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

South Thompson River

• This fine river runs from Little Shuswap Lake by Chase to the Confluence in Kamloops
• The best launch spot is at Pioneer Park
• Other spots will work, but require getting the boat to the shore.
• Valleyview Boat Launch is another good spot upriver
• Lafarge has a good hand launch spot on the northeast side
• There is a good hand launch site at the Pritchard Bridge on the northwest side
• There are two good launch spots in Chase for paddling down the South Thompson River
• There are a number of articles on paddling all parts of the river.    Use the Search Bar to find the information.

North Thompson River

• The river is safe from Heffley Rapids down to the Confluence, but there are limited launch spots along the river
• We can paddle upriver from Pioneer Park or Riverside Park.
• 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.
• Experienced paddlers can launch in Clearwater and go all the way to Kamloops
• There are quite a few posts on paddling this river.   Use the Search Bar function.

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.
• There are a number of posts on the site on this part of the rivers.    Use the Search Bar for more information.

Other Rivers

• The Upper Shuswap River has some rapids, but can be done by experienced paddlers.
• 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.
• Clearwater River from Azure Lake to Clearwater Lake can be paddled upstream at low water or downstream in paddling seasons.
• There are articles on the website on these rivers.    Use the Search Bar for more information.
• We have paddled other rivers too (New Zealand, Hawaii, Kootenays, Cariboo) and there are articles on this website.

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.