Exploring Northern BC's wilderness by canoe is to experience travel the same way the First Nations and European voyageurs did. The Northern BC region encompasses more than half the total area of British Columbia and contains some of the province's most pristine and uncrowded waterways.
Learn more about Canoeing in:
Nanika – Kidprice Canoe Route
Nation Lakes Canoe Route
Muncho Lake Do you have a great BC canoe story to tell? Let other visitors know by writing a blog!
Canoeing in Northern BC
Northern BC has something to challenge every skill level: serene lakes to challenging rapids, easily accessible wilderness campsites and beaches. In some of the more remote wilderness areas, there are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities as well as hiking trails. Some lakes are best for single-day paddles, while other lakes are more suitable for multi-day canoe trips. Portaging is often necessary when tackling multi-lake chains, though most canoe portages are of short duration.
Wildlife Viewing from Your Canoe
Wildlife viewing is a major attraction in Northern BC. Expect to see plenty of wildlife on your canoe journey, including moose, deer, mountain goats, bear, coyote, fox, beaver, river otter, songbirds, waterfowl, eagles and various other small mammals. Most lakes and rivers in Northern BC offer tremendous fishing opportunities. Trout, salmon, steelhead, char and whitefish are a few of the species that can be caught (don't forget to get the relevant fishing license first).
Guided Canoe Tours and Rentals
Fully catered guided tours or bare-bones canoe rentals put many of the region's canoe routes within the reach of inexperienced – but reasonably fit – paddlers. Canoes or sea kayaks can also be rented from lodges, ranches and in most towns near some of the more popular paddling destinations. Some businesses will provide shuttle services, but consider renting a canoe cart (a small, detachable frame with wheels) to make portaging considerably easier.
Getting to the Best Canoe Spots
Unless you are on a guided tour, most lakes and rivers can only be accessed by having your own vehicle. Although some paddling locations are easily accessible from main roads, remote locations are common and are often accessed by gravel logging roads. These roads 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.
When to Canoe in Northern BC
Generally, lakes in the region can be freely travelled from May through November. From May through June, melting snow causes river water to be higher and faster than normal. Mountains are usually still snow-capped, making for beautiful photo opportunities. Daylight hours are long – up to 20 hours in extreme northern locations. July can be the wettest month of the paddling season and is usually the buggiest. In August, the bugs are usually gone and the water is low, revealing lakeside beaches and good swimming opportunities. Daytime temperatures remain warm, but evenings are cooler. By September, most canoe routes are quiet. There is less traffic, no bugs, and the fall colours are a spectacular sight.
Practical Points and Canoe Safety:
- 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.
- Dress in layers, bring quick-dry clothing, such as wool and polyester; avoid cotton clothing, as it takes longer to dry and does not retain heat.
- Pack food, clothing and other personal items in watertight containers. Specially designed portage packs and dry bags work well.
- Canoes 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 carry out your garbage.
- Bears, wolves and other wildlife inhabit the region. Do not get too close to or attempt to feed wild animals. Put all rubbish in metal bear-proof caches.
Learn more about Canoeing Safety.
Northern BC Canoe Highlights
Nanika - Kidprice Canoe Route
The Nanika - Kidprice Canoe Route links four lakes flowing southwest from the Nechako Plateau into the snow-capped Coast Mountains. Many canoeists paddle to the trailhead to view the 18m (60ft) Nanika Falls, located near the outflow of Kidprice Lake.
The return trip requires about 32km (20mi) of paddling and eight km (5mi) of portaging, and takes at least three days. Portages can be as long as two km (1.2mi), some with steep climbs or descents.
All four lakes have numerous wilderness campsites along the shoreline and there are great opportunities to fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Moose commonly feed along the shoreline. Listen for the calls of loons on your journey.
If you have the time and are feeling adventurous, extend your trip to include Nanika Lake. The challenging route between Kidprice and Nanika Lakes lacks a portage trail, but makes up for it in beauty.
Attributes: - Rating moderate; requires approximately 3-6 days.
- Paddlers should avoid canoeing into the mouth of the Nanika River due to strong currents
- Strong winds sometimes occur on the lakes in the afternoon – early morning and evening paddling is recommended.
- The best paddling weather occurs from June to September.
- The canoe route begins a one-hour drive southwest from Houston.
Nation Lakes
The Nation Lakes (Tsayta, Indata, Tchentlo and Chuchi lakes) are located in central BC. This un-crowded and unspoiled wilderness environment is a perfect alternative for those wishing to avoid the popular (and busy) Bowron Lakes circuit.
This chain of four lakes is joined by three rivers. It takes 5-7 days to paddle from one end to the other. Those not wanting to travel the entire 112-km (70-mi) route can launch a canoe from Tchentlo Lake. Whether you're beginning your journey from Tchentlo Lake or passing through, stop to take a dip in the warm springs there.
Recreation sites and sandy beaches are located along the four lakeshores. The lakes are also excellent locations to fish for rainbow and lake trout. Wildlife sightings include moose, wolves and bears.
To access Nation Lakes, drive 90 minutes from Fort St. James to the take-out point on Chuchi Lake. You'll have to arrange a vehicle shuttle from there to the put-in at Tsayta Lake, a four-hour drive away. Lodge operators in the area offer various shuttle options.
Attributes: - Rated: moderate
- Approximate time required: 5-7 days
- Be wary of log jams and sweepers between lakes
- Delays can occur as a result of high winds
- The best paddling weather occurs in August and early September. A few easy portages are required.
- Access roads to the put-in are gravel Forest Service roads, services are limited
Muncho Lake
The Northern Rocky Mountains offer some of the best wilderness canoeing in BC. Muncho Lake, only minutes from the Alaska Highway, offers casual and advanced canoeing opportunities. Wildlife viewing, camping, and fishing for trout, arctic grayling, bull trout and whitefish are popular activities.
Canoe rentals and guided and unguided tours are available in the area. From Muncho Lake, fly-in wilderness canoe trips give paddlers a unique opportunity to explore the Muskwa-Kechika wilderness area. These trips are geared for the intermediate-advanced paddlers, and can range from 3-14 days.
Attributes: - Rating: Intermediate to Advanced
- Time required: 1-14 days
- Some fly-in sites require white-water paddling experience