In spring we paddle downriver, enjoying the green corridors of our valleys in our kayaks and canoes.   We choose to go before the noise and wakes of powerboats take over the rivers.

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We paddled from the public beach at Chase on Little Shuswap Lake to the Lafarge Bridge, a total of 40.5km.

Wile the rivers are in flood, the water moves more quickly and we were able to average about 7.5km/hour.   On the North Thompson, we have been able to do about 9km/hour.   There is little swirling water on the South Thompson, but the current does run faster on one side, then the other as the river winds its way west.

Banana Island Provincial Park makes a good stop for a break.   Even at high water, there is a small beach on the north side of the island.

About halfway along the route is the Pritchard Bridge.   There is a good landing spot on the northwest side of the bridge.

The next 20km downstream is steady paddling all the way to the Lafarge Bridge.   There is a good landing beach on the northeast side.   For most paddlers, half of this route will be a good choice.   Pick a nice day with little wind in May, the first half of June, or September to avoid power boat traffic and noise.

Other good (and easy) downriver sections are Lafarge to Pioneer Park, Pioneer Park to Cooney Bay, and Harrington Road in Westsyde to McArthur Island, all scheduled for this year.