuable dimension to the experiences you’ll gain with endless opportunities for you to grow and evolve.

Take Advantage of Next Year’s Scholarships

2008-12-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

Scholarships for our Wilderness Guide Training are available if you want to live your dream as a guide in the mountains. We offer these opportunities on a first come first serve basis.

Another Successful Guide School – Last of the Year

2008-09-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

As our peak season is nearing its end, so too have the last of our guide school courses concluded for the year. Each of the students were dedicated and hard working during their time spent at Spruce Lake and Leckie camp.They all returned from the mountains as capable wilderness guides, eager to get their applications ready early for guiding positions next season. If you haven’t been able to book a guide school this year, don’t despair, we have our 2009 schedule ready for next year’s programs. Typically, the first dates of the season book up fast so be sure to secure your spot early in the season. We look forward to hearing from you. And, tourism employers, don’t forget to post your positions for wilderness jobs on our wilderness jobs website.

Our last Two-Week Guide School of 2008

2008-07-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

Our Staff

2008-06-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Every spring brings eager new faces to the ranch. Be it volunteers, interns, students, or guests, they all come with bright eyes and grand ideas of what it means to live and play on a wilderness guest ranch. The reality is usually different, in many ways, and there’s a lot of work involved.

Whether you’re looking for a career change or a fun way to travel and experience a new country and culture, everyone is having their interests met here at Chilcotin Holidays. Once again, the Australians are well represented this year although the Germans (as well as the Bavarians and Austrians) make up the bulk of our crew – so far, that is.

Backstage Pass to a Wilderness Guest Ranch

2008-06-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

There are no screaming fans, but there’s certainly a lot of excitement for the first guests of the season – almost like a backstage pass to the inner workings of our guest ranch. Our first guests, with 10 guides in training, see and experience first-hand what it’s like to begin the season’s pack trips in our higher alpine camps where there’s often three feet of snow remaining on the tent frames. Our reliable and sure-footed Cayuse horses, full of sass from their winter vacation, are patient with the new staff still learning the ropes and quickly step up to the plate and show everyone what they’re made of.

Wilderness Guide School - Training Interns

2008-06-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

Currently a student of Eco-Tourism and Outdoor Leadership at Mount Royal College, Tamara recently joined our ranch team as part of her practicum’s course requirements. Although this 24 year-old grew up in Toronto, she’s no city slicker! She has years of experience working with horses and she chose Chilcotin Holidays as the location of choice to complete her co-op semester.
Tamara is currently taking part in our 2-week Wilderness Guide Training Program. This summer she’ll be working closely with our lead guides learning the tricks of the trade and gaining some valuable knowledge about adventure tourism and wilderness horse guiding.

Guides Equipped with Satellite Phones

2008-06-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

Heading out to one of our camps, rest assured that your guide will be carrying a satellite phone so there is regular contact with the ranch for updates, messages, and in case of emergencies. If work cannot function without you, bring your own satellite phone with you. Rental phones are also available through many companies for reasonable prices. Ask us for more details.