Thompson Okanagan Things To Do

Learn more about Kayaking in:

Lake Kayaking in Thompson Okanagan:

One of the best places to kayak in the Okanagan is Wells Gray Provincial Park, one of Canada's largest and most spectacular parks. Every lake in the park has something for the kayaking enthusiast; you can paddle for a few hours or take an extended wilderness trip. Highlights in the park are its numerous waterfalls, including the spectacular Helmcken Falls, over twice the height of Niagara Falls.

Another popular kayak choice in Wells Gray Park is world-famous Murtle Lake, the largest paddle-only lake in North America - canoes and kayaks are the only watercraft allowed on this lake. The best paddling in the region is generally from May – September.

Wildlife Watching from Kayaks:

Bears can often be seen feeding on fish in the rivers and streams in late summer/early fall. They feed mainly on salmon, which can be seen jumping up Bailey's Chute and churning up the horseshoe of Clearwater River in great numbers in August. Smaller animals like martens, mink, weasels, squirrels and chipmunks are plentiful, and bird species number over 200.

Guided Kayak Tours and Rentals:

Generally, canoe and kayak rentals are available throughout the region at lodges, guest ranches and most towns. Some businesses will provide shuttle services between start and end points.

Getting to the Best Kayak Spots:

Nearly as flexible are the commercial bus lines such as Greyhound, which offer services to just about every city and town in the region. Scheduled services connect them to one another, as well as to other parts of BC and beyond.

Practical Points and Water Safety:

• Take head winds into consideration - they can significantly increase the duration of your trip
• White-water kayaks are not suitable for longer trips, as they do not track as well as sea kayaks and do not provide enough stowage for camping gear.
• Proper planning, preparation, and clothing appropriate to the conditions, and an adequate food supply are essential.
• All kayaks must have a Canadian approved lifejacket or PFD (personal floatation device) of the appropriate size for each person on board.
• Fishing is permitted on many lakes and rivers in compliance with the BC Non-Tidal Sports Fishing Regulations. A BC fishing licence is required and may be purchased at resorts and sporting goods stores.
• Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage. Be aware that bears, wolves and other wildlife inhabit the region. Do not get too close to or attempt to feed wild animals. Canoe routes in provincial parks usually have metal bear-proof caches to store odorous items that could attract bears.

Highlights:

Wells Gray Provincial Park

The Clearwater and Azure Lakes area are about 22 km (14 mi) long, and contain many spectacular waterfalls and plentiful trout for fishing. Kayakers can access 16 campsites and three backcountry trailheads along the shoreline. Paddlers make a 500-m (1,640-ft) portage between the lakes. Mahood Lake offers good fishing and access to three backcountry campsites.

Wells Gray Provincial Park is a one-hour drive north from Clearwater. If you enter the park via Clearwater Valley Road, stop in at the park's Visitor Centre for current kayaking information.

Attributes:

• Rated: easy to intermediate
• Approximate time required: single day to multi-day trips

• The outlet of Clearwater Lake has a swift current and terminates over a waterfall - obey the "no boating" signs and stay clear of the southern end of Clearwater Lake
• The lakes in the park are large and can experience strong, gusty winds.
• Best time to kayak here is between May-September.

> Wells Gray Provincial Park website

Christina Lake

While the southern half of the lake buzzes with motor boats, paddlers will appreciate the more tranquil north end, which is surrounded by the Monashee Mountain wilderness of Gladstone Provincial Park. Here, you'll find several pleasant camping spots and sandy pocket beaches, along with old growth cedar and hemlock forests, Aboriginal pictographs and 48 km of hiking trails – some only accessible by watercraft.

Attributes:

• Rated: easy
• Approximate time required: a few hours or several days
• Be sure to bring your fishing gear: the lake offers excellent opportunities for Kokanee, rainbow trout and small-mouth bass.
• Paddlers are advised to keep close to the shoreline, as the middle of the lake can have a fair bit of motor boat traffic, particularly around midday.
• Canoe and kayak rentals as well as guided tours are available in the lakeside community of Christina Lake.

Kamloops Area

The South Thompson River flows westward to Kamloops with a gentle current. It offers excellent salmon, trout, Dolly Varden and whitefish fishing during the fall sockeye salmon run and pleasing views of the Thompson Valley.

Attributes:

• Rated: easy to intermediate
• Approximate time required: varies by route and distance