Kamloops kayakers have a number of rivers to paddle, with the two best ones going right through the city.

South Thompson River

 

IMG_1274r  IMG_1294r

 

North Thompson River

  • the river is safe from Heffley Rapids down to the Confluence, but there are limited launch spots along the river
  • in low water, it is possible to drive down to the beach from Schubert Drive
  • there is a good hand launch from the end of Harrington Drive in Westsyde, and there are a couple of other spots along the river that require lugging the boat down a trail (article)
  • it is also possible to launch from the Tournament Capital Ranch or from Rayleigh, but the boat has to be carried down to the river
  • experienced paddlers can launch at the McLure Ferry to paddle down to Kamloops (36km), but must go through the Heffley Rapids
  • experienced paddlers can launch next to the Little Fort Ferry to paddle downstream to McLure or Kamloops (article)
  • experienced paddlers can launch in Clearwater and go all the way to Kamloops
  • Downriver: Westyde to McArthur Island
  • Clearwater to Kamloops Downriver (Part 1)
  • Downriver Clearwater to Kamloops (Part 2)
  • North Thompson River Run
  • Up the North Thompson

 

IMG_1351r  On the North Thompson River 041r

Thompson River

  • kayakers going downriver can launch at Valleyview Boat Launch, Harrington Road, Pioneer Park, Riverside Park, or McArthur Island
  • kayakers can land at McArthur Island or Cooney Bay with a two vehicle system
  • paddling downriver and back is easiest at lower flow times; upstream paddling is hard work and should not be underestimated if the distances are longer
  • experienced kayakers can paddle from Savona to Ashcroft too, but will have to go through Class 2 rapids; this is more difficult during high water
  • the floodlands east of Kamloops Lake are a wonderful kayaking area for a month during freshet
  • Into the Floodlands
  • Tranquille Bay
  • Downriver: Valleyview to Cooney Bay

 

IMG_1241r  IMG_6526r

 

Other Rivers

  • the Upper Shuswap River has some rapids, but can be done by experienced paddlers (article)
  • the lower Shuswap River offers conditions for all paddlers
  • the Upper Eagle River has a number of hazards, but can be done by experienced paddlers
  • the Lower Eagle River is more suitable for intermediate paddlers
  • Eagle River Run
  • Shuswap River Run

 

 Doug in rapids  Eagle River 2 008c

 

Some Guidelines for Paddling the Rivers

  • all required safety gear should be used
  • the water is cold from February through May and October through November
  • power boats provide some difficult conditions for paddlers, but most of their activity is from June through August and weekends or evenings; we go to smaller lakes at these times
  • the water moves more quickly at freshet and hazards are more difficult during this time, especially on the North Thompson River
  • generally speaking, the best etiquette on the river is to stay close to a shoreline allowing the faster boats to navigate the main channel; it is also safer in the event of a capsized boat

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