Paddling the Rivers - Kamloops Trails

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
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
Downriver: Lafarge to Pioneer Park
Downriver: Pritchard to Lafarge
Downriver: Chase to Pritchard
Upstream on the South Thompson River

North Thompson River

the river is safe from Heffley Rapids down to the Confluence, but there are limited launch spots along the river
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 (article)
experienced paddlers can launch in Clearwater and go all the way to Kamloops
Downriver: Westyde to McArthur Island
Clearwater to Kamloops Downriver (Part 1)
Downriver Clearwater to Kamloops (Part 2)
North Thompson River Run
Up the North Thompson

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
Into the Floodlands
Tranquille Bay
Downriver: Valleyview to Cooney Bay



	
	
	
		
	

	

				
					
		
		
		
			
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Other Rivers

the Upper Shuswap River has some rapids, but can be done by experienced paddlers (article)
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
Eagle River Run
Shuswap River Run

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 vent of a capsized boat