Kootenay Rockies Kayaking & Canoeing

Where to Canoe and Kayak

The Columbia Valley Wetlands covers an area from Columbia Lake (near Fairmont Hot Springs) to Donald (north of Golden). The area supports more than 260 resident and migratory bird species. The entire trip from Columbia Lake to Donald takes four to six days and is 235km/143mi long. Several shorter day trip options are also available. The Columbia River Wetlands are rated moderate in difficulty.

Slocan Lake, near New Denver, offers novice paddlers the opportunity for a wilderness retreat that can range from just a few hours to several days. The snowcapped summits of Valhalla Provincial Park line 30km/19mi of Slocan Lake’s west shore. There are several wilderness camping areas. Hikers can follow a number of scenic, forested trails that lead from the shoreline up into the alpine of the Valhalla range.

The Slocan River flows from Slocan Lake in the Selkirk Mountains, and is located halfway between Castlegar and Nelson, at the Hwy 3A and Hwy 6 junction. For intermediate and expert paddlers, the Slocan River offers canoeing and kayaking adventures with mountain vistas and pastoral settings. One popular half-day trip runs along the stretch of river from Slocan to Lemon Creek.

In southeast BC, overlapping the Canada-US border, calm, jade-coloured Lake Koocanusa offers great day paddling and multi-day touring. (Its name derives from the first three letters of "Kootenay River," "Canada" and "USA.") Lake Koocanusa has more than 400km/250mi of international shoreline that features bustling marinas and sandy coves. On the east shore, Kikomun Creek Provincial Park is a good spot to launch canoes or kayaks. Energetic adventurers can paddle up the lake to the mouth of the Kootenay River and visit the Kootenay Trout Hatchery.

The fjord-like Kootenay Lake, near Kaslo, occupies a long valley between the majestic Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges. At 407sq km/157sq mi, Kootenay Lake is BC's third largest natural lake. Lake access is easy; highways 31 and 3A run virtually its entire length. Provincial parks and charming villages line the lakeshore, and provide self-guided paddlers with vehicle-accessible campsites and good launch spots. The more sheltered West Arm between Balfour and Nelson is popular for day paddling.

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 tour, drift along the Columbia River aboard a 10m/34ft Voyageur Canoe to explore the history of the region's fur trade and the abundant wildlife of the Columbia River Wetlands.

When to Go Paddling

Generally, the larger lakes in the Kootenay Rockies – 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 while canoeing or kayaking. Most tour and rental companies operate from May through September.

Practical Points and Safety

• For a comprehensive guide to kayaking, read the Transport Canada Sea Kayaking Safety Guide.
• Learn more about canoe safety.
• 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.
• 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.

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