During freshet, the river runs faster so any downriver route is a quicker paddle.   The route downriver from Pioneer Park to Tranquille Bay is 11.65 km and takes about 2 hours.

From the flooded boat launch at Pioneer Park, the kayak enters the current and I paddled under the Red Bridge then the CN Bridge.   There was not much clearance under the train bridge and a week later it was impassable to regular boats.   The confluence was a bit turbulent and the North Thompson River was wide and fast-moving.   Beyond Overlander Bridge the river passes the old bridge pylons.   I followed the north shore toward McArthur Island.

Pioneer Park boat launch	the CN Bridge
looking north up the North Thompson	old bridge pylons

I knew that Rabbit Island would be flooded and that at this time, there are navigable channels through the center of the island.  From Rabbit Island the trip down the north shore is a quick one, with a few detours through flood channels near the Rivers Trail.

in the Rabbit Island channels

Mara Mountain above Tranquille Bay

Along the way were ducks, geese, gulls, crows, sparrows and other shoreline birds.   An eagle was nesting in an aerie on the rivershore.

In Tranquille Bay we can spot western painted turtles sunning on logs if we approach quietly, drifting slowly to get closer.

The landing at Tranquille Bay is an easy one but a pickup system is needed or two paddlers with two shuttled vehicles.   Later in the season, Cooney Bay is an alternative end point.

More information:

• Valleyview to Cooney Bay