Tucked between the Monahsee, Selkirk, Purcell, and Rocky Mountains are endless north-to-south running rivers and lakes that provide incredible canoeing and paddling opportunities in the Kootenay Rockies region. Skim quietly through peaceful waters, or negotiate challenging rapids, sweepers, and fast currents. Relax on one of the region's sandy riverside beaches, and view amazing wildlife, from moose and elk to ospreys and eagles. Do you have a great BC canoe story to tell? Let other visitors know by writing a blog!
Paddling Near Kootenay Rockies Communities
Situated near the communities of Golden and Invermere, the Columbia River offers both beginner and experienced paddlers the chance to explore one of North America's longest continuous wetland environments. In the West Kootenays, Slocan is a paddling hot spot, with its namesake lake and river catering to various skill levels. A journey along the lake's west shore provides 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.
Learn more about Canoeing in Kootenay Rockies Rivers and Lakes
Slocan River
Slocan Lake
Kootenay Lake
Columbia River Wetlands
Lake Koocanusa
Canoeing and Wildlife Viewing
Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area - a 7,000ha/17,000ac, lush wetland habitat with approximately 286 species of birds - provides amazing wildlife viewing by canoe. Paddlers can also view deer, elk, moose, bear, ospreys, and eagles, at many locations throughout the Kootenay Rocky region. Anglers take advantage of great Kokanee, Bull, Cutthroat, and Rainbow trout, Whitefish, and Burbot fishing.Guided Canoeing Tours and Equipment 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 tour, drift along the Columbia River aboard a 10m/34ft Voyageur Canoe, exploring both the history of the region's fur trade, and the Columbia River Wetland's abundant wildlife.Planning a Canoeing Trip to the Kootenay Rockies
Unless on a guided tour, most rivers and lakes can only be accessed by vehicle. Several river and lakes are located along logging roads, which are open to the public unless otherwise posted. Be aware that logging trucks and other working vehicles have right-of-way on all industrial roads, and other restrictions may apply. Check with local community Visitor Centres and Forest Service offices for updates. Greyhound Canada provides scheduled coach service to communities along Hwys 1, 3 and 93/95, making the Columbia River Wetlands, located along this route, easily accessible. 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.
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 from November to 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
- The Kootenay region is prone to rapid weather changes. During the summer months, strong winds typically blow through the valleys in late afternoon. It is advisable to keep close to shore on bigger lakes.
- level of competency should be considered before embarking on a self-guided canoe journey: 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 when assessing trip duration.
- Proper planning, preparation, and clothing appropriate to the conditions, and an adequate food supply are essential.
- Dress in layers. Bring quick dry clothing, such as wool and polyester; avoid cotton clothing, as takes longer to dry and does not store 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 undisturbed, and carry out all garbage.
- 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.
Slocan River flows from Slocan Lake in the Selkirk Mountains. The river runs 60km/37mi to its confluence with the Kootenay River between Castlegar and Nelson. Whether an intermediate or expert paddler, the Slocan offers paddling adventures through spectacular mountain vistas and pastoral settings. A popular half-day trip runs along the stretch of river from Slocan to Lemon Creek. Drift by rural farmland backed by rugged mountains on this 8km/5mi stretch of the Slocan River. Swimming is also available 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 Hwy 3A and Hwy 6 junction. Hwy 6 runs along the Slocan River to the city of Slocan, where seven bridges cross the river, providing good access to 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
Back to Top
Slocan Lake offers novice paddlers the opportunity for a wilderness retreat, which range can from just a few hours to several days. The 39km/24mi 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 30km/18.6mi 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 trails that lead from the shoreline through forests of red cedar 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: two - five 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.
Back to Top
The fjord-like Kootenay Lake occupies a long valley between the majestic Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges. At 407sq km/157sq mi, Kootenay is BC's third largest natural lake, allowing 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 Hwys 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.
Guided kayak and canoe tours, lessons, and rentals are available in Kaslo and Balfour. Tours range from a three-hour sunset paddle to seven-day camping adventures.
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-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.
Back to Top
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, this is 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 four to six days, and is 235km/143mi long. Although 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 is good access to the river throughout the Columbia Valley, along Hwy 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.
Back to Top
Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia, and spanning across the Canada/US border, Lake Koocanusa offers great day paddling and multi-day 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 400km/250mi 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 a 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 and 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 Hwy 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.
Back to Top