Canoeing and Kayaking Kamloops, Thompson, Nicola region of British Columbia

Canoeing and Kayaking in Kamloops Thompson Nicola, BC

Book a Trip | Travel info for the Kamloops Thompson Nicola region

From the rocky mountains at the B.C. Alberta border to the semi arid terrain around Kamloops, the region offers some of the best scenery found anywhere. The Shuswap offers excellent conditions for houseboating. The area in and around Kamloops is cattle country and the terrain is rolling grasslands. This area is diverse, uncommonly beautiful and dotted with lakes, rivers, streams and waterfalls. It is the home of Wells Gray Provincial Park, where you will find splendid forests, lofty mountain peaks and clear rushing waters.

This region of British Columbia offers some great paddling rivers. One of the many is the Clearwater River where you need good maneuvering skills. This is a grade or class 3+ to 4, with a mandatory portage around a Class 6 drop. It's for advanced and expert kayakers, while at low water intermediate kayakers and guided novice rafters will have no trouble running this river, no open canoes at any time. This river is fast moving and technical with a paddling time of approximately four hours.

If you're looking for a warm up for some advanced paddling, try the Thompson River, between Goldpan campground and the Nicoamen River. Novice kayakers with intermediate and advanced kayakers, expert open canoeists, intermediate and advanced rafters will find the section of the Thompson to their liking. It's a grade or class 2 and 3, and will take approximately two hours to complete. The Thompson River from Nicoamen River to Lytton is for advanced paddlers only, and is classed from a 3+ to 4, and maybe to a 5 during runoff. This section of the river will take anywhere from three to six hours. Other rivers to enjoy paddling in this region are, the Adams and the Nicola. For the adventurous rafters, take a guided trip down the Fraser or the Nahatlatch and enjoy sheer whitewater rafting.

The Clearwater-Azure Lakes is an easy circuit trip that is suitable for novice and intermediate paddlers. This 96 km (60 mi.) return trip will take from four to five days and because it's located in the Wells Gray Park camping is allowed at designated sites only. This is a nice safe paddling trip, but stay close to shore and watch for storm squalls and winds, they come up suddenly and can be quite intense. Still another excellent trip is to canoe the Murtle Lake route. Murtle Lake is a designated Nature Conservancy, so there are no motor boats allowed, camp only in the allowed sites and always remember to pack out your garbage. Allow anywhere from four to five days to explore some of the shorelines. Like so many lakes in British Columbia wind is a big factor, always be prepared.

Before heading out on these waters and back country canoeing, check with local dealers and clubs in the area for the latest conditions. Be safe, have fun!

Book A Canoe Or Kayak Trip

The following BC Adventure Network members invite you to kayak or canoe with them:

Admiral Houseboats: Family owned and operated, we provide houseboat clean & well maintained houseboat charters, ski boats and other water craft, moorage & marina services on Shuswap and Mara Lake. There’s 5 courses around the lake, and some will pick you up from the boat. more

Alpine Wilderness Retreat: Retreat from the bustle of the city to our fly-in resort on Elbow Lake! Our snow fed lakes in the North Thompson are home to world-famous Kamloops Trout, and our resort has everything you’ll need. There’s lots of wildlife too so don’t forget to bring your ca... more

Big Bar Guest Ranch 2007 Ltd: Open year-round, our awe-inspiring scenery has us rated 1 of Canada’s Top 10 “Most Scenic Rides”. We offer year-round riding and many other activities. Accommodations include guest rooms, self-contained cabins overlooking the lake, teepees and campsites. more

Go-outdoors: Meadows & mountain tops - snowy peaks & glaciers as far as you can see - Clearwater & Bowron Lake paddles - moose wandering through your camp - snowshoe powder snow - walk a river with magnificent frozen ice waterfall. Interpretive & more adventurous tours a... more

Interior Whitewater Expeditions Ltd: It’s a raft adventure you won’t forget with wild undisturbed rivers plus hiking, canoeing, & the astonishing scenery of Wells Gray Park. We provide a rare combination of river trips as you hike to pounding waterfalls, raft volcanic canyons, & see stunning wil... more

Kumsheen Rafting Resort: Our passion for river rafting & whitewater goes back over 35 years - it influences everything we do. We take pride in setting the gold standard for service because our spirit isn’t just whitewater, but experiences - not just adventures, but interacting with p... more

Lac Des Roches Resort: Our year-round resort on the Fishing Highway overlooks one of BC’s most photographed lakes. From your suite or cabin there’s nothing between you and the lake but a picnic table and fire pit. Relax with fine dining, and many outdoor activities in our 175 acre... more

Moose Camp Fishing Resort: Excellent food, fresh air, comfortable cabins, pristine lakes, & great company create an unbeatable mixture. Experience freshwater and heli-fishing for world famous fighting wild trout, in our remote wilderness setting. Mountain bike, hike, enjoy wildflowers... more

Pinantan Lake Family Resort: Our year-round resort is nature at its best in quiet surroundings, with everything for a relaxing or active holiday in fully equipped cabins and an RV park. There’s fishing, swimming, horseback riding, hiking and biking, skiing, skating, ice fishing and more! more

REO Rafting Adventure Resort: Raft BCs best rivers near Vancouver, Kelowna & Whistler. Enjoy a hot tub, sauna, private beach, serene wilderness & hiking trails. REO adventure vacations include kayaking, fishing, hiking, canoeing, & more. Stay in your own tent, rivers edge cabin tent, or l... more

Sun Peaks Resort: Our world-class, 4-Season resort destination has something for everyone. Three great mountains of terrain to explore, great dining and accommodations, shops, services, and more. Everything you need for a spectacular escape is at www.sunpeaksresort.com. more

Talking Rock at Quaaout Lodge: There’s no other resort like it -- rich in tradition & hospitality with unique sights, aromatic delights and people as warm as the sun. Here on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake is a full service resort and golf course without the hassle and commotion found i... more

Thuya Lakes Lodge: Fishing as good as it gets! Our resort just north of Kamloops has over 30 lakes joined by streams, naturally reproducing with wild Kamloops trout, perfect for flyfishing and float tubing. Enjoy hiking trails into lakes, mountain biking, the wildlife or just t... more

Twin Anchors Houseboats: Twin Anchors understands leisure and offers the most deluxe houseboats with hot tubs, fireplaces, complete entertainment systems, all major appliances, and more! Call Canada’s largest houseboat company toll free in North America at (800) 663-4026. more

Waterway Houseboats: Waterway Houseboats offers the BEST houseboating experience in Canada. Combine the spectacular backdrop of the Shuswap, endless opportunities for golf, hiking , biking, fishing and camping and you have the makings of the perfect vacation. Our state-of-the-art ... more

Wells Gray Adventures: Experience Wells Gray and one of Canada’s most incredible wilderness parks. Hike hut to hut through spectacular alpine meadows, canoe sparkling tranquil lakes, or backcountry ski untracked powder. We offer these experiences – and more – for a price you can aff... more