Choose an adventurous canoe or kayak trip on the Wokkpash River and the Racing River, or jet boat into the wilderness via Fort Nelson's numerous rivers. Lowland and mountain lakes also offer an opportunity for relaxing float. All boating trips require planning ahead: Be aware of water conditions and leave a trip plan with friends or family.
Wokkpash River and Racing River
Experienced canoeists and kayakers can set out along the Wokkpash River and into the Racing River during low water. The Wokkpash Canyon is narrow with sharp bends and towering cliffs, while Black Canyon on the Racing River can be hazardous and requires skill to maneuver. The 8-10 hour paddle is best undertaken in kayaks or inflatable raft canoes. Access to the Wokkpash River is beyond Summit Lake on the Alaska Highway, along the Churchill Mine Road access route in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. A 4x4 vehicle is necessary.
More Canoeing and Kayaking
Other adventurous canoeing and kayaking opportunities include the Tetsa and the Trout Rivers. Andy Bailey Lake, south of Fort Nelson, offers a great recipe for rest and relaxation. Parker Lake, located just near Fort Nelson has great bird watching and a protected area with pitcher plants (insect eating plants). Beaver Lake offers a leisurely paddle and a campsite. Summit Lake and Muncho Lake are beautiful for a mountain paddle on calm days, or float down the Fort Nelson River, easy class 1, from the Muskwa Bridge near town to the P3 bridge below the airport.
River Jet Boating
Rivers abound in the Fort Nelson area with plenty of jet boating opportunities. Discover easy access options on the Muskwa River, which is a gateway to other rivers such as the Snake, Prophet, Fort Nelson and Liard Rivers. Launch points for the Muskwa River are at the Fort Nelson Bridge (Mile 281/Km 452 of the Alaska Highway) and 66km/41mi northwest of Fort Nelson (Mile 321/Km 520 of the Alaska Highway). The Tuchodi River is a popular destination accessed from the Muskwa River. The Tuchodi, southwest of Fort Nelson, winds its way through stunning mountain country to the Tuchodi Lakes. Some of Fort Nelson's wildest untouched country is in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area where the Kechika and Frog Rivers flow through the Rocky Mountain Trench. The area does not have roads, and majestic moose and other wildlife thrive here. The launching point for the Turnagain, Kechika, Gataga and Frog Rivers is along the Liard River at Mile 522/Km 835 of the Alaska Highway.
Check with the Fort Nelson Visitor Centre for more information about boating in the area.