THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

We would like to invite you on an adventure that is far too exciting to be referred to as a simple vacation.

Exploring rapids and cooking in the great outdoors, you'll experience a feeling of awareness the river leaves you with each day. By rediscovering the simple yet ominous elements of life, you will feel one with nature - helping you gain a sense of harmony with the natural world around us.

We can't tell you about the spell of the river, since words cannot describe such a simple perfection - it's an experience you'll have to live - an adventure that will bring lifelong memories and new found self awareness.

CHILKO, CHILCOTIN, AND FRASER RIVER EXPEDITION *

An incredible scenic seven day white water expedition that spans 176 miles through the wild heart of British Columbia Chilcotin country.

Our expedition starts from the 4000 foot elevation Chilko Lake, you will be in awe of the vastness and beauty of the British Columbia wilderness. From this emerald green jewel we begin our journey that takes us seven days and 176 miles to our destination on the world famous Fraser River. The age-old British Columbia mountains will serve as a companion and guide for our first few days as we head eastwards towards the semi-arid interior plateau of the Chilcotin.

Beginning with gentle rapids, some lazy drifting, and a little fishing if you like, this setting provides an ideal introduction to dories. As we continue to drift down river, one can't help but feel that we are moving a little faster and the waves are getting a little bigger. This is when we train for the continuous 18 mile canyon labyrinth of boulder strewn world class white water featuring the fantastic White Mile rapid. As we enter the canyon, your adrenalin level is pushed to the maximum. You will feel an exhilaration and excitement that no other river can give you. We believe that this is the finest stretch of white water anywhere. It's all about submersing in holes, navigating head walls, and tight maneuvering. We also believe that you can't get enough of a good thing, so we run the canyon twice more, by belaying the boats down to the river at the beginning of each day. At the end of each day the comforts of base camp await you. Beginning with Bidwell Canyon and ending with the spectacular White Mile, this canyon features the most continuous holes, boulders, drops, and the wildest waves found on any river.

Following the canyon and the "White Mile" stretch, the Chilko River merges with the Chilicotin River, as it carves across the plateau, winding through a maze of canyons, grasslands and ridge-topped pine forests. The ever-changing landscape offers an abundance of wild life, including osprey, black bear and the Riske Creek big horn sheep herd.

The rapids once again grow in size as we move down-stream. The newly found large waters are a sign that we are entering Farwell and Big John Canyons. Another reminder of natures awesome power.

Centuries ago native Indians chose these formidable canyons as thier fishing grounds. Today, from their canyon wall perches, they continue to fish the huge salmon.

At last, we reach the mighty Fraser River, with flows ten times that of the Colorado River. We are swept down to the take-out at Churn Creek.

* All rapids run under class VI

FAMILY AND SCENIC TRIPS

We offer three-day and six-day family trips on the Chilcotin, Fraser, and Thompson Rivers.

THE DORY - THE BOAT THAT DANCES ON WAVES

Why a dory? Unlike its rubber counterpart, the dory is capable of offering its passengers a sense of oneness with the river. The dory, being a far more quick and nimble craft, is also safer in that hazardous obstacles can be maneuvered around with ease. Gear stows conveniently in water-tight compartments, providing a clutter-free deck on which to enjoy your journey. And let us not forget more fun, a dory ride is like dancing with the river rather than simply floating downstream.

Dories have throughout their history received great acclaim, offering a second to none means of exploring the great rivers and canyons of the world. Whether pushing through heavy white water, pounding and surfing the waves of the vast oceans or drifting lazily, the dory, like the rivers themselves, remain ageless ... untamed ... and wild.

ABOUT OUR EXPEDITIONS

We believe in the quality experience that only small groups can provide. We take a maximum of two boats carrying three guests each. Guests have the option to hike any section of river they do not feel comfortable running. A safety kayaker will accompany each boat on the river to provide rescue assistance should a guest fall overboard.

TRANSPORTATION

We wish to make getting to your expedition and back as convenient as possible, so we include return transportation from Vancouver by chartered aircraft. If weather does not permit flight transport by limosine will be substituted.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

All meals are prepared expertly each day by your guides, featuring fresh salads, appetizers and tantalizing Dutch Oven treats. A variety of hot and cold drinks are offered throughout the day. Cold beer and wine are provided with dinner.

OUR SAFETY POLICY

Our guides are experienced whitewater navigators who have the highest respect for natures power. We put safety first!

BOOKINGS

For schedules and bookings call.

BOOKING POLICY

A deposit of 40% is required at the time of booking with balance due 45 days prior to departure.

CONTACT US

Wild Horse Dories (dba 419419 BC LTD)
110-3155 Gordon Drive
Kelowna BC V1W-3N5
Canada

Telephone: 1.780.826.9248 or 1.250.860.4631
E-mail: swede@wildhorsedories.com

WHO IS WILD HORSE DORIES













"We ran the three rivers Swede runs years ago. Didn't run the White Mile stretch, it looked frothy white scouting from the airplane as we were flying over the canyon. I want to go back and run it."

- Martin Litton, California, USA.

WILD HORSE WHITE MILE HISTORY

  • 1976 - Broken old VW, White Mile Stretch, kayaked.
  • 1992 - First descent taking dory down White Mile Stretch in Briggs dory design.
  • 1993 - First year to run customers down White Mile stretch.
  • 1993 - First solo dory run at max water level in a Lavro designed dory.
  • 1994-2002 - Running commercial trips, I'm still here and I row every trip.

- Swede Peterson

WHAT THE GUESTS SAY

"Whoa! what can I say about my 8 day adventure, and I do mean adventure, with Swede and his "Wild Horse" dories? It was to date one of the finest river adventures I've ever been on. First rate guides, good food, spectacular scenery and some ofthe wildest white water I've ever seen. Oh my what white water! Our trip through Bidwell Canyon and the infamous "White Mile" was the most heart-pounding adrenalin rush I've ever had on a river. Big water and tight maneuvering that just seems to go on forever. Every bit as challenging and thrilling as any rapid on the Colorado or the Bio Bio! And Swede guides his dory through it like it was on a leash. White water aside, our trip down the Chilko and Chilcotin rivers provided us with some of British Columbia's most beautiful scenery with plenty sightings of eagles, deer, bear and bighorn sheep. And food? Well, Tim, one of Swede's guides and cook on our trip, makes a Dutch oven roast to die for."

"The small number of people that Swede takes down that river combined with his informal approach also make for a very special adventure. You feel more like a participant rather than a passenger. You get to know the guides, each other and perhaps yourself on a bit more intimate level. I'm looking forward to my next trip, hopefully down the Babine, with Swede and his "WILD" horse dories."

- David E. Akin, Washington, USA.



"I've ridden over 10 rivers in the last three years including the Bio Bio in Chile and the Zambezi in Africa. And I can say that the quality of river trip Swede Peterson provides is first rate."

"Myself along with a friend rode through the Chilko, Chilcotin, and a section of the Fraser River last September with Swede and we were treated wonderfully. The scenery, the wildlife, and the rivers themselves made this a vacation that we'll always remember."

"What really made it nice was the extra effort that Swede and his crew made to make sure we were comfortable and well fed."

- Stephen A. Revel, Washington, USA