Kayaking & Canoeing
Family kayaking (Dave Heath photo)
The warm, sunny climate and hundreds of lakes and rivers make the Thompson Okanagan region a kayaking and canoeing oasis.
Paddle on some of Canada's warmest lakes and view the region’s many orchards and vineyards from the water’s edge. Pull over for lunch or camp overnight on one of the many sandy beaches here.
The Thompson Okanagan region offers plenty of options for kayaking and canoeing. Head to Wells Gray Provincial Park, laden with gorgeous waterfalls, to paddle on Murtle Lake, North America’s largest paddle-only lake with 100km/62mi of shoreline. Christina Lake beckons kayakers and canoeists in the Grand Forks area, and rivers and lakes are plentiful near Kamloops as well, such as the South Thompson River.
Where to Canoe and Kayak
One of the Okanagan’s best places to paddle is Wells Gray Provincial Park, which ranks among Canada's largest and most spectacular parks. Every lake here has something for the kayaking or canoeing enthusiast. Paddle for a few hours or take an extended wilderness trip.
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Wells Gray Provincial Park has numerous waterfalls, including the spectacular Helmcken Falls, over twice the height of Niagara Falls. On world-famous Murtle Lake, canoes and kayaks are the only watercraft allowed. The best paddling in the region is generally from May to September.
Situated along Highway 3, near Grand Forks, Christina Lake is one of BC's most popular water recreation destinations. The 18km/11mi lake is reputedly the warmest tree-lined lake in Canada. No wonder it's a favourite location for swimming, water-skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing.
While the southern half of Christina Lake buzzes with motor boats, paddlers will appreciate the more tranquil north end. Check out several pleasant camping spots and sandy pocket beaches, along with old growth cedar and hemlock forests, Aboriginal pictographs and 48km/30mi of hiking trails, some of which are only accessible by watercraft.
There are 200 lakes and rivers within an hour's drive of Kamloops, and many more can be found in the general Kamloops region. The South Thompson River flows westward to Kamloops with a gentle current, which makes it ideal for a relaxing outing.
Guided Tours and Rentals
Fully-catered guided tours or bare-bones canoe and kayak rentals put many of the region's lakes and rivers within the reach of inexperienced, but reasonably fit, paddlers. Canoes and sea kayaks can be rented at or around many of the popular paddling destinations.
Generally, canoe and kayak rentals are available throughout the region at lodges, guest ranches and most towns. Some businesses will provide shuttle services between start and end points.
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.
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1
208 Mabel Lake Rd
Lumby, British Columbia
V0E 2G0
Websitehttp://www.bigbeartours.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-547-6043
We provide fun, adventure & unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors. Check out our ATV, quading, canoeing, kayaking & dogsledding tours. Our area of operations is in the north Okanagan from Vernon east to Lumby to the Monashee. We are open year-round with summer & winter outdoor adventure activities.
In the summer, enjoy one of our 6 kayak / canoe trips, or our backcountry ATV adventures. In winter, cross country ski, snowshoe or hike through a mountainous, winter landscape. We have trips for every experience level with our top-of-the-line equipment & knowledge. This is what people dream of when they envision Canada!
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2
257 Glen Rd
Clearwater, British Columbia
V0E 1N0
Websitehttp://www.ecosummer.com
Toll-free800-465-8884
Phone250-674-0102
Like you, we have a huge passion for travel and adventure! We specialize in guided sea kayaking expeditions, canoeing trips and hiking and backpacking adventures in British Columbia. All our hand picked programs are run by seasoned guides with in-depth knowledge and experience, leading you into a world of tranquillity and simplicity to encounter resident wildlife and diverse areas rich in history and culture. With a 30+ year history and thousands of happy clients around the world, Ecosummer Expeditions is the choice for your adventure and travel needs.
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3
1925 Hwy 3
Christina Lake, British Columbia
V0H 1E2
Websitehttp://www.wildways.com
Toll-free888-WILDWAY (955-3929)
Phone250-447-6561
Biking and kayaking adventures, explore the Kootenays with Wildways. We carry the finest outdoor equipment and a huge selection of beachwear and fashion clothing from Volcom, Fox, Roxy, Quiksilver, RDS in our retail store. We have a full service bike repair shop, 15 seater shuttle van for Trans Canada Trail bike tours on the Kettle Valley Railgrade and a huge inventory of bike parts in stock. SUP's, Kayaks, canoes and bikes are available from 1/2 day to week long rentals. We also sell a complete line of kayaks & SUP's for the Lake, and bikes for the road, trail, or comfort.
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4
Websitehttp://www.skihike.com
Toll-free888-754-8735
Phone250-587-6444
Multi-day hut to hut hikes through the alpine wilderness of Wells Gray Park with only a light pack. Prefer the water? How about a fully catered and guided canoe trip on Clearwater and Azure Lakes? 560,000 ha (1.4 million ac) of lush flower meadows, beautiful peaks, pristine lakes and wild rivers make Wells Gray one of the premier wilderness destinations in Canada. Great service and prices - naturalist day hikes, trips for women, families, groups and individuals. Call for an incredible and worry free, wilderness holiday. Leave the packing to us! Trips from 1-14 days.
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