Tag Archives: North Thompson

Downriver: Westsyde to McArthur Island

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The paddle from Westsyde to McArthur Island is a leisurely 14 km downriver route.  We launched from the end of Harrington Road near the Dunes and moved out into the river allowing the current to pull us downstream.

Downriver 4 mapIn June the river is bank to bank with no sand bars.   We could average 7km per hour without too much effort, passing Westsyde.

IMG_1349rWe went under the CN Bridge, then the Halston Bridge on our “Rivers Trail.”

IMG_1350rEven though the river was wide and peaceful, there were no other boats on the river as we passed Mt. Paul and North Kamloops.

IMG_1351rAt the Confluence we followed the river past Overlander Beach, under the bridge, past the old pylons and toward McArthur Island.

IMG_1353rWe tucked into a small beach at the boat launch ramp at McArthur Island out of the way of power boats lined up to launch at noon on a Sunday.   This is an enjoyable paddle and an easy one with the power of the river moving us along.  Kamloops is lucky to have two rivers for recreational paddling right at our doorstep.

McLure to Kamloops Paddle

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A long, but very rewarding paddle is to start at the McLure Ferry Boat Launch (either side) and paddle to Kamloops.     This is a long day paddle and there are several options for landings.   If time is an issue, a good spot is to land at the end of Harrington Road (by the Dunes Golf Course).   There are a number of other possible landing spots, including Overlander Beach.   The paddling is good from McLure to Heffley Creek with the only thing to watch for are occasional sandbars.    Heffley Rapids are a whole different challenge, though.  The rapids change from season to season and it is advised that the paddler beaches his/her kayak/canoe at the mouth of Jamieson Creek, then walk down the shore to plan the best route through the rapids.   It will always be a bumpy ride, but it is also possible to spill in high water or with a poor route choice.   If you ride the rapids, be sure to wear your PFD, have all your safety gear, and secure everything in the boat.   You or someone in your group must know rescue techniques if your choose to ride the rapids in high water.  The rapids run in sections over a kilometer, then emerges in calm water for the rest of the trip.

North Thompson Channel

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This is a paddling spot that few people know, partly because it is mostly invisible from roads and partly because it can only be paddled at high water.   Put your boat into the water at any of the river access points off Banks Road.   We went down from the end of Cooper Place, but there are several launch spots in this area.    Paddle across the river and enter the channel at the south end directly opposite Garnet Road (at N50 45.530 W120 20.324) paddling upstream for one mile in the back channel.   Watch for beavers, shore birds, and an eagles nest.   Emerge from the channel at a narrows and float downstream to your launch spot.