The Kootenay Rockies region is a haven for canoeists and paddle fiends. Located in BC's southeast corner, is dominated by the massive Monashee, Selkirk, Purcell and Rocky mountain ranges, and tucked in between each of these is a system of north-south running lakes and rivers that provide a range of paddling experiences. You can skim quietly through peaceful waters or negotiate challenging rapids, sweepers and fast currents. Or relax at one of the many sandy beaches along the river and view wildlife, from ospreys and eagles to moose and elk.
Learn more about Canoeing at:
Slocan River
Slocan Lake
Kootenay Lake
Columbia River Wetlands
Lake Koocanusa
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Canoeing in the Kootenay Rockies
Situated alongside the communities of Golden and Invermere, the Columbia River offers both novice and experienced paddlers the chance to explore one of North America's longest intact wetland environments. In the West Kootenays, Slocan is a paddling hot spot, with its namesake lake and river catering to both novice and skilled paddlers. A journey along the lake's west shore will provide exclusive access to alpine hiking trails in Valhalla Provincial Park.
Lake Koocanusa (near Fernie) and Kootenay Lake (near Nelson) offer big lake paddling, with hundreds of kilometres of shoreline to explore.
Wildlife Watching in the Rockies
Keep an eye out for deer, elk, moose, bear, ospreys, eagles, geese, ducks, beavers and otters. And don't forget your fishing rod. Anglers from around the world vie for the region's impressive catches of kokanee, bull and rainbow trout, whitefish, burbot, largemouth bass, cutthroat and more.
Guided Tours and Rentals
Fully-catered guided tours are available on most major waterways. Canoes or sea kayaks can be rented in many lakeside communities, including Slocan, Kaslo, Balfour, Golden and Invermere. For a truly unique guided experience, drift along the Columbia River aboard a 10-m (34-ft) Voyageur Canoe. View the wildlife of the Columbia River Wetlands while learning about the early-day fur traders who travelled these waters in birchbark canoes.
Getting There
Unless you are on a guided tour, most lakes and rivers can only be accessed by having your own vehicle. Some are located along logging roads. These are open to the public unless otherwise posted. Be aware that logging trucks and other working vehicles have right-of-way on industrial roads; obey any restrictions that may apply on these roads as well. Check with local community Visitor Centres and Forest Service offices for updates.Greyhound Canada provides scheduled coach service to communities along Highways 1, 3 and 93/95, making the Columbia River Wetlands one of the more easily accessible paddling routes.
Several tour companies provide shuttle service between put-in and take-out points along the region's more popular paddling rivers, such as the Columbia and Slocan.
When to Paddle in the Kootenay Rockies
Generally, the larger lakes in the region - such as Slocan, Kootenay and Koocanusa – remain ice-free throughout the year. Higher elevation alpine lakes - such as Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park – are typically frozen over from November through May. June and July are great months to observe wildlife and migratory birds. Most tour and rental companies operate from May through September.
Practical Points and Canoe Safety
- Paddlers should be aware that the region is prone to rapid weather changes. During the summer months, strong winds typically blow through the valleys in the late afternoon. It is advisable to keep close to shore on bigger lakes.
- Test your competency before embarking on a self-guided canoe journey.
- All paddlers should be able to launch the canoe from shore, paddle it in a straight line, turn it in both directions and steer to avoid obstacles.
- Take head winds into consideration - they can significantly increase the duration of your trip.
- Proper planning, preparation, and clothing appropriate to the conditions, and an adequate food supply are essential.
- Be sure to dress in layers. Bring quick dry clothing, such as wool and polyester; avoid cotton clothing, as takes longer to dry and does not keep in heat.
- Food, clothing and other personal items should be packed in watertight containers. Specially designed portage packs and dry bags work well.
- All recreational watercraft must have a Canadian approved lifejacket or PFD 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. 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
Slocan River Canoe Route
The Slocan River flows out of Slocan Lake in the Selkirk Mountains. The river runs 60 km (37 mi) to its confluence with the Kootenay River between Castlegar and Nelson. Whether you're an intermediate or expert paddler, the Slocan offers paddling adventures through spectacular mountain vistas and pastoral settings.A popular half-day trip is along the stretch of river from Slocan to Lemon Creek. You'll drift by rural farmland backed by rugged mountains on this eight-km (5-mi) stretch of the Slocan River. You can also swim at the many beaches en route. Fit paddlers can do a return trip upstream. Alternatively, a shuttle can be arranged from the take-out at Lemon Creek back to Slocan.
The Slocan River is located halfway between Castlegar and Nelson, at the Highway 3A and Highway 6 junction. Highway 6 runs along the Slocan River to the city of Slocan, where seven bridges cross the river, providing good access and parking for take-outs and put-ins. Rentals, guided tours and shuttle services are available in Slocan.
Attributes:
- Rated: moderate to difficult
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best times to visit: early May-October.
Slocan Lake
Slocan Lake offers novice paddlers the opportunity for a wilderness retreat lasting just a few hours or several days. The 39 km (24 mi) lake is situated in a quiet, forested valley between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains in the West Kootenays.The snowcapped summits of Valhalla Provincial Park line 30 km of the lake's west shore. There are several wilderness camping areas with outhouses and bear-proof caches. In addition, hikers can venture onto a number of scenic hiking trails that lead from the shoreline through forests of redcedar and western hemlock and up into the alpine of the Valhalla range.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available in the lakeside communities of Slocan and New Denver. Shuttle services and guided trips can also be arranged.
Slocan Lake is best paddled from early May through October.
Attributes:
- Rated: easy to moderate
- Approximate time required: 2 - 5 days to paddle the entire lake
- Best time to paddle: early May-October
- Slocan Lake is known for sudden weather changes. During the summer
months, small storms typically blow through the valley in the late
afternoon. It is advisable to keep close to shore.
Kootenay Lake
The fjord-like Kootenay Lake occupies a long valley between the majestic Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges. At 407 sq km (157 sq mi) in size, it is BC's third largest natural lake, giving paddlers plenty of space to explore its beaches, rocky shoreline, icy waterfalls and streams and 360- degree mountain vistas. Access to the lake is easy, with highways 31 and 3A running virtually its entire length. Provincial parks and charming villages line the lakeshore, providing self-guided paddlers with vehicle-accessible campsites and good spots from which to launch. The more sheltered West Arm between Balfour and Nelson is a popular spot for a day paddle, touring paddlers will want to stop at Ainsworth Hot Springs further north.
Guided kayak and canoe tours, lessons and rentals are available in Kaslo and Balfour. Tours range from a three-hour sunset paddle to a seven-day camping adventure.
Attributes
- Rated: easy to moderate
- Approximate time required: three hours to a week
- The high season for Kootenay Lake is July and August, although good paddling conditions usually exist from May through September.
- Paddlers are advised to stay close to the shores of Kootenay Lake, due
to unpredictable weather and motor boat traffic. Afternoon winds can
make lake crossings a challenge.
Columbia River Wetlands
The Columbia Valley Wetlands covers an area from Columbia Lake (near Fairmont Hot Springs) to Donald (north of Golden). Situated beneath the towering Rocky Mountains, these are one of the longest continuous wetlands remaining on the continent. The area supports over 260 resident and migratory bird species and hosts the second largest concentration of great blue herons in western Canada.The entire trip from Columbia Lake to Donald takes 4-6 days and is 235 km (143 miles) long. Though there are no named rapids or portages, the braided river has several side channels that make route selection a bit of a challenge.
Several shorter day trip options are also available. There's good access to the river throughout the Columbia Valley, along Highway 93/95. Rentals, guided tours and shuttle services can be arranged in both Golden and Invermere.
Attributes
- Rated: moderate
- Approximate time required: three hours to six days
- Paddling season generally runs from June through September. June and July are ideal months for observing migratory birds.
Lake Koocanusa
Located in the southeast corner of the province and spanning across the Canada/US border, Lake Koocanusa offers great day paddling and multiday touring along its picturesque jade-coloured waters. Its name is cleverly derived from the first three letters of "Kootenay River", "Canada" and "USA".The lake consists of more than 400 km (250 mi) of international shoreline, punctuated with bustling marinas and sandy coves. On its east shore, Kikomun Creek Provincial Park is one of the best spots to launch your canoe or kayak and provides vehicle-accessible campsites. The lake is renowned for its relatively calm waters.
Energetic adventurers can paddle up the lake to the mouth of the Kootenay River to visit the Kootenay Trout Hatchery, where some two million rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout are produced each year. Set up camp en route at rustic wilderness campsites.
Lake Koocanusa is located off Highway 3, 20 minutes south of Jaffray.
Attributes
- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: a few hours to a week
- The lake is best paddled from June through September. Be mindful of power boats and houseboats during mid-summer.