Early Season

The area’s lakes will still be ice-covered in February and March, but the South Thompson River’s launch areas are usually snow-free by mid-February.

• the boat launch gate at Pioneer Park is usually locked early in the season so kayakers may have to carry the boat down to the river
• Valleyview Boat Launch is open in the early season
• a good paddle route is upstream from Pioneer Park for a set period of time, then a return downstream paddle
• Early River Paddling
• On the River in February
• Since the water is very cold, all safety measures should be observed:
• only paddle on warmer days with no wind
• paddle close to the shoreline
• wear a wetsuit if conditions are windy
• in the event of a capsize, surface and then pull the boat to the shoreline shallows, getting out of the water as soon as possible
• using a sprayskirt and a paddling jacket helps to keep kayakers warm
• early season routes – upstream on the South Thompson from Pioneer Park or Valleyview Boat Launch; upstream on the North Thompson to the Halston Bridge and back; downstream past Rabbit Island and back (paddle up on the north shoreline of Rabbit Island); Cooney Bay

 

 

Late Season

• the lakes stay warm enough to paddle comfortably right through October
• lower level lakes can be paddled right into mid-November
• the river can be paddled for as long as the air temperature is warm enough
• avoid windy days in late fall
• South Thompson River in the Fall