We paddle into the floodlands in freshet each year.   The meltwaters from the North and South Thompson Rivers expand to fill the riverbanks and raise the rivers considerably in May and June.   We enjoy launching from a small parking area near Tranquille once the river rises enough to clear the grazing fences.   The area is part of the BC Parks Tranquille Wildlife Management Area.

Willow “islands” stand above the floodwaters in Tranquille Bay.

The Thompson River, the flooded areas, and Kamloops Lake merge into one body of water in freshet.

On a windless day the hills reflect in the river offering a wide optical illusion.

We paddled across the river and up channels on the south side, quiet “bayous” where muskrats, river otters, herons, and painted turtles can be spotted.   On the way back across the river, the hills surrounding the river and lake reflect into the floodwaters.

From the middle of the 1.1 km crossing of the river is a wide perspective on the hills surrounding the floodlands.  The return route into Tranquille Bay aims for the ragged slopes of Mara Mountain.

Of all the paddles in our area, this one is the finest, available each year only during freshet.